Four years later…

The graduation from High School was grander than from Primary School, as it should’ve been. It was now barely a week since the festivities. There hadn’t been a lot of trials these last four years. The six friends had the time of their relatively carefree lives.

No matter the changes, the six friends stayed close. There were coltfriends that came and went, but Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle stayed constant in their relationship.

Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara’s friends were all taking the summer off before whatever.

Scootaloo was following in Rainbow’s hoofsteps. She was learning the art of the weather, plus she was learning magic from her other mother, Pinkie. Twilight was so impressed she gave extra lessons as well.

Dinky was happy to learn magic and library science from her mothers. She and Scootaloo took the magic training very seriously. So much so they often would end up having to spend the night at one of their homes together because of the lateness of their studies.

Silver Spoon was going to take education courses, and do student teaching at Ponyville School with Mrs. Cheerilee Apple, especially with the foal on the way.

Apple Bloom had continued to learn from Zecora and was making the zebra very pleased with her progress.

Diamond and Sweetie worked all they could in getting ready for adult life. So much so, the last year of school, they were staying with each other’s families quite a bit. They’d stay with the Rich’s for a week or so and then they’d stay with Sweetie’s parents and occasionally with the Apples. For Sweetie Belle, there were magic lessons with Twilight, Diamond had insisted. But during the off times; after school, or lessons or on non-school days, they’d help out at Rich’s Barnyard Bargains, or help Rarity at the Carousel Boutique. As they did, something not quite expected happened.

Sweetie Belle, who was always good with music and singing, found her talent for improvisation allowed her to think creatively when it came to business. She was able to help the Rich’s to make Barnyard Bargains more profitable. She also found ways to increase sales and lower operating costs. Yet every time Filthy tried to pay her, she refused to accept it. She said with them treating her as part of the family, before it was official, was payment enough. But they did make it up to her by feeding her and even covering the cost of her and Diamond’s movie outings and even some weekend trips to Canterlot or Manehatten. Diamond was always happy to help in the family business, and was even happier to work along side Sweetie Belle.

The girls were shocked when Filthy Rich just laughed off the time they were caught in the stockroom kissing.

“Why do you think you have to hide it back here?” he said and just shook his head laughing, “Do you think there’s a pony in Ponyville who doesn’t know what you two do!”

Diamond Tiara on the other hoof, found her taste in fashion was put to good use at the Carousel Boutique. Rarity had noticed how Diamond had a flair for knowing what direction the younger set’s taste was going.

After a couple times of making some very valid suggestions to Rarity, Diamond was put before Rarity’s drawing table and asked to design something on her own.

Had Rarity been wearing socks, they’d have been knocked off. Rarity had Diamond go right to work and make the garment. It was hardly on the dress form in the window before it was out the door.

Rarity also found Diamond had a knack for sewing intricate details, she was able to do these things without the sewing machine, and without magic.

Diamond also refused any compensation from Rarity, she said her being trained by one of the best designers in Equestria and acceptance by Rarity and Applejack’s families was payment enough.

It appeared the girls were indeed going to follow in the family business, just not the ones they might’ve thought. But after all, when they married, the families would be united.

Applejack and Rarity Apple, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles had invited the girls to a dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Ponyville. It was time to put plans in place for the wedding that Sweetie and Diamond had so patiently and almost painfully waited for. With the wedding two weeks off, the time was getting short.

The Rich’s insisted on paying the tab for the wedding, but the Apples were able to convince the future in-laws they’d handle the catering.

Rarity had kidded in the past about having to make matching wedding dresses in the future. In fact, she was thrilled she’d be doing it for her dear ‘little’ sister and her fiancée. Filthy Rich had contacted Twilight Sparkle to do the ceremony.

The talk went to what the girls planned to do after the wedding. They were not really wanting to go anywhere or do anything in particular. They had almost excruciatingly resisted sex for four years. To consummate their love at last was their only goal, and they were unashamedly open about it.

It’d been assumed that the two girls were going to be married after high school. And everypony ran with that idea. But Spoiled Rich had brought some gifts for the girls from her jewelry shop.

“Girls,” said Spoiled, “if you’re going to do this, it needs to be done right. You can open the gift box that’s by your plate.”

The girls opened the box and there was a sparkling diamond ring in each. There were ooh’s and ahh’s from the gathered.

“They’re beautiful mom,” said Diamond. “But I think you gave us the wrong one.”

“How so?” responded Spoiled.

“You gave me a Unicorn ring and you gave Sweetie an Earth Pony ring.”

