Bonding Marks

Chapters

Falling Clouds and Broken Bark
Dresses and Bedrooms
Club Meetings
Magazines Advice
Applebucking Rush
Royal Affairs
Sighting Ropes
Titles
Old Wounds
Parental Guidance
Closed Wings
Pruple and White
Ruling
Unplaned Consultations
Epilogue
Hidden Scars
Returning Plans
Royal Consultations

Falling Clouds and Broken Bark

Applebloom patiently waited in the foyer of the large crystal castle that Spike and Twilight lived in. She was more nervous than Rainbow Dash at the Apple family reunion. Maybe she had over done it with brushing her coat but she wanted to look her best for Spike, however if Dash was any indication, a mare going out of her way to be pretty was a good way to scare somepony away, then again, that’s Rainbow Dash. An extremely abnormal pony. Sweetie Bell always seemed to be making herself up for Scootaloo, but she had Rarity for a sister so there was no telling what influence that had.

Before Applebloom could dwell further on the subject a loud Caterlotorian voice boomed through the hallways.

“I LEAVE FOR FIVE MINUTES AND YOU STARTING JACKING OFF TO A PICTURE OF OUR FRIEND!?”

Applebloom winced. There was no secret whose picture it was, Spike had always fancied Rarity. Applebloom had hopped he might have outgrown it, but this was not a good indication. She felt disappointment, sadness and anger boil up inside her. She had dropped so many hints as to her feeling towards that purple idiot! And he was still chasing after something he couldn’t have? He could have her! He didn’t have to get himself off on his own! She could do it, sure as shooting she could! But no, he had to go after that stupid white mare.

Applebloom cheeks flushed deep red, Did ah really just think that? Rainbow Dash is right. Love makes y’ah weird.

More muffled voices came from down the hall followed by Twilight storming towards the door. Applebloom just caught the end of her mumbling, “…I’ll turn him into a door stop one of these days. That will show him…He will be right out Applebloom,” The way her voice could change from so angry to perfectly normal frightened Applebloom. Must have been a princess thing. With that Twilight left, and soon after Spike came into view.

“Hi Applebloom!” he greeted as chipper as always

Applebloom had no tact in her next comment, “Really? Pictures of Rarity?”

“Oh…you uhm heard that did you?” Spike asked, dropping his gaze.

Applebloom gave him a look that said Of course you adorable idiot. All of Equestria heard Twilight. “Ah never would’a figured Twilight would know the meaning of jack off.”

“She is sexy, Rarity I mean not Twilight.” Spike stated, still staring at the floor.

Applebloom rolled her eyes, Why do ah have feelings for this dolt? “What about me?”

Spike look up, “I don’t know what you mean?”

Applebloom looked to the floor, embarrassment rushing through her body as she spoke, “Am ah sexy?”

“You look good, I guess. Did you do something with your mane?” Spike responded, half heartily.

Applebloom starred at the young dragon for a few seconds. Her eye began to twitch as something inside snapped. She punched her hoof right across Spike’s jaw. “Yah think!” she screamed, “And m’ah tail, and ah brushed m’ah coat. Why can’t yah see what’s in front of yer face. It’s like yah don’t even know Twilight’s got the hotts for Rarity!”

“Wait Twilight likes Rarity?” Spike asked, apparently oblivious about being punched.

Applebloom facehoofed, “Y’all completely missed m’ah point.”

“How could Twilight do something like that?” Spike accused.

Applebloom had had enough, “Buck you Spike. I can’t believe that I even thought you were worth m’ah time.” With that she left a completely shocked dragon alone in the castle, only he wasn’t shocked for the reason she wanted him to be.

Wack! The tree shuddered and all its apples fell into the surrounding buckets. It was a sight to see but for Rainbow Dash, the mare bucking the trees was by far more interesting. She watched as those perfectly shape sweat covered and well tone flanks flexed and shuddered with the release of force. She let out a content sigh as she watched her mare work the fields. So far Applejack hadn’t notice her, which was perfect because it meant that Dash could watch all she wanted without being accused of spying, even if she was technically spying. Last night had been wonderful, although they didn’t do anything sexy, or by definition “awesome”, waking up with AJ could quickly become one of Rainbow Dash’s favorite things, coming close to surpassing watching the mare work the orchard, and flying of course. Dash rolled over on her cloud smiling forgetting that this cloud was smaller than her usual one. She hit the ground with a loud thud. She let out a groan, thankfully it hadn’t been too far a fall, high humidity has its advantages, low clouds.

Just as Dash was able to breathe again she was pulled to her feet, “Ah swear Dash one of these days,” Applejack muttered.

“You’ll be as awesome as me?” Dash proposed as she stretched her wings and legs checking for broken bones.

Applejack smiled and gave Dash a peck on the cheek, “Something like that.”

Dash was about to give Applejack a kiss when the sound of tree bark breaking filled the air. She looked to Applejack who was looking down the orchard lines.

“What was that?” Dash asked.

“Sound like somepony's hurting m’ah trees,” Applejack growled. Dash hid the smirk that threatened to play across her face. They set off down the line. Although she would never admit it, the truth was she sometimes felt a little jealous of AJ’s trees, only a little. That mare poured so much love and dedication into her work and even though Applejack was beyond dedicated to Rainbow Dash, Rainbow still found herself feeling cheated when worked pulled her marefriend to the orchard. Rainbow thought back to the night before. She eyed the bandage on Applejack’s forelegs. AJ had been working pretty hard lately, and she tended to work harder as her mood fell.

“How’s it going AJ?” Rainbow asked, concern filling her voice.

“Been one of the best days. Helps when it starts the way it did,” Applejack replied, bumping flanks with Rainbow Dash, “Ah could get used to waking up with yah.”

Rainbow Dash blushed lightly, “Yah well I’m pretty awesome. I don’t think Granny Smith will go for that again though.”

“Can’t believe she went for it at all…what the hay?” Applejack stopped dead in her tracks as they found the source of the sound. One of the younger trees stood tall, part of its trunk caving inwards from the force of a massive kick, its fruit laid all around and in the center of it was a very angry filly stomping her bow into the dirt. “I’m going to murder that filly one day…”

“AJ. Is she crying?” As if to prove her point Applebloom let out a loud shout of frustration, followed by her slumping down against the damage tree, her bow trampled, tears in her eyes.

“Ah’m an idiot,” she mumbled as she played with the bow.

“What do we do?” Dash whispered, thankful Applebloom hadn’t noticed them.

“Ah was thinking talk 't her,” Applejack suggested, “But ah think it might be best if ah do it alone. Don’t want you getting bucked.” Dash looked to the tree and decided that if someone would say something to get on the receiving end of those hooves it would be her.

“I’ll leave you two to…bond, I guess. See you for dinner,” Dash gave Applejack a final peck on the cheek and took off to rebuild her could.

Applejack watched the Rainbow mane pegasus disappear before turning her attention to Applebloom, trying to chase the images of those sexy blue flanks from her mind. Her infatuation with that mare could get in the way of her tasks sometimes.

“Hey Applebloom. Mind explaining to me what’s wrong?” Applejack winced. Too harsh.

Applebloom looked to the tree then her sister followed by her bow, “Not really. Ah’ll fix dat tree.”

“Common now. You can tell me what’s eating yah li’ll sis.” Applejack prompted.

“Ah tried t'a do something and it backfired real bad,” Applebloom replied.

“What yah try to do?”

“Fess up m’ah feelings. Ah thought it worked for y’all so why not me. It did not work for me.” Applejack did a double take. Her sister fancied a stallion and never told her?

“Why didn’t y’all say something I could a help yah court him,” Applejack asked.

“Y’all have enough on your plate. Last thing I wanted was to add to it.” Applebloom replied.

“Ah ain’t never got too much when it comes to helping family,” Applejack insisted. She got a dubious look from her sister.

“You don’t need to be Twilight to see yer hurting sis. Yer out in the fields working yourself into exhaustion t’ill Rainbow Dash comes a calling then y’all are happy, till she leaves. I take out the garage remember, ah see all those bandages from the 'cuts' you get from fences around the trees your bucking,” Applebloom explained.

The ground suddenly proved utterly fascinating, “Ah thought ah covered it up so well. Ah even had Dash fooled for a little while.”

Applebloom shook her head, “Ah just know yah too well.”

There was a long moment of silence till Applejack picked up the trampled bow, “Ah take it he didn’t like the bow.”

Applebloom just huffed, “Did even notice the bow, or the fact ah brushed my coat, or styled m’ah mane, or did m’ah tail nothing. Too lost in his own fantasy about his dream mare.”

Applejack looked to her sister, she could see the hurt behind those eyes, “And it wasn’t y’all he was dreaming ‘bout?” Applebloom shook her head. “Hey it’s okay sis. So he don’t like you like yah that way, he’s a damned fool for letting yah slip by.”

“Ah tried to tell him, but it didn’t work. I even rented a romance novel from Twilight to try new ideas, nothing. Then when I give up the hinting and go forward with telling him Twilight goes and…” Applebloom stopped herself quickly.

“Twilight interfered?” Applejack asked. She didn’t think Twilight would have done anything intentional but in her naiveté she could have done something by accident.

Applebloom shook her head, “Not really. She…ah…never mind.”

Applejack flipped the bow onto Apple Bloom’s back. “So who’s the dolt ah need to buck…I mean kick?”

Applebloom chuckled, “Already punched him. There’s no point. He wouldn’t even notice the kick.”

“Ah don’t know, Ah ain’t never broken a tree before, not that I’ve tried, but the threat keeps Dash in line mighty fine.”

Dresses and Bedrooms

Twilight stomped her hoof in frustration. Something so simple, one question and yet she couldn’t do it. Not after walking in on Spike like that. When she went to ask Rarity out her guilt and nerves stopped her. How could she do that to the drake? What if Rarity said yes? Oh if she said yes Twilight would have hugged her and never let go. Does that make her a bad friend to Spike? Had she betrayed him by having feelings? It seemed illogical but at the same time very possible. She resolved she would definitely need to write a letter to Candace on the matter seeking guidance. She finally reached the castle after grumbling to herself about the complexity of emotions. Rarity hadn’t been able to fix the dress right away so Twilight would have another chance to speak her mind when it was done. Till then she just needed to make sure Spike didn’t find out.

She opened the door to find a very angry looking dragon standing behind it, with a bruise about the size of a hoof on the side of his face, “Spike! What happened to your face! Did you fall down the stairs? Are you okay?”

Spikes anger seemed too faltered slightly as he seemed to only take note of the bruise, “Not important. How could you?!”

Twilight tilted her head, “How could I what? Hit you? I could never hit you.”

“No! Rarity is mine!” Spike shouted.

He knows, Twilight thought glumly, how in Celestia’s name does he know? She concluded he must have read one of her experiment journals by mistake. “Calm down Spike–”

“No! How could you Twilight! I thought you were a friend? And why hide it? I mean seriously!”

Twilight’s ear fell back against her skull, “I’m sorry, but I mean it’s not like Rarity would ever date me. She likes stallions not mares.”

Spike’s features soften slightly at her comment, “Right she likes males. She isn’t a fillyfoller–”

“Watch your language,” Twilight scolded, “I doubt Applejack or Rainbow Dash would spare you a kick if they heard you say that.”

Spike’s eyes finally fell, “Sorry.” There was a long moment of silence before Spike spoke again, “What if Rarity dose like you?”

Then I would be happier than I’ve been, Twilight thought to herself, “She won’t.”

“You’re a princess. What if the title gets her? She really wants a prince, I could see her settling for a princess.” Spike explained.

Twilight looked away trying to hide the surprise on her face. Would it be possible? To trick Rarity into going out because of her title, then later on she could learn to love more then the title. No, Twilight thought to herself, She has to love Twilight as well as Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“Then I would kick her to the curb,” Twilight said, knowing all too well it was a lie.

“Really?” Spike asked, obviously skeptical.

“Yah. I mean it wouldn’t be worth having someone by your side who only cares for your position in society. Historically it only leads to bad things. I don’t think we need to worry about Rarity degrading herself to that level though,” Twilight explained. It seemed to convince Spike who smiled.

“You make a good point…I have something to do. I’ll be right back okay?”

Before Twilight could respond Spike was gone, Great now he’s going to ask Rarity out isn’t he?

Spike skipped down the road happily. It was time, he decided. He was going to ask Rarity if there was any possibility of them dating. After all if Twilight ever decided to go for Rarity then Spike would not have a chance against that brain. Twilight would find a way to woo the unicorn, unless she was already spoken for. There was no way that Twilight would break up an existing relationship for her own benefit. Spike grinned to himself, but it quickly faltered. If anyone deserved the Element of Generosity as their marefriend it would be the selfless Element of Magic, not the greedy dragon who tried to steal and smother that love before it had a chance to grow.

No. I'm not stealing Rarity. Twilight knew about my feelings long before she had hers, he thought to himself.

He made it to the boutique in record time and knocked. Rarity opened it in her usual fashion, only to stop mid-sentence when she noticed the young dragon.

“Spikey-Wikey! How nice to see you.” She exclaimed letting him in, “You’re just the dragon I was looking for. I need your opinion on something.”

“Sure whatever you need,” Spike responded.

“Lovely. Now Twilight has been bringing me a lot of dresses lately…”

I wonder why, Spike internally muttered.

“…so I concluded she is finally going to start dressing properly. The problem all her gowns are terribly out of style. Now knowing Twilight she will want something that won’t draw attention but it still needs to make a statement and has to accent her lovely color, and that beautiful mane…” Rarity continued her explanation about some dress she was working on for Twilight but Spike was at a lost. He watched her move, her pure white coat, her purple mane, everything about her screamed perfecting to him. She was perfect after all. Spike had grown so lost in his ogling that he missed her pulling a cover off a dress.

“Well? Spike are you even listening to me!” Rarity exclaimed.

“What! Oh yah. I’m sure you have everything under control,” Spike replied. Smooth

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Do you think she will like this one?”

Spike eyed the dress, from what he knew of fashion it would look nice on Twilight. It was dark purple with the same highlighting as Twilights main and it seemed to shimmer in the light, thought Spike couldn’t fathom why.

“Yes. She most definitely will,” Spike replied confidently.

“Splendid. Now what can I do for you darling?” Rarity asked.

“Uhm…” Spike said, all his confidence draining, he tried to force the words out but nothing came. He frowned. So much for that, he thought. Thankfully before he could have more time to fumble the door to the boutique swung open.

“Rarity we need ice cream stat!” Sweetie Belle called. Rarity looked to her sister in confusion.

“Sweetie. I don’t really think–”

“It’s what you do when your sad isn’t it?” Sweetie accused.

“Well…uhm yes I suppose your right darling what’s the matter?” Rarity said rubbing the back of her head blushing lightly. Spike silently wished that he could one day bring that adorable blush to her face.

“Apple Bloom…Spike?” Sweetie asked as she entered the room.

“Hi Sweetie,” Spike waved. Before he knew it he was thrown to the ground by Sweetie Belle’s magic. He hadn’t even known she was that strong before.

“You’re an idiot Spike,” Sweetie stated harshly, which if translated into Rainbow’s language would have been a lot of high strength swearing and accusations.

“Sweetie Belle that is no way to treat a guest!” Rarity chastised helping Spike up, “Uhm…you didn’t give Spike that bruise did you?”

Spike’s claw went to his cheek again, he was still puzzled about that himself. He assumed he had fallen but everyone seemed to think that he was punched. He wondered why Rarity hadn’t mentioned it before now.

“No. Apple Bloom punched him,” Sweetie Belle explained. Spike stood there stunned, Apple Bloom punched him and he never noticed? How? What? When? Where? Why?

“Why would such a sweet, all be it rough, young filly do that for?” Rarity asked. Sweetie whispered something into Rarity’s ear, “Uhm. Sure. Spike I need a moment alone with Sweetie. Would you mind coming back in an hour or so?”

Spike’s eyes fell. He knew even if he stayed he wouldn’t have gotten out what he wanted to say but that didn’t mean that he didn’t want to at least try. “Yah sure,” he said halfheartedly and left.

Rarity watched the dragon leave the shop. She breathed a sigh of relief. As discrete as Spike might have been trying to be she could tell he was going to ask her out and, well she didn’t have a way to say no without hurting his feelings. She turned her attention back to Sweetie Belle.

“Alright. What can’t you say in front of Spike?”

“Apple Bloom went to see him today to finally tell him how she felt about him and she walked in on him touching himself thinking of you,” Sweetie Belle explained, in far too cute and innocent a tone for the situation. Rarity’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. She wasn’t sure if she should have been flatter or mortified.

Mortified, she decided, definitely mortified. “Well that’s unpleasant.”

Sweetie gave her a glare, “You don’t say. She bucked a tree so hard that the brake broke and Applejack got annoyed with her so now she’s in the old club house with Scootaloo crying her heart out while I was supposed to take Scootaloo to that new restaurant in town that took me forever to convince her to even go with me!”

Rarity watched her sister carefully, she was well aware the time she had put into the date that was to be held on the anniversary that her and Scootaloo started dating, and it both pained her to see all that work go to waste and warmed her heart that the filly was willing to sacrifice it for a friend.

“Why don’t we get her the ice cream and see how to poor dear is doing?” Rarity proposed.

Rainbow flew out of her barrel roll just barely avoiding the trees on Sweet Apple Acers. She looked to the sun and groaned. Applejack had wanted to be left alone so she could finish up the harvest for the day without distraction, but that meant that Rainbow had those damned sexy flanks stuck in her mind and nothing to do. She wondered if she would ever outgrow her physical attraction towards Applejack and only need the strong emotional one. However she was convinced that even if she tried Applejack couldn’t be any less sexy then she was today, even in sixty years the mare would still be perfect to Dash. Dash did another barrel roll. She couldn’t wait for the day that she got her hooves on those flanks. Rainbow Dash had agreed to wait till Applejack was ready, but then her joining the Wonder bolt happen and Applejack nearly took her own life…needless to say their intimate activities had been delayed and Dash sometimes wonder if Applejack would ever recover enough for the two of them to take that step. She considered going home and relieving the tension that was growing in her lower regions but concluded if she held off it would be for the best. If she disappeared to her home every time her arousal spiked then she would almost never be seen. She barely managed to keep from jumping Applejack during the heat season as it was. She flew over the home stead trying to take her mind off her discomfort when she noticed Applejack’s open window.

