It's Just Natural - Appleshy

by Gpizano

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Human, Main 6, Applejack, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Other, Romance, Fluttershy
Length: 10131

A collection of short fics starring everyone's favorite farmer and animal caretaker.

I got to admit I've gotten bit by the romantic bug and to make sure I don't unnecessarily try to force it into my other stories (you know, instead of possibly something blooming naturally), I've decided to create a story where my trashy, shipping ideas and junk can be put into words (you know, outside the non-serious Applejack Harem one. This one is a bit more serious I guess and focused on just one ship). Whether they're ponies, humans, in Equestria, the human Equestria, or whatever made up world in between, THERE SHALL BE A WAY!

FOR I SHALL SINGLE HANDEDLY SUPPLY THE WORLD WITH MUCH NEEDED APPLESHY! WHETHER IT LIKES IT OR NOT!

Also I can't put up all the tags relevant sooo yeah. And these things will just come to me so I dunno what characters exactly will be involved or not. Maybe a lot depending.

Published 2016-08-22 05:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-09-19 19:26:05 UTC

The First Meeting Episode

It had only been a few days since she had moved into her new cottage on the outskirts of the Everfree forest, but Fluttershy felt she was finally starting to settle in. The first couple of nights had been the roughest after her parents left, having helped her to move her things into her new home. Every creak and odd noise made it hard for the timid pegasus to fall asleep but at least it was comforting to have her new animal friends around. She had even made a new friend from among the animals she took care of, a darling little white bunny that she had named Angel!

That morning she had begun filling up her kettle so that she could make some tea. Or at least she was trying too, barely a trickle came out from the faucet. While the cottage had been in good shape when her parents bought it for her, Fluttershy was finding that here and there some things didn't exactly work as well as they could of or were a bit out of order. Unfortunately these things would have to wait until she had the money to fix them.

Just as she had turned away from the sink, deciding she would have to wait a bit longer than anticipated for her tea, a knock came at the door. The unexpected noise made the yellow pegasus jump slightly before she left the kitchen to answer the door. She opened the top half of her door just enough so that she could see an orange coated mare with a blonde mane and tail wearing a stetson hat and carrying a basket on her back. This mare seemed a little familiar to Fluttershy, had she seen her around Ponyville's marketplace?

"Howdy there! Name's Applejack n' Ah heard we had a new neighbor down the road."

"H-Hi... I'm... Fluttershy..."

"Come again?"

"Um... Fluttershy."

"Flutter... shy? That right?"

"Mm-hm."

"Well nice ta' meet ya'! Mah granny n' brother n' sister were all busy so Ah'm kinda the only one fer the Apple welcome wagon. But Granny baked ya' a nice, fresh apple pie n' Ah got some Sweet Apple Acres apples here if ya' want 'em."

While a little loud, Fluttershy felt touched by the kind gesture on Applejack's part. Between that and how friendly the blonde seemed, it helped to make the pegasus relax a bit. The other had come all this way to greet her, it would seem rude to just turn her away immediately.

"U-Um, thank you... um, would you... like to come in?"

"Shoot Ah'd be much obliged!"

Opening up the door, Fluttershy stepped aside and let the blonde in, taking the basket off of the others back before heading into the kitchen to take out the food. Since there was a family of raccoons parked on the couch, Applejack instead followed Fluttershy and stood in the doorway.

"Ya' got a lot o' critters. They all yer pets?"

"Hm? Oh, no. I enjoy taking care of animals, it's part of my special talent."

"Ah gotcha'. Mine's tendin' to the apple trees back on mah family farm. Ya' makin' some tea?"

"Mm-hm. I-I'm sorry I can't offer you any. It um, it's taking awhile."

Curious as to why Fluttershy had the water flow so low, Applejack moved over to the sink and tried turning the handle up more, surprised to find that it continued to only give a small trickle.

"This don' work?"

"N-No."

"Well shoot, sugarcube. Lemme go get mah tools and Ah'm sure Ah cin get this fixed right as rain."

A little thrown off by being called 'sugarcube', Fluttershy gave a small, quick shake of her head before speaking up.

"Oh, I couldn't ask you to fix that for me. It would be too much of a bother for you!"

"Shoot, ain't no trouble t'all. N' if'n ya' got anythin' else that needs fixin' Ah'm sure Ah could take a crack at it."

"B-But, I couldn't ask you to spend so much of your time doing that."

When Applejack came close enough and placed a hand on her shoulder, Fluttershy flinched softly but did not pull away.

"Sugarcube, Ah'm tellin' ya' right now it ain't no trouble. Yer mah neighbor n' shoot if soon Ah won't consider ya' a friend. N' Ah'm more than happy to help either if'n they could use some help."

".... o-okay."

Once the orange mare had run home and returned with her tools, the issue with her kitchen sink had been found and fixed rather quickly. Fluttershy had been more than happy to invite Applejack to join her for a cup of tea and even a slice of pie that had been brought over. She had found the talk to be quite pleasant, learning about Applejack's life on the farm, about her family. She even giggled at some of the funny stories that Applejack had and was intrigued to learn more about Ponyville from someone who had lived there her whole life.

In turn she had told Applejack about her own family and her life growing up in Cloudsdale. Of course she had omitted more unpleasant memories but that did nothing to stop the flow of conversation.

"Shoot, that the time? Ah gotta' get goin'!"

"Already?"

"Fraid so. Ah was expected back 'while ago. But Ah'll be swingin' on by agin tomorrow to try n' fix more stuff 'round here. N' if'n ya' like Ah cin stick 'round fer more tea n' talkin'."

"E-Even after everything around my home is fixed?"

"Sure thing, sugarcube!"

While sad that the other had to go, knowing that Applejack would be back tomorrow helped to raise her spirits back up again as she walked Applejack to the door. Before Applejack left though, the mare turned back and the bright, kind smile gave Fluttershy a warm feeling in her chest.

"Ah'll see ya' tomorrow Fluttershy. N' welcome to Ponyville!"

"B-Bye..."