“Well duh!” said Spoiled. “the two of you have worked hard at this for the last four years. And we’re so happy for you. But I’m afraid something is missing. And if not taken care of, there can be no wedding!”

The girls looked shocked, but the adults snickered.

“Sugar Cubes,” said Applejack, “those are engagement rings.”

The two girls faces lit up as they realized what Spoiled was saying.

The two took the rings from the boxed and offered it to their love.

“Will you marry me?” said the two together.

“Yes,” they replied.

Sweetie Belle’s pale green aura took the Earth Pony ring and placed it on Diamond’s left fore hoof. Rarity’s blue aura took the Unicorn ring and assisted Diamond to put it on Sweetie’s horn. The two looked into each other’s eyes and then kissed passionately.

The rest of the gathered applauded the two.

After hugs all around, they got back to the talk about the wedding plans.

“So Sweetie, have you and Diamond decided what you’re going to do about living arrangements after the wedding?” asked Filthy.

“Or have you girls even thought about it?” asked Rarity.

Diamond looked at Sweetie, there were sheepish looks on their faces.

“We haven’t talked about it. It’s been so easy for us just to be together, it hadn’t even crossed our minds. I guess living the rest of our lives with families wouldn’t be the best arrangement,” said Sweetie Belle.

“I guess it’s something we need to talk about, the wedding is less than a month away,” continued Diamond.

Rarity smiled at Filthy Rich, he nodded to Applejack.

“Livin’ with family ain’t a bad option, if’n necessary. The Apples have always done that, for the most part. Cheerilee moved in the big house with Big Mac after their weddin’ and there’s plenty of room, even with a foal on the way.

But we’ve something for y’all to think ’bout.” Said AJ.

“Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara,” said Cookie Crumbles, “your father and I1 have decided we’re going to provide you with everything you’ll need to run a household kitchen. All the pots and pans, plates, cups and flatware.”

“And your mother and I’ve decided,” said Filthy, “we’re going to provide the house hold furnishings, a bed, bedroom furniture plus living room and dining room furniture.”

“The Apple Family will be givin’ you rugs, linens and towels. Plus Granny Smith has been working on a quilt the last four years for you.” Said AJ, “it appears everythin’ you need to start a household is goin’a be provided.”

“Thank you so very much!” exclaimed Diamond.

“We can never thank you enough!” said Sweetie Belle, then turning to Diamond, “I guess we’d better find our own home now.”

“Before you do,” said Rarity, “we’ve a proposition.”

The girls looked intently.

“Applejack, Apple Bloom and I move to our cottage during the fashion seasons, and back to the farm when it’s planting and harvest time. The apartment above Carousel Boutique remains mostly unused. If the two of you want, it’s yours at no cost, as long as you keep it up and as long as you’re working with us.

I said with us, not for us.

After all, you’re family to all of us, or will be soon. And as family, there’re more responsibilities and expectations in a family business than just what an employee would have.

And that’s as it should be.

We know you’ve been working for Filthy and me without any compensation. With you having your own household you’re going to have to allow us to pay you a fair wage for your labor. You’re adults now and you’re going to have to live that way.”

Diamond and Sweetie were stunned, this wasn’t anything they expected. There were tears in the girls eyes and there were hugs all around.

“Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, we’re so proud of both of you. You’ve behaved as adults for the last four years while your friends were still adolescence.” Said Hondo Flanks with a smile. “We all know about the room Rarity provided for you after the Primary School Graduation Dance, and we know what didn’t happen. We couldn’t ask for daughters better than you’ve been and how you’ve behaved.”

“I do have one more thing to ask you,” said Filthy, “this is especially for you Sweetie Belle. I’ve talked to your mother and father, also your sister and Applejack. They all said they were okay with it. Understand, it’s not necessary, but I hope you’ll think about it.

Your family, Sweetie, is like a lot of families in Equestria. Unlike my family, they have no family name that’s passed on. So I wanted to know if you’d do us the honor, proving you’ve truly forgiven my past sins, of taking the family name of ‘Rich’ when you marry?”

Sweetie Belle got up and went to Filthy and Spoiled. She hugged them tightly.

“I’d be honored.” Sweetie then looked at them and smiled, “but Diamond and I’ve already decided on it.”

This brought a smile to Filthy and a tear to his eyes.

“This has been a wonderful night,” said Rarity, “you and your friends need to come see me so I can finish your dresses.”

“Enough of this serious talk,” said Spoiled. “Let us have dessert and enjoy the rest of this evening.”

That wasn’t to be...