It couldn’t hurt could it? She asked herself. I’m protecting her, she would understand. With that less than satisfactory reason Rainbow flew to the window and entered her love’s room. She quickly scanned for anything that could threaten the earth pony. Her blood stained picture was still on the desk, and despite her motives for getting rid of it she couldn’t knowing how much it meant to Applejack. She then quietly shifted through the draws looking for a knife or any other form of cutting instrument. Much to her relief there wasn’t one around. Then she thought of something. She went to the bed and started checking under the mattress. She found the last thing she was ever expecting her straight cut marefriend to have.

Club Meetings

What Rainbow Dash found made her gasp, giggle and recoil in surprise all at the same time. Under the mattress was a copy of Flight Magazine, but it wasn’t just any copy, it was the Wet Feathers Edition, specifically the Wet Feathers edition featuring the newest recruit to the Wonderbolts, at the time. Rainbow Danger Dash. She could barely contain her laughter as she imagined Applejack “having fun” with the magazine. She then bit her lower lip as those images sent her own arousal even higher. She wondered if she could use this magazine as leverage to get Applejack to take sexy picture for her own “enjoyment”.

Ah, she’d never go for it, Dash concluded and replaced the magazine back under the mattress. Satisfied that there was nothing left to check she re-made the bed and looked out the window. Thankfully Applejack was nowhere to be seen. She took off away from the house content in the knowledge she had done some good and gotten away with it.

Scootaloo shifted uncomfortably with her foreleg wrapped around the sniffling Apple Bloom. This was not her strong suit, grant it Apple Bloom never cried either so there was a first time for everything. She looked to the window hopping Sweetie Belle would be back soon. That filly would be better at comforting sad ponies then Scootaloo could ever imagine being. She was more like Rainbow Dash then Applejack. But wasn’t it Rainbow Dash that was comforting her marefriend lately? At least in her own way. She held back a sigh, not wanting to appear board or fed-up with Apple Bloom, which she wasn’t. Still though, she had no idea what to do. Whenever Sweetie cried Scootaloo knew exactly what to do, a wing across her flank, feather mark her, and a light kiss on the horn and she would melt. She knew her mare. But she didn’t know what to do with Apple Bloom, the techniques used on Sweetie were out of the question, being far to intimate for use on friends, leaving no tools in Scootaloo’s tool box. On the bright side she was getting out of that fancy dinner that Sweetie Belle had tricked her into agreeing to.

Finally Scootaloo could see her fillyfriend coming down the path. She looked to AB and told her the news. Apple Bloom remained unchanged. Scootaloo watched her quietly. Was this what heart break was supposed to do? Is it really this hard? Was it really something that could break the strongest pony?

It broke Applejack, Scootaloo thought glumly. Slowly Scootaloo felt the icy tendrils of fear start to worm their way into her heart. Had she set herself up for a sole crushing fall when Sweetie finally grew tired of her lacking in romance and sensibleness? Maybe she shouldn’t be so glade about getting out of that dinner after all. A sniffle from Apple Bloom made her push the thoughts to the back of her head.

“What’s wrong with me Scoots? Ah ain’t no pathetic weak filly. Why does it hurt so much? Spike’s just a hopeless love sick dragon, no better than t’em ones t’at are greedy. Ah would be better off without him wouldn’t ah?”

Scootaloo shrugged, “I don’t think you can pick who you love. I mean I never thought I be dating Sweetie.”

“Oh. I never thought it would be another way,” Sweetie said behind Scootaloo, fake sorrow in her voice.

“Still love you though,” Scootaloo hastily added.

“Ah,” Sweetie said affectionately nuzzling Scootaloo’s neck, “I love you too Scoots.”

“Oh Celestia, gag me,” Apple Bloom mumbled.

“We have a problem,” Sweetie Belle whispered, “My sister’s just behind me.”

Before Scootaloo could respond Rarity walked in, “Apple Bloom darling are you all right.”

The look that Apple Bloom gave Rarity sent shivers through Scootaloo, “What do you want Rarity?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice cold as ice.

“Girls can I have a moment with Apple Bloom?” Rarity asked. Scootaloo looked to Apple Bloom for her approval of being left with Rarity.

“Y’all best go. I don’t want y’ah hearing nothing am going to be regretting,” Apple Bloom replied rolling her eyes. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo quickly made their retreat to under an apple not far from the club house. Scootaloo watched Sweetie carefully.

Why is she with me? Scootaloo asked herself, I’m not good fillyfriend, I’m probably a worst lover I’d be too concerned with myself, and I’m not the most attractive. That’s not even considering all the times I’ve done stupid things that makes her worry about me...

“Something on your mind Scoots?” Sweetie asked, resting her head on Scootaloo’s withers. Scootaloo intertwined their tails.

“Never leave me?” she asked, her head downcast.

“Why would I leave you?” Sweetie answer not missing a beat. The fact that she didn’t answer the question didn’t escape Scootaloo.

“You’re so perfect and I’m just…me….Please Sweetie. Promise me no matter what that you’ll be mine,” Scootaloo pushed, “If something like what Apple Bloom or Applejack are going through happened to me I wouldn’t be strong enough to make it.” Way to make yourself sound selfish Scootaloo

“Scoots,” Sweetie said softly, “I won’t make a promise I might not be able to keep. We’re young, we could grow apart. You could get hurt and become brain dead, or I could finally push you too hard and you’ll get fed-up with the whole romantic thing. There’s too much that could change,” Sweetie explained. Scootaloo’s slammed her face into the dirt groaning. Yep, she was doomed, “That doesn’t mean I’m not going to try though Scoots.”

Scootaloo sighed, “Then I guess I better make every moment with you count.” Scootaloo quickly kissed Sweetie Belle, her tung forcing its way into the other fillies mouth.

They broke apart just as a shriek of terror, or at least Rarity’s version of terror, came from the club house. “How dare you accuse me of that?”

Sweetie sighed, “This isn’t going to end well for Rarity.”

“Then explain to me how he got d’a picture!” Apple Bloom shouted back. There was dead silence from Rarity.

Scootaloo looked to Sweetie who was shaking her head, “Where did he–?”

Scootaloo was cut off by mumbling following Apple Bloom’s angry accusation, “I bet Twilight even uses it,” the angry earth pony exclaimed.

Sweetie’s eyes widen, “Oh this isn’t good,” she said standing up and rushing to the tree house, followed closely by Scootaloo.

Twilight? She asked herself, Why would she… oh but she’s an alicron isn’t she supposed to be like…I wonder if they swing both ways since their all there races… does she have a…Scootaloo stopped her train of thought before it could go any farther.

“What are you talking about?” Rarity asked as they entered the club house.

“Oh. Is the romantic expert missing what’s in front of her face?” Apple Bloom shouted.

“Apple Bloom calm down,” Sweetie urged.

“What in tarnation is all this yelling about?” Applejack called form below.

“Now look y’all got Applejack worked up,” Apple Bloom huffed.

“More than Applejack,” a rainbow haired pegasus said poking her head in the window. “What’s this about a picture?” Rainbow asked.

“Dashie you’ve got the tac of nail,” Applejack lamented.

“Perhaps–” Rarity began only to get cut off by Apple Boom.

“Get off m’ah farm now!” she shrieked.

Rarity looked like she was going to protest but a look from Applejack stopped her. She resigned and left, “All of you!” Apple Bloom ordered. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell looked to each other before following Rarity out of the club house. Once on the ground Rainbow Dash landed next to Scootaloo.

The organ filly sighed and grumbled under her breath, “Man I suck at comforting ponies.”

Rainbow dashed flipped the plate onto her back and rolled it down her wing into its place. Dinner had been a little awkward. The food was great, as per usual, but the tension in the air was so thick that you could have cut it with a knife. She and Applejack had held back on their usual nuzzling and other gushy things that weren’t really cool, but they also weren’t usually able to help themselves from doing, for Apple Bloom’s sake but the filly still hadn’t said a word all night. Additionally she disappeared to her room as soon as dinner finished, despite it being her night to do the dishes. After a look from Applejack Dash quickly offered to fill in not wanting Granny to go and disturbed Apple Bloom, or wanting to face the wrath of her marefriend. Dash flipped the last plate in place, smiled with pride and turned to see a bemused Granny Smith looking at her.

“Even got t’a try and make dishes interesting?” she asked.

“Please. I’m Rainbow Dash. Everything I do is pure awesome,” Dash replied, flashing her signature cocky grin.

Granny chuckled lightly, “Ain’t never seen a pony with a bigger head. Y’all are staying the night?”

Dash’s eyes went wide. Was she saying she could sleep with Applejack again? As much as she would have loved that she figured the old mare was probably just offering the spare bedroom.

“Nah. No offense but the guest bed is a little lumpy.”

Granny shook her head, “Course it is fool. It was m’ah bed when ah was a filly. But that wasn’t the room ah was offering,”

It took Dash a minute to process the statement, “You mean…”

“Ah I mean you can stay with Applejack. You got wax in yer ears? You’ve been doing plenty around the farm to earn a stay and ah ain’t seen her happier then today after she woke up with yah. Y’all looked pretty darn cute curled up on the bed this morning,” Granny explained.

Dash resisted the urge to do a hoof pump and call out “Yes!”, “Thank you Granny. I glade your cool with it.”

“That don’t mean I give you permission to do anything but sleep y’ah hear me?” Granny stated firmly. Dash nodded, “That’s what the barns for.” Granny said laughing to herself as she walked out of the room. Dash’s mind reeled with the conversation as a blush speared across her face.

That’s what the barns for? Never done it in a barn before, she thought to herself. Then one thought surfaced above all her dirty ones. She got to snuggle with AJ all night again.

“Man love makes you uncool,” Dash muttered to herself not really caring too much about the level of coolness. In her opinion cuddling with Applejack was cooler then the Wonderbolts, but only if it was with Applejack, and only if it was her and Applejack. No other pony in the picture.

Rainbow Dash shook her head again and bolted up the stairs to tell Applejack the good news. She was almost at the orange mare’s door when a voice stopped her.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Magazines Advice

“Rainbow Dash?” Apple Bloom asked softly. Dash turned to face the filly who was pawing at the ground, “Could I talk with yah. Alone.”
Dash eyed her carefully, “Sure thing kid.” She followed Apple Bloom into her room. Which was extremely similar to Applejack’s. “What’s on your mind?”

“I was wondering if yah could give me some advice about t’day?”

Dash shifted a little, “I’m not the best pony to ask about that kind of thing. Just ask Applejack.”

“Ah know. But Rarity’s ain't an option. Ah don’t want Applejack poking her nose in this anymore then necessary, plus she don’t need the stress of helping me. Twilight…is also a no go. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are a different kind of couple and ah don’t want a relationship like d’at. Fluttershy's too shy, and Pinkie Pie is…Pinkie.” Apple Bloom explained.

“Well I suppose if you’ve gone through the entire list,” Dash said, not too surprise she was the last pony to come to mind, “What do you want advice on?”

“How to win m’ah pony.”

Dash arched an eyebrow, “You aren’t giving up?”

“Course not. Plus if there was a pony who knows how to not give up it’s probably you, or m'ah sister.”

Dash puffed up her chest a little, “Well yah, your right,” she paused for a second before continuing, “I got to know though. Is it a stallion or a mare? You know I won’t care either way.”

Apple Bloom buried her head in her hoofs, “Neither,” she whispered.

Dash stared at Apple Bloom, “Uhm…it kind of has to be one or the other. You know that right?”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath and shook her head, “Not if he’s a drake.”

“Oh,” Dash said slowly as the pieces fell into place. Apple Bloom’s anger towards Rarity because of Spike’s not so well hidden infatuation with her all made sense now.

“Yah...oh.” Apple Bloom grumbled, “The jerk didn’t even notice I got all gussied up to ask him on a date. He was too busy imagining him and Rarity.”

“What do you…he was…you know doing that…that’s what the picture was about,” Dash rambled absentmindedly as sorted things out. “What did you do?”

“Ah punched him. Hard.” Apple Bloom responded.

Dash smiled and chuckled, “Good. He deserved it.”

Apple Bloom seemed to relax, “You’re the only one who understood that.”

“It’s what I would have done. Not like I can say it was wrong. Besides what kind of guy doesn’t know when a mare’s flirting with him.”

Now Dash got the deadpan stare, “Ah know you ain’t no stallion, but y’all were oblivious to m’ah sister.”

“Can you blame me? Your sister’s hot. I thought she would go for a strong steadfast handsome earth pony stallion not a blue lightweight pegasus with a dream that would leave her alone for months on end. Besides I didn’t even know she was into mares.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, but for the first time since that morning Dash saw a smile on her face, “I suppose. So what should ah do ‘bout Spike?”

“I could talk with him if you want,” Dash proposed, “or with Twilight.”

Apple Bloom pondered this for a minute, “No ah don’t want you talking with Spike that seems wrong. But maybe mention it to Twilight and tell her ah’m sorry.”

Dash tilted her head, “What are sorry about?”

“She’ll know what ah mean.” Apple Bloom said. She had that look that Dash knew all too well meant stop asking.

“Okay. Now I can ask you a question?”

“Go right ahead,” Apple Bloom responded.

“Why Spike?”

Applejack shifted on her mattress but no matter what she tried she couldn’t get comfortable. She finally resigned herself to being uncomfortable for the night and went back to pondering the question that had been nagging her. Why hadn’t Rainbow Dash said goodbye to her before leaving. Applejack had went upstairs while Dash finished the dishes, when she went back down the pegasus was nowhere to be seen.

Don’t get yourself worked up, she told herself. She sighed hopping all the thoughts of her doing something to anger Dash were just her mind being her mind. Depression seemed to tint even the best of situations. She decided she need a distraction and some release so she got up and pulled out her now favorite magazine. As racy as it was it still held pictures of her beloved pegasus and served as a good de-stressor to use. She was so engrossed in scanning over a photo of Rainbow on the beach, soaking wet she might add, taking in every curve of that athletic body, that she didn’t notice the door behind her open. When a sign song voice rang out she nearly jumped through the roof.

“Whatch’a reading?” Dash asked again as Applejack calmed down.

“Cornsarnit RD! Y’all nearly gave me a heart attack. Ah swear…” Appljack trailed off as Rainbow picked up the magazine she was reading. A blush redder then Big Mac’s coat spread across Applejack’s face when the pegasus looked at her with a smirk.

“I…I like the articles,” Applejack mumbled, knowing full well Rainbow knew why she had that magazine.

“Yah…just like I like the oranges on you flank,” Rainbow teased. Applejack’s ears fell, “Hey I’m not mad AJ. I’m more flattered then anything. I mean how could a mare go out with one that has body like mine and not be curious.” Rainbow continued wiggling her eyebrows.

Applejack nodded slowly, “Ah’ll get rid of it next chance ah get,”

Rainbow shook her head, “No way. But I do think it’s unfair that you’re the only one with sexy pictures of their marefriend.”

“No,” Applejack said firmly seeing where this was going, “If y’all want to gaze at m’ah flanks yah gotta some right to source.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, “Watch what you wish for Miss. Applejack.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, “I take it your heading home for the night.”

Rainbow shook her head, “Nope. Granny gave me another pass. I get to spend it with you.”

Applejack’s ears perked up, “Really?”

Rainbow nodded, “Yep. I don’t think Granny Smith’s as much of a prude as we think she is.”

Applejack let the comment roll off her back as she jumped into the bed. She had been wanting to do something since she found out about Rainbow marking herself.

“Come here,” she said.

“AJ. Granny made me promise nothing more the cuddling,” Rainbow joked.

“Not that ya gutter brain!” Applejack hissed, “I want to preen your wings.” Dash happily obliged. Applejack got herself settles, leaning on top of Rainbow’s back and set to work. She loved the little whimpers that Dash would make when Applejack straightened a particularly painful feather. There was another side of the enjoyment as well. From what Applejack understood pegasus’s valued their wings as much as their lives and to let another pony preen them was a display of complete trust. It always made Applejack’s heart swell with pride knowing Rainbow Dash had that trust in her.

“Ya know…maybe ah should talk with Twilight about getting a mark m’ah self,” Applejack said as she gave Dash a peck on the flight mussel.

“You don’t want to do that,” Dash sighed Applejack stopped her preening.

“Why not?”

Dash shifted, “That was my outside voice?”

“Eeyup.”

“Look AJ. I know you love me and that’s all I need. You don’t need to mark yourself. You’ve proven your devotion a hundred times over. This was just me trying to show mine.” Dash explained.

“And if ah want to?”

“You don’t,” Dash said firmly.

“Rainbow are you okay? You’re mighty defensive over this,” Applejack asked repositioning herself to look Dash in the eyes.

“You’re not going to freak out?” Dash asked. Applejack simply shook her head. “It hurt. A lot. Like getting hit by a freight train hurt. It was one of the most painful things I ever did. I couldn’t fly for a few days after that because of how sore my muscles were. Twilight warned me about it but I didn’t listen. I don’t want you in that kind of pain. Not if I can help it.”

Applejack stared at her love shocked, “Y’all didn’t have to go through that for me,” she said softly.

“You didn’t have to give yourself that scare either. But we both did it and we’re stronger because of it right? I mean it couldn’t have been any worst then you and the knife.” Dash continued. Applejack silenced her with a force and passionate kiss.

“Ah love yah.”

“I love you too AJ.” Applejack finished preening Dash’s wing in silence, not an uncomfortable silence, but a peaceful silence. Then she and Applejack wrapped their hooves around each other. As Rainbow Dash drifted off to sleep in the embrace of the mare she loved she concluded that life was good.

Apple Bloom slowly closed the door to her sister’s room. Despite Scootaloo’s opinion, Rainbow Dash could certainly be mushy at times mushy. Apple Bloom imagined her and Spike curled up on a bed together, peacefully sleeping the night away. She nodded purposefully, Spike would be hers.