Standing there until the other mare had disappeared down the road, Fluttershy closed her door and headed back to the kitchen, knowing it was time to feed her animal friends once more. But she felt a bit lighter as she moved, finding that she was looking forward to tomorrow and seeing the farmer once again.

Author's Note

Ugh, so hard to write a story in which they meet because there are so many options. I figured this would be the best one.

MOAR APPLESHY ON THE WAY!

Getting Together - Equestria Girls Style! - SU Twist -

"Ah still don't get why we gotta' have practice tonight at the school's outdoor amphitheater. Ah know ya' wanna keep the band awesome or whatever Dash, but-"

"Hey, can you just trust me when I say it's important? 'Shy came up with this awesome song and you're vital to it!"

As much as she would have liked to be home relaxing after a long day of school and chores, Applejack had let herself be dragged out of her home and to the school by her best friend Rainbow Dash. The athlete had made it sound like a big deal and needless to say the blonde was not pleased to learn she had nearly been pulled out of her home with her jeans barely on all for the sake of more band practice. However now that it was mentioned that Fluttershy that needed her for it... well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. The shy girl was very kind and the blonde found it increasingly hard to say 'no' whenever the pink haired girl got up the nerve to ask her something.

Of course being teased by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie on how 'sweet' she was to the girl had annoyed her. If they wanted to make fun of her, fine, but she wasn't going to stand for it if they upset Fluttershy!

As they made their way into the amphitheater, Applejack noticed that Sunset Shimmer, their world's Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Rarity were sitting in the front row. For some reason Rarity had a big smile on her face and looked ready to burst while Sunset Shimmer, Twilight and Spike all had grins that were various levels of playful directed towards her. When she looked to the stage, she saw that Pinkie Pie was behind her drum set with the biggest smile on her face, but what really took her attention was Fluttershy.

The girl's long, pink hair had been brushed out of her face and there was a light amount of make up applied just to accentuate the natural beauty that she had. She wore a long, white dress that was longer in the back and shorter in the front so that she could move freely, the dress accentuated with pastel greens and light pinks that gave it a sort of nature-y feel and she wore a pair of green sandals to complete the outfit.

Seeing Fluttershy now nearly made the blonde stop in her tracks. For some reason she could feel her heart pick up the pace and start pounding in her chest... and also feel a little under dressed in her beat up old jeans, button up shirt and work boots.

"Come on AJ! We gotta' get this practice underway!"

"J-Just us?"

Glancing over to Sunset, Twilight and Rarity, they all motioned for her to get up on stage. Not that Applejack could do anything but do as they motioned since Applejack was leading her along by the arm up the steps and onto the stage where her bass guitar was put into her hands. Rainbow Dash had stopped her about five feet away from Fluttershy, the girl not having her tambourine as usual but instead having a microphone that she was turning about nervously in her hands.

"I-I'm sorry Applejack. It's just... t-this was really important to me."

"N-No problem 'Shy. But what's the song?"

The blonde farmer could feel her heart start up that fast pace again as Fluttershy got in close and the heat rise when she whispered into her ear what her lines were, how to play and so on for the song. When the pink haired girl pulled back, all Applejack could do was nod dumbly and start to play, following the mellow rock beat that Pinkie Pie had started to play. She would have marveled at the fact that Pinkie Pie could even play a mellow beat on the drums if she weren't caught up in Fluttershy's blue teal eyes.

Both girls stared at each other for a moment before Fluttershy raised the microphone and they began the chorus.

"What can I do for you?

What can I do that no one else can do?"

When they sang the chorus, Fluttershy never broke eye contact with her. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Fluttershy was singing to her! After the chorus Fluttershy moved away, a small, demure smile on her face as she looked back to Applejack as the lights from the stage seemed to make her glow.

"Oh Applejack,

You are so wonderful.

I hadn't planned,

On falling quite so hard for you.

Please understand,

These feelings are true.

I can't keep them at bay,

It's no lie when I say~

I love you, Applejack

Oh-whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh~"

At this point Applejack was so stunned she almost missed the chorus and her fingers had stopped moving along her bass guitar. Rainbow Dash had luckily had seen that this was most likely coming and had her guitar out, picking up her slack on the mellow beat. Despite all eyes on them, it had seemed as if the whole world had slipped away, leaving nothing but her and Fluttershy. Their eyes were locked again but now Applejack could see the anxiety, the fear, and even the hope in the shorter girl's eyes. It would be painful to do this... but only for a moment.

As the blonde farmer stepped back, Fluttershy began to tremble softly, the others holding their breath and shocked. Up until Applejack set her bass guitar carefully on the ground before giving the pink haired girl a gentle smile and extending her hand. When Fluttershy took it, the blonde pulled her close and slipped her other arm around the girl's waist. It looked as if meek girl was ready to melt in Applejack's arms but she managed to follow as they began to dance as the beat picked up, Rainbow Dash breaking out a guitar solo with a little more rock to it.

Their pace picked up with the beat as they danced together, stopping suddenly at the center of the stage as Rainbow Dash's guitar solo was building up to the finish. Teal eyes stared into green, conveying a message of want that was immediately understood. The athlete's solo ended just as their lips met, the farmer carefully keeping a firm embrace around the other while the animal caretaker's arms slipped around her shoulders.

The sweet moment seemed to last for a small eternity between the two and once they parted, both smiled to each other.

"OH. MY. STARS!"

Of course they suddenly remembered they weren't alone, a deep blush coming to Fluttershy's face as Applejack smiled sheepishly. It wouldn't be long before their friends had surrounded them, giving congratulations and gushing about how cute they looked, along with some good natured teasing of course. The farmer simply let it roll off her back but kept an arm around Fluttershy's waist, keeping her close as the other girl was content to stay nestled against her side. She peeked up to the farm girl and gave another small smile that the blonde returned.

It wasn't at all what she expected to happen tonight, but it was one of the best surprises Applejack had ever received in her life.

Author's Note

Okay, fingers crossed I won't get dinged on using part of the original chorus from What Can I Do For You? From Steven Universe since I didn't even use the full chorus and I changed the rest of the lyrics. But there is just NO way to change that line and keep that perfect meaning that would so fit Fluttershy.

