Some Doors Don't Swing That Wayby The Dawn FanaticChaptersJust Another DayThe Big QuestionThe Fall FormalJust a Different DayJust Another Day“APPLE BLOOM?!! Y’ALL BETTER GET UP OR YA’LL BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!” “Where is that girl today?” Applejack muttered under her breath. The elder sister returned to her chair at the kitchen table, adopting a semi-casual demeanour. Taking the half-eaten apple on the table in hand, she chomped down on it with firm bites; her pupils drifting up towards the upstairs landing. With them, the spring morning sun’s light followed; right from the stairway up to the barrier of Apple Bloom’s bedroom door. Surprisingly enough, there was no victory to be had through the windows of the adolescent Apple’s room either. The drawn curtains had pretty much encircled her in darkness. Normally, Apple Bloom liked waking up to the sun; it was a refreshing way to start the day. Yet, the young Apple preferred not to see the dawn as of late. Though judging by how ill-kept her bedsheets were recently, sprawled across the bed and slipping off the sides; not to mention the discarded dirty clothes from the day before just lying all round her bed – it wouldn’t have been a welcome sight for anyone wishing to peer in. Neither was Apple Bloom herself very pleasing this morning, boasting a bed head and a drooling mouth; mumbling as she stirred awake. Her sister’s cries had done enough to get through to her it seemed. Lazily, Apple Bloom opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times. Having woke up facing her alarm clock, she could make out the digits it displayed. It took a little while longer for her brain to engage. Her eyes went wide and she bolted out of bed. “Fuck! Ah’m late!” She almost tripped over her dirty clothes on the way to her dresser. She had no time to shower this morning so she’d have to make herself look as presentable as possible. Apple Bloom fumbled around for her hairbrush; in the room void of sunlight it was hard to make out one thing from the other. With hairbrush in hand she proceeded to carefully nurture her bedhead into the fine red locks of hair she was known for. Grabbing her pink ribbon, Apple Bloom tied her hair into a fashion mimicking that of her sister, Applejack, tying her pink bow in the middle. In years past, it would normally sit upon her head but puberty had forced her to wear her hair differently because of there being more of it. Besides, it suited her – she thought so anyway. Putting on her stylish blue jeans and green top, Apple Bloom took one last look in her dresser mirror and sighed. Satisfied, she quickly put some socks over her bare feet and placed them in her country boots. She made her way to the door, before halting and turning back around. “Right, bag.” The flustered Apple picked up her neglected rucksack and without another hesitation went straight out of her room and down the stairs. She hurried over to the kitchen where a pretty frustrated Applejack was there waiting for her. “Ya showed. Ah was beginning ta think ah’d have ta boop yar keister into mosin’ on over ‘ere.” Her elder sister gave Apple Bloom a scowling stare. “Y’all better get goin’ before ya miss first period.” “Sure, sis. But umm…did ya make anything fer meh? Like toast or summin’?” Apple asked nervously. Her sister responded with another silent stare, followed by a short chuckle and some rolling eyes aimed at Apple Bloom. Applejack walked over to the toaster, and plucked out two pieces of toast, that were still piping hot. She threw them over to Apple Bloom who caught them only barely out of surprise. “Hehe, I suppose that’ll teach ya fer sleepin’ in!” Applejack chuckled. “Now, away with ya.” Taking a piece of toast into her mouth, Apple Bloom raced outside and mumbled back to her sister, “Tanx, Shis!” Applejack watched her sister leave the farm, shaking her head amusedly all the while. Apple Bloom hurried past building and building as she entered the city. It was quite fortunate that she was light on her feet; the most natural born sprinter of the Apple clan. She may not have Big Macintosh’s strength or her sisters’ speedy apple picking coupled with her built-in lie detector but she could outrun them all in a flat-out race. The school was coming into sight as Apple Bloom slowed to take a few breaths. “HEY! Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom turned her head towards the direction of her name call while still jogging at a pace. Crossing the road adjacent to her at a hurried pace, Scootaloo was waving. It looked like she was also running late today too. “Hey…Scoots!” replied Apple Bloom breathlessly. She didn’t pause to wait for her but luckily neither did Scootaloo who matched Apple Bloom’s speed and ran alongside. “Slept…in too, huh?” “Yeah…you could say that.” Scootaloo’s face was drenched in sweat. “Ya live…closer ta the school than ah do!” Apple Bloom challenged. “Yeah, well…that doesn’t mean jack shit when you…you’re a sloth like me!” Scootaloo joked. Apple Bloom woulda laughed if she wasn’t so busy panting. The pair were just rounding the corner into the school courtyard. Scootaloo held out her arm in front of Apple Bloom, showing her the digital watch on her wrist. “The bell hasn’t rung yet. If we’re lucky we won’t be tardy.” “Then let’s get to it!” Apple Bloom encouraged, picking up the pace. The two of them cleared the front doors and hurried to their home room. Within seconds, they’d reached it. “Hmmm, looks like you girls got here just in the nick of time. Shall I note that down as the third time this week that you escaped being late?” Miss Cheerilee said with a concerned expression. “Sorry, M…Miss Cheerilee. We ra…ran as fast as we could.” said Scootaloo, getting her breath back. Their teacher smiled. “Well, at least you’re here. I’ll just add your names to the register. Please take your seats.” The pair nodded and walked into the classroom, each plumping down on their usual seat. Apple Bloom sat in the desk in front of Scootaloo. Both of them could hear the other’s exhaustion, and so could Sweetie Belle who sat across from Apple Bloom. “Are you two in cahoots to see who can be the last one to arrive on time? That must be the third time this week you’ve survived a possible detention.” “Correction. It was the third time. And, no. AB and I just happen to be heavy sleepers.” Scootaloo answered with a smile. “Speak for yarself. Ah’m an early riser.” Apple Bloom threw back playfully. “Yeah right.” said Scootaloo. “Now, if I can have everyone’s attention please. I have a few announcements this morning…” Miss Cheerilee started to say. “Firstly, the principal wanted me to tell you all that…” Something sweet caught on the tip of Apple Bloom’s nostrils. She inhaled the aroma, remarking how familiar it seemed. She followed the scent trail to what she assumed to be its source. She sighed lovingly at her. Sweetie Belle always wore a honeyed fragrance, it followed her around everywhere. Apple Bloom was never sure if it was a perfume she wore or just her natural scent. Often she would mean to ask her about it but often she would forget from being distracted by the rest of her beauty. She no longer wore her hairband and so her silky-smooth lilac hair had been let loose for all to admire. Unlike her sister, Rarity, Sweetie Belle didn’t need makeup to make herself look beautiful. That said, she did wear a bit of blush but she didn’t really need it. If anything though, it was her eyes that stood out most of all. On many occasions, Apple Bloom had lost all train of thought in those leaf green eyes before being woken up out of her trance by a questioning Sweetie Belle. Coupling that with her cute nose and tempting lips… Apple Bloom sighed again. The palm of her hand held up her drifting head; her eyes fixed on her friend, who was comfortably focused on Miss Cheerilee’s lesson. It was weird - she had always loved her friends. Sweetie and Scoots had been her friends all the way through middle school after all and only through their friendship did they learn of their incredible ability to point out other people’s strengths. But recently, Apple Bloom felt differently around Sweetie Belle. Just the thought of being around her gave the young apple farmer a butterfly sensation in her stomach – if it wasn’t last night’s dinner knocking on her throat. Sweetie Belle was an amazing friend. Perhaps they could… “Apple Bloom?” “Huh?” Apple Bloom said quickly, waking up of her trance. At the front of the class, Miss Cheerilee was looking directly at her. “Did you hear all that I said?” “Oh! Yeah, ah-” Miss Cheerilee sighed. “There’s