Author's Note

Twilight's going after Rarity but so is Spike, but Apple Bloom is going after Spike. How can this end well?

Applebucking Rush

Twilight flipped the page with her magic. The text was extremely interesting, much to her surprise. Who knew that a romance novel could have the allure that this one had. She shook her head. Had she really fell into reading the same material as her crush to learn what they enjoy? She sighed and shoved the book away slamming her head against the table. This was pointless, if she didn’t have a chance with Rarity before she certainly had a no chance now, actually she likely had negative chance with her now.

Negative chance? Twilight pondered, Is that even possible? She got up to retrieve a text on probability when Spike entered the room with Rainbow Dash. Spike said nothing to Twilight and left the two mares alone. Dash was the first to break the silence.

“I take it you two are having problems?” Dash asked.

“Something like that,” Twilight grumbled, “What can I do for you this morning?”

“I wanted to talk to you about yesterday,” Dash replied.

Twilight tilted her head, “Yesterday?” Twilights mind began to reel. There was no way Dash could have known about her intentions yesterday, but if she had…

“Yah, and Apple Bloom.”

Twilight stopped the sigh of relief that was threating to come out of her month, “What happened with Apple Bloom yesterday?”

“You don’t know?” Dash asked, “Okay. Probably shouldn’t have thought you would.”

“Dash what’s going on?” Twilight pressed.

“Spike kind of hurt Apple Bloom yesterday,” Dash said obviously expecting some realization on the part of Twilight only she got pure confusion back, “Really?”

“How? As far as I know…was she here to ask him on a date?” Twilight said as pieces began to slide into place.

Dash nodded, “And she heard you’re out burst.”

Twilight felt her cheeks redden, “Uhm…yah…that was…unexpected. So what now?”

Dash shrugged, “I’m not sure. I was talking with Apple Bloom last night and she just thought it would be good to have you on her team.”

“Okay…” Twilight said then a light bulb went off in her head, “All we have to be get Spike to notice her!”

“Pardon,” Rainbow Dash asked.

“If we get Spike and Apple Bloom together then it will get Rarity out of the awkward position of turning Spike down when he finally gets the nerve to ask her out,” And leave her for me, Twilight thought after her statement.

“I don’t think that’s...”

“I’m going have to do some research but I’m sure we can get this sorted out. SPIKE!” Twilight yelled, she didn’t notice Dash' visible cringe.

Spike poked his head in the room, but didn’t speak.

“Go get Rarity for me,” Twilight directed. She saw the contradiction on his face, “Not for that reason! This has to do with Dash.” Spike nodded, seemingly satisfied and left.

“Why wouldn’t he–”

“Not important I have a lot to do. I’ll come find you once I have a solution,” Twilight responded almost shoving Rainbow Dash out the door. She then quickly grabbed as many books on physical attraction she could find and set to work.

Rainbow Dash flew a lazy flight path towards Sweet Apple Arcs. She had expected a reaction out of Twilight but not this gun-ho plan to fix everything. She was pretty sure that this was going to end badly but she had been ushered out so quickly she didn’t have a change to argue. She figured it would be best to just do as directed and voice her concerns once Twilight was out of her study mode. She made a graceful landing in the south orchard and surveyed for Apple Bloom to check in on her. She considered flying over the orchard looking for the filly but for one of the few moments in her life she wanted to stay on the ground. If she was lucky she could surprise AJ. The earth pony would never look for Dash of all ponies on the ground after all.

However, all thoughts of surprising AJ were violently thrown out of Rainbow Dash’s mind when she was tackled to the ground. Dash rolled herself over to yell at her aggressor when she found her lips locked in a passionate kiss with Applejack. Never one to turn down an opportunity she soon got into it. They kissed for a long while before Dash broke it.

“Wow,” she breathed. That was not like their usual kisses. It had been so heated. Dash began to feel that pressure between her legs again.

“Hey,” Applejack said her voice smoky.

“What was that about?” Dash asked still slightly dazed.

“Ah missed yah,” Applejack replied.

“I’ve been gone like four hours, five tops. Last time you kissed me like that I had been on a six month tour with the Wonderbolts.”

Applejack shrugged and nibbled on Dash’s ear, “What do yah say we try something' a lil' new?”

Dash blushed, thought of her conversation with Granny came back. Oh how she wished she could peruse that line of thought but she wasn’t going to do that to Applejack, “AJ, don’t you have work to do or something. I would hate–”

“Done. Nothing more t’do today. Ah just want to relax with mah favorite cloud pusher,” Applejack interrupted.

“Done?” Dash half shrieked, “You had a whole section of the orchard on your list this morning!”

“Ah work fast.”

“Not that fast,” Dash argued then she noticed the bruising on AJ’s hooves.

“Ah did t’day. After all y’all said ya were free this afternoon.”

“You got a whole orchard done in one morning with an injured front hoof?” Dash asked, the doubt clear in her voice.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said from behind the two mares. Dash quickly pulled herself out from under Applejack.

“Mac…We were…just…uhm.”

“Eeyup,” the res stallion replied.

“Did she really do all that his morning?”

“Corsarnit Dash why would Ah lie? Now get her and cuddle with little ‘o me.”

“What’s gotten into you today?”

With that Applejack’s face fell, her ears pinning tight against her skull, “Ah just wanted to spend time with yah.”

“Applejack that’s no reason to push yourself to the edge of exhaustion.”

“Ah didn’t do nothing Ah don’t normally do,” Applejack replied.

“Walk AJ,” Big Mac commanded. Applejack didn’t move.

Dash was about to question Mac but decided it would be for the best if she let it play out. She looked to her marefriend who reluctantly got to her hooves only to have her rear legs give out under her and to have her give sharp grunt of pain.

Dash knelt on her front hooves by her mare.

“Ah just wanted t’ cuddle with yah,” AJ said tears forming in her eyes. Rainbow Dash could tell they weren’t from the physical pain.

“Mac can you give us a moment?”

“Eeyup,” the red stallion replied and promptly left.

Dash nuzzled her marefriend’s cheek, “You know your no fun when you’re broken.”

Applejack snorted, “That’s all ah am now. Just plain old broken.”

“No. You’re strong, amazing beautiful and the only ponies in the world that can call the Rainbow Dash their mare. That’s pretty awesome,” Dash trying to puff her chest out but finding it difficult to do in her current position.

“Ah’m just a hindrance to ya Rainbow.”

“What was your plan anyway?” Dash asked steering the conversation away from Applejack’s self-loathing, “Buck all the trees in the orchard and then buck me?”

A deep red blush raced across Applejack’s muzzle, “Maybe.”

“No offense AJ but that doesn’t sound like the best plan for a first time,” Dash replied. “Besides I thought we decided to wait.”

Applejack sighed, “Ah was worried you only agreed't that for me. Ah mean it ain’t like ah don’t fantasize about yah and ah don’t want you t’ think ah won’t commit.”

Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a deadpan look, “You almost took your life over me. I would say you’re committed.”

Applejack shifted to a sitting position, “Look ah gone and made ah mess of mahself.” Dash could see the farm pony trying to hold back her tears. She knew how much Applejack hated crying, almost as much as Dash did.

“You know you’re condition is not the only reason I want to wait?” Dash said then quickly realized what she had said, “I don’t mean it like that! You're sexy don’t ever think differently but I just had a bad experience and wouldn’t mind waiting.”

Dash felt relief flood through her system as she heard AJ chuckled. She loved that sound. “Ah recon Ah can believe that.”

“Good,” Dash said nuzzling Applejack’s cheek. “I wouldn’t mind a few sexy pics though.”

Dash felt a hoof hit the back of her head, “Gutter Brian,” AJ scoffed.

“Says the mare that just bucked all the trees to come and buck me?”

AJ smiled, “Fine, one. And only one.”

Rarity trotted alongside Spike towards Twilight’s castle. She had been a little surprised to hear that the princess was summoning her, but wouldn’t let the opportunity to speak with the purple mare go to waste. She wanted to discuss something Apple Bloom had said yesterday. She looked to Spike, the drake had been ever so quite since he arrived at the boutique to bring her to the castle.

“Are you alright Spike?” she asked.

“Fine,” Spike grumbled. Rarity sighed but decided to drop the matter for now.

They arrived at the castle shortly afterwards. Spike led her to Twilight’s study.

“As you requested your highness,” Spike said. Rarity could almost see the venom on his words.

“That is no way to speak to a princess,” Rarity scolded. Spike, for once in his life, ignored her.

“Thank you Spike there’s some ice cream in the icebox if your interested,” Twilight offered. Spike didn’t respond he simply left. Rarity caught the hurt look cross Twilight’s eyes as she watched her number one assistant leave before the alicron returned her gaze to her book.

“Are you alright darling?” Rarity asked.

“I’m fine, Spike’s just a little mad at me right now,” Twilight explained. Rarity flicked her ears forward.

“Really? What pray tell may have caused this little dispute?” she asked. Her gossip loving side coming out.

“Nothing I care to discuss,” Twilight replied.

Rarity nodded, “I must confess Twilight I was rather relieved when you call upon me to visit. I have something I wish to talk about.”

Twilight finally looked up from her book, “You do?”

“Yes I spoke with Apple Bloom yesterday–”

“Oh good,” Twilight interrupted, “Then your up to speed on her and Spike. I was thinking we need–“

“Twilight,” Rarity tried to stop the inevitable flood of words to no avail.

“–to make sure that Spike notices Apple Bloom. I mean after all it’s more likely–“

“Twilight!” Once again Rarity attempt to break the princess of friendship from her rant was unsuccessful.

“–that they would be compatible then you and him. Given age, maturity and so on. The only trouble would be species but I don’t–”

“TWILIGHT!” Rarity shouted.

Twilight stopped mid-sentence, “Yes?”

“That is not the matter to which I want to discuss,” Rarity stated calmly.

“It’ isn’t?”

“No it is not. It’s something Apple Bloom said pertaining to you.” Rarity could have sworn she saw fear dance across Twilight eye’s before the mare averted her gaze.

“Uhm…what would that be?” Twilight asked in a quite voice.

Rarity starred at the alicron, there was no possible way what Apple Bloom had said was true. The Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria, personal student of the Goddess of the Sun could not possibly have an infatuation with Rarity. But the sheepish behavior the blush that spread across the mare’s muzzle. Rarity thought back to her past interactions with the purple mare. Sure enough she found that their most recent meetings Twilight had had an air of nervousness. Especially when she dropped off her last dress.

You fool! How could you not see this? Rarity thought, resisting the urge to face hoof. Twilight wasn’t planning on dressing better, she had been using the dress as an excuse to see Rarity!

“Are you okay Rarity?” Twilight asked.

What am I going to do? Rarity asked herself, I like stallions not mares, not that there anything wrong with same sex relationships, but still why me?

“Rarity?” Twilight voice came again, almost pleading for her to respond.

Rarity took a shaky breath and forced a smile, “There’s a picture?”

Twilight’s cheeks lit up like a lamp, “Uhm..yah. I don’t know where Spike keeps it. I honestly didn’t stick around to find out. Next time I get a chance I will dispose of it.”

I’m sure you will, Rarity thought to herself, “Thank you very much darling.” A long moment of award silence ensued, “Is their anything else?” Rarity asked.

“Uhm…there was but I don’t want to take up anymore of your time.” Twilight responded.

“It’s quite alright darling,” Rarity tried to reassure the mare. After all if Twilight had sent for her then it must have been important.

“No it can wait. Thank you for coming by.”

Rarity nodded and saw herself out of the castle. She sighed on her way home, Great now I have two members of royalty after me. Then stopped dead in her tracks. I have TWO royal family members after me! One of which is a Princess! Rarity thought happily. There was a happy bounce in her step the rest of the way back to her shop.

Author's Note

Will Rarity court Twilight? Or will she court her position in society? :raritywink:

A big thanks to Doughnot_followmoi for their help with the editing.

Royal Affairs

Twilight gulped down her glass of water greedily and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She really shouldn’t have been up all night studying but it was illuminating. On one hoof she found out that even if Rarity agreed to go out with Spike it was unlikely that the relationship would survive being as Spike was only in love with the image Rarity presented. This however was not something Twilight wanted to accept. Her crush on Rarity was also built on her image and not the mare.

There has to be more, Twilight told herself again, It will only hurt both of you. Twilight sighed and downed another glass of water. But I want her so much. Twilight returned to her study and started to pick up the books laying on the floor. Maybe she could find a solution after a short break.

A sudden bright flash of light startled Twilight. Her wing shot out reflexively to make her look bigger and she charged her horn ready to attack her aggressor. Much to her surprise when the light clear she saw her mentor and friend Princess Celestia standing proud in the middle of Twilight’s study.

“Princess?” Twilight asked in bewilderment.

“Twilight, please call me Celestia. You are no longer my student but my peer,” Celestia requested.

“Of course Princess…” Twilight trailed off when Celestia starred her down, “Sorry. To what to I owe the honor?”

A smug grin crossed the sun goddess’s face as she approached the younger princess, “I just wanted to discuss your last letter.”

My letter? Oh nonononononono what did I do wrong? Twilight mind panicked. She frantically searched her memory remembering that she had written the letter rather than Spike, “Oh Prin–Celestia I’m sorry for whatever was wrong with it. What do I need to improve? The use of the Equestrian language?”

Celestia’s playful manner dropped replaced by confusion, “Uhm…no.”

“Was the structure of the letter in appropriate given our change in status?” Twilight tried.

“No, it was quite fine. Twilight–”

“Oh dear I knew I should have use black ink instead of blue but I swear I was out of black and didn’t want my letter to be late!”

“Twilight the color makes no difference,” Celestia reassured.

What did I do wrong! Think Twilight what could you have…oh no, Twilight promptly buried her face under her hooves, “Did I make a spelling mistake?” she asked shamefully. Of all the things to get her it would have to be spelling.

“My dear Twilight there was no fault in your letter.”

Twilight lifted her head, “Really? Then why not simply write back?”

“Because your last letter was not directed to me,” Celestia responded, her playful demean returning. “It was sent to Princess Candace.”

Twilight eyes widen, “W-What of it?” How does she know about that?

“I want to know what’s in it,” Celestia responded with a flick of her tail.

“Uhm…it’s kind of personal,” Twilight responded looking to the ground. She still held resignations about telling Celestia about her preferences.

Celestia let out a filly like giggle, “I knew it. Oh tell me Twilight what stallion has enchanted your heart?” Twilight starred at Celestia, “Oh common. You’ve seen me devour an entire cake in one sitting nothing you say to me will leave this room.”

“I would rather not,” Twilight responded carefully. Not answering was disrespectful but telling the truth would likely be even worse.

“Oh so perhaps it isn’t a stallion,” Celestia suggested causally.

“WHAT!” Twilight shrieked.

“Got ch’a,” Celestia giggled. She then broke out into full blown laughter, “You…you should…see your face…priceless,” she said between laughing fits.

Twilight remained silent as she watched her mentor roll around on the floor like Rainbow Dash after one of her pranks went well, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said dejectedly. How could she be so stupid to fall for that?

“Relax Twilight. I have no ill feeling towards mares liking mares, nor do I harbor any ill will to stallions liking stallions,” Celestia reassured, “In fact I find it quite…hot.” She then dissolved back into laughter.

“I’m glade you’re enjoying my internal conflict Princess,” Twilight stated intentional forgetting the use of the sun goddess name.

“You’re quite right. That was quite rude of me. Now Twilight…” Celestia propped her head up on her hoof and flutter her wings excitedly, “Who is it?”

“I…”

“Is it one of you friends?”

Twilight simply nodded. The realized that was a mistake.

“Applejack? No she is with Rainbow Dash…Fluttershy?”

Twilight didn’t respond.

“Oh dear it isn’t Pinkie Pie is it?” Celestia asked, visible fear showing in her eyes.

“No,” Twilight quickly responded, “I love that mare as a friend but I would not be able to put up with her randomness all the time.” Twilight suddenly felt heat rise to her cheeks as she realized she had just indirectly told the Princess of the Sun who her crush was.

Celestia for her part was grinning like a fool, “So it’s Rarity. Oh how wonderful. You two would make such an adorable couple. Has my dear niece responded to your letter yet?”

Twilight nodded, “She has. Her advice was less then helpful though.”

Celestia tilted her head, “Are you sure? She is the Princess of Love after all.”

Twilight again nodded, “She simply wrote ‘Go for it’.” Celestia didn’t respond, “It had nothing, no instructions. No tips on how to make it work. Nothing! She didn’t even let me know if the love was real or just superficial.”

Celestia chuckled and shook her head, “You’ll never change Twilight. Candace would never tell you to ‘Go for it’ if she didn’t feel there was a good reason to peruse the relationship.”

“But statistically our relationship is almost guaranteed to fail!” Twilight protested.

Celestia sighed, “Tell me Twilight. What are the odds I would chose you as my personal protégé?”

“Uhm…”

“You cannot tell me you haven’t done the math.”

Twilight looked away blushing, “One in forty-two thousand.”

Twilight could almost hear Celestia’s smirk, “What are the odds that you would become a barer of one of the elements of harmony?”

“One in thirty-nine million,” Twilight replied.

“And the odds that you would ascend to become my fellow Princess?”

Twilight titled her head to the side, “Unfathomable. What are you getting at?”

“Well Princess Twilight Sparkle, barer of the Element of Magic and personal protégé of Princess Celestia herself it would seem statics don’t really apply to you.” Celestia responded as she buffed one of her royal shoes against her chest.

Twilight fell to here rump, “I have never looked at it like that. The likely hood of all three happening is next to impossible,” she muttered. “So then…it might work.”

Twilight looked up at a hoof on her shoulder to see her mentor smiling at her, “I have no doubt in my mind that it will work my dear Twilight.”

“But what of Spike?” Twilight asked.

Celestia remain quite for a few moments before responding, “He still holds feelings toward Rarity?” Twilight nodded. “He will be mad, but fear not Twilight. His resentment will not last. You raised him after all.”