Anyways. *puts on helmet* Hopefully I won't get too much shit for the lyrics. I had to make the change to make it make more sense but I'll freely admit I'm no poet. :twilightblush:

Until next time!

And The Baby Makes Three

"I want to be perfectly clear on this. Life is a very complex thing to create. Even calling upon the power of an alicorn's magic, magical conception has a very high rate of failure and there are many dangers for both the mother and the child. I know you both love each other very much and I know how much this means to both of you. But are you completely willing to face the risks that would lie ahead?"

"Hurry! Get her to the emergency room! Her blood pressure is dropping fast! We need to stabilize her or we could lose them both!"

The bed was hurriedly rolled down the hallway, surrounded by the best medical team that Ponyville to offer. Despite how swiftly and expertly they moved, all felt their nerves start to fray at the situation. Yes they had seen the health of mares turn south when it came time for the baby to be born, yes they had foals arrive too early, but this was the first time they had dealt with both through magical conception! A specialist from Canterlot was supposed to arrive in about a month, so requested by Ponyville's own princess of Friendship so that the child of her friends could be delivered safely, but now there simply was no time and the team had no idea if there were possible surprises waiting for them!

"A-Apple... jack."

Despite barely being conscious and in labor, a pastel yellow hoof weakly raised up from the bed, teal blue eyes trying to focus and spot a coat of orange through all the blurs. Just as the door to the room was about to be closed, said orange coated mare kept it jammed open with a hoof before muscling her way in.

"Ma-am! We don't have the room-"

"The hell ya' don't! That's mah wife in there n' Ah'll knock yer buckin' head off if'n ya' don't let me in!"

The stallion could do nothing to block the way as Applejack pushed her way through and made it to Fluttershy's side, the medical team working around her since most knew better than to try and move the farmer. Applejack took Fluttershy's hoof in both of her own, whispering soothing words and letting the pegasus know she was there. They had known this was a possibility, Twilight had warned them as much when they came to her to ask for her help. Applejack had always been afraid that something would happen but that paled in comparison to the terror she felt now.

"Shy, 'Shy Ah know ya' cin hang on. Ya' gotta' make it. You n' our foal. Please."

Everything seemed to pass by in a blur for Applejack, her eyes squeezed shut and her forehead pressed against her wife's hoof. She had no idea how much time had passed as she continued talking to the pegasus, trying to comfort her, trying to urge her to hang on, she even told her to breath like how they had been told during those baby classes. The blonde was finally broken out of her trance when Fluttershy gave one last, loud scream before collapsing, the nurses immediately rushing to take care of her. Was it done? But... why couldn't she hear any crying?

Raising her head, she looked to Fluttershy, the mare looking absolutely exhausted before looking towards the doctor.

Why couldn't she hear any crying?!

Then it came... soft at first but then it rose loud enough for Applejack to hear. She could hear their foal crying. She could hear it!

Relief hit Applejack so hard that she collapsed against the side of the bed, tears finally falling from her eyes as she took deep breaths to try and steady herself. She only looked up when she felt a tap on her shoulder, seeing the tired looking doctor smile to her.

"It was pretty close, we'll want to examine your daughter to make sure she's alright. But would you like to hold her?"

All Applejack could do was nod dumbly and watch the nurse approach approach, holding a small bundle in one hoof that Applejack gingerly took and held in her arms. While the foal did seem a little on the small side, she was just perfect to Applejack. Her coat was a pistachio green and the tuft of hair on her head was something she thought she heard Rarity call 'coral pink'. When she opened her eyes, indigo blue irises stared up at her and Applejack could feel a fresh wave of tears ready to spring up.

"Hey there lil' one. Ya' gave me n' yer momma quite a scare."

Turning back to the bed, she leaned in close so that a tired Fluttershy could see their foal. Despite how wiped out and weak the pegasus was, she was all smiles as well and reached out to gently take the newborn foal into her arms, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks.

"Our foal. Our little Jazz Apple..."

Author's Note

Yeah I don't know shit about medical stuff so I tried to keep it vague and remember what I watched on TV and stuff. :derpytongue2:

I thought about what colors to make the foal and I thought about just completely mixing Applejack and Fluttershy's colors buuuut, it seemed too much like a Fluttershy clone.

But I hope it suffices.

Rock the Dragon

It was over. They had held out for as long as they could but in the end almost everyone had fallen. Rainbow Dash had been first, the great martial artist's lightning fast speed had not saved her when one of the minions known as a Changeling had latched onto her and blown itself up. The rest of the Changeling minions had been dispatched but next fell Spitfire, Sorin and Fleetfoot, three of Equine's greatest warriors known as the Wonderbolts, had been felled by the dastardly Starlight Glimmer in an attempt to at least take one of them down. The one that had just fallen from a blast of magic had been Nightmare Moon, a longtime foe and the other half of their planet's god Luna. She had thrown herself in front of the attack to protect her, having admitted that she had grown close to them.

And now she was gone... and with her tie to Luna the Elements of Harmony would no longer work. They couldn't bring anyone back! And with no sign of her beloved in sight, it seemed that both she and Pinkie Pie were doomed.

Holding herself, Fluttershy's shoulders shook as her tears fell to the ground, her wings firmly glued to her back and locked up from fear and the despair that she felt. She could feel the presence of the merciless alien stalking forward, the one known as Starlight Glimmer ready to make perhaps her easiest kill of the day. It was when the other was standing before her did Fluttershy look up, taking in the sight of the, for lack of a less awkward term, other woman. Although of an average Equinian height, she seemed to tower over Fluttershy, her warm pink and black armor gleaming in the afternoon sun and her long, purple with blue stripes hair a bit out of sorts after having tangled with the Wonderbolts. Cruel, light purple eyes stared down at her as the woman raised her hand, light blue energy crackling around it as she charged up the death blow.

"Hee, hee, looks like this is the end of the road for you. Too bad, you weren't much of a fighter but you would of made a lovely prize!"

As the hand was brought down, Fluttershy closed her eyes and waited for the end. If only they could have held out for longer... if only she could have seen her lover one last time...