the morning bell, everyone. Have a nice day.” A gasp of relief escaped Apple Bloom. Saved by the bell… As the school day drew to a close, the front doors of CHS became flooded with pupils as per usual. Making her way past the jammed-up doors, Apple Bloom prepared to walk back home for the day. Knowing there'd be the usual list of afternoon chores to do, she wasted little time dawdling. As she rounded the corner of the schoolyard, some incoming footsteps from behind her prompted her to turn around briefly. Scootaloo stopped in front of her. “Hey, Apple Bloom. Want to walk home together?” “Hey, Scoots. Sure, we can walk fer a little bit.” Scootaloo smiled and walked alongside Apple Bloom as they walked further down the street. “By the way, have ya seen Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked. “I think she’s getting picked up by Rarity. Something about a family thing, she told me.” Scootaloo replied. “Oh, well.” Apple Bloom shrugged and kept on walking. “Hey, so what was that zoning out in home room about? You do that an awful lot lately.” Apple Bloom stuttered for a response. “Ah…ah don’ rightly know.” “There’s always a reason.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “And you’d know all about that now?” “I might.” Scootaloo said sternly. They both stared at each other a while before bursting out into laughter. Naturally, they continued to walk down the street. “Oh, I never said,” started Scootaloo. “I got some new trainers yesterday. Do you like them?” She gestured down to her feet. The trainers were yellow with red stripes on either side; at the top of the lace rack featured the Nike logo in red too. “Wow, they look great on you!” Apple Bloom commented. It was nice to see something new from Scootaloo since her dress sense almost mirrored that of what she wore through middle school. Her entire wardrobe consisted of tracksuits and baggy shorts and a few pairs of boots and trainers. To be honest though, Scootaloo looked fine without any added extras. Scootaloo blushed. “You really think so?” “Well, yeah. Ya always make thangs look so good.” Her compliment made Scootaloo stop in her tracks suddenly. Apple Bloom didn’t seem to notice until she looked to find her friend no longer beside her and turned around. Scootaloo looked a little weird. “Hey, are you alright?” asked Apple Bloom. “Oh, sorry. I just got a little confused there. Nothing to worry about.” Scootaloo replied, putting on a smile. “Wait, didn’t we pass your street a couple of blocks back?” Apple Bloom brought up. “Yeah, we did. I didn’t mind walking with you a little longer. Though I should probably split here, now that you bring it up.” Scootaloo chuckled. “Guess I’ll see ya tomorrow?” “O’ course. Last day before the weekend.” “You know it. See ya later, Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom waved back to her friend as she and Scootaloo went their separate ways. Turning back towards Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple teen sighed again. Are all my days gonna be like this? Upon entering her homestead, Apple Bloom unlevied her rucksack from her shoulders and dumped it in the entryway hall. She would get onto her chores as soon as she had a small sit-down on the living room sofa. As she entered the doorway to the living room, she hesitated when she heard soft squelchy sounds emanating from inside. Apple Bloom switched to a stealthier mode and eased the door open slowly to take a glance at the happenings going on inside. She almost cried out in shock. Applejack lay on the sofa, eyes closed and moans quite audible to say the least. On top of her was Sunset Shimmer, who was a dead giveaway with her sunset or rather bacon coloured hair. Together they were lip-locked in a perpetual kiss while using their arms to caress one another. Apple Bloom stood wide-eyed at the display, getting more and more interested as the exchange went on. Sunset began to poke her hands under Applejack’s shirt with Applejack doing the same in response. Their legs danced around each other, rubbing against one another and feet teasing away. It looked kinda hot, Apple Boom had to admit; Applejack’s hands running through her girlfriend’s hair, Sunset squeezing AJ’s titties. Apple Bloom was loving this. She edged the door open a tad more but it squeaked quite