Rarity stowed away the last of her current dress orders into its place before collapsing on her fainting couch. It had been a long day, preceded by an even longer night. She may have been delighted that a princess had been interested in her that way but as soon as she had a moment to reflect on it she realized how selfish she was being. She had start to imagine her perfect life with her prince again, only this time Twilight was the prince. It made her sick, not Twilight but the implications of her sudden interest in the mare. Rarity was imagining her life with Twilight’s title not with the mare herself. She let out a long drawn sigh, why did Twilight need to have a crush on her?

She was about to drift into the realm of sleep when the boutique burst open and a couple of giggling fillies came rushing in.

“Scootaloo no!” Sweetie Belle giggled, “I told you once already–” the filly was interrupted by a kiss on the lips.

“You know you love the chase,” the orange pegasus filly replied before locking Rarity’s sister’s lips with her own once again. Rarity watched in horror as the orange filly assault her sister’s mouth and in rapt fascination. Her mind playing the scene out with her and Twilight. Rarity on top, Twilight below. Rarity would kiss the purple mare, her tongue gaining access to the Twilight’s eager mouth. Rarity’s hooves would trace circles along the ailcrons sides till she reach those sexy flanks.

Rarity let out a shriek and fell to the floor a blush of crimson red spread across her muzzle. Sexy!? Since when has Twilight been sexy? Rarity thought of her friend. It was true, her indoors live style had left the mare with a little extra…plumpness that had delightfully settled in all the right places. Rarity let a slight whimper as he thought Twilight’s flanks and what they might feel like, soft fur, malleable flesh over strong alicron muscles…

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle shrieked, bucking Scootaloo across the room much to the surprise of Everypony in the room. Scootaloo crashed into a rack of clothing that collapsed under her burying her the clothing.

The two fillies didn’t seem to notice though as the both shouted, “This isn’t what it looks like!”

Rarity for her part couldn’t respond she just starred at the two fillies, unable to move, barely able to breath. She looked to her sister, then Scootaloo. The fact that her sister had just been making out with her fillyfriend finally registered.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity yelled harsher then she meant to, “It is really necessary to do that on my floor?”

“Uhm..”

“It was my fault,” Scootaloo piped up.

Rarity rolled her eyes, “I gathered that. The next time my sister tells you to stop you have better stop. You understand me?”

“Yes Miss Rarity,” Scootaloo responded.

“Good, now please get on your way. I wish to speak with my sister alone,” Rarity instructed. After Scootaloo left Rarity turned her gaze on her sister, who was blushing furiously looking anyway but Rarity.

“I’m sorry sis. It was supposed to be a game of tag and it got a little out of hand,” Sweetie Belle said finally.

Rarity sighed, “It’s quite alright dear. Just next time have the decency to do it in private.” Sweetie Belle nodded. Rarity was about to return to her own turmoil’s when she thought of something. Here in front of her was her sister, a fillyfooler, she might be able to help her sort out her feelings.

“Sweetie, could I ask you a personal question?”

Author's Note

A big thanks to Doughnot_followmoi for proofing reading again!

Sighting Ropes

Applejack limped around the kitchen happily humming a tune to herself. Her plan last week had certainly been misguided but that wasn’t going to stop her from spending time with Rainbow Dash. No, she wasn’t letting something like that get her down again. Especially now that her hooves where on the mend.

Dash had agreed to meet her after she finished a few errands she had to do today and Applejack was going to make sure they both enjoyed themselves. She was making all of Dash’s favorite dishes and they would have a nice dinner in the hay loft juts like they use to before the mare joined the Wonderbolts. She was in the middle of packing up the apple fritters when she caught Granny Smith watching her from the door. The old green mare held a large grin on her face.

“Get’in ready for yer date?” Granny Smith asked.

Applejack nodded, her smile growing, “That ah am.”

“Are y’all ever going t’a tie that pegasus down?” Granny asked suddenly. Applejack reeled back dropping the plate she was carrying sending fritters flying everywhere.

“What!?”

“Are ya ever gone ask her to marry yah? Ah, mean seems like that mare is just head o’ver hooves for ya. And ya could hog tie and brand me if you didn't feel the same.”

Applejack felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Desperately trying to push that image from her mind. She had never considered asking Dash to marry her. It certainly seemed like they would do well but at the same time, Applejack resented the idea of tying Rainbow Dash down. That pegasus loved the sky, she didn’t deserve to be tethered the ground by an earth pony wife.

She already sticks around for you though, Applejack thought.

Before Applejack could respond though a knock came at the door, “Ah’ll get it.” Applejack quickly made her way to the door. When she opened the door she was surprised by a stallion with a dark blue coat. She would have asked his name if not for the trademark rainbow mane along his neck. Applejack’s eyes widen as she stood in front of her marefriend’s father, Rainbow Blaze.

Ah, horse apples, from what Dash had told her about her parents Applejack knew this wasn’t going to end well. Rainbow had estranged herself from her parents quite a few years ago, the two ponies had only inserted themselves back into Dash’s life after she made it as a Wonderbolts. They also didn’t know of their daughter’s sexual preferences, and therefor they didn’t know about her and Applejack.

“Well howdy Mr. What can I do fer ya?” Applejack asked. Trying to play it as if she didn’t know who the stallion was.

Rainbow Blaze craned his neck to look at Applejack’s cutie mark before smiling, “Applejack is it?” Applejack nodded, “It’s nice to finally meet you. My name is Rainbow Blaze. Proud father of Rainbow Dash,” Rainbow Blaze extended his hoof, which Applejack shook easily. Was this the father Rainbow Dash had warned her about? Certainly didn’t seem like it. She had expected lighting to crack behind the man after what Rainbow had described her childhood as.

“Well, Mr. Blaze welcome to Sweet Apple Acers. What brings ya by?” Applejack asked.

“I was looking for Rainbow Dash but she wasn’t home. I asked around and just about every pony I ask told me I would find her here.” Blaze responded. Applejack nodded slowly, so he didn’t know yet. That was good.

“If I may…” Blaze began, “Were did you get that necklace. I have never seen one outside of Cloudsdale.”

Horse apples, Applejack thought again as she quickly tucked the pendant that held hers and Dash’s cutie mark on it out of sight. She had forgotten she still had the thing on. She looked to Rainbow Blaze who was clearly expecting an explanation.

Applejack sighed, “Ah got it from Dash.” The Element of Honesty preventing a lie.

There was no response form, Rainbow Blaze, as that was when Granny Smith piped up. “Are ya going t’a leave him outside all day or are ya…oh hello handsome!”

Oh Celestia no, Applejack thought as Granny shoved her out of the way.

“Name’s Granny Smith,” the old mare said smiling.

Rainbow Blaze smiled back, “Rainbow Blaze.”

“Rainbow,” Granny said thoughtfully. Applejack prayed to both Celestia, Luna, she even went so far as to pray to Candace that Granny would not call Dash her marefriend, “Y’all must be looking for that pesky blue pegasus that hangs around these parts.” Applejack let out a sigh of relieve.

“That I am. You haven’t seen her lately have you?” Rainbow Blaze asked.

“She’ll be around later, ah’m sure,” Granny replied casting a glance towards Applejack, “Why don’t y’all come on in and wait for her.”
Rainbow Blaze accepted and soon he and Granny were laughing away in the kitchen. Applejack listen for the first little while but eventually had to leave. One could only listen to their grandmother flirting for so long.

“Can’t ya tell he’s married,” Applejack grumbled as she looked at the sky. Common Dash where are yah?

As if she heard her name a blur of blue and landed by the barn. Rainbow Dash quickly trotted up to Applejack and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, “Hey babe.”

Applejack chuckled and gave Dash a quick kiss before looking over her shoulder, “Dash we got a problem.”

“Only problem I have is that we aren’t making out in the barn with some of those fritters you know I love,” Rainbow Dash responded playfully putting on her best puppy dog eyes before tackling Applejack to the ground like she had so many other times locking them in a passionate kiss.

When the kiss finally broke Dash murmured, “Sweet revenge.”

Applejack struggled to catch her breath. She didn’t think Dash would like her father walking in on them in this position let alone knowing about them at all, “Dash Granny’s in the kitchen–”

“I’ve told you, she doesn’t really care about it,” Dash interrupted running her hoof through Applejack’s mane, “I thought you we were going spend time together today?”

“Dash I–”

“Rainbow Dash!” a stallion's voice boomed behind them. The weight on top of Dash quickly vanished as the pegasus flew up and banged her head on the ceiling.

“DAD!?” she shrieked.

Smooth Dash. Real Smooth.

Rarity lay in bed, eyes fixed to the ceiling of her room. It was still mid-day and she should really be working but she had no motivation. Well, that wasn’t entirely true she had the wrong motivation. She sighed wistfully as she thought about her talk with Sweetie Belle last week. The filly had proven rather knowledgeable and despite her methods being...unorthodox, they helped Rarity figure somethings out. First and foremost she was indeed still attracted to stallions, the exception being Twilight. Much to Rarity's relief it was not because of the princesses crown. Twilight was the only mare that Rarity found appealing even if her figure was on another mare Rarity wouldn’t give it a second thought but that lavender color, with that beautiful mane coupled with her bookish nature and those wings…Rarity shuddered at the thought of those wings lovingly caressing her side, her flank even. Rarity closed her eyes once again and let her imagination run wild. She imagined her and Twilight by the fireplace on a cold winter’s night cuddled together. Twilight would make an innocent advance trying to be subtle about it and then check a book or something to make sure she had done it right. The mare would probably treat making love as an experiment. Rarity would silence her with a kiss, trailing her hoof ever lower until…

A knock sounded at the door shattering Rarity’s daydream like a piece of hail through glass. Of all the times, Rarity fumed as she made her way down the stairs. She took a moment to compose herself, fix her mane and so on before opening the door.

“Welcome to the Cas…Spike?” Rarity looked at the young drake. He looked quite nervous and also as though he had been in a recent tussle.

“H-Hi Rarity,” the Drake greeted.

“What happened to you, Spike?” Rarity asked.

“Uhm…I fell…yeah I fell,” Spike put on an obviously fake smile to go with his hastily made lie.

Rarity cocked an eyebrow, “Very well then darling. What can I do for you?”

Spike shifted on his feet but remained silent. He then looked to Rarity took a deep breath and blurted out “Willyougoonadatewithme?”

Rarity blinked, “Pardon.”

“Would you like to…uhm…go on a date with me?” Spike asked again.

Rarity stared at the drake wide-eyed, she knew this day would come but she had no way to let the dragon down easy, oh if she had only prepared, “Spike you know I value you as a friend,” Spike face fell, “But I am afraid that I cannot take you up on that offer.”

Spike sighed, “I understand. Can I ask why?”

Rarity’s eye twitched, “Let’s just saw my heart is taken by another. I’m so sorry Spike.”

Much too Rarity’s surprise, Spike did not cry, yell or anything, he simply stood they're stunned, his left eye twitching slightly. Rarity was about to ask why when a purple flash of light nearly blinded her. When she reopened her eyes she saw a rather angry looking Twilight standing in her doorway, horn glowing, wings flared out and mane a mess. She had what looked like…rope around her hooves? As she stood in the doorway holding a terrified Spike in her magical grasp. Her entire body seemed to radiate aggression.

Someone ticked her off, Rarity mused. Then became shocked, afraid and aroused once when Twilight called the name of her aggressor.

“SPIKE!” she yelled.

Oh that commanding voice, Rarity shuddered.

“How dare you tie me to my own bed!” Rarity’s eyes widened in shock. She quickly turned her face to hide the growing blush that spread across her face.

Now that’s an image, she thought. Twilight meanwhile had slammed Spike into the boutique’s wall.

“I’m sorry, please I just wanted to–” Spike pleaded.

“I gave you my word I would not make a move!” Twilight continued, “But nooo don’t believe the mare who raised you!”

“I didn’t think–” Spike tried but was cut off and thrown to the ground.

“No, you didn’t!” Twilight snapped, “Do know how embarrassing it was to be found like that? By Fluttershy none the less! The poor mare will never look at me the same way.”

“Twilight dear,” Rarity called, trying to end the scene that was attracting a few spectators. Twilight then seemed to take note of where she was. Her face lit up in an adorable blush but the anger behind her eyes was still clear.

The Princess of Friendship looked at her assistant, “Enjoy your marefriend Spike,” she spat, “You can find somewhere else to sleep till I cool off.” With that, Twilight vanished.

Titles

Twilight lay on her bed sobbing. How could she do that to Spike, sure his action were inexcusable but she still shouldn’t have kicked him out of the castle and publically humiliated him. There were many reasoning supporting her decision of course. Spike had betrayed her trust by tying her to her own bed while she took a nap and putting a magic inhibitor on her horn. He had also technically violated Equestrian Law, along with humiliating her. There was one fact that overshadowed all the reasoning, though, Twilight had betrayed Spike by falling for Rarity. She rolled herself off the bed, falling with a thud onto the floor. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t deserve the comfort of a bed.

Pull yourself together Twilight she told herself, You aren’t going to fix anything by locking yourself in your room. With a heavy heart, Twilight levitated a quill and parchment over to her. She needed a plan, a plan could make this right.

Twilight worked on the plan for a good hour with little to no success before a knock came at her door. She straightened her mane and put on her best royal smile. Suddenly thankful for the training Celestia had given her on appearances. She was at the door in a matter of seconds and gracefully opened only to see the last pony she expected on her doorstep.

“Rarity?” Twilight asked her royal façade slipping.

“May I come in Twilight?” Rarity asked. Twilight silently stepped aside. Her mind reeling with a possible reason for Rarity’s presence. All of which were not pleasant. She quickly filed the ones pertaining to murder away as she followed Rarity to her study.

“Twilight dear I must admit I was rather surprised by you earlier today.”

Twilight’s ears fell, “Yah…I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

Rarity gave a soft delicate laugh, “Dear your assistant had just bound you to your bed. I believe we can allow a little irrational thought after such events don’t you?”

Twilight’s head shot up, “You’re not mad?”

“Why I would be mad?” Rarity asked.

“I made a fool of myself in front of your business establishment. It can’t be good for business,” Twilight mumbled.

Rarity gave a sympathetic glance to Twilight, “Darling the well-being of my friends is far more important. I will, however, remind myself never to anger you.”

Friends… Twilight thought. She sighed, she gave her word to Spike that she would not go for Rarity. It meant a lot though that she was still considered a friend. She wasn’t sure what she would do to herself if she did something to jeopardize their friendship.

“Tell me Twilight,” Rarity began thoughtfully, “How long have you have a crush on me?”

Twilight literally fell over from shock, She knows! How does she know?

You just slammed Spike into a wall over her, Her mind reminded her.

Shut it.

“Twilight darling. I would like an answer before Luna’s moon appears.” Rarity pushed.

“I don’t know…” Twilight trailed off as she got a disapproving glare from Rarity, “I’ve been certain for two months three days, seven hours six minutes and…” Twilight glanced at the clock on the wall “forty-five seconds approximately.”

Rarity’s jaw fell, “I wasn’t expecting…”

“Please, Rarity don’t hate me. I’m sorry, I know you’re not interested. I wasn’t even going to act on it. I promised Spike that I–“ Twilight was interrupted by Rarity’s warm lips on her own. She melted into the kiss trying to prolong it as long as possible. Here wings shot out as blood rushed to her cheeks. She felt her mind clouding as the kiss surpassed every expectation she had built it up to. Rarity still had the slight taste of a light vinaigrette on her lips from what must have been her lunch. Twilight memorized every detail of her first kiss.
All too soon it ended and they were left staring into each other’s eyes, “Rarity…?” Twilight sighed wistfully.

“I’m willing to try if you are darling,” Rarity responded.

“What about your perfect life, the dashing stallion! The Prince! What about your family…what about Spike?” Twilight argued.

“Spike asked me on a date earlier before you arrived. I turned him down. As for the dream. I have always wanted a Prince but I could settle for a Princess,” Rarity gave a wink. Twilight went stiff.

“A princess…” she said quietly looking at her wings. Run with it! The love drove part of her mind encouraged.

She only wants you for your title, the other part argued.

But what if that was just her playing a joke? Rarity would never be so shallow.

And if it isn’t?

…

You promised Spike. It doesn’t matter if she shot him down.

But…

No buts. You know what you have to do.

“Rarity I…” Twilight searched for words, “I can’t be in a relationship with someone who only wants my title.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, “Twilight I didn’t–”

Twilight fought back tears as she shoved her only chance out the door, “I think you should go.”

Rarity said nothing and left quietly. As soon as the door closed Twilight broke down sobbing once again.

“DAD!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she propelled herself upwards off of Applejack. Unfortunately, for her, she neglected to take the roof into account. She landed with a thud next to Applejack.

“Ow, stupid ceiling,” she muttered herself as Granny snickered.

“Rainbow Dash what is the meaning of this?” Dash’s father asked.

“Uhm…” Rainbow Dash scrambled for an excuse. She had just been caught by her father kissing her marefriend when as far as the stallion was concerned she was straight. She looked to her father, then to Applejack. She wasn’t sure what it was but she still valued his opinion of her. Maybe it was just her way of showing him up or trying to maintain the attention she only gained after joining the Wonderbolts but she certainly didn’t want to give them any reason to be disappointed in her again. And if what her father had said when she was little was still his opinion her saw fillyfoolers as abominations against Celestia herself.

“Consarnit you featherbrained pegasus,” Granny muttered. Dash looked at her with wide eyes.

Oh, Buck if Granny tells him…

“How many time do I gotta tell ya that when yer doing yer fancy flying t’a do by the west field? Now you gone and crash in’t mah grandbaby,” Granny said.

“Flying! Yah I crashed. I misjudge my height for this totally awesome stunt I’m working on,” Dash forced a strained smile onto her muzzle, “Sorry about that AJ.” Applejack simply nodded her forgiveness. Evidently not trusting herself to talk. Thanks for the help Element of Honesty.

Her father chuckled and shook his head, “From the number of times you crash I’m surprised you can still fly.”

Dash shot straight up, “Hey! I would have made if the house didn’t get in the way!” Thank Celestia he bought that.

Granny motion to Applejack, “Common li’ll missy. We got food t’a make.” With that, the two mares left. Rainbow Dash mouthed a silent thank you to Granny as she forced herself not to watch AJ as she walked away like she usually did. The last thing she needed was trying to explain to her father why she was staring at another mare’s flank.