The late train from Appleloosa pulled into the station at Ponyville. Braeburn and Caramel collected their bags. There was also one large, long box, which was put on a cart to be delivered to a prearranged address. Nopony at home was expecting them, the news hadn‘t reached the Apple Family yet. They hired a taxi from where they took the box to Sweet Apple Acres.

The Apples, Richs, Rarity and Sweetie’s parents and the girls were leaving the restaurant when they saw Apple Bloom galloping at full tilt!

“Mama! Mama!” shouted Apple Bloom.

“What’s up baby?” replied AJ.

“It’s Braeburn and Caramel!” said Apple Bloom, “they’re here from Appleloosa. They said they need to talk to the family. I was told to get Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow too. They didn’t say why, but they looked terrible.”

Rarity turned to the girls.

“Go home with the Richs please, they’re closer. If we need you, we’ll know where to find you.”

“Send for us if there’s anything we can do,” Said Filthy Rich.

“Same here,” said Hondo Flanks.

Half an hour later, Twilight, Muffins, Pinkie, Rainbow and the Apples; Applejack, Rarity, Big Mac and Apple Bloom were in the front room of the main house. Granny Smith and Cheerilee were in the back with Caramel and Braeburn.

Cheerilee walked Caramel into the room, Braeburn and Granny followed. Caramel looked especially terrible. He was leaning on Cheerilee, it appeared he’d been crying hard. Cheerilee helped Caramel to a chair.

“Thank you for coming, family and friends. I don’t know how to say this,” started Braeburn.

“What’s wrong?” asked Twilight, “has something happened with Fluttershy?”

At the question, Caramel broke down crying hard again. All the ponies took it as a bad sign.

“Yesterday was the Annual Buffalo Stampede. It’s become a spectacle where all the town turns out to cheer them on.

Caramel, Fluttershy and I were watching from the side. When suddenly a small bunny ran out in the road. The buffalo were approaching fast. You know Fluttershy, we tried to stop her but she flew off to save the bunny. Just as she reached it, it took off in another direction. Fluttershy tried to turn hard but she must have stalled.”

Braeburn paused, he was about to loose it.

“She hit the ground hard (sob), it must have stunned her (sob)...

She couldn’t (sob) get out of the way (sob) in time. It was too late (sob) for the buffalo in front to stop (sob) and the ones (sob) behind didn’t know what (sob) was going on.

It was quick (sob), the doctor said that he doubted she felt it.” Braeburn couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Noooooooo!” screamed Pinkie Dash. Falling to her knees, tears pouring.

Rarity fainted, for real.

Muffins took Twilight’s hoof, she couldn’t tell who’s hoof was shaking worse, Twilight was deathly pale.

Rainbow was trying to calm Pinkie, but her own tears were pouring.

Applejack was crying while holding Rarity, trying to revive her.

Apple Bloom held her cousin Braeburn while Cheerilee worked to comfort Caramel.

“We just sent her body to the Ponyville Undertaker.” Said Braeburn who couldn’t keep it together any longer.

There were mass tears, everypony was trying to comfort everypony else.

The first of the six was gone.

A lot of ponies came to the memorial service from all over Equestria. Fluttershy’s reputation for compassion and her fame as the wielder of the Element of Kindness was known far and wide. Princess Celestia was there to officiate. All of Fluttershy’s friends gave their best memories of the shy pony.

But to the surprise of many, the speaker who moved the ponies the most was Discord. He related how if not for Fluttershy, he would still be stone and not know how important friendship was. With tears, he swore before Celestia he would dedicate himself to carry on the work of friendship and kindness Fluttershy had taught him.

Then with his magic, Discord produced a statue to Fluttershy as a monument.

Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara told Twilight Sparkle after the memorial service for Fluttershy, they were thinking of postponing the wedding. They knew how they and the ponies around them had been affected by the loss of a beloved pony like Fluttershy.

“Listen girls,” said Twilight, “I can appreciate the gesture. But I also know Fluttershy wouldn’t want you to do that because of her. She was probably the most loving and caring pony who’s ever lived. Love was important to her, and she’d have wanted the two of you to have your love completed.

If you want to honor Fluttershy, let loving each other be the most important thing in your lives.

But I don’t believe that will be a problem.”

“Thank you Mrs. Sparkle,” said Diamond, “we will.”

“I know you will, and my friends call me Twilight.” She said with a proud smile.

The evening before the wedding rehearsal, Pinkie threw the girls a bacheloret party. There was a lot of difference between this and regular Pinkie Parties. The guest list was all mares who were close to the couple, including the brides’ mothers; Spoiled Rich and Cookie Crumbles. Also Applejack and Rarity Apple, Twilight and Muffins Sparkle, Rainbow and Pinkie Dash, Bon-Bon and Lyra Heartstrings, Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch.