loudly, causing Applejack’s eyes to open. She caught sight of the peeping Tom and nudged Sunset to stop. “Hey! What do ya think yar doin’?” Applejack said, evidently embarrassed. Apple Bloom froze but it didn’t alter the smirk she was giving her older sister. “Oh, don’ mind me. Ah’m just enjoyin’ the show.” Applejack blushed furiously as Sunset moved off her, stifling a laugh or two. “Uhh…shouldn’t y’all be doin’ yar chores or summin’?” “Ah was goin’ ta have a lil’ breather beforehand but the couch was all taken up by you two makin’ out.” “Well…ah mean…ya shouldn’t have been peekin’ at us.” Sunset was still laughing. “Come on, AJ. A 15-year-old is exposed to much more than what we were doing. Besides, it’s not like Apple Bloom isn’t used to us being an item or anything.” Apple Bloom smiled victoriously. Sunset was taking her side. Though she soon faced her with a serious tone. “Still, it isn’t very polite to pry on other peoples’ privacy, Apple Bloom. Please don’t do it again.” The Apple teen’s smile faded. She nodded silently. Applejack spoke up. “It’s ma fault, really. Ah shoulda known better than to do summin’ like this in the living room where everyone can see us, left, right an’ centre.” Sunset nodded. “Let’s stick to the bedroom in future, k?” Applejack smiled through her obvious blush. She and Sunset walked towards the kitchen. Applejack stopped and turned to Apple Bloom. “Well, sis, couch is free now. Go on an’ take it. Not fer too long now, ya hear. Y’all get a double load tomorrow if ah don’ see that keister in gear in ten minutes.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Whatever you say, big sister.” She winked at the end. Applejack rolled her eyes jokingly and followed Sunset to the kitchen. Apple Bloom took roost on the couch and lied across like Applejack had been just a minute ago, without Sunset pinning her down of course. Though it would be rather great to see Sweetie Belle like that…thought the Apple teen, closing her eyes and letting her daydream fantasies loose. The Big Question“Alright, class! This morning I have an exciting announcement. The Fall Formal is coming up once more and is scheduled to be held next Thursday! Anyone wishing to attend should make sure they take a permission slip home for their parents to sign.” Miss Cheerilee’s news caused an outbreak of murmuring between everyone in the class. Apple Bloom looked to both of her friends who in turn showed excited expressions. “The Fall Formal is always the best!” Scootaloo said. “And heck, this time we can stay even later!” Apple Bloom nodded to her friend enthusiastically. Since they had just entered high school, the crusaders would be able to stay longer than before as middle school students weren’t permitted to remain after a certain time. This hadn’t bothered them in the past either though since most of the lively music was worn out in the first part of the Fall Formal and slow music was played later; perfect for all those smoochy-woochy couples. This year however, the thought of smooching someone was much more on her mind. And that someone, well, was there really much mystery? “It should be great fun.” Sweetie Belle agreed. “Rarity and I were talking about the dress I’ll wear just last week.” “Ya’ll look great, anyhow.” Apple Bloom blurted out. She pursed her lips immediately at her sudden outburst and tried not to look embarrassed. Thankfully, Sweetie Belle seemed to have taken it as a normal compliment. She was fretting for nothing. “Aw, thanks, Apple Bloom.” Her friend replied gently. “Don’t mention it.” Apple Bloom said calmly. Whew… “Ok, class. Enjoy your day and have a good weekend if I don’t see you all again.” Miss Cheerliee said happily. “The same to you, Miss Cheerliee.” A familiar voice exclaimed. “Aww, thank you, Button.” Their teacher smiled warmly. Button was the brown-haired boy getting up from his seat at the front of the class. He was quite distinguishable by his tendency to come to school with a messed-up mop top and a set of headphones round his neck. He fashioned a black hoodie and some blue jeans. Apple Bloom had spoken to him once or twice but never quite got to know him. Apple Bloom tucked her chair in and moved away from her desk. “Umm…Apple Bloom?” The young Apple turned to the voiced question. “What is it, Scoots?” “I was