“So dad...what’s new?” Despite her feelings towards her parents, she had learned a long time ago that hiding any aggression she had for them was her best course of action. Don’t give him the satisfaction of getting you worked up, her grandmother had once told her.

“Oh, you know the usual. Work, come home, eat…have a little fun with your mother and repeat,” Blaze responded.

Dash reeled backward, “Yikes dad! I didn’t need to know that.”

Blaze just laughed, “You’re too easy Rainbow Dash. Anyway. Your mother and I wanted to discuss something with you. We were wondering if you would join us for dinner tonight.”

Dash held back the sigh that threatened to escape her lips. Applejack was going to preen her wings tonight. Not that she wanted to look pretty or anything girly like that, but for a reason she would never tell Applejack. If done correctly, preening could be extremely arousing, it could be one step away from sex in some respects and AJ definitely knew what she was doing.

Dash eyed her father. There was really no way out of this. If she said she had plans he would want to know what the plans were and saying what her plans were was not something that she was willing to do. She finally let the sigh escape her lips, “Sure.”

“Great meet us in the park at five.” With that Rainbow Blaze took off. Rainbow Dash shook her head and walked inside. If she was going to lose snuggle time she would just make it up now. When she walked into the kitchen she found a cackling Granny and Applejack blushing something fierce.

“What I miss?” Dash asked.

Granny cackling only intensified, “Applejack was explaining–”

“Nothing! I ain’t done nothing!”

Old Wounds

It never ceased to amaze Rarity how simply being down could affect one’s appearance. She trudged back to the boutique, her mane had fallen lose from when she had ripped it from its styling and her coat was filthy from her breakdown on Twilight’s doorstep. She was rather thankful no one had stumbled upon her during that scene. Normally the dirt and grim would appall her but not today. No, she deserved this. Why did she have to mention Twilight’s position? Of course, the mare would be worried that someone would try to get close to her due to her position in society. Even more so with how much Rarity talked about the royal life style. Oh, she had just made a mess of everything. Twilight had every right to and would think she was such a shallow worthless piece of filth.

She reached the boutique intent on having a bath and heading to bed early only to find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looking at Spike as he rolled on the floor laughing with concerned looks on their faces.

“That…That was a good one,” Spike managed between laughs.

“We're dead serious Spike,” Sweetie Belle responded. Rarity just watched from the sidelines. She didn’t have the energy to deal with these foals today.

“But…Sweet Celestia what happened to you Rarity?” Spike asked.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo spun around and Sweetie Belle’s jaw dropped, “I take it didn’t go well with Twilight.”

“Yikes, what did she do to you?” Scootaloo asked.

Rarity sighed, “Sweet Twilight did nothing to me. I did this to myself.”

Sweetie Belle immediately rushed to her sister’s side, “We are taking you to the hospital.”

“Sweetie Belle I assure you I am fine. Twilight did not hurt me, I inadvertently hurt her,” Rarity explained. To say that the change in Spike’s comportment was drastic would have been the understatement.

“YOU DID WHAT!?” he yelled.

“Spike I–” Rarity tried but was interrupted.

“Did you hit her because she likes you?”

“Heavens no. I would never–”

“Did you call her names? Like a fillyfooler,” Spike asked. Rarity caught the visible cringe of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. She couldn't blame them. The term was hardly ever used nicely and with their age group the way it was they had had their fair share of insults thrown their way.

“No.” Rarity responded.

“Then what did you do?”

“I compared her to the Prince of my dreams,” Rarity responded with her head hung low.

Spike slammed his claw into his forehead, “I was worried you would do that,” he grumbled.

“Why is that a bad thing?” Sweetie Belle asked, “Isn’t that a good comparison?”

“Yah,” Scootaloo responded wrapping a wing around Sweetie, “I call Sweetie my little princess all the time.”

“Wait? Did Twilight kick you out?” Spike asked.

“Yes,” Rarity admitted, her gaze downcast.

Spike’s began to pace, “I can’t believe she actually did it. She was worried about you liking her position more than her if her journals were anything to go by but enough to kick you out? I thought she was just bluffing to make me feel better."

Rarity’s ears perked up, “She kept...I mean you read her journals?”

Spike rolled his eyes, “For an alicorn she isn’t very good at hiding things.”

“No offense Spike but why are so upset about this? I mean wouldn’t you not want it to work out between them?” Scootaloo asked. She promptly got a hoof to the back of the head from Sweetie Belle, “Hey!”

Spike fixed Rarity with a glare, “You can throw me through the gates of Tartus but you DO NOT HURT TWILIGHT!”

Rarity step back, “I assure you, Spike, I have no intention of ever hurting Twilight.”

“Good because next time there won’t only be gems on your flanks.” Rarity gulped.

“Y’all going t’a be okay?” Applejack asked as she adjusted another feather. Dash let her tongue loll out of her mouth and produced a soft whimper of delight.

“So long as I get to come back to this I will be fine,” she responded. She heard Applejack chuckled above her.

“Ah don’t get how you enjoy this so much. It’s like brushing yer mane ain’t it?”

Dash laughed, “Not even ohhhhh,” she trailed off as Applejack adjusted yet another feather. Applejack was certainly taking her time today with Dash’s wings and Dash was silently praying she would end soon. Her arousal was nearing an almost unbearable level and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to control herself long enough.

“What do you think they want with ya?” Applejack asked.

“Who knows…probably want pictures or something to show off to their friends,” Dash responded as Applejack finished with the last feather. The earth pony got up and moved to the picnic basket they had set aside. Dash had insisted on the preening seeing as she was missing out on it later. There was just something wrong with doing it on your own once someone else had done it. She watched as Applejack moved. She had never trusted her wings to another pony before, even with Applejack it had taken time. They were her pride and joy but the day she had given that part of herself to Applejack was still one of the best days of her life. There was nothing else like it. She contemplated if she should tell Applejack the one secret she had kept from her. She continued to watch as Applejack swayed her hips lightly as she walked. Then the mare took notice of her cyan onlooker and gave a playful flick her golden blond tail.

Oh don’t do that AJ, Dash thought as she began to rub her thighs together. Then Applejack gave her a look with half lidded eyes.

“Like what you see Surgarcube?” she asked.

“You have no idea,” Dash breathed.

“Well come and get it,” Applejack responded and turned her attention back to the picnic basket. The little control Dash had had over her wings vanished and they shot out knocking over a hay bale. Her cheeks lit up like a stop light.

Damn you AJ, she thought. Had that mare really said what Dash thought she had just said. Did she want her to pounce on her and ravish her till Dash had to go to dinner with her parents? No Stupid feather brain! Applejack doesn't think like that!

“Something wrong sugarcube?” Applejack’s voice was heavy with…disappointment? She set down a plate of food in front of Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow shook her head not trusting herself to speak.

“Yah sure, I half expected you to jump me there,” Applejack responded.

Oh, how I wish I could, Dash thought, but she couldn’t there was still that underlying fear, that fear that had kept her from sexual activity for most of her life. That secret only her parent knew of. Dash slid herself away from Applejack a little not managing to get her wings down. She also noticed the frown on Applejack’s face.

“What happened Dashie?” Applejack asked. Dash buried her face in her hooves. AJ never used that nickname unless she was worried, and the last thing Dash wanted was for that beautiful mare to be worried about her.

“Nothing,” Dash mumbled.

“Really? Cause every time ah get frisky with ya, ya run away,” Applejack responded, distaste dripping from her words.

"Rainbow Dash doesn't run away!" Rainbow protested but Applejack ignored her

“Ya already told me it cause of a bad time.” Applejack rested a comforting hoof on Dash’s shoulder, “Ah want t’a help Dash. Just like y’all help me.”

Dash sighed, “You aren’t going to let this go are you?”

“Not any more than ah’m about to let ya out of m’ah life.”

Dash thought about the memories, she hadn't talked about it in years, the only ponies that knew were her parents and that hadn’t ended well. She took a deep breath. She could trust Applejack, any mare she trusted her wings to deserve to know everything about her, the good and the bad.

“It was back in flight camp,” Dash began, “I was still young, one of the coaches like me I guess…he asked to meet me afterward and…” Dash trailed off as tears came to her eyes. Don’t cry! She scolded herself, You will not cry, you’ve shed enough tears over him. Try as she might though she couldn’t stop the tears from running down her muzzle.

“Dash…” Applejack whispered as she gave the pegasus a hug. The comforting embrace eased the pain inside Dash, enough for her to continue.

“He brought me behind the bleachers. Celestia, I was so young I didn’t know any better, I followed…There he took me. He never asked just forced me down and…raped me.” With that Dash broke down into a crying mess. She tried to fight it, Wonderbolts didn’t cry, she didn’t cry, yet she was helpless against the flood every time she relives those memories.

“Ah'm sorry,” Applejack whispered into Dash’s ear as she held her close. Dash, in turn, buried her face into Applejack’s chest.

“I…I’ve never told…anypony but my parents,” Dash managed between sobs. She felt a hoof running through her mane.

“It’s okay. Ah, ain’t gonna do nothing t’ya. Ah’ll wait forever if it’s what ya want. Ah love ya too much t’a do that.”

Dash nuzzled deeper into Applejack’s neck, “Celestia I love you so much.”

Parental Guidance

Spike kicked a stone down the dirt path towards Sweet Apple Acers. He was walking along side Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. He was still mulling over the rejection from Rarity, not that it should have surprised him, it was a doomed crush to begin with. What hurt most was the realization of what he had done to Twilight. She may have betrayed him in a way, by trying to take his mare, but that betrayal paled in comparison to what he had done onto her. What had he been thinking tying one of the most powerful ponies in Esquestria to her bed? It was such a stupid move and Twilight was never going to trust him again, not that he really expected her to. He looked to the young couple next to him. Scootaloo’s wing was drapped across Sweetie Belle’s back and they walked comfortably beside each other.

“So you aren’t pulling a prank on me?” Spike asked.

Sweetie Belle sighed, “No Spike. She really dose like you. Why do you think she punched you?” There was no further conversation as they approached the farm stead. They passed by the barn as they heard crying.

“Celestia I love you so much,” Rainbow Dash’s strained voice fell through the open loft door.

“What do you think got her so upset?” Scootaloo whispered.

“She’s your idol,” Sweetie Belle whispered back.

“I know and the Rainbow Dash never cries!” Scootaloo responded harshly.

“I’m sorry AJ. I didn’t mean to–” Rainbow Dash’s voice came again.

“Oh Dashie…don’t yah worry none…just let it all out,” Applejack’s voice followed.

“Should we check on them?” Spike asked.

“If’in ya want to get yer flanks kicked,” Apple Bloom’s voice came from behind them, “What can ah do fer y’all?”

Sweetie Belle smiled far too wide for her face, “Spike wanted to talk with you.”

Spike looked to Apple Bloom he saw nervousness flash across her face.

“We just made sure he got here,” Scootaloo stated before being poked by Sweetie Belle.

“Well then…Spike what can ah do fer ya?” Apple Bloom asked. Spike looked between the smiling couple and Apple Bloom.

“Could we speak privately?” he asked. Apple Bloom nodded and led him away from the barn. Spike watched her as she moved. She certainly was an attractive young mare, but he didn’t feel that over whelming urge to be with her like when he was around Rarity.

“What do yah need?” Apple Bloom asked.

Spike nodded, “I wanted to talk with you about…that punch.” Really? You want to bring that up?

Apple Bloom seemed to blush as she turned her head, “Yah…Ah’m sorry ‘bout that.”

“Do you actually like me?” he asked suddenly. He saw Apple Bloom head shoot up, before she lowered it again.

“Yah, ah do,” she murmured. Spike nodded, he looked at her again. Rarity was off the table now, so why shouldn’t he give Apple Bloom a chance. Their relationship would be more likely to succeed then the hypothetical one between him and Rarity. Plus you didn’t need to be in love with someone to go on a date with them, right?

“Okay…” Spike began, “Are you busy on Friday?”

Apple Bloom’s head shot up again her eye’s wide, “Are yah asking me out?”

Spike nodded.

“What about Rarity?” she asked.

“If all goes well she’ll be with Twilight. It was a long shot to start with so…if you are still interested I owe you at least one date if what Sweetie Belle told is true.”

Apple Bloom smiled, “Ain’t never been more happy in second place. Ah ain’t got nothing going on Friday. How about a picnic in the east orchard?”

“I will pick you up at noon,” Spike answered smiling.

Rainbow Dash barreled rolled through the air. She felt lighter than ever now that she had let Applejack know her darkest secret. It felt so good, she felt free. And Applejack had stayed, she had let her cry it out and didn’t think any less of her, not that Dash had expected her to react any differently but it was still nice for her beliefs to be proven right. She sighed wistfully, once again she would have to find another way to show Applejack how much she loved her. That mare just kept upping the game.

Rainbow Dash landed in the park and quickly found her parents.

“There’s our Wonderbolt,” her mother, RainbowShine called.

“About time she showed up,” Rainbow Blazed grumbled.

Rainbow Dah rolled her eyes as she followed her parents to a small café. They sat, ordered, and ate in silence. A usual Dash family gathering. Once the meal was concluded Rainbow Blaze leaned on the table.

“So Dash. What’s new?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged, “Not much. Training and so on.”

Her parents exchanged glances, “Dash your father and I think it’s time you find a nice stallion to settle down with.”

Dash eyed her parents carefully, “That really isn’t any of your business.”

“You’re our daughter, your well being is our top concern,” Rainbow Blaze responded.

Dash scoffed, “Right. Just like when you threw me out.”

“We had no choice!” Rainbow Blaze protested.

“No dad, you had a choice. You threw me out as soon as you could.”

“Dash think about this for a second. Don’t you want to have someone to share a life with?”

I already have one, Dash thought, “I have no need to go looking.”

“Rainbow Dash you can be so stubborn. Everyone needs companionship,” Rainbow Blaze protested.

“Blaze, her wings are preened.” RainbowShine observed.

Dash fluttered her wings, “What dose that have to do with anything? I preen them all the time. It keeps them in good shape.”

“Your right honey. She doesn’t need to go looking. She already found a stallion.”

“What? How do you get that from my wings being preened?” Dash asked.

“The feathers were preened from behind. Unless you are incredibly flexible you would never get them from that angle,” he mother responded simply.

“Oh,” Dash responded. Who notices something like that? At least they still think it’s a stallion.

“You have to let us meet him,” Dash’s mother stated.

“Uhm…” Buck what do I do?

Rainbow Blazed looked deep in thought, “Is that why the town’s people said you’ve been spending so much time at that farm? Are you dating that big red stallion?”

“Oh Dash, you can do so much better than an earth pony,” her mother said shaking her head.

Resentment and rage filled Dash as her wings flared out aggressively, “And what is wrong with earth ponies?”

“Well for one, they don’t have wings,” Dash’s mother responded. Dash resisted the urge smack her mother.

“I’ll have you know that they are the most caring, responsible, honest, dependable, hardworking and beautiful pony I know and I am the luckiest mare in Esquestria to have them! Who bucking cares if they don’t have wings?” Dash snapped. She saw the shift in her father. That shift she knew all too well, the one that said she was about to be hit.

“Well, this stallion certainly has you wrapped around his hoof. What’s is his name?” Rainbow Blaze asked, evidently resisting the urge to hit Dash in public.

Rainbow Dash retracted her wings, “No.”

“No?” Rainbow Blaze asked.

“No. You will not meet them. They have been through a lot and the last thing they need is my disapproving racist parents breathing down their neck.”

“Rainbow Dash you will not talk to us that way.” Her mother scolded.

Rainbow Dash stepped back from the table and spread her wings.

“Where do you think your going young lady?” Rainbow Blazed asked, his voice filled with anger.

“Where do you think?”

Closed Wings

Applejack bucked the tree behind her mechanically. The apples fell perfectly into the baskets. She barely noticed though. She was too lost in thought. She hadn’t even realized she was almost done todays work and would soon be working on tomorrow’s. She still couldn’t believe what Rainbow Dash had told her earlier. That poor filly rapped at such a young age, she couldn’t even begin to imagine the trauma that it would have caused. It warmed her heart to know that Dash would share that with her but Applejack also had no idea how to react. She knew she wasn’t going to treat Dash as a victim, that would be the last thing that mare wanted, but at the same time it wouldn’t be fair to expect Dash to continue comforting her while Applejack now knew that the pegasus could use comforting.

She set up another tree and let out another buck just before the very mare on her mind landed in front of her. It wasn’t a landing Applejack would have expected. Instead of a big skidding entry to show off Rainbow Dash’s “awesomeness” the rainbow manned pegasus landed gently on the ground and slowly retracted her wings. Warning bells immediately went off in Applejack’s mind.

“Howdy Rainbow,” she called enthusiastically. Rainbow Dash never returned the greeting. She simply walked up to the apple farmer. Applejack didn’t dare move as her marefriend approached. Dash nuzzled Applejack’s cheek and gave her a gentle kiss, completely out of character for the brash pegasus. The contact lasted no more than a few moments before Dash nuzzled her head into Applejack’s mane. Applejack felt Dash inhale deeply, the exhale came in broken breaths. Applejack nuzzled into Rainbow’s mane as she felt wings wrap around her. Applejack flipped her hat onto Dash’s head. Neither pony spoke, they didn’t need to. Applejack knew that Dash just wanted to hold her, and so they stayed silent and still, Dash with her head in Applejack’s mane and wings around the mare protectively.

After what might have been hours Applejack finally broke the silence with a whispered, “Feel better Surgarcube?”

She felt Dash nod, “You smell nice,” she mumbled.

Applejack chuckled, “Ah take it didn’t go well with yer parents.” She felt Dash nodded again before the pegasus retracted her wings and pulled away. “Yah want t’a talk about it?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash stopped halfway while shaking her head and let out a sigh, “Applejack do you care if my parents approve of you?”

Applejack cocked her head to one side, “What happened today?”

“My parents want me to settle down…” Dash began.

There’s that marriage thing again, Applejack thought to herself.

“…with a stallion.”