Then she felt a pair of familiar arms around her as she was moved, her eyes snapping open as she looked up and nearly began to cry at seeing who had rescued her.

"Sorry Ah'm late. Ah tried to get here as fast s' Ah could!"

Throwing her arms around Applejack's neck, Fluttershy hugged the blonde woman as close as she could, unable to hold back how relieved she felt and how happy she was to be held in the others' arms! The moment was short lived though, as soon she was set back upon her feet and Applejack turned to take in the battle field. To see the still, lifeless bodies of her friends and even her rival Nightmare Moon sprawled here and there... the blonde's hands tightened into fists before she glared at Starlight Glimmer.

"Did ya' do this?"

One look at the blonde and Starlight Glimmer immediately felt at ease. While the tanned blonde did have noticeable muscle, she was over all less than impressive. Beat up old jeans, a black t-shirt, an orange plaid button up shirt rolled up at the elbows with a red apple on the right breast with some sort of writing on it. Seriously, she even wore a cowboy hat and some cowboy boots with metal on the tips, who did this Equinian think she was going to intimidate looking like that?! It made Starlight Glimmer smirk as she placed her hands on her hips.

"That would be me of course. Awww, what's the matter? Are you angry that I killed your friends? You gonna cry about it?"

Throwing her head back and laughing loudly, Starlight didn't see it coming when suddenly, the blonde seemed to just appear right in front of her and delivering a back handed slap to her face, sending her flying back! The woman did a flip and landed on her feet, teeth grit as she glared at the Equinian.

"You puny little insect! I'll make you pay for that!"

With a furious shout she seemed to fly forward, magic flowing to her hands as she began to lash out at the woman. At first Applejack barely seemed to move as she dodged and ducked the blows, she even managed to redirect the attacks away form her as she aimed to strike Starlight Glimmer's arms just below where the aura of magic ended at her wrists. Just as she was beginning to taunt the blonde, Applejack started to fight back, not landing every blow but enough landing that it was really starting to hurt! Until finally Starlight Glimmer teleported away, floating in mid-air as she began to charge up magic in her hands.

"You think you're hot shit?! All you Equinians have is brute force and some weak magic! I'll show you what a Unicron warrior can really do!"

Pulling her hands back, Starlight Glimmer suddenly thrust them forward and sent a large ball of blue magical aura flying towards Applejack, causing the spot where she stood and the immediate area around it to explode! When the dust cleared, there seemed to be nothing left other than a crater, making a panting and slightly exhausted Starlight Glimmer think she had won.

"Hah... hah, see? Nothing in the universe... can match the power of a Unicron warrior!"

Before she could gloat more however, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye and was caught off guard when suddenly the blonde came flying up and landed a powerful blow to the side of her face! The disoriented alien lost her focus and began to fall out of the air, the blonde warrior diving after her and catching up, grabbing her armor and pile driving the Unicron right into the ground!

"Y-You... can... fly?"

With her upper body stuck in the ground, Starlight's voice was a bit muffled. Applejack grabbed her by the ankles and pulled her up out of the earth like she was a carrot, glaring down at the woman.

"Nope. Jes' jump good."

Then she looked up and glared at the second alien, throwing Starlight Glimmer's body towards them. The Unicron warrior was like a rag doll in the air before rolling as she hit the ground, stopping at the feet of her partner.

"N' what 'bout you? Ya' gonna leave quietly 'er what?"

"T-Twilight... Twilight, please... help me!"

The alien in purple and white armor slowly reached out her hand and took Starlight Glimmer's, making the woman smile... up until the one known as Twilight turned and flung Starlight into the air!

"Twilight?! TWILIGHT! What are you doing?! NO!!!"

Raising her hand, the short alien fired off a blast of purple magic, the crackling ball of energy racing through the air and hitting Starlight Glimmer and causing the Unicron warrior to explode! Applejack looked on in shock and in slight horror as bits of Starlight Glimmer fell from the sky before looking back to the other Unicron. Although she was shorter than her now deceased partner, there was a cold, calculating ruthlessness in those dark, purple eyes. Her long, indigo hair had a a dark purple and a pink stripe going through it, the alien brushing her hair back over her shoulder before turning back to face the blonde Equinian.

"I assume you are the one these pitiful vermin were waiting for? Well, with how easily you dispatched Starlight Glimmer, I would hazard that your power level is... very high."

"IT'S OVER NINE-THOUSAAAAAAND!"

Both Applejack and Twilight looked over to Pinkie Pie, the energetic pink haired woman smiling sheepishly from around the rock she and Fluttershy were hiding behind.

"... yes. Anyway. Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle, Princess of all Unicrons. And I will give you the honor of dying by my hand this day."

Author's Note

Ahhh, that moment when you're like "Fuck it, it's time for a DBZ-esque homage story".

Hope you guys didn't get hurt too badly from that tone whiplash. XD

Stubborn Soup

It was a crisp autumn morning on Sweet Apple Acres. The warm rays of sunlight spread over the tree tops, making them glow in hues of reds and oranges as what birds that had not yet migrated to the warmer south began to sing their morning tune. Walking down the dirt road of the farm and towards the house was a pastel yellow pegasus with pink hair, looking a tad tired but otherwise in good spirits as she gently hummed along with the birds. When she had a better view of the porch, she noticed a big, red stallion sitting in one of the chairs, nursing a mug of what she would guess was coffee since it was the drink of choice among most of the Apple family.

"Good morning Big Mac. Is Applejack in?"

"AAAAAAAAACHOO!"

The loud, almost thunderous sneeze that came from the second floor caused Fluttershy to squeak and her whole body to lock up. Luckily since she had to deal with her body locking up many times, she had practiced and now could maintain her balance, preventing her from collapsing onto her back as she had done so in the past.

"Eeeyup."

More than used to Big Mac's being a stallion of few words, Fluttershy could take a guess that her friend was sick and immediately a wave of guilt washed over her.

"Oh dear. Will Granny Smith be taking care of her?"

"Cain't. Off n' Manehattan visitin' the Oranges. N' lil' Bloom's in school so s' up ta' me."

"Oh no it' ain't!"