Then there were; Silver Spoon, Dinky Sparkle, Scootaloo Dash and Apple Bloom Apple. Being the brides maids, they had to make sure that the brides were having a good time.

They played games, some innocent and a some naughty. But all in all, a good time was had by all.

Pinkie was going to have some hot dancing stallions there, but Rainbow reminded her the brides were two females, although they were not mare-lovers, they probably wouldn’t be interested in seeing stallions strutting around. Pinkie thought about some dancing mares. But again Rainbow had to point out that Spoiled and Cookie Crumbles were interested only in stallions as were the younger girls so they’d not be impressed. Except for herself, Bon-Bon and Lyra, the others, although being married to mares, were not mare-lovers. But Rainbow knew Pinkie would’ve enjoyed either.

In fact, Lyra once asked Pinkie if she ever decided to come clean about truly being a mare-lover, Pinkie replied;

‘I’m not a mare-lover, but I have sex all the time with a mare who is!’

That was a good enough answer for Lyra, and she never asked again.

During the party there were the gifts.

They opened matching boxes from Pinkie and Rainbow, in each was a gold spoon with a pink bow. The girls just looked at Pinkie.

“Believe me, in a couple days you two are going to be alone without having to hold back any more. And you’re going to want to, as the saying goes, ‘eat each other with a spoon’,” the pink pony said with a smile. “We just wanted to make sure you were ready for it!”

All the married mares got a good laugh out to it, but the girls just looked lost. They didn’t remember anything from any of the books.

But they understood later!

Bon-Bon had made chocolates which looked like anatomically correct marehoods on a stick.

“Hey! Don’t you think they look just like me,” Lyra said, turning around and moving her tail to one side and relaxing the muscles. “I was the model.”

The younger girls didn’t know what to do. But the rest of the adults, including the brides and their mothers got a chuckle out of it.

The candies were then passed out to all. Although a few of the younger girls were a bit squeamish.

Then Bon-Bon told them she had a game for the brides;

“Okay, the one who get to the stick first wins,” said Bon-Bon. “Here’s the rules, obviously you can lick them or suck on them. But no biting, that wouldn’t be nice!”

“See, I told you!” said Muffins, loud enough to make Twilight blush.

The girls chuckled and started to put the confection to their mouth to comply with the instructions, then Bon-Bon spoke back up.

“Stop! You can’t do it like that! If you could, you wouldn’t need to get married!”

More laughs.

“I know this is all new to you but you have to put yours in front of your partners face, they have to eat yours!” Said Bon-Bon with a wicked smile and gleam in her eyes.

This incited a lot of laughs, even from the more squeamish. But the brides got the idea and they proceeded to make a show of it. They both got to the stick at the same time.

“Good!” said Bon-Bon, “that’s how it should work!"

All cheered and laughed.

Rarity and AJ gave Diamond and Sweetie some very sexy and sheer negligées Rarity had made. Rarity joked that she didn’t know why she even bothered to make them, she doubted that they’d get worn anytime soon.

More blushes and laughs.

As the couple expected, Twilight and Muffins gave them some books. When they were unwrapped, they saw it was their own copies of the books Rarity had first shared with them four years ago.

There was also one they’d never seen before. The authors had signed it. The title was Understanding the Mysteries of Unicorn Horn Sex by Twilight and Muffins Sparkle. Twilight warned they should get used to what’s in the other books before they even attempted it. And if they had any questions, see Princess Luna, she was always eager to talk of such things and might even volunteer to demonstrate.

The rest of the gifts were nonsense and naughty items that brought a laugh to all.

The next day was the rehearsal, it was noticed there were no ‘Best Mares’. It was explained they didn’t want to choose one friend over the other. And so it was pointed out Sweetie was Diamond’s Best Mare and vice-a-versa.

The other thing noticed was Twilight was having trouble with speaking. She said she’d a bit of a sore throat, but it’d be okay.

The wedding party had a nice rehearsal dinner at Ponyville’s best restaurant, thanks to the Richs. Most of the brides’ friends had never had such a fine dinner. After dessert, the parents reminded everypony that they had a big day ahead and they needed to get some rest.

Author's Note

1 ‘Mother and father’ was a generic title by this time. Both girls called Hondo Flanks, Cookie Crumbles, Filthy and Spoiled, mom and dad. It didn’t matter to which set of parents they were addressing. The parents were thrilled at this, having two loving daughters were better than just one.