Applejack shook her head, “That ain’t too much of a surprise Dash.”

Applejack saw Dash’s wings flare out in anger, “That’s not it! They got it in their head that I was dating Big Mac and…why are you laughing?”

Applejack managed to regain control of her laughter and took a deep calm breath, “I’m sorry Surgarcube but ya and Big Mac…” she let out another laugh, “Yah ain’t exactly his type.”

Dash rolled her eyes, “Lucky for you he isn’t mine either.”

Applejack nodded, very thankful for that fact, “So what’s the problem that made yah go all mushy? A little misunderstanding?”

“No! They disapproved of Mac because he was an earth pony! They didn’t even know that I was dating anyone and the second that they find out it’s an earth pony they act as though I was dating Discord! I mean can you imagine what they would say if they found out I was dating an earth pony mare?” Dash yelled.

Applejack was about to responded when out of nowhere Discord appeared in a bath tube. He poked his head out of the curtains and smiled, “Someone called?”

Applejack facehoofed, “Not a good time Discord.”

“Applejack! I am hurt. Can you not make time for your friends?” Discord replied turning off the shower.

Applejack pointed to a fuming Rainbow Dash, “What do ya want Discord?”

Discord shrugged, “You look like you need some cheering up, here.” Discord snapped his figures and a large rainbow colored mustache appeared on Dash’s face.

“DISCORD!” Rainbow yelled.

“What? Everyone likes mustaches,” Discord replied innocently then looked at Rainbow Dash more carefully, “Aww is someone dealing with daddy issues?” Applejack gave him a glare, “Fine.” The mustache disappeared from Rainbow’s face and the mare quickly put herself between Applejack and Discord.

“I do not have the patients to deal with you right now,” Dash growled raising her wings protectively in front of Applejack.

“Is that anyway to treat the pony…like creature that has the answers to your problems?” Discord asked.

“What are you talking about?” Dash replied her aggression faltering slightly.

“I’ll just make Applejack into a pegasus stallion and viola your problem are solved.”

You have got to be kidding me, Applejack thought to herself. She quickly looked to Dash’s face hopping the mare had more sense than to agree with the god of chaos.

“Over my dead body,” Rainbow Dash said, the aggression back in her voice, “Applejack is perfect the way she is and no one is changing her.” Applejack felt warmth flood her body at Dash’s words.

Discord stuck out his tongue, “Fine do it your way.” With that the god of chaos disappeared.

“I’m sorry AJ,” Dash said after a while.

“Ah ain’t got not’in t’a be sorry ‘bout. Ah’s be worried what mah and pa might think ‘bout ya in yer position too,” Applejack responded running her hoof through her marefriend’s mane.

Dash quickly looked to Applejack, “I don’t care what they think really. They can go to Tarturs for all I care. I’m worried you’ll want their approval. I know how important family is to you.”

Applejack smiled, “Their opinion ain’t goanna change nothing. Ah’ll always love ya.”

“And then she just up and left,” the pegasus mare in front of Rarity exclaimed as she examined a rack of dress.

“Rainbow Dash is nothing is not impulsive if you don’t mine me saying so Mrs. Rainbowshine,” Rarity replied her eyes wandering to her window. It was not the window that interested her but rather the castle she could see beyond it. The past couple days had been hard to say the least. She had wanted to go an apologize to Twilight but work, Sweetie Belle, and Spike kept getting in the way.

“That’s an understatement,” the stallion accompanying Rainbow’s mother chuckled, “That and saying she’s stubborn.”

“I honestly don’t understand what that filly is trying to hide,” Rainbowshine muttered. Rarity’s ears perked up and for the first time since Rainbow’s parent step into her store they had her full attention.

“What do you mean by that?” Rarity asked leaning forward in curiously.

Rainbow Blaze scoffed, “It’s like thinks flying away will hide the fact she’s dating that earth pony.”

Rarity’s ears flicked, “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s wrong with her dating the pony she loves? They make a lovely couple.”

Rainbow Blaze rolled his eyes, “I thought you were a fashion designer, red and blue don’t go well together.”

Rarity bit back her comment about the fact that there was red in the couple’s blue coated daughter’s mane and instead opted to sigh, “What dose that have to do with anything?”

Rainbowshine looked up form the dress she was studying, “I thought you said you knew Rainbow Dash?”

Rarity cocked her head to one side, “Of course I do. We are both barres of the Elements of Harmony. We’ve had many an adventure together and I would trust her with my life if necessary.”

“Then how can you not know she dating that red stallion from the apple farm?” Rainbshine asked.

Rarity’s eyes widened, “I assure you the pony she is seeing is not Big Macintosh. Where would you get such an idea?”

Both parents looked at Rarity with curious expressions, although Rainbow Blaze’s seemed harder then his wife’s, “How would you know that?”

“Because the stallion considered Ponyville's hottest stallion is already taken by our lovely school teacher,” Rarity replied, “That’s a cute couple,” she mused. She had wanted for a while now to do up an outfit for the two but they repeatedly denied her suggestions.

“So if she’s not dating the earth pony then who is she hiding from us and why is she spending so much time at a farm?” Rainbow Blazed asked, Rarity could see a bit of anger welling inside the stallion and it began worry her, “Unless…”

“What is it honey?” Rainbowshine asked.

“When I went to see Dash she was on top of a mare,” Rainbow Blaze growled.

Rainbowshine began to laugh, “You can’t be serious. Our Rainbow Dash a fillyfoller?”

Rainbowshine’s words stung Rarity and she cast another glance at the castle. Longing more then ever to be there now. Her patients with these ponies was growing thin. They had after all been here almost an hour, not bought and single thing and just complained about their daughter none stop.

Despite his wife’s laughter Rainbow Blaze’s face only grew darker, “I raised her better then that,” he muttered.

Rarity facehoofed, “What dose it matter if she like mare?”

The glare she got from Rainbow Blaze could have melted steel, “They are an abomination against Celestia herself.”

Rarity kept her anger in check, not only was Rainbow Blaze insulting her, but he was insulting her sister, and a Princess of Equestria, two if you wanted to be picky about it, “I believe that your stay at my establishment is longer then it needs to be. I must ask you to leave so that I may continue my work.”

“Is that anyway to talk to your customers?” Rainbow Blazed asked.

“No. But is how I am going to address you. Now OUT!” Rarity yelled and flung the door open with her magic. The two ponies where quickly shoved out the door only to have it slam shut behind them. Rarity let a sigh and flopped down on her couch. Then she heard foot steps coming down the stairs.

“What’s going on?” a sleepy looking Spike asked as he rubbed his eyes.

“Nothing Spike. Just a couple of close minded ponies,” Rarity replied.

“You’re going over to talk with Twilight.”

“No, I’m afraid I have too much work again,” Rarity said half heartily. She actually did want to see Twilight. It pained her that she had caused the alicorn pain, no matter how small it may have been.

“No you’re going to speak with Twilight. You’ve put it off long enough and if you don’t…” Spike paused as his voice hitched, “…come back with a marefriend I will burn your store down.” Rarity stared at the dragon. She couldn't fathom how hard it must be for him to do this, push her towards Twilight when he was the one that wanted her longest. “Am I clear?”

Rarity wrapped Spike in a hug and gave him a peck on the cheek, “Like the crystal of Twilight’s castle. Thank you Spike you are a true friend.”

Spike blushed, “Yah well go before I do something stupid again.”

Rarity stood on the door step to Twilight’s castle admiring the ornate door. She began playing with ideas for how to decorate the place. Inside could do with some more rugs and the outside a few banners announcing the presents of the royalty within and so on.

Stop stalling, she told herself. But try as she might she kept finding things to distract her. Maybe I should have brought that dress over for Twilight, a peace offering of sorts, she mused. Shaking her head to clear her mind she raised her hoof, then lowered it, then raised it, then lowered it again.

Alright you coward. You are going in there and you professing you love for the Princess of Friendship and you are going to like it! She internally yelled at herself and confidently knocked on the door. A few moments later the door swung open revealing a sight that made Rarity’s confidence shatter. There standing before her in all her glory, the pure white coat, gold medal shoes, graceful neck and beautiful pearl white wings was the monarch of Equestrian itself.

“PRINCES CELESTIA!”

Pruple and White

“PRINCES CELESTIA!” Rarity yelled and quickly fell into a bow. Of course Twilight would tell her mentor about this.

“Rise,” Celestia spoke. Rarity couldn’t help but notice the distinct lack of warmth in her voice. She steeled her resolve, she needed to talk with Twilight and no fear was going to stop her.

“I need to speak with Princess Twilight Sparkle,” she said confidently.

“The Princess is not taking audiences today,” Celestia responded, her voice monotone.

“I am sure she can make time for me,” Rarity responded, hatting how much she sounded like a noble. She searched her mind for a way around Celestia that would result in banishment. None came to mind.

“She wishes not to,” Celestia responded once again in her monotone voice. With her patients already worn out from Rainbow Dash’s parents and the threat of her store being burned to the ground should she fail coupled with the need to make things right with Twilight Rarity snapped like a overstretched spring. Despite this she still managed to keep herself in check, she was talking with the goddess of the sun after all.

“I do not have time for this Princess. I must speak with Twilight regarding a sensitive personal matter. So let me pass.”

Celestia gave a small smile, “I’m sure that Twilight can make time to see you.”

Rarity stared at the monarch in bewilderment, “You just said–”

“That the Princess is not taking audiences,” Celestia interrupted, “Twilight however will always make time for her friends. Titles and phrasing can change an entering meaning.”

Celestia’s comments stung Rarity, each word a reminder of the mistake she had made comparing Twilight to her Prince, “Very well then. May I speak with Twilight? Please?”

“Follow me,” Celestia instruction. They walked through the corridors of the castle till they arrived at Twilight’s private study. “You may wait here.” With that the goddess of the sun disappeared into another corridor.

Excellent job Rarity, you have managed to tick off two princess with one comment, she thought to herself as she looked around the room. The study was Twilight’s most prized room aside from her library and Rarity suddenly felt truly honored to be allowed within its walls.

“Twilight I strongly advise that you meet with this pony,” Celestia’s voice drifted down the halls. It didn’t surprise Rarity that Twilight didn’t want to see anyone. She thought of the poor mare out of sorts in her room trying so hard to keep herself together only to fail miserably. It broke Rarity’s heart. She scanned Twilight’s desk to try and take her mind of the image. That’s she noticed the open journal.

I really shouldn’t, she told herself as she began to read the journal.

I am an abomination, failure, pathetic, a failure. I failed Spike by trying to take his mare, I failed Celestia by not being able to hold up the royal façade, I failed Candace by not successfully revealing my feelings, I failed my brother by failing his wife, I failed myself and most of all I have failed Rarity, sweet beautiful perfect Rarity. She would never want anything to do with me anymore. I had a chance and threw it away. I wish I had never sent her away. So what if she wanted my title? I WANT HER! I want her, I want her so bad it hurts. Now I have sent a stupid letter to Celestia and she’s going to come and make sure that I don’t destroy Ponyville or something, disrupting her duties. I suppose I’ve failed Luna by pulling her sister away. I am worthless–

The rest of the journal entry contain only smeared ink from what Rarity could tell was tears. She felt her own tears tracking down her face as she read the entry again. There was no way that Twilight Sparkle, multi-time savior of Equestria, master of magic and ascended Princess, could think this way. Although she mentioned herself in the entry it was so…so selfless, she concerned herself with only the betrayals she believed she did on to others.

“Those are my student’s personal notes,” Celestia said from behind Rarity. Rarity jumped and spun around to face the white alicorn. “Twilight is just cleaning up.”

Rarity nodded dumbly, “Thank you princess.”

Celestia seemed to hesitate for a moment before she spoke again, “Rarity the letter mentioned in that journal was the last thing I wanted to receive. Do you know why?”

Rarity was going to suggest that it was a petty personal matter that did not concern the Princess but wisely held her tongue as the Princess continued.

“Because Twilight is like the daughter I never had. I never want to see her in as much pain as she is in right now again. Do I make myself clear?”

Rarity thought she caught the mare’s meaning but she couldn’t be sure, “I don’t–”

“I am going to leave upon Twilight’s arrival and you shall right the wrong you have done.” Celestia said bluntly. Before Rarity could respond they heard hoof steps coming down the hall. Both mares turned to the door as Twilight appeared. For Rarity time seemed to slow down. Twilight was done up in her full royal regal and suddenly Celestia was no long the most beautiful thing in Equestria. Twilight’s beautiful lavender coat, still bookish mane, long horn, elegant wings, graceful neck, her flanks…Rarity felt herself shiver.

“Rarity what are you doing here?” Twilight asked. Her beautiful inquisitive eyes looking the white unicorn over. The hurt hidden behind them was not lost on Rarity.

“I will take my leave. I shall be in the library if you need me Twilight. Daring Do and I have some unfinished business.” With that odd comment Celestia left leaving the other two mares to stare awkwardly at each other.

“I’m sorry!”

“I’m sorry!” They both said in unison.

“Wait. Why are you sorry?”

“Stop doing that!”

A long moment of silence insured. Both mare’s mouths opened and closed multiple times but no words were spoken. Despite the fact Twilight had cleaned up Rarity could almost see the tracks of tears that were running down the mare’s cheeks, this and the sorrow in the Princess’s eyes broke her heart. How could she cause such a divine creature such pain? Rarity felt tears welling up in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry Twilight,” she whispered finally breaking the silence as the first tear made its track down her face. “I never should have said what I said. It was meant to be light humor…stupid humor I suppose.”

Twilight nodded, “I shouldn’t have kicked you out. It’s just been a concern since Spike brought up the possibility. I want you Rarity, you how no idea how much. I want you so bad it hurts, but only if you want me. Not Princess Twilight Sparkle but the real me.”

Rarity bowed her head, “As you should Twilight. You deserve so much better than me. I wish only that you are happy.”

“That’s the problem Rarity!” Twilight snapped, “I am happy around you but I can never have that! I promised Spike.” New tears had begun to make their way down the alicorn’s cheeks and it further smashed Rarity’s broken heart. She hesitantly reached a hoof out and cupped the princess’s face.

“Twilight,” she whispered, “Spike is more understanding then you give him credit for.”

“How could you know that?” Twilight protested, “You didn’t see his reaction when he found out about my crush.”

Rarity smiled slightly, Spike had in fact told her of that confrontation, “Spike is at my store this moment. He threatened to burn it to the ground if I did not come back with a marefriend. Does that sound like a he is trying to keep us apart?”

Twilight sniffled, “I still can’t–”

“Spike has somepony else Twilight. He and Apple Bloom are going on date this coming Friday,” Rarity interrupted.

Twilight’s head shot up, “Really!?” Rarity could hear the hope in Twilight voice.

Rarity nodded, “Twilight Sparkle will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to dinner this Friday?”

There was a long silence as Twilight stared at Rarity. At first Rarity dismissed it as surprise but after a while she began to become uncomfortable. She waved her hoof in front of Twilight’s face calling her name. Resigned herself to the fact she had managed to break one of the Princesses of Equestria Rarity set out to find Princess Celestia. As the Princess had said she was in the library curled up with a Daring Do book.

“Ah Rarity. I trust that you and Twilight sorted this whole issue out?”

Rarity felt like she shrunk under the Sun Goddess’s gaze, “Sort of…”

Celestia cocked an eyebrow, “How do you mean.”

“I may have broken–” Rarity was abruptly cut off as a purple blur trackled her to the ground.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Twilight chanted as Rarity felt hooves and wings wrap around her. She hugged the alicorn back. “Yes!” Twilight exclaimed one final time as Princess Celestia chuckled.

“Twilight dear,” Celestia called, “Perhaps you should let poor Rarity back up. Hmm?”

“Nope,” Twilight said in a rather undignified manner, “I am never letting her go.” Twilight happily nuzzled Rarity’s cheek. Rarity gladly returned the gesture. She had had her romances before but this felt different. Normally such clinginess would appalled her, but it was adorable on Twilight. Like a foal and their pet. She smiled as the Goddess of the Sun began to giggle at the sight.

“Twilight,” Rarity said faintly as Twilight tightened her hold on the mare, “I’m not going anywhere but I…would…very…much…Breath! Twilight!” Her call became frantic as her lungs ran out of air. Twilight promptly let go of the white unicorn.

“Sorry,” she mumbled.

Rarity gave her a small peck on the cheek, ignoring the fact she was in front of the Equestrian ruler. Somethings proved more important than image after all, “It’s alright. Now shall we returned to Spike so that my store may stay intact?”

Rainbow Dash did a quick flip before landing in front of the Casserole Boutique. She look at the building she usually went out of her way to avoid. It almost seemed menacing with the knowledge of the question that Rainbow was going to ask its occupant. She took a deep breath and walked through the front door. She had to make this quick both for her own sanity and because it was Friday and she had promised to take AJ out tonight. The little bell of above the door chimed sounding like the bells of hell to Dash.

“Rainbow Dash!” an overly excited white mare exclaimed.

“Uhm…Hi Rarity,” Rainbow replied. She couldn’t help but notice the fact that Rarity was all dolled up for something. “Am I interrupting anything?” she asked gesturing to the get-up.

Rarity smiled bashfully, “No not at all. What can I do for you?”

“You remember how you helped me out with that necklace for Applejack?”

“Oh dose our dare devil want one too? I’m sure I can find some time. I think–”

“No,” Dash interrupted, “I don’t do girly necklaces and stuff.”

“Neither dose Applejack normally but she is always wearing that delightful piece you commissioned,” Rarity pointed out.

Rainbow Dash grit her teeth, “That’s different. Will you help me or not?”

“Of course dear. Now what it is that has gotten you so on edge?”

Rainbow Dash leaned forward and whispered her request into Rarity’s pear white ear. The fashion mare’s eyes widen to the size of dinner plates before she let out a squeal and fainted.

Ruling

Rarity shook her head. She wasn’t really surprised at Dash’s parents belief but a little shocked they would trouble a Princess, on a Friday evening no less, with such a problem. She glanced to Twilight. It was so adorable to see the gears turning in her head. No doubt trying to find the best response to such a claim.