Both Big Mac and Fluttershy looked to the door as it opened, revealing a very sick looking Applejack. The orange coated mare's eyes looked sickly, it was easy to see she was flushed beneath her coat, and she was having such a hard time standing up that she had to lean against the door frame. It took her a moment for the world to stop spinning as she snorted up some snot that tried escaping her nostrils.

"Ya' got chores. Ah got chores. N' Ah ain't that sick!"

Of course the look that Big Mac gave her showed that the stallion wasn't buying it and he set aside his cup of coffee before standing up to take his sister back to bed. By force if he had to, which usually was the way it went when his sister was acting as stubborn as she was right now. Before it got to the point where he had to wrestle her onto his back to carry her upstairs, a gentle yellow hoof placed itself on Applejack's shoulder. Big Mac was surprised to see that it had the effect of immediately calming Applejack down and stop resisting.

"Please, Applejack. You're too sick to be out of bed! Let me help you back upstairs and I will make you something to eat."

"Fluttershy, Ah told ya' Ah'm fine."

Big Mac watched with some amusement as Fluttershy actually started moving Applejack back into the house and to the stairs. Sure the pegasus was being firm as she helped his sister, but he could tell that the only resistance the blonde mare was putting up were in her words. With a smile and a shake of his head, the stallion closed the door and went back to his coffee.

"I'm so sorry Applejack."

When they had reached Applejack's room, the orange mare had started up a coughing fit, which only made the pegasus feel all the more guilty as she helped the farmer into bed.

"Fer... what?"

"You got sick because of me. You tripped into that pond while helping me try to find Angel in the Everfree forest last night."

Seeing the other try to sit up, Fluttershy made the blonde mare lie down before pulling the blanket over her and tucking her in. Not noticing that the other mare's face seemed to turn a bit redder at the tender care provided.

"D-Dun' worry 'bout it 'Shy, ya' don't have ta' take care a' me cause of that. Don't want ya' gettin' sick..."

"But you're always helping me. I insist that you let me take care of you for a change! Now, you rest while I fix you something to eat and see about finding some medicine."

Before she could protest further, the yellow pegasus was already to the door and gone. Applejack sighed softly before taking off her hat and resting it on the bed post, finding it a little hard to relax knowing that the pretty mare would be at her bedside. What was worse was that she probably looked like a gross mess, sneezing and coughing and hacking things up. Normally how she looked didn't bother her as much but this was Fluttershy! The blonde let out a soft groan, covering her face with her hooves as she felt another coughing fit come on.

The pegasus would return just as Applejack began dozing off, the blonde immediately snapping to attention and sitting up... only to have to lie back down when her room began to violently spin around. Fluttershy set down the tray she had in her mouth on the nightstand, immediately at her side and checking her temperature with a hoof. Feeling how hot Applejack was (although Applejack wasn't sure how much of it would be fever and the other her temperature rising from physical contact with Fluttershy), the pegasus got a wash cloth out of one of the bowls on the tray and wrung it out before placing it over Applejack's forehead.

"Better?"

"Y-Yeah..."

"Good. I managed to find medicine, how about you have that first before your food?"

Seeing the bottle on the tray, Applejack's nose scrunched up as she caught a whiff of what was inside when Fluttershy poured some of the medicine into a spoon.

"Ugh, Ah dun' like that stuff."

"But you need to if you want to get better."

"Mrf..."

"Please?"

As if the way Fluttershy had said please wasn't enough, it was over the second Applejack looked into those beautiful, pleading teal blue eyes. As much as she wanted to say 'no' she felt her stubbornness just wear away under the kind assault of the pegasus. With a small sigh, Applejack nodded before opening her mouth and allowing Fluttershy to give her the medicine. The moment the medicine touched her tongue, Applejack jerked her head back away from the spoon, her lips puckering as the bitter taste spread through her mouth and slide down her throat to her stomach. She always hated the medicine her Granny kept around the house! But as always she survived, giving off an unhappy groan and needing something to wash out the taste. Thankfully, Fluttershy had also brought up a glass of water that the blonde mare took and chugged down greedily.

"S-Sorry... will you still want soup? It's potato and butternut squash."

Once more she was subdued by Fluttershy's gentle demeanor and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw that Fluttershy would be feeding the soup directly to her. With a different spoon than the one for the medicine thank goodness!

Applejack would eat every last drop given to her, finding it was some of the best soup she had ever tasted in her life. By the end of it she was starting to feel much better than before, although much more sleepy.

"Thank ya', 'Shy. Really needed that."

"Oh, it was no trouble. It was the least I could do."

"Mm... ya' look a 'lil tired yerself. Ya' gonna get goin'?"

"Well, if you want me to, I will leave you to get your rest."

Before Fluttershy could leave, Applejack reached out with a hoof, thinking she could reach the pegasus's shoulder but not quite reaching. It was a little hard when she was slowly starting to fall asleep and her eyelids just wouldn't stay open.

"I wish... ya' din't... have to go."

Soon the orange mare was lightly snoring, completely asleep as Fluttershy stared at her for a moment. Then the yellow mare gently put Applejack's arm back onto the bed, hesitating a moment before climbing on as well. It was a little bit of a squeeze but as she lied down on top of the bed next to the farmer, she stretched out one of her wings to cover Applejack, smiling softly as she slowly closed her eyes and drifted off into a light slumber.

Three days later at Fluttershy's cottage.

"A... achoo!"

"Gimme a sec, 'Shy! Ah'll get that soup up to ya' in a jiffy!"

Author's Note

Okay, to make up for the last chapter, here's something cute to help with that tone whiplash. XD

And ahhh, the obligatory "your crush takes care of you and you have to end up taking care of her because she gave you her germs" chapter. Good times.

Work, Work, Work, Work, Work

This wasn't a place she would normally go to. No, at this time of night she would have been curled up in bed, reading a book with her beloved pet bunny Angel curled up on her lap. It was comfortable, it was safe, she didn't have to worry about making a fool of herself or working through awkward situations. But her friend Treehugger had insisted that she come out tonight and this was a smaller club owned by her friend Zecora. And while she had trusted her friend's judgment, now that she was actually here... it was actually a little scary.

