It was the day before Nightmare Night and Fluttershy was at Sweet Apple Acres helping Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom decorate the barn. Fluttershy hung fake cobwebs just below the roof and around the windows of the barn. When she was done, Fluttershy flew back down in front of Applejack.
“Do you want me to put anything else on the roof?” Fluttershy asked.
“Nah, I think that’s all,” Applejack said.
The 2 ponies looked up at the barn. It was very densely decorated.
“We did a good job,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Huh?! Oh yeah….! I guess we did….” Applejack said, awkwardly.
Fluttershy smiled awkwardly as Applejack’s gaze returned to her.
“So...what’re ya doin’ for Nightmare Night?” Applejack asked.
“Oh….I uh, think I might dress up but I’m probably gonna stay in for the night,” Fluttershy said.
Applejack’s ears and tail dropped sadly.
“Oh….” Applejack said, disappointed.
As she lowered her head, her hat fell off. Fluttershy grabbed the hat in her jaws before it could hit the ground. Applejack smiled and blushed as Fluttershy put the hat back on her head.
“Thank ya,” Applejack said.
Fluttershy smiled and looked away. Applejack did the same before she started the conversation again.
“What’re ya plannin’ to dress up as?” Applejack asked.
“Um...I was thinking of dressing up as a bear,” Fluttershy said.
“I bet Harry would like that,” Applejack chuckled.
Fluttershy giggled playfully. Then there was an awkward silence between the 2 mares.
“Hey Applejack!” Apple Bloom called.
Applejack whipped her head around and looked Apple Bloom.
“You’re needed in the kitchen!” Apple Bloom said.
Applejack looked back at Fluttershy.
“Well, I’ll see ya tomorrow, I guess,” Applejack said.
Fluttershy nodded and walked away. Why was she so nervous around Applejack all of a sudden? Applejack was her best friend! By the time Fluttershy made it to her cottage, it was already sunset. Fluttershy yawned. It had been a long day. She flew upstairs and flopped down onto her bed. Even though she wanted to sleep, Fluttershy felt restless. She kept thinking about her awkward conversation with Applejack. Wait a minute, how long have I felt like this around her?! Fluttershy thought to herself. Fluttershy tried to push the thought away as she buried herself under the covers. Fluttershy tossed and turned all night, unaware if she was fully asleep or not. She could feel every single second pass by as she laid there with her thoughts of Applejack. By the time morning finally rolled around, Fluttershy couldn’t remember if she passed out or not. Fluttershy was incredibly sleep deprived and could barely get out of bed. I have to tell Applejack before I lose it. Fluttershy yawned and stretched out her wings. She trotted down the stairs and walked towards the door. Suddenly, she felt a kick on her leg. Fluttershy looked down and saw Angel, stomping his foot angrily. He was hungry.
“Can you please wait?” Fluttershy asked. “There’s something I need to do first.”
Angel frowned and crossed his arms.
“Don’t worry Angel. I will feed you,” Fluttershy said.
Fluttershy looked at the kitchen. She knew she should probably eat but she didn’t feel hungry. Fluttershy flew out the door and shut it behind her. She flew all the way to Sweet Apple Acres and saw Applejack pulling a cart of apples. Fluttershy landed in front of her. Applejack nearly jumped out of her skin when Fluttershy.
“Good mornin’ Fluttershy,” Applejack yawned.
“I take it you didn’t get much sleep either?” Fluttershy whispered.
Applejack nodded.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about!” Both ponies said in unison.
Fluttershy and Applejack paused and then giggled a bit.
“You can say it,” Fluttershy whispered.
Applejack froze, “Nah. You say it Sugarcube!” Applejack said.
Fluttershy took a deep breath and flapped her wings awkwardly.
“Well I’ve felt really awkward and nervous around you for some reason,” Fluttershy began.
“Yeah I’ve felt it to,” Applejack admitted.
“It’s weird isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, I mean we’re friends. Why is this happening?” Applejack agreed.
Applejack and Fluttershy were silent for a long time, both of them were lost in their thoughts. Suddenly, Applejack spoke up.
“I think it might be a crush,” Applejack said.
Fluttershy’s eyes widened, “What?” she gasped.
“I mean it’s just a theory but….” Applejack trailed off.
“B-but but I’m not…” Fluttershy stuttered.
“Maybe we should talk to somepony,” Applejack suggested, “I mean it’s buggin’ both of us so we should….”
“How about we ask Cadence? She is the princess of princess of love after all,” Fluttershy suggested.
Applejack thought for a second and then nodded.
“Will we be able to make it to the Crystal Empire and back by the time for Nightmare Night?” Applejack asked.
“I think so, can you make it to the train station by 9?” Fluttershy asked shyly.
“I think so. I’ll meet ya’ there,” Applejack said.
When she got home, the first thing Applejack did was look for something to keep her warm. After a while of searching the attic, Applejack managed to find a scarf and some boots. She put on the boots and carried the scarf. Before she could leave the barn, Applebloom spotted her.
“AJ, where are you goin’?” Apple Bloom asked.
“The Crystal Empire,” Applejack said.
“Why?” Apple Bloom asked.
Applejack hesitated. She wasn’t ready to tell anypony.
“Uh...the map sent us,” Applejack lied.
Applejack dashed away with her scarf before Apple Bloom could ask her any more questions. She probably already said too much. Once Applejack was out of the farm, she began walking again. She made it to the train station at 8:52, just a few minutes before Fluttershy arrived. Fluttershy wore a scarf and boots, just like her. The 2 mares waited patiently for a train to take them to the Crystal Empire. Finally, the train came and Fluttershy and Applejack got on it. They sat in the same seat. Fluttershy looked out the window the whole time they were on the train while Applejack fiddled with her hooves. They were too nervous to talk to each other. They didn’t even make eye contact with each other. Once they made it to the Crystal Empire, they took off their scarves as they got off the train. Fluttershy and Applejack walked through the crystallized
city all the way to the structure in the middle. Finally, they found Cadence and her baby, Flurry Heart, alone upstairs.
“Hello Applejack and Fluttershy. What brings you here?” Cadence asked.
“We came to ask for advice,” Fluttershy explained.
Cadence paused, “Um, advice isn’t really my thing,” Cadence explained.
“It’s advice on love…” Applejack explained.
Cadence sat down in front of them and pricked her ears to show she was listening. Applejack and Fluttershy glanced at each other, then back at Cadence.
“Well me and Applejack have been nervous around each other yet we feel sad when we’re apart,” Fluttershy began.
“We’ve also felt restless and unable to sleep,” Applejack continued.
“I’ve also lost my appetite,” Fluttershy added.
Applejack nodded in agreement, “So we wanted to know if it was love.”
Cadence looked overwhelmed at first but she quickly smiled.
“You were right all along, it is love,” Cadence said.
Fluttershy and Applejack let out shocked gasps.
“But we’re not homosexual!” Applejack protested.
“You sure about that?” Cadence asked, “Think of a time you’ve ever been attracted to a stallion.”
Applejack and Fluttershy were completely silent. Cadence sat patiently as the 2 mares thought about her question. After what felt like a few
minutes of awkward silence, Cadence finally spoke up,
“You know it’s not a bad thing to be homosexual.”
“That may be true, princess. But it’s definitely out of the norm,” Applejack said.
“Not true. I’ve seen a lot homosexual couples, some of which even came to me for advice, just like you,” Cadence replied.
Applejack was still unsure and by the look on Fluttershy’s face, Applejack could tell she felt the same way.
“But what about our friends?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, what will they think? What if they get mad at us?!” Fluttershy said, nervously.
“They won’t. They’re your friends,” Cadence said, “They’ll support you.”
Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other. They seemed to be locked in each other’s gaze.
“Come on,” Fluttershy said, breaking the silence, “Let’s go home.”
Applejack nodded and followed Fluttershy to the stairs. Fluttershy turned around to say “thank you” to Cadence and then walked down the
staircase with Applejack at her side. They waited about 20 minutes for the next train to arrive. This time, they spoke a lot.
“What do you think they’ll say?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don’t know Sugarcube,” Applejack admitted, “I just hope they won’t be mad.”
Applejack shivered as the cold snowy air came blew towards her. Fluttershy moved closer and wrapped her wings around Applejack. Applejack hugged her back.
“Thanks Flutters,” Applejack said.
“You’re welcome AJ,” Fluttershy whispered.
Fluttershy hovered above the ground right next to Applejack. They were going to tell the others, and both ponies were nervous out of their minds. Fluttershy flew higher and caught sight of the 4 ponies walking to the castle.
“That way!” Fluttershy called to Applejack, pointing at the ponies.
Fluttershy landed beside Applejack and both ponies raced towards their friends. Twilight turned around and saw them.
“Oh hi girls,” Twilight said.
The other 3 ponies turned around and saw them.
“Where were you?” Rarity asked.
Applejack and Fluttershy glanced at each other then back at Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.
“The Crystal Empire,” Applejack said.
“The Crystal Empire?!” They repeated in awe.
“What were you doing in the Crystal Empire?” Twilight demanded.
“We needed advice from Cadence,” Applejack explained.
“But Cadence is the Princess of Love,” Rarity said, “Why did you ask her for advice?”
“For advice on love! DUH!” Pinkie Pie said, cutting in.
“But why would you need advice on love?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Fluttershy and Applejack exchanged glances and nodded.
“Because me and Fluttershy are...in love,” Applejack said.
There were gasps from Rarity and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie just smiled and Twilight didn’t look surprised in the slightest.
“AW HOW CUTE!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“You’re not mad?” Fluttershy asked.
“Mad?” Rarity asked, confused.
“Why in all of Equestria would we be mad?” Twilight asked.
“Because it’s different,” Applejack muttered.
“Oh we don’t mind,” Rainbow Dash said.
“As long as you 2 are happy, we’re happy,” Twilight said.
The other 3 ponies nodded in agreement. Applejack and Fluttershy sighed in relief. Twilight looked confused. She flew over to the, hovering above them.
“Why were you afraid we’d be mad? We’re friends!” Twilight said.
“We didn’t think you’d understand,” Applejack said.
“We’re friends AJ! Even if some of us are a bit confused, that doesn’t mean we’re mad,” Twilight said.
Fluttershy and Applejack smiled. Twilight hugged them.
“GROUP HUG!” Pinkie called.
She, Rarity and Rainbow Dash joined the group hug.
Author's Note
Okay so this was written months before I joined Fimfiction so it's a little outdated. I promise my future stuff will be better. Also, I hope everypony is in character.
Rarity x Thunderlane
Rarity trotted to the Canterlot castle with Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. This year the moon was full on the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. Rarity squealed to herself in happiness.
“Excited for the Gala huh?” Rainbow Dash teased.
“Well, why shouldn’t I be?” Rarity asked, “Besides all of you just look absolutely fabulous this year!”
Twilight Sparkle hovered beside Rarity, her hooves barely off the ground.
“I agree Rarity,” Twilight Sparkle said, “You really outdid yourself this year!”
Everyone else nodded in agreement, making Rarity blush.
“Oh I had help,” Rarity replied modestly, turning to Spike “My wittle Spikey Wikey here came up with idea to add the gemstones.”
Spike smiled and blushed as Rarity rubbed his head. Rarity trotted forward into the Canterlot Castle. This year, Princess Luna was at the front greeting everypony. Rarity trotted carefully up the stairs with Spike and the others by her side.
“Hello girls!” Luna said, “And welcometh to the Gala.”
Twilight and the others bowed in respect to Luna and made her way to the ballroom. When she found the ballroom, Rarity was shocked at how many ponies had turned up. Rarity separated from the group to find an attractive stallion to dance with.
“Aren’t ya gonna get some food?” Applejack asked.
Rarity whipped around in shock. Her heart had skipped a beat.
“My goodness Applejack, I hadn’t realized you followed me!” Rarity explained.
“S’all right sugarcube,” Applejack said, “So what’cha doin’?”
“Looking for an attractive stallion to dance with,” Rarity admitted.
Applejack chuckled and rolled her eyes. She walked to the food table. Rarity rolled her eyes. Typical Applejack, She thought. Then Rarity heard her stomach growl. Rarity followed Applejack to the Snack Bar and looked for something suitable to eat. All of it was messy food that didn’t appeal to Rarity in the slightest. She finally settled with some muffins. Rarity levitated the muffins with her magic and walked to a table. Suddenly, she bumped into sompeony and nearly dropped her food. Suddenly, the plate of muffins landed on a gray wing. Rarity looked up. A dark gray pegasus had caught her muffins.
“You okay miss?” He asked.
Rarity nodded and stood up. She levitated the plate and landed it on a nearby table.
“Thank you,” Rarity said.
Suddenly, Rarity realized that this pegasus looked familiar.
“Do I know you?” Rarity asked.
The stallion paused and looked at her.
“Yes, I believe so,” the stallion said.
Rarity looked down at her hooves, unable to figure it out.
“What’s your name?” Rarity asked.
“I’m Thunderlane,” The stallion responded, “And you’re Rarity right?”
Rarity widened her eyes in shock. How did this stallion know her name? Rarity giggled and went to the table where she put down her muffins. Thunderlane followed her and sat down across from her.
“Hey Rarity. I was wondering if you could be my date for the gala?” Thunderlane asked.
Rarity dropped her muffin in shock.
“But I barely know you!” Rarity gasped.
“That hasn’t stopped you before,” Thunderlane teased.
Rarity giggled a bit. It was true, no matter how much rarity wanted to deny it.
“Besides it’s nothing serious. I just want to hang out with you,” Thunderlane responded.
“Well I suppose we could then,” Rarity replied.
Thunderlane smiled. Rarity smiled back and levitated a muffin into his hooves. As the 2 ponies ate their muffins, Rarity kept trying to figure out how she knew this stallion but she just couldn’t quite put her hoof on it.
“So Rarity, I heard you own 3 boutiques,” Thunderlane said.
“Oh yes I do,” Rarity answered, “One in Ponyville, one in Canterlot and one in Manehattan.”
Thunderlane's eyes widened in shock.
“How do you manage all of that?” Thunderlane asked.
“Oh I mainly work here but I do send some of my dresses to the other shops,” Rarity said.
Suddenly, a little purple head appeared. It was Spike.
“Oh hello Spike,” Rarity greeted.
“Hey Rarity, Who is this?” Spike asked, directing his attention to Thunderlane.
“Oh this is Thunderlane. Thunderlane, this is Spike, the most generous dragon ever,” Rarity said.
Spike blushed at Rarity’s compliment. Thunderlane smiled and looked down at Spike.
“Well it’s nice to meet you Spike,” Thunderlane greeted.
“Uh yeah you to,” Spike said.
Suddenly, music came on. It was very soothing and romantic. Rarity looked out at the ballroom and noticed pony couples beginning to dance. Rarity looked at Thunderlane.Suddenly, Thunderlane walked up to her and grabbed her hoof.
“Care to dance?” Thunderlane asked.
“Sure…” Rarity said, still a bit unsure.
She grasped his hoof and walked beside him to the open space of the ballroom. Nervously, Rarity grabbed his other hoof. She had never danced before and didn’t want to screw up in front of Thunderlane. Thunderlane seemed to notice and his gaze softened a little.
“It’s okay, just follow my lead,” Thunderlane said gently.
Rarity smiled and nodded. Thunderlane held one of her hooves and slowly began to spin Rarity around. Then he grabbed both of her hooves and spun with her. Rarity kept her eyes glued to Thunderlane as he spun her around. Suddenly, Rarity slipped and started to fall. Thunderlane caught her in his hooves. Thunderlane smiled as Rarity let her hooves touch the ground again. Thunderlane stood on his four hooves again and leaned in to nuzzle with Rarity. Blushing, Rarity stepped forward and nuzzled with him. Then Thunderlane backed out of the “kiss” and held Rarity in his hooves. Rarity smiled as she looked into Thunderlane’s eyes. This would certainly be a night to remember.
“Wanna go for a flight?” Thunderlane asked.
“Of course,” Rarity said.
Thunderlane wrapped his hooves around Rarity. She relaxed and held onto him as tight as she could. Thunderlane flew upward and out the window. Rarity flung her hooves around and didn’t dare look down.
“Are you afraid of heights?” Thunderlane asked.
Rarity closed her eyes as she nodded.
“It’s okay,” Thunderlane comforted, “Just look into my eyes.”
Rarity slowly opened her eyes and gazed into Thunderlane’s eyes. She hugged him tightly and clung onto him even though he was holding her. Rarity looked up at the beautiful starry night above her. Suddenly, Rarity got a feeling of deja vu. Then it hit her.
“Wait! I know who you are now!” Rarity exclaimed, “You’re the pegasus who saved my life when Lightning Dust made that crazy tornado at the Wonderbolts Academy!”
Thunderlane smiled, “I thought you’d never figure it out!” he chuckled.
Rarity smiled back.
Author's Note
Sorry for the hiatus guys! I've had other matters on my hooves lately. Like the last one, this is also pretty old writing but I did make some slight edits to it. Hope you enjoyed!