“Mr. Blaze is it?” Twilight asked. Rainbow Blaze nodded. “Having known the Apple family for a long time now and having personally been in various situations with Applejack that has required my complete trust in her leads me to believe that she would not ever do such a thing to Rainbow Dash.”

“You mean you knew!” Rainbow Shine exclaimed.

Twilight crocked her head to one side and Rarity’s heart just about melted, Nothing has the right to be so cuuute!

“Oh course. Most of Ponyville dose. They have been together for a while now. From my studies under Princess Candace they appear to have one of the strongest bonds around.”

“Were you not a student of Princess Celestia?” Rainbow Shine asked.

Twilight sighed, “Yes I was and still am.”

“How could you allow such abominations against her progress in your domain?”

“First off I do not have a ‘domain’ as of yet, Second…” Twilight replied. Despite the Princesses best efforts Rarity could still detect the irritation behind those words, not that she faulted Twilight in the slightest. “The right for same sex relationships is well establish and supported by Princess Celestia herself. I saw no need to intervene.”

“But–” Rainbow Blaze tried but Twilight interrupted.

“If the ruling you are looking for is that I command Applejack and Rainbow Dash to stop seeing each other you are in the wrong place. I can guaranty that the other Princesses will support my ruling as well. Now if you’ll excuse me I have more pressing matters to attend to,” Twilight stated firmly.

“I will not stand for such a failure of proper social…” Rainbow Blaze trailed off as in an instant Twilight’s composure snapped.

“Failure?” She asked, her coat taking on a dangerously hot color as the sheer extent of her magical abilities became apparent with uncontrolled magic sizzling in the air around the now white eyed alicorn.

Rarity backed up, Oh dear…that is...

She saw the Dash parents wilt under the gaze of the enraged princess.

“Uhm…what I meant to…to…to say,” Rainbow Blaze fumbled trying to repair the damage he had done but it was too late. He had called
Twilight a failure.

This will be interesting, Rarity mused.

“Leave my castle this instance!” Twilight yelled. The Dash parents scampered for a footing as they turned to run. “THAT MEANS NOW!” With a flash of purple light the two ponies vanished, “And never let me see you in Ponyville again!” Twilight yelled to the empty space. Dash, Applejack, and Rarity all looked on in shock. Twilight remained seething for a few moments before a cough from Applejack seemed to bring her back. In an instance Twilight got control of her magic again and returned to the appearance she had before. She then proceeded to have a break down.

“Oh Celestia what have I done!” She wailed burying her head under her hooves. Not a pony moved. Till Rainbow began to laugh so hard she fell over. Applejack and Rarity watched their respective marefriend’s on the floor silently.

“Uhm…Sorry to interrupt your night Rares,” Applejack apologized, evidently still in shock over Twilight’s outburst.

Rarity shook here head, not fully recovered either, “Anything for dear friend.”

“Oh my god Twilight you’re the best!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between laughs.

Twilight raised her head from her hooves, “What?”

“Did…Did you see the look on their faces? It was priceless!”

Twilight then dissolved into laughter as well, “It was…funny.”

Rarity saw Applejack shake her head, “Why do ah love that stupid feather brain.”

Rarity looked to her respective love. The bookish mare, who had just shown more power than any unicorn in Ponyville was laying on the floor rolling with Dash in laughter like a foal. It made her heart swell with love. “Why do love anypony? Because they make us complete.”

“So where you’d send ‘em?” Dash asked as she regained control of her laughter.

Twilight’s smile faded instantly she then buried her head under her hooves and mumbled “I don’t know.”

Dash dissolved back into laughter.

Author's Note

Just a short chapter this time. I took an idea from a comment and completely rewrote this one (hence the delay). Anymore suggestions before I wrap this up?

This one has not had the gracing of the my proof reader but I didn't want to hold it back any longer. :twilightblush:

Unplaned Consultations

Princess Celestia stretched her back after shedding her regal ware. It had been a long day of snotty dignitaries and nobles and she was looking forward to curling up with a good book in front of her fireplace. She carefully selected an ancient text she loved dearly and set the fire with her magic. She drew her curtains and with a content sigh settled down for a nice relaxing read. For a moment all was peaceful. It was a precious moment that Celestia cherished for it was ended all too soon as a purple flash erupted in front of her. The first few times this had happened Celestia was at the ready but with this event happening more and more recently she simply smiled not even looking up from her book she called.

“Good evening Twilight.” What Celestia got in response was not the usual greeting of her faithful student but the nervous shriek and rambling of a pony she did not know. To Celestia’s surprise, she looked up to find two ponies standing in front her with terrified expressions on their faces. Evidently not a threat. Keeping her composure she closed her book.

“I’m sorry my little ponies. Twilight has never sent guest by her spells. What is your business here? After the hours of the court?” Celestia asked. Her annoyance in check from thousands of years of practice. The ponies just stared shell shocked. “Speak,” Celestia commanded.

“Celestia!” the stallion shouted. The sun goddess held back a snicker.

“Yes?” she asked.

“Your student has ruled against you Princess,” the stallion continued, “and then assaulted my wife and myself.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, “I’ve known Princess Twilight Sparkle for many years. She is not one to be violent. Nor anger easily. And what ruling did you seek from her?”

“Our daughter is being–”

At that moment who these ponies were clicked in Celestia’s mind, “Oh yes. How is Rainbow Dash? I haven’t spoken to her recently.”

“She is being forced into a relationship,” the mare replied, speaking for the first time.

Celestia cocked her head to the side, “Is she now? I thought those two would be inseparable but I guess the heart does what it pleases does it not?”

“What?” the stallion asked rather unceremoniously.

“I assume that she has broken things off with Applejack if she has been forced into a new relationship.”

“You knew?”

“Of AppleDash?” Celestia asked completely dropping her composure to have fun with these parents. “Why of course.” All Celestia got was a blank stare from both the mare and the stallion. “They are quite the couple.”

“But…But…they’re mares,” the stallion stammered.

“And you a stallion,” Celestia replied, enjoying toying with the closed minded stallion, “So is this why you wished to speak with me?”

Again Celestia got no response from the parents.

“Well?” The stallion and mare both nodded, “In that case, the right to same-sex relationships is well established and I fully support it.
Therefore if the ruling was to allow Applejack and Rainbow Dash to continue seeing each other then I agree with the ruling and see no need to overthrow it.”

“What about procreation?” mare shouted, speaking for the first time.

Now they’re just grasping at straws, she thought to herself, “Procreation doesn’t matter if a pony can’t be happy with an opposed sex partner.”

Before the mare could respond a feverish knocking sounded on the door and a very excited Princess Candace ran in. Celestia sighed and closed her book. So much for relaxing.

“My dear niece I am in the middle of something,” Celestia cautioned the younger Princess.

“Nothing important,” Candace replied then turned to the couple, “Applejack and Rainbow Dash have a very strong bond and are truly in love none of the rulers of equestrian intend to force them apart. Good day.” With that, a flash of light blue erupted and the Dash parents were gone.

“How did you…”

“Princess of Love,” Candace interrupted. “Now common with have something to do!” Another flash of light erupted as Candace teleported herself and Celestia.

Epilogue

As the magic cleared Celestia leveled a glare at her niece. They had arrived at Ponyville park and were currently concealed behind a bush. She magicked the book she was holding back to her library before speaking, “Where did you teleport those ponies?”

“The depths of Tartus where they belong,” Candace replied as she peering over the bush as if trying to see something.

Celestia coughed showing her disapproval. Candace rolled her eyes, “Where do you think? I sent them home.”

“Good,” Celestia stated firmly, “Now why are we here?”

Candace giggled like a school filly, “It’s date night!”

Celestia cleared her throat, “Candace you are not a filly anymore. You are a grown mare with a husband these play “dates” need to stop.”

Candaces face contorted into a look of disgust, “No not like that ew.”

Not sure how to take that, Celestia mused.

“I meant it’s date night for Twilight.”

Celestia’s ears perked up. “That was tonight?” Candace nodded grinning like a fool. Celestia’s frowned when she realized what her niece was planning, “We are not spying on them.”

“Aww, why not?” Candace wined.

“Because it’s an invasion of privacy.”

“Like when you spied on Shinning and I?” Candace asked.

Celestia’s mind ground to a halt, “I beg your pardon?”

“You spied on Shinning on our first date didn’t you?” Candace asked.

Horse apples, Celestia thought, “That was different.”

“How so?” Candace asked innocently.

“I was like your mother!” Celestia tried to reason.

“Any normal mother would have stopped spying after the first date.”

Celestia’s mind reeled as she tried to come up with an excuse for her past behavior, “I did not know the stallion! I only wanted to ensure your safety.”

Candace leveled her own glare at Celestia, “Shinning is the brother of the student you took under your wing at the time. You knew him before I started dating him.”

Right, Celestia thought to herself. She was running out of excuses.

“So can we go spy on some lovebirds now?” Candace asked.

Celestia sighed heavily, “Fine. But just this once.”

“Goodie,” Candace said smiling and then started to skip down the road. Celestia smile despite herself eager to ensure her student was having a good time and confident that Candace was done with the embarrassing topic of her spying on her dates. She caught up to Candace then got a sideways glance from Candace.

“I’m glad you stop spying on Shinning and I,” she stated innocently.

Celestia prayed that Candace wasn’t about to remind her of why she had stopped spying on them.

“After that night you saw us shack up I was worried you’d be watching every time.”

Well, Celestia thought to herself as she swung upside down from the ceiling bound by magically reinforced chains, Not my finest moment.

There was a pop of magic and then Candace appeared in front of her bound in a similar manner. Celestia leveled a glare at her niece, who was grinning ear to ear. The Princess of Love’s smile faded as she realized where she was.

“Wow, didn’t think Twilight of all ponies would have a dungeon,” the pink mare remarked.

“Really?” Celestia snorted, “That is the first thing that comes to mind right now?”

“You actually thought sweet, trusting Twilight would have a dungeon?” Candace asked innocently.

“Well…no,” Celestia admitted. She looks around and noticed just how dark and dreadful the dungeon actually was, “This is worse than my dungeon at the Castle actually.”

“So?” Candace asked, “Do you think they are making out?”

“No,” Celestia stated bluntly, “I think Twilight is having a mental break down because she realized just who she sent here.”

Candace grimaced, “Oh…that wasn’t what I was going for.”

“What exactly were you going for?” Celestia asked she was starting to get a headache from all the blood running to her head. “You just had to squeal when they kissed.”

Candace rolled her eyes, “You know how I get when I see true love. At least I didn’t gag,”

Celestia decided arguing with the Princess of Love was useless so she just opted to remain quiet. Thankfully, before Candace could say anything else the chains around them dissolved. Unfortunately for them, they were suspended at least five feet in the air. Celestia hit the ground with a pronounced thud.

She groaned, rubbing her horn as she pulled herself off the floor. She looked to see Candace doing the same only for her fellow princess to dissolve into a fit of giggles. She tilted her head to one side in confusion, the letter impaled on her horn falling in front of one of her eyes.

Celestia let out a heavy sigh and pulled the letter off her horn.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Over the last few weeks, I have learned a great deal pertaining to the development of personal and romantic relationships. I have seen the dedication that two of my closest friends have to each other and have seen how even unlikely pairings deserve the chance to succeed. It has taught me to not be afraid of my feelings and to take a chance on love. While it is still early, I have a good feeling about Rarity and look forward to sharing many more moonlight walks with her. Preferably without intrusion.

Enjoy your evening, I know I most certainly will.

You’re most faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S Rarity made me send this, please don’t banish me to the moon.

Author's Note

Sorry that took so long! I was experimenting with various ways to continue the story but decided they all felt to dragged out so I opted to end with this short amusing scene.

Thanks for following along. I am playing with a couple other story ideas, so if you have something you might like to see send me a message. Might be fun to write!

Have a great day!

Hidden Scars

Applejack sat alone in her room. It was completely dark save for the one candle on her desk, even though the afternoon sun was still shinning bright she didn’t feel she deserved its warmth. In front of her was a blood stained photo of the pegasus she loved, It was a beautiful picture. The sun was shining on those perfect flanks and her rainbow mane fell over her withers in a messy wave. The mare’s wing tucked neatly at her sides. It was Rainbow Dash and it was perfection at its purest on a normal day, now though it was a constant reminder to Applejack of her pain. She pushed her mane out of the way revealing the scare from her failed suicide attempt. She got lucky, she had broken things off with Dash after the pegasus had joined the Wonderbolts, she had been gone months on end Applejack decided her heart couldn’t take it. Turns out it couldn’t take losing her either. Thankfully that stubborn pony Applejack loved so much had come looking for her and found her, saving her life. It only made what had happened today harder. She had been working in the orchard again bucking apples cursing her mane as it always got in the way when she wore it down but was unwilling to tie it up because it would show her scare, when a blue pony fell from a tree.

“Man Applejack. I was having the best dream,” Dash had muttered.

“What are you doing in m’ah tree again?” Applejack demanded.

“Er…Napping.” Dash replied. Normally it was completely normal banter but it had rubbed Applejack the wrong way.

“All y’all ever do it nap. Why don’t y’all do something for once!” she shouted. Applejack knew that Rainbow worked harder than most, almost as much as she herself did, but that didn’t stop her.

“Hey AJ. Calm down. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry don’t change that ah have t’a get all these trees bucked and all y’ah are doing is interrupting!”

With that Rainbow had left and Applejack had never felt like such an ass. Tears streaked down Applejack’s cheeks as she thought about earlier that day. She had pushed her away. If only she had been less touchy. She grabbed the knife on her desk in her mouth. She had hurt Dash, more then she wanted to. She made cut on her foreleg. One cut for the pain her suicide attempt caused. The pain bloomed through her hoof, but it was good, punishment for the wrongs she had done. Another cut for that time she had been so busy she forgot about Dash’s birthday. Another for today, and a fourth for the next time. She could have kept going but she was crying too much. Blood had begun to pool on the desk, although the cuts wouldn’t kill her they were deep enough to bleed heavily. She dropped the knife into the blood and leaned forward kissing the picture of Dash.

A knock came at the door, “AJ? It’s me.” Applejack’s heart filled with an overwhelming joy. She had come back. Her mare had come back! She bolted to the door forgetting about the knife and cuts. She threw her door open and fireclay hugged Rainbow Dash.

“Y’all came back,” Applejack whispered softly.

“Of course I came back. You done with the apples yet?” Dash asked.

“Oh…uhm I was—”

“What’s with you sitting in the dark?” Dash asked. Applejack suddenly remember the evidence on her desk, she quickly swept everything into an open draw and hide her injured hand in her golden blond mane.

“AJ are you…” Dash trailed off and her eyes widened as she flexed her wings. One of which had AJ’s blood on it. Dash looked back at the earth pony. “AJ?”

“RD I’m sorry. Ah cut myself on an old fence. It ain’t stopped bleeding yet,” Applejack started to explained. Dash grabbed the hidden hoof and inspected the cuts.

“Those weren’t caused by barb wire,” Dash argued, then seemed to notice the blood on the desk. “I thought you were past this AJ?”

“Ah am! Or ah was. Ah couldn’t take the wrong ah done yah today, can yah forgive a foolish mare?” Applejack replied, tears coming back to her eyes.

“What wrong? If you talking about when you yelled at me today then we have very different definitions of wrongs.”

“You didn’t come back though. You would always come back in an hour.”

Dash gave her a look, “I had to work. Remember I told you I’d see you after work?” Applejack gave her a blank stare, “Weather doesn’t make itself.”

Applejack nodded recalling the words, “Sorry,” she muttered softly.

“Hey. Don’t apologize to me. You’re the one that got hurt.”

“Am stupider then an old rock,” Applejack lamented and Dash got a bandage from the bathroom desk.

“Probably more stubborn too,” Dash pointed out and ran a wing over Applejacks face while she dressed the wounds. Applejack shuddered. She loved the feel of Dash’s wings on her. She couldn’t get enough of it actually. She gently took the wing with her free hove and gently kissed her primary feathers. Dash stopped what she was doing to shudder.

“AJ…uhm…maybe that’s not the best idea with your family just down stairs,” Dash suggested.

Applejack looked at her marefriend in confusion but chose not to question her. It must have been some pegasus thing. The important thing was that they were together.

Rainbow Dash carefully washed the blood from Applejack’s mane. She shook her head. She hatted seeing her marefriend like this, especially when it was because of her. What had she done wrong? AJ asked her to leave and she had. It wasn’t her fault she had to work that afternoon, alright it kind of was seeing as she controlled the schedule. She carefully finished with the mane and flexed her wings finding that they had finely dried. She draped a wing over Applejack and gave her a little squeeze, making sure that her feather’s brushed the mare’s cutie mark.

“You’re beautiful with your mane down,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Thanks Sugarcube.” AJ responded. Silence followed. Dash considered what to do then tied AJ’s mane into its usual style.

“But this is more you,” she said.

“Sugar I can’t wear it like that. Everypony would see my scar.” Applejack protested.

“And all this time I thought it was for my benefit.” Dash teased, “Here I got you something.” Dash searched her saddle bags and pulled out a pieces of cloth.

“It’s the latest fashion thing in Couldsdale. I know it’s not really an earth pony thing. But I thought it would be a nice way to mark my mare,” Dash explained.

Applejack took the cloth and examined it, “Thank you Dash.”

“Recognize the pendant?” Dash smiled as AJ’ eyes widen. The pendant was a red heart with their cutie marks on it.

“But I gave you that,” AJ protested.

“No. you gave me this one,” Dash stated slipping hers on, “I had that one made. Rarity did the stitching on the fabric. It’s perfect because…” Dash put the necklace around AJ, “It shields your scar. Just like I will always shield you.” Dash laughed a little at herself for such a corny line. She considered how much she had changed since going out with AJ. All the things she thought of as just being sappy where now worthwhile doing. She smiled as she heard Applejack chuckle. Dash leaned in close to AJ’s ear and whispered, “I love you.”

“I love too Dashie. So much more then I could ever say.” AJ purred, Dash gently kissed AJ’s neck before speaking.

“Common. It’s dinner time.” Applejack complied and limped downstairs. Dash had been hoping to have a good race with Applejack before dinner but that wasn’t going to happen now. When they reached the main floor of the farm house Dash wasn’t surprised when Applebloom pointed out the bandage hoof.

“What y'all do to your foot sis?”

“Cut it on an old fence,” AJ replied.

“Again? You better be more careful yungin,” Granny smith said from the kitchen. Realization hit Dash like a freight train. Again?

“You’re right Granny.”

“You staying for dinner Dash?” Granny Smith asked.

“Nope. I’m going to take Applejack out for dinner if you don’t mind,” Dash responded quickly, not wanting her realization to appear on her face.

“Not at all. Don’t hurry back now,” Granny said happily and went back to fixing dinner.

“You wait outside okay AJ? I have to ask Big Mac something,” Dash said. She got a look from AJ, but the orange farmer nodded and retreat outside. Dash watched her go, even when that mare wasn’t trying she was sexy. She felt a presents behind her and jumped.

“I wasn’t staring,” she shot defensively before realizing that Big Mac hadn’t spoken yet.

“Eyup,” the red stallion replied. Dash fluttered her wings and looked at Mac. Should she tell him what she knew? Or keep a secret? No, she needed his help to protect AJ.

“I need you to do something for me.” Big Mac nodded. “Upstairs in AJ’s room in the top drawer of her desk there’s a picture of me and a knife. Take both of them and put them in my saddle bag while AJ and I are gone. Can you do that?” Dash asked, bluntly.

Mac’s eyes bulged, “Them cuts weren’t from no fence were they?” Dash shook her head. “Consider it done.” Mac said and left Dash to join her limping marefriend.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note

Here's the first part. Let me know what you think.
While it has been edited I am certain there are more mistakes so constructive criticism is welcome!

Returning Plans

The date was its usual affair. They had dinner down at the local restaurant and then went to enjoy the park. It was simple, but Applejack liked simple. They were now walking down the path to Sweet Apple Acres. Dash affectionately nuzzled AJ’s neck. Unlike so many other times when they returned the farm after a night out, she was completely sober. She had long ago come to terms with the fact that it was all right to be mushy and “un-cool”, if that was even possible for the Rainbow Dash, around Applejack when they were alone, only when they were alone though.

“How’s the hoof?” Dash asked. Their progress to the farm was slow, not that Dash minded the extra time with her marefriend, but she did mind the tense silence that encircled them.

“Ah’m fine Rainbow,” AJ replied. They continued their walk in silence. When they reached the farm house AJ bid Dash goodnight.

Dash stopped her with a wing, “I can’t help if you don’t let me in."

Applejack sighed, “Ah don’t deserve yah RD. Y’all are the best mare anypony could ask fer, yah deserve to be able t’a go about yer day and not have t’a worry about t’at stupid mare you left on the farm while yah go t’a make your living. Y’all deserve a stallion more than ah simple mare. Some pony that can fill you up inside, give the foal y’all have always wanted, and be strong when y’all can’t be.”

“Phew. Boring. I would much rather have you and an interesting life then a perfect boring one,” Dash countered.

“Whatever yah say RD.” With that Applejack closed the door.

She didn’t mean that did she? Did she just break up with me again? No she wouldn’t make the same mistake twice would she? Dash looked to AJ’s window where the dim light of a candle could barely be seen. She didn’t even kiss me goodnight. Dash’s mind raced as she retrieved her saddle bags. Images of finding AJ dead the next morning pushing their way to the for front of her subconscious. She quickly made it back to the door and knocked anxiously.

Granny Smith opened it, “Oh evening yungin. Yah forget something?”

“No. Granny can I stay the night?” Dash blurted out.

Granny eyed Dash carefully, “Yah hurt yer wing with another of those featherbrain stunts ‘o’ yours?”

Dash ignored the dig at her flying career, “No. Can I spent it with AJ?” Dash quickly continued when she saw Granny’s eye widen, “Not like that. She’s had a hard day and I’m worried about her. She has mentioned always wanting to wake up with me. We won’t do anything I promise, okay maybe cuddle and a little kissing but we won’t be bucking.”

Granny was quite for a while before responding, it was clear she didn't like Dash's use of profanity, “All right. The door stays open though.”

“Thank you Granny,” Dash said and made her way to AJ’s room. She could hear rambling something about a lost object. She knocked quietly and opened the door. Inside the room, in the dim candle light was AJ frantically searching for something. Papers and objects were strewn across the floor every which way.

“AJ?” Dash asked, leaving the door open.

“Dash!” AJ just about shrieked, before remembering the time.

“You lose something?” Dash asked.

AJ nodded slowly, “Ah can’t find that picture of yah. The one that ah had that day. It was right here ah know it, ah know…” she trailed off as she searched her draw again. Dash felt a stab of guilt hit her. Of course the picture would have been important. She toyed with the idea of keeping the picture. It was fuel for AJ’s pain wasn’t it? Or what if it was also something to ease the pain?

Why would that ease her pain feather brain, Dash thought to herself, you’re not that important.

“I might know where it is,” Dash said sheepishly, Great I thought we weren’t giving it to her. AJ eyed her curiously.

“Where?”

“My saddle bag,” Dash responded and braced herself for the verbal assault that was bound to follow, when it didn’t come she looked to her marefriend who was looking at the floor.

“Am ah that bad?” she asked.

“I don’t know AJ because you cut yourself instead of talking with me,” Dash responded harshly. Even if she didn’t fully understand what Applejack was going through it still hurt that the mare wouldn’t talk to her.

“No. Well yah. Ah meant am ah so bad t’at yall have’t brace yourself whenever y’all do something y’all don’t think Ah’ll like?” AJ asked, still looking at the floor, “Am ah that mean?”

Dash walked up to her marefriend and gave her a soft kiss on the lips, “You’re the kindest, gentlest, nicest, most honest mare I know.”

“Y’all are just saying that.”

Dash shook her head. She was about to argue but thought of something, “Are you that worried about losing me?”

AJ nodded.

Dash ruffled her wings, “You haven’t preened my wing lately,” she remarked

Applejack’s face fell further to the floor, “It’s not that ah don’t want to,” she mumbled.

Dash chuckled, “I’m not mad. But there’s something you should see.” Dash lifted her wing and motioned Applejack closer. “Remember after you woke up that day I said I would mark myself for my mare?”

“Yah. But ah figured it was just y’all’s emotions. Besides y’all never...Cornsarnit Dash!” Applejack said as she noticed the mark on Dash’s flight mussel. Dash felt a hoof run over the mark sending a shiver of pleasure up her spine. “It’s m’ah cutie mark.”

Dash nodded, a huge pride filled smile on her face, “Yep. Took Twilight a while but she finally figured out a way to make it work. I’m forever marked as yours Applejack.”

Twilight stretched her neck, feeling it pop as the stiffness from her mussels dissipated. She looked back to the book she was reading entitled Dedication and Loyalty among Significant Others. It always amused her that she had books so specified in the library of the castle. Ever since Rainbow Dash had asked Twilight to help her mark herself for Applejack Twilight had become fascinated with learning about the levels of commitment between ponies in a relationship. Her research, all be it eye opening as to how strong a bound Applejack and Rainbow Dash had, also made her long for something similar. She had develop a crush of sorts that was very much crushing her lately. Every time she was near the pony in question her heart would flutter a little and she would find herself scrambling for words. At night she would dream of their perfect life together in the future. The problem was that this pony was another mare. Not that she had anything against mares loving mares, after all Rainbow Dash and Applejack were a perfect example. Twilight’s concern was what her family would think, and almost more importantly, what the princesses would think of her. It was not uncommon for this kind of thing to happen, especially not within Canterlot. Various scenarios played through Twilight’s mind as to the reactions of her family and mentor. Same-sex relationships perfectly fine according to all of them, but if it was her, if it directly affected them would that change things? Each scenario her mind played out upset her more and more to the point where she couldn’t sit still. She began pacing and mumbling.

“They wouldn’t understand…but what if they do? What if they accept it? What if they don’t? What if Celestia banishes me? No she would never do that, besides Candace would see to it that I was not punished for loving something so perfect…but still,” Twilight mumbled her arguments back a forth with herself for the better part of half an hour before finally going to her desk and pulling out the picture of her and her best friend in the Ponyville park. She remembered the day it was taken, they had been walking to meet up with the rest of their friends, Twilight with her wings freshly preened and Rarity with her usual large brimmed sun hat and glass making her the hottest thing in Equestria. Twilight felt her cheeks flush at the memory, the list of sexy ideas she would do with those flanks one day was short, but long enough to embarrass her. They had all met in the park for a day of fun after the crazy from Twilight's ascension had calmed down. It had been the first day since gaining her wings that she had felt like a normal pony again.

She looked back to the picture and sighed, Buck it. She thought, Buck their opinions, buck her opinion, I’m asking her out. Twilight put the picture away and looked around her room, she just need an excuse to go to see her…perfect, Twilight levitated an old purple dress from her closet and put it in her saddle bag. The dress was one from before her ascension and had since fell in disrepair. The dress needed new seems and, if she was ever going to wear it again, wing holes. Most importantly it gave her reason to slip out and see Rarity.

“Spike! I have some running around to do. I’ll be back for dinner!” Twilight called as she reached the main room of the castle. Spike poked his head out of a hallway.

“Okay. Have fun,” he replied simply and disappeared.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relieve before guilt hit her. Why did we both have to have a crush on Rarity? She considered backing out of her plan, but decided against it. Spike would understand, it’s not like Rarity would ever go out with either of them. Spike was too young and Twilight was…well a nerdy mare who had no business with a mare as extraordinary as Rarity. Not exactly the prince Rarity was looking for. Twilight just needed to be shot down so she could move on.

Confident that she had made the right choice Twilight opened the door to her castle to find teenage filly standing there.

“Howdy Princess Twilight!” Applebloom greeted. Twilight smiled as she took in the filly’s appearance. The farm pony had done up her hair with its standard bow, she had brushed her tail and her coat and Twilight could smell the overdone perfume Applebloom was wearing. The filly looked like she was trying to catch a stallion’s attention.

“Hello, Applebloom, What can I do for you?”

“Is Spike home? I got a question for him,” Applebloom replied.

Oh I could get Spike to send a letter about this to Candace! Twilight thought before realizing the filly was expecting an answer. “I think he’s in his room. I’ll go get him for you. Please come in.” Twilight got Applebloom settled and then trotted to Spike’s room. She didn’t bother knocking figuring the dragon was asleep, she was not prepared for what awaited her on the other side of that door.

TO BE CONTINUED

Royal Consultations

A loud knocking sounded throughout the house. Applejack quickly finished with her mane. She glanced at the sun, it had only just begun to set.

Someone’s eager, Applejack thought to herself smiling. She looked herself over in the mirror. She didn’t look half bad, no where near what a mare that deserved Rainbow Dash should look like, but still presentable. She let out a frustrated sigh as she took in her bulky muscular frame. She envied Rainbow’s thin athletic frame sometimes. It was just…sexier.

The knocking sounded once again.

“Applebloom can yah get that?” Applejack called as she grabbed her Stenson.

“Enope! Ah’m busy,” Applebloom replied. Applejack just about faechoofed. That filly had been in her room all day since her date with Spike. From the smile she had on when Applejack last saw her she could only assume the date ended well.

“I’ll get it younglings,” Granny called.

“Thanks Granny!” Applejack called. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and fluffed her forelock. Satisfied she made her way to the stairs just as Granny Smith opened the door.

“Why howdy handsome. What–” Granny started only to be cut off.

“Where is that Celestia forbidden creature?” A strong male voice unmistakably Rainbow Blaze’s asked.

Applejack stopped dead in her tracks.

“Ain’t none here. Did ya try the Everfere?” Granny Smith asked.

“If your hiding her I will bring tartus upon you,” Rainbow Blazed shouted.

“What’s all the yelling about?” Applebloom asked loudly behind Applejack drawing attention their way.

Nice going sis, Applejack thought as she saw anger flare up in Rainbow Blaze’s eyes.

Surprisingly it wasn’t the stallion that spoke though, “You are to stay away from Rainbow Dash.” Dash’s mother’s voice was cold as ice.

“Now who do yah–”

“I can handle this Granny.” Applejack interjected, knowing full well this would be a disaster if Granny got involved.

“Like buck ya can,” Granny replied. “Y’all ain’t gonna say nothing to my grandbaby.”

“I will tear you limb from limb if I must,” Rainbow Blaze growled.

Applejack stepped between Granny and Rainbow Blaze, “Just calm down yah hear. Ain’t no need to go making threats. May I speak with y’all outside?”

Rainbow Blaze seemed about to deny the request before apparently realizing that it was what he wanted also. He nodded and the two Dash parents and Applejack stepped out on the porch.

“Now you seem reasonable I’m sure you can understand why you can never see our daughter again,” Rainbow Shine said.

Applejack rolled her eyes, “I couldn’t get rid a yer daughter if ah wanted to. And I ain’t got no hankering t’a go trying.” Applejack felt the air bristle.

“How dare you–” Rainbow Blaze was cut off by a blue blur skidding to a halt between Applejack and the other two ponies. When the dust settled there was a rather angry looking blue pegasus with a rainbow mane standing in front of Applejack with her wings flared defensively.

“Stay away from her!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Rainbow–” RainbowShine began.

“I said stay away from my marefriend!” Dash snapped, “You have no right to yell at her!” The sound of hoof hitting flesh rang out as Rainbow Blaze hit his daughter’s muzzle. Dash yelped but held her ground. Applejack managed to see around the protective blue wings of her marefriend enough to see the blood tricking from her nose.

“Alrighty,” She muttered and shoved her lighter feathered love out of the way, “This has gone one long enough. Mr. Blaze, Mrs. Shine we are going to the authorities.”

“Be my guest. Celestia will side with us. You are a disgrace to her,” Rainbow Blaze spat.

“It ain’t Celestia that we are going t’a talk with.”

Twilight paced around her room nervously, Spike perched on her bed as she fiddled with her dress, make up, hair and hoofs all at the same time with her magic and still managed to have the brain power to have a full blown panic attack.

“What if it all goes wrong?” She asked.

“For the million’th time it won’t,” Spike said from the bed.

“But if it does?”

“It won’t,” Spike repeated.

“I could lose her forever,” Twilight wailed.

“No you wouldn’t.”

“Even worst the Elements might stop working! I could never live with myself if I put Equestria in danger because of my own selfish wants,” Twilight rambled on, ignoring Spike.

“Didn’t you tell Rainbow Dash that it was basically impossible for that to happen?” Spike pointed out.

“And then Celestia will banish me!”

Spike rolled his eyes, “No she won’t.”

“And I’ll be alone for thousands of years only to come back as Nightmare moon…or Nightmare Twilight…”

“Really?” Spike asked.

“And then…”

A knock sounded at the castle door.

“Look Spike they’re coming for me!” Twilight yelled and ducked behind a stack of books. She stayed hidden from view for what must have been fifteen minutes before she felt a soft prodding on her shoulder.

“Twilight dear. Don’t you know its poor manners to leave your date waiting on the door step?” Rarity asked. Twilight felt all her fears vanish in an instance as her heart swelled at the mention of Rarity as her date. Twilight then realized that she was cowering behind a stack of books because her date knocked on the door. Blushing and giggling awkwardly to herself she extracted herself from her hiding place to give Rarity a gentle embrace.

“Sorry I was overreacting…again.”

Rarity’s gentle laugh filled Twilight with joy, “Never change Twilight.” Twilight got a peck on her cheek that sent electric sparks flying through her. She was about to respond when another, more urgent knocking came at the door. Rarity raised an eye brow and Twilight scowled.

“It’s Friday night. Why can’t they leave me alone,” she muttered as she walked down the hall with Rarity on her heels.

“The price of royalty,” Rarity said far too cheerfully.

“Don’t remind–”

“Princess we demand an audience!” a shrill female voice rang out.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Why do they think my time is theirs?”

Rarity chuckled, “Especially when your mine right now.” Twilight blushed but gathered enough wits to suppress it as she finally reached the door. She had never imagined Rarity being this…playful. She put on her best regal expression and calmly opened to door as taught by Celestia.

“I’m sorry but I am not taking audiences as of the moment,” she said sternly.

“Could ya make an exception Surgarcude?” Applejack asked. Twilight didn’t let her surprise show as she surveyed the group that had intruded on her personal time. There was Applejack, a furious looking married couple that Twilight had never met and a raging Rainbow Dash.

Twilight let a smile show through her mask, “Always for a friend what can I do for you?” She could basically hear the eye roll Rarity was giving her. “Rarity, I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Rares is here?” Applejack asked.

“I thought we were going to see the Princess,” the married mare complained. Twilight extended her wings and gestured to her horn and crown. This of course went unnoticed.

“Geez mom, dad don’t you read the papers. Meet Equestria’s newest Princess, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Rainbow Dash introduced in an overzealous manner.

Twilight let out a small cough, “Yes well. What can I do for you all? Keep in mind I have other duties to attend to.”

“Other duties indeed,” she heard Rarity chuckled in the back ground.

“We need a ruling,” the stallion how must have been Rainbow Blaze.

Twilight let her façade fall and rolled her eyes, “I gathered that.”

The mare, who must have been Rainbowshine, turned her nose up, “I would have thought a princess would be more dignified.”

Twilight could feel her patients wearing thin it was then that a pearl white unicorn stepped into view.

“Twilight was a unicorn before she was a Princess. I would expect better respect from her subjects seeing as she earned her title.” Rarity interjected.

Twilight’s heart swelled but quickly deflated with Rainbow Blaze’s next comment, “You should talk. Kicking out paying customers.”

Twilight’s patients snapped, “Alright. I have more important things to be doing so if you do not voice your concern in the next thirty seconds it will need to wait till Monday.”

“I would never–” Rainbowshine began.

“Twenty five seconds.” Twilight interrupted.

“This filthy mongrel of an earth pony has manipulated our daughter in a relationship,” Rainbow Blaze stated. Twilight stared at the stallion who seemed very proud of having brought what he thought was a momentous problem to a Princesses attention.

You’ve got to be kidding me.