wondering if we could talk after school…ya know, just for a few minutes?” “Sure! Ah’ll meet up with ya after, ok?” “Cool.” Scootaloo smiled and walked past Apple Bloom to the class exit. Apple Bloom followed, all the while thinking; Ah gotta ask Sweetie to the dance… Another school day down and Apple Bloom blew a sigh of relief from the completion of yet another school week. She hadn’t seen Sweetie Belle all day so the young teen was hoping to catch her friend on her way home. She also remembered that Scootaloo wanted to talk about something once school finished so rather than keep her friend waiting, Apple Bloom got her things together and walked out the front doors of the school. When Apple Bloom arrived at their usual meet spot, Scootaloo was absent. Naturally, the teenager leaned on the school wall as she waited for her friend to arrive, while her eyes scanned the crowds emptying the building for Sweetie Belle. A minute passed before Apple Bloom’s eyes caught sight of Scootaloo and she leaned back off of the wall to greet her friend. “Hey, Scoots! Rough day?” “Ah, same old shit, different day.” She said confidently. Apple Bloom giggled at her answer; Scootaloo did have a talent for making her laugh. “And you?” “Ah’m good. So uhh…what did ya want ta talk about?” asked Apple Bloom, her eyes drifting back towards the doors again to watch out for Sweetie Belle. “Well…I…umm…wanted to know if you’d want to…you know, go to the dance with me?” Apple Bloom threw her attention back onto Scootaloo. It was a question she didn’t anticipate. And her mind was only half-focused on her friend. “Oh, come on, Scoots. Ah think we’re old enough now that all three o’ us don’ have ta go ta the dance tagether.” Her eyes drifted back to the doors. A familiar face was among the crowd. “But, Apple Bloom, I-” “Just a sec, Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom rushed off before Scootaloo could finish, and walked over towards her crush, intent on asking a particularly big question. As she got closer though, she began to doubt; wondering whether it would go well or not. The thought lingered as she approached, decreasing the gaps between her steps. And then it hit her. If AJ can be with Sunset, ah can be with Sweetie Belle. Working up the courage, she called out to Sweetie Belle. “Hey! Sweetie Belle!” Her crush turned to face her, a surprised expression forming. “Oh, Apple Bloom! Hey!” Apple Bloom walked up to Sweetie Belle and embraced her. Evidently more surprised, Sweetie Belle squeaked silently but eventually returned the hug. The two then separated and Apple Bloom spoke up. “Ah was hopin’ ah could talk ta ya ‘bout summin’.” “Really?” Sweetie Belle. “Well, go on.” Apple Bloom gulped and spat out the words. “Would ya like ta go ta the dance with me?” Sweetie Belle froze for a second or two. Apple Bloom began to worry but it turned to surprise when her friend started laughing. “Oh, Apple Bloom. I think we’re old enough now that all three of us don’t have to go with each other.” Apple Bloom’s brain sensed some hard déjà vu here; the half that had been focused at the time that is. She began to feel disheartened, falling over her words as she tried to reply. “Besides, I kinda…already asked Button Mash to the dance.” Sweetie Belle inclined her head to a group of boys directly behind her. There was Button alright, evidently showing off some game on his handheld console to his buddies. “He said he’d go! I’m so excited.” Apple Bloom struggled to come up with any reply. “But, I-I-” “We were gonna walk back home together.” Sweetie Belle looked to her watch. “Speaking of which, I really need to get going. I’m supposed to be back at Rarity’s to help move some stuff out of the way. Need to pay her back somehow now that she and I are living together.” Sweetie Belle faced towards Button. “Hey Button, you ready?” Button looked up from his game and nodded to his friends. The group soon disbanded. Button turned to Sweetie Belle. “Yeah, let’s go.” Sweetie Belle smiled and returned to face Apple Bloom. “See ya later, Bloom. Maybe you should ask Featherweight to the dance, he’s pretty cute.” As Sweetie Belle walked off with Button, Apple Bloom could only mumble a reply. “But, Sweetie, I-I meant…” She reached out to the fading image of her friend as she disappeared around the