From the outside it looked like a small, abandoned looking building with a bit of muffled noise coming from it. When the large metal door opened and the bouncer let them inside, there was a deep, steady bass that seemed to reverberate right through her. It stirred within her a powerful feeling to move her body but the demure, pink haired woman held back, not wishing to draw attention to herself. After all, from what she could see of the women here they were all dressed in sexy clothing that showed off their assets. Compared to the asymmetrical skirt and long sleeved, loose fitting shirt she wore, Fluttershy knew her outfit was very... safe, to say the least.

Despite the prodding from Treehugger, Fluttershy skirted along the walls, staying away as the people moved their bodies to the rhythm and the beat in fairly provocative ways. The steady beat continued to pulse through everything in the club, trying to awaken an almost primal feeling in Fluttershy that made her want to join. Her want to join and her want to stay unnoticed seemed to be forever deadlocked, left the woman frozen in place... until something on the other side of the dance floor caught her eye. Standing at one of the tables with a bold woman with rainbow colored hair was someone who seemed to stand out even more if that were possible. She had long blonde hair tied into a ponytail with a stetson hat on her head, she wore a black tank top that hugged her figure nicely, showing off an ample bosom and the hard muscle on her body. Her jeans, while old an beat up hugged her form just as well as her top and the legs tucked into dark brown work boots.

For some reason, Fluttershy couldn't help but stare at this person, unable to tear her gaze away even when the blonde woman caught her looking. Their eyes stay locked, the blonde slowly taking a pull from the bottle in her hand but never looking away no matter the dancers got in her way or how dim light in the club fluctuated. The pink haired woman slightly turned her head, only staring at the muscular woman out of the corner of her eye now. She could hear her heart beating in her ears, matching with that tantalizing music playing in the club, the urges becoming near impossible to fight now.

Then the blonde set her beer down on the table and began to cross the dance floor.

An invisible force drew Fluttershy in, making her move to meet the other halfway. This wasn't how she spent a typical evening. Her evenings were spent at home, in the quiet and away from loud music or strangers dancing in such a salacious manner. But when she was finally face to face with the other woman, she found herself lost in those wild, green eyes. Slowly she felt the music of the club start to sweep away her inhibitions and without a word she began to move, the blonde beginning to follow and compliment her movements. Their movements were slow and there was some distance between them at first, but their speed of their motions grew and the distance closed until they were so close that they often found themselves pressed against each other.

And she liked it. Fluttershy could feel her heart racing and things heating up every time she pressed close to the others' body. Every time she could feel those muscles or a strong, calloused hand sent a shiver up the pink haired woman's spine, stoking a newly ignited flame inside of her. The rest of the world had faded away, it was just them dancing and those strong arms around her.

When there was finally a lull in the trance, she had her arms over the tall blonde's shoulders and she was once again looking into those eyes. Both were breathless, a light sweat on their bodies, and their lips were so close it would just take a small movement forward to make contact. But then something cut through the music. The voice of her friend Treehugger breaking the spell, drawing Fluttershy out of this dangerous world.

What had she done? What was she about to do? And with a stranger no less!

Suddenly she pulled away, the blonde about to protest but Fluttershy turned and escaped through the crowd, Treehugger following closely after her as she escaped into the night.

Three days later Fluttershy woke up in her bed, having yet another uneasy night's sleep as a certain blonde kept invading her dreams. Just thinking about those eyes and those hands made the pink haired woman whimper softly before she rolled out of bed and got ready for the day. It was her day off but staying in seemed unappealing to her now, perhaps a trip to the park or the zoo.

Just as she stepped out from her apartment building, she stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted the blonde from last night, leaning against an old truck and this time dressed in a long sleeved, green and white shirt. While Fluttershy contemplated whether to stay frozen in place or to bolt, the blonde smiled awkwardly and spoke up.

"Sorry. This's probably creepy but... af'er last night Ah had to find out who ya' were. The woman that owns the club told me 'bout yer friend n' yer friend told me 'bout ya'."

To actually hear her speak... it wasn't what Fluttershy had expected but there was something to that southern accent. The timid woman was put further at ease at how adorably awkward the blonde was acting, the other scratching her head and scuffing her boot against the sidewalk.

"Look. Ah know we din't even exchange a word at the club. But... what cin Ah say other than Ah'm interested? So, if'n ya' wanted... Ah was thinkin' ah treatin' ya' to a cup of coffee or something."

"... I'd like that."

Seeing the smile that broke out over the woman's face brought a small smile to Fluttershy's as she approached the truck. The blonde hurriedly moved to the passenger's side and opened it for her, helping Fluttershy into the big truck before hurrying back around to the driver's side.

"Oh yeah. My name's Applejack by the by. What's yers?"

"... Fluttershy."

Author's Note

Yeah, just wanted sexy dancing set to Rihanna's work. I don't know why but I could picture Fluttershy as Rihanna in that music video.

And more than likely Rainbow Dash would be Drake but in this case, it's Applejack. :derpytongue2:

Flexibility, Love and Trust

"... ain't ya' even gonna talk to me?"

"..."

"... c'mon 'Shy, Ah'm not a mind reader. Somethin's botherin' you n' Ah wanna talk 'bout it."

"... Applejack, I would like it if you left now."

"Fluttershy, c'mon whatever Ah did, Ah wanna talk it out. Please."

Still the yellow pegasus kept her back turned to the orange mare, the latter waiting for a few seconds before standing and slowly making her way to the door. With her hoof on the knob, she gave one last glance back to her marefriend, hoping that the pegasus would speak up but instead was met with a wall of silence. With her head low, a dejected Applejack quietly shut the door behind her and headed back to Sweet Apple Acres, not knowing if Fluttershy would ever tell her what was wrong. She wanted so badly to know so that she could make it right, either by making it up to her marefriend or comforting her.

Would this be the end?

It would be two days later that a knock came at Fluttershy's cottage door, the pegasus opening it a few seconds later to find Pinkie Pie on her doorstep with a cheery smile in place as usual.

"Morning Flutters! Mind if I come in? I got bear claws! Oh! Not real ones of course, bear claws don't taste so good and even if they do it's not as good after you lick all the honey off!"

Hesitating and slightly worried about how and why Pinkie Pie was tasting actual bear claws, the forlorn pegasus simply nodded and stepped aside to allow the earth pony to bounce her way inside. Pinkie Pie bounced her way to the kitchen and pulled a basket out of her hair, the basket containing said bear claws before Pinkie set to work pulling out dishes and making coffee. Then when everything was ready, she grabbed Fluttershy and put the timid mare in her seat before taking her own across the table. Despite how down she felt, the smell of the pastry was starting to wake up Fluttershy's appetite and she started to take small bites.

"So! Applejack been by today?"

"... yes."

Really Pinkie Pie was about as subtle as a frosting covered brick to the head but mentioning Applejack made the pink haired pegasus flinch noticeably.

"Well that's good! Did you talk to her?"

"... no."

"Aww, that's bad. I hadn't gotten a recent report but yesterday Dashie saw Applejack and Applejack has been super down, so Auntie Pinkie Pie decided to come by today and see how things were going!"

It always bugged her a bit how she called herself 'Auntie Pinkie Pie' when she was the younger of the two of them. That was a minor problem though, compared to the other trying to butt in to this matter. But she didn't want to hurt Pinkie Pie's feelings since the other was being so nice and putting in such effort. Thus Fluttershy said nothing and continued to nibble on her bear claw.

"So, you know that me and Twily used to fight a lot when we got together?"

Raising her gaze from her plate to the ever smiling mare, she wasn't quite sure how to respond to that at first. It wasn't a secret that the two had clashed initially when they became a couple two years ago, it made many wonder just how long they would last. But that would be mean to say so Fluttershy opted to nod her head.

"Yup, still do sometimes! I mean, sometimes Twilight gets all angry and makes her angry face and then yells at me if I'm reaaaallly bothering her when she's trying to study! Or she forgets something and I don't say anything but I get super sad and then we kinda argue. And usually the arguments aren't fun so it's like a double sad whammy!"

Silence as Pinkie Pie took a big whopping bite of her pastry, seeming to look expectantly to Fluttershy and chewing more slowly when the pegasus just kept staring at her. Finally the pink mare disappeared under the table and a Fluttershy sock pupper appeared next to the timid pegasus, making her jump.

"Gee Auntie Pinkie Pie, that sounds rough! How is it that you and Twily are still together as the super duperest lovey couple everrrrr?"

Then the sock puppet disappeared and Pinkie Pie reappeared in her seat.

"I'm glad you asked Fluttersock! Well, I'll tell you, there were days when I thought we were done for sure!"

Fluttersock made a reappearance to supply a shocked gasp.

"But we never gave up. Twilight would always be around and wait for me or I would be around to wait for her. Then eventually we talked and worked it out."

There was a small, soft smile on Pinkie Pie's face as she took a sip of coffee before the big bright smile was back.

"I think we always find out in the end, no issue we've ever faced was powerful enough to rip our dynamic duo apart! No matter how big and scary it seemed, we could find it really was small and sock it in the face cause it'd never stand a chance against Batmare and the Mare Wonder! So I guess that's food for thought from your Auntie Pinkie Pie!"

Blinking, Fluttershy simply stared at the other as she scarfed down the last of the bear claws and declared she had to get going. As she watched the energetic earth pony bounce off, the pegasus stayed at her door and thought things over in her mind. If she was right in catching the gist of what Pinkie Pie was saying, then she really had to examine the issue. Was it big enough to tear her and Applejack apart?

After a long, hard think, the pegasus closed her door and flew off towards Sweet Apple Acres, scanning the farm below until she spotted Applejack and gently moved to touch down near the blonde. The farmer was surprised at first, caught mid-kick to an apple tree and looking nervous. Fluttershy almost considered backing out, but as she gazed at her marefriend's concerned face, she took a deep breath and began to talk.

By the end of it, she was wrapped up in Applejack's forelegs, being held close as tears slid down her cheeks. She could tell Applejack was struggling with her own emotions as well, trying to stay so strong through this. Eventually they both calmed down though, opting to lie on the grass together as they continued to talk and gain comfort from each other's presence.

It wouldn't be easy being together but... so long as they were there for each other, they could work through it, everything would be okay.

Author's Note

Yeah I've been hit in the face with ANOTHER Steven Universe episode that caught me in the feels.

I don't know why but I just keep seeing Fluttershy and Applejack in these songs.

All You Need Is...

A cool, spring time afternoon in Ponyville was always so picturesque. This year Winter Wrap-Up had gone spectacularly, in no small part to lead organizer Twilight Sparkle. Flowers were in bloom, the weather team had done an outstanding job in giving Ponyville clear, sunny weather and many ponies were out enjoying the day.

On Sweet Apple Acres, one such pony was on a lunch break from her usual chores, a picnic basket in mouth as she trotted deep into the apple orchards towards a clearing she had been to many times before. Applejack set the basket down and pulled out a blanket to spread out before taking out a hardy lunch. She had made her own favorite meal as well as the favorite meal of the mare who would be meeting her here. There wasn't a need to double check or second guess, by this point she had made her marefriend's favorite eats enough times she had it down pat.

Speaking of marefriend...

The orange coated pony turned around, as if feeling Fluttershy was there, and was rewarded by being correct as she gazed upon the pegasus that had her heart. The pink maned pegasus smiled softly, in a manner that was so in line with the mare's demure character but Applejack could look at those sparkling teal blue eyes to see a hidden playfulness beneath the surface. It was a side of Fluttershy that came out just for her and that pleased the blonde mare. A slightly goofy grin came to Applejack's face as Fluttershy approached, the pegasus nuzzling a spot underneath Applejack's chin, purposefully passing by close so that their sides lightly rubbed together before she took a seat on the blanket, waiting for Applejack to join her.

Once the farm pony had taken a seat as well, they would eat and talk. Nothing big, talking about how their day had been going so far, what they planned to do for the rest of the day, making plans to spend time together again. It was small talk in a sense but not inconsequential. It was something in between the comfortable, peaceful periods of quiet between them. The quiet was just as welcome as the conversations, both mares valuing quiet as much as words since at times, they didn't even need words. Just a look after their meal was done, to beckon the farm pony over. A return of that endearing goofy grin before the pounce, eliciting a small squeal from the pegasus as she was swept up in the Earth pony's forelegs before that hidden friskiness came to the surface as she gently pushed the blonde onto her back.

Applejack would let Fluttershy push her down, not minding at all as that beautiful, long mane fell all around her, leaving only the beautiful pegasus in her field of vision. Serenity reigned as they stared into each other's eyes, small smiles dancing on their lips before they locked in a slow yet passionate kiss. When the kiss was broken, the bold yellow mare would lean up and gently nip one of Applejack's ears, drawing a soft nicker from the mare below her and creating desire in those beautiful green eyes. A slightly mischievous smile was on Fluttershy's face as she gave a kiss on the tip of Applejack's nose as consolation until a better time, the farm pony knowing that if she let her passions run wild she might not leave this orchard for a long time.

Instead they lay together on the blanket, the sun warming their coats as the two lovers simply spent the time enjoying how close they were to one another.

Author's Note

Seriously, I have no idea why when I hear/see Steven Universe I think of these two because this is like... the third SU inspired short fic.

It wasn't based on any song this time, more just this feeling I get from watching the show. There's just... happiness. And I spewed that happiness all over this short fic cause I'm secretly sappy like that. :derpytongue2:

Crush

Crush. Ain't that a funny word? When Ah think 'bout it, something that means somethin's destruction cin also mean ya' have feelin's fer someone. Ah always wondered why a words was used fer somethin' bad n' good. Best answer Ah could come up with is like that. What ya' feel for someone cin' be so strong that yet crushed un'er the weight o' it, in a good way mind. N' if'n they dun' return yer' feelings well... then yer crushed in the bad way.

Shoot Ah'm ramblin' aren't Ah?

Ah guess what brought all this up, me thinkin' 'bout the word crush n' all, is on account Ah been thinkin' 'bout that day we met. It'd been 'bout a month since Ah came back to the farm from Manehattan, findin' mah destiny after Ah saw that sonic rainboom lightin' up the sky all o'er Equestria. The day was pretty ordinary, not much to remember outside a' me havin' to chase after some no good thievin' rabbits. So tunnel visioned that Ah galloped clear off the Sweet Apple Acres property n' into the trees nearby. Lost sight o' 'em but Ah was too stubborn ta' give up.

Lookin' back Ah was glad Ah didn't.

Cause that's when Ah saw you.

Sittin' by a pond, peaceful like n' happy amongst yer animal friends. Ah didn't know why Ah froze then, but lookin' back Ah realize Ah musta' thought ya' were the cutest filly Ah ever did see. N' like some kinda' fairy 'er somethin' the way ya' looked surrounded by all that nature.

Ya' almost ran off when ya' spotted me but Ah guess somehow me talkin' to ya' put you at some ease. You were such a shy thing back then, more'n now o' course. But as we talked, Ah managed to coax out the most beautiful smile from ya' that sent mah heart a skippin'. Ah remember how disappointed Ah felt when ya' had to go, but also happy when ya' told me when ya'd come back to this spot.

As we kept meetin' up, Ah started thinkin' 'bout things, imaginin' if you will. 'Bout you bein' in some trouble, pack o' timberwolves cornerin' you usually, n' how Ah'd swoop in n' fight 'em off. Or how a disaster o' some kind would come in, decimating everythin' n' everyone, leavin' me to come n' save ya'.

Ah'm kinda ashamed ta' admit that last one honestly. Cause s'such a childish thing, thinkin' e'eryone woulda' had ta' die for you ta' fall in love with me r' somethin'. Ah didn't have the highest self esteem 'bout mahself back then n' even up 'ntil mah adulthood. A farmin' earth pony with jes a basic education and a good work ethic. What could Ah possibly offer you? How could Ah possibly give such a pretty filly e'erything she deserved?

Course Ah didn't start realizin' mah issues 'til mah teens but still.

The bad part o' the crush kicked in, when 'bout a couple weeks later ya' said Cloudsdale was gettin' too far away n' ya' couldn't make trips back ta' that spot.

Ah was sad fer' a long time after our last goodbye.

But then, years later, ya' came back. Ah'd heard there was someone new comin' ta' town n' a Apple always greets their neighbors. Ah could feel mah heart soar when that cottage door opened n' Ah saw you again, feel it racin' like a rodeo pony when Ah saw that smile.

Ah wish Ah coulda' mared up n' told ya' then, but ya' know it was awhile before it all came out. Pushin' it off, not wantin' ta' risk sinkin' a friendship, then o' course Twilight came to town n' it seemed like e'ery other week we'd be busy with somethin'.

But yeah, Ah guess Ah been thinkin' 'bout the word crush n' how ya' were mah first. On account today's the anniversary ah when Ah finally confessed, n' almost e'ery memory Ah e'er had dimmed their light ta' let that moment shine the brightest, when ya' smiled n' took mah hand n' yers n' kissed me. Now that was magic, when ya' rewrote mah lifelong definition of beauty that night un'er the moon n' stars.

Ah think 'bout the time Ah woulda' destroyed the world jes so Ah could be with ya'. N' how Ah later thought Ah wasn't good 'nough for ya' or could give ya' e'erything ya' deserved. Ah did a lot a growin' up since then, N' Ah know what Ah cin' give ya' that Ah don't think no one else can.

Ah cin give ya' mah heart, a lifetime o' held breaths, a juggernaut o' thank yous, n' offerin' of Ah missed yous when e'er ya' go 'way n' come back, a lifetime o' memories Ah polish n' treasure as Ah keep 'em close to mah heart.

These 'r some a the ways Ah love you.

N' though ya' already know 'Shy, Ah gotta' say.

God damn, Ah had the biggest crush on you.

Author's Note

If you've never heard Shane Koyczan, look him up people. His spoken word stuff is all on youtube and it's all AMAZING.

But yeah, his piece Crush was the inspiration for this.