corner. Apple Bloom drooped her head sadly. But the sound of approaching footsteps prompted her to compose herself once more. “What was that about?” said the familiar voice of Scootaloo behind her. “Ah’m…ah’m not quite sure.” “Huh.” Apple Bloom laughed nervously and turned to face her. “Forget all that, what was that about the dance again?” Apple Bloom, a little deflated after the days’ events, shut the front door and walked into the Apple family kitchen. “Heya, sis.” Apple Bloom looked up from her brooding to see Applejack by the sink. She was cleaning dishes. “Oh hey, sis.” Apple Bloom replied neutrally, retracting her eyes back. Quite predictably, she could hear the running of the tap water cease and a sympathetic ear coming from her big sister. “Y’all right, sugarcube?” Apple Bloom simply shrugged in reply. She seated herself at the table and helped herself to an apple from the basket in the middle, chomping down on it with exaggerated bites. She saw Applejack sit down opposite her on the table. “Bad day at school?” Apple Bloom sighed. “No, not really. I-” A long pause occurred. Then Applejack spoke up. “Summin’ else troublin’ ya? Come on, ah’m yar sister. Ya can tell me anythang.” Apple Bloom sighed again, resting the apple on the table. “Well…let’s say…ah really wanna ask someone out.” Applejack gasped suddenly which caused Apple Bloom to stop. Her sister gestured for her to continue. “Sorry, sis. Please continue.” “So, the Fall Formal is comin’ up next week an’-” “Got a date yet?” Applejack interjected, leaning in slightly. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes at her. “Ah’m goin’ with Scootaloo. Just as friends.” Applejack crossed her arms and smirked at her. “Just friends, huh? Ah guess it must run in the family.” “What do you mean?” questioned Apple Bloom. “Oh, nothin’.” Her elder sister waved the subject off. “Ya were sayin’?” Apple Bloom collected her thoughts again. “Well, ah wanna try ma best ta show them how ah feel at the dance but ah’m not sure if they understand what ah’m…implyin’?” Applejack nodded in understanding. “So, yar not sure if ya can communicate yar feelings across ta them?” Apple Bloom sighed and nodded. Applejack thought for a moment. “Well, ma advice would be ta keep reminding ‘em about how ya feel so that even if they can’t quite understand yar feelings now, it will start ta sink in eventually. Course, if yar feelin’ confident that they’ll like ya back; ya can always give them a lil’ summin’ ta show yar love.” Apple Bloom blushed. “You mean like a k-kiss?” Her sister nodded. “It’s a risky venture but if ya think they would appreciate it, then by all means go fer it. But only go fer that if y’all have exhausted all other options. They may not like it.” The last words of her sister’s advice stayed with her a while. She got up from her seat and tucked the chair in. “Thanks, sis. Ah think ah need ta think on this. Ah’ll go help Big Macintosh out back until supper.” “Don’t mention it, sis. Ah hope it all works out fer ya.” Applejack replied warmly. Apple Bloom smiled back before starting towards the back door. She stopped briefly and spun around back to Applejack who had already began washing the dishes again. “Applejack?” “What is it, sis?” “How easy was it fer you an’ Sunset? Admitting yar feelings an’ all?” Applejack giggled. “Oh, it was mighty easy considerin’ you told me she was sweet on me, in the first place.” “Oh…yeah…” The Fall FormalIt had been only an hour since the dance kicked off and the event was already raging on. Students were taking to the dance floor and grooving to their heart’s content. Apple Bloom was standing near the punch table with her date, Scootaloo, slurping away at the cup of juice in her hand. She was feeling out of sorts unlike her friend who seemed to be quite happy. “Wow, Pinkie sure went all out on the decorations this year!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Huh, yeah.” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at Apple Bloom. “Something up?” “Oh, umm, it’s nothin’. Have ya seen Sweetie Belle yet?” Apple Bloom looked around the hall. “Umm…why do you ask?” “Ah’m just wonderin’ is all. We’re friends, right?” Scootaloo fidgeted with her hands for a moment. “Right, sorry. I think I saw her come in earlier with Button. Look, she’s dancing over there with him.” Scootaloo pointed directly to the other end of the hall. Apple Bloom’s eyes followed her and she soon caught sight of the pair. “They look like they’re having fun. Speaking of which…you uh…you wanna dance?” “Hmm?” Apple Bloom turned around, only having half-heard what her friend had said. “Oh, maybe in a minute or two.” Apple Bloom then bent her knees in a peculiar fashion. “Ah kinda need ta go ta the gals’ room, would ya excuse me for a bit?” “Oh…ok.” Scootaloo said uneasily. Apple Bloom walked off down the side of the auditorium parallel to the dance floor and all the students on it. She stopped at the doors that would eventually lead her to the school toilets but she instead continued towards the other end of the hall. As she neared the opposite end of the hall, she stopped suddenly as she caught Sweetie Belle exit the floor with Button, who seemed to be heading back her way towards what Apple Bloom likely figured were the toilet doors. Sweetie Belle stood alone for now. “Well, hey there, sis.” Apple Bloom twisted round to the voice of her elder sibling. She was shocked to find Applejack standing there, evidently making punch and filling the approximately thirty empty glasses on the table in front. “Applejack?” Apple Bloom gazed at the figure beside her. “Sunset? What y’all doin’ here?” “Hehe, Principal Celestia was short of staff to help monitor the dance so she asked us if we wouldn’t mind chaperoning. Besides, the Fall Formal holds pleasant memories for us; and not so nice ones.” Sunset expressed, her speech ending in an awkward chuckle. “All water under the bridge. Speakin’ o’ bridges, how’s yar night goin’ with Scootaloo?” “Uh…what does that have ta do wi’ bridges?” Applejack chuckled. “Yar right. Forget ah said anything. But ya having fun?” “Yeah, ah’m fine.” “Excuse me, could I have some punch?” A random dance attender asked suddenly. “Ah’m not gonna drink this all maself, sure!” Applejack poured more punch into the empty glasses. “Ah’ll see ya later, sis. Have fun now!” Apple Bloom waved a goodbye and as she turned back to Sweetie Belle, she gulped awkwardly. She hadn’t expected Applejack to be here, and it was just what she needed right now. Sweetie Belle still stood alone, fumbling with the ends of her hair. She looked beautiful. Apple Bloom’s heart pounded faster. Here goes nothing. Then she walked on over to Sweetie Belle. “Hey, Sweetie Belle!” Sweetie ceased fiddling with her hair. “Oh, Apple Bloom. It’s great to see you here! Who did you come with? Was it Featherweight?” “Oh…ah came with Scoots.” “Oh, right.” Sweetie Belle said nervously. “Well, I hope you two are having fun.” “We are but…” Apple Bloom held her but as long as she could. “But what?” “But there’s something ah have ta get off ma chest, Sweetie Belle.” “Yeah?” Sweetie Belle said anxiously. Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Ah like you.” Sweetie Belle smiled and laughed nervously. “Oh come on, Apple Bloom. You had me worried for a second there. I like you too.” Apple Bloom mouth turned half way to smile before crashing back down at the mixed signals she was receiving. “No, ah mean ah like ya more than just a friend.” Sweetie Belle hesitated before again chuckling nervously. “Well duh…hehe…we are BEST friends!” “No, Sweets ah mean…” “Oh, Button’s coming back. Maybe we can talk later?” Apple Bloom didn’t want to talk later. She wanted to talk now. But she wouldn’t get to later. And she couldn’t be sure when else she’d get a perfect opportunity like this. Not a second before Sweetie Belle began to wander away, did Apple Bloom step in her path; push all her weight forward; and lock lips with Sweetie Belle. The taste of her lips was everything Apple Bloom had dreamed about and more. She didn’t get long to enjoy it however as she was pushed back hard. The Apple lost her footing and crashed to the floor with a loud painful grunt, alerting most of the surrounding students. She looked back up at Sweetie Belle, who was drowned in rage. “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” Apple Bloom had never heard Sweetie Belle swear; ever. “Sweetie, ah-” “WHEN ARE YOU GONNA GET IT INTO YOUR THICK SKULL, APPLE BLOOM! I DON’T LIKE YOU!” “W-what? B-b-but…” Apple Bloom was on the verge of tears. “I WILL NEVER LIKE YOU. IN FACT, I HATE YOU!” That did it. Apple Bloom eyes became clogged with her tears and she threw herself up on her legs, bolting from the area, crying quite loudly. “Apple Bloom!” came a voice. Apple Bloom was took grief-stricken to check the source. Apple Bloom pushed past partygoers, not caring much for their cries of dismay. Almost blind from the mass of tears flooding her eyes, the heartbroken teen could hardly see anything but the way out. She just needed to leave, to get away from the disaster area. The disaster that was her awful judgement and the harsh words thrown at her from her best friend. She burst through the double doors of the auditorium and into the main hallway. Looking from side to side quickly, her tears staining the floor, Apple Bloom quickly resolved to running to nearest seat which just so happened to be one of the staircases and sat down on one of the steps. She curled up and buried her head into her knees. How could she have been so stupid? She should have known this would happen. Why did it have to be Sweetie Belle she had to go and fall for? Why not Featherweight? Why, just why? Apple Bloom whimpered as she continued to bawl her eyes out. In the distance, she heard a door close followed by a shuffle of footsteps. She looked up from her knees, eyes soaked in water, and just about made out her sister, Applejack. And Sunset. Both giving her sympathetic looks. “Are ya alright, sis?” Applejack said, kneeling to her level. Apple Bloom shifted her gaze from Applejack to Sunset and then back again. Then she returned to her moping through her knees. “How do ya do it, AJ?” mumbled Apple Bloom, almost inaudibly. “Huh?” Applejack replied. “What you talkin’ about, sis?” Apple Bloom sniffed and brought her head back up. “How’d ya get so lucky?!” She verbally expressed. “How’d you an’… Sunset get so godamm lucky?” She whimpered loudly in front of them both. Sunset sat down next to Apple Bloom, concern struck across her face. “What do you mean, Apple Bloom?” Apple Bloom turned to Sunset. “WHY SHOULD Y’ALL GET MA SISTER WHILE AH’M STUCK ALONE AN’ MISERABLE WITHOUT SWEETIE BELLE?!!” She positively screamed at Sunset. The shocked face on her mentor’s face was result enough. Apple Bloom instantly regretted it and fell into Sunset’s chest. “Ah’m so sorry, Sunset!” Apple Bloom pleaded. “Ah didn’t mean that! Ah…ah dunno why ah said that! Please believe me! Ah love ya. Really!” She hugged Sunset tightly. Her cries faded as she felt Sunset’s own hands come against her back. They dug deep into her too. “Don’t worry about it, Apple Bloom. It hurts me more to see you upset than to be upset myself. And I love you as the sister I never had. Never forget that.” “Ah…ah won’t! Ah’m s-sorry.” Apple Bloom’s sniffles began to die down and she eventually relaxed back to her sitting position, head down and snivelling at intervals. “Now, do ya mind tellin’ me what happened, sugarcube?” Applejack said as she sat on the opposite side of Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Ah… ah tried ta show Sweetie Belle how ah feel an’ well…she didn’t seem ta catch on ta what ah was sayin’ an’ so ah kissed her on the lips but… she pushed me away an’ hurled at me all those mean words.” “Wait, ya kissed Sweetie Belle?! Why?” asked her older sister. “You told me ta do it if things were goin’ south!” “Ah thought ya meant Scootaloo! Man, sometimes ah can assume the strangest things.” “Scootaloo? Why would ya think that?” Sunset spoke this time. “Probably because you were coming to the dance with her.” “Oh… ah suppose ah shoulda been more clear…” Applejack patted her sister on the shoulder and sighed deeply. “Ah’m so sorry, sis. Ah thought you were makin’ out you had a crush on Scootaloo. An’ seein’ how you two are as tight as a horse saddle, ah guess ah jumped ahead an’ gave ya some poor advice. Can ya forgive me?” Apple Bloom hugged her big sister. “O’ course. Ah don’t really blame you. This whole mess is ma fault.” Apple Bloom took a big sniff and stretched her dress up to her eyes to dry them. “Oh, don’t use that. Here, take my tissue.” Sunset offered, taking a handkerchief from her pocket and stretching it in front of Apple Bloom. She took it with pleasure. She sighed again. “Why did she not want ta be with me, AJ?” she asked Applejack, tears starting to well up again. “Oh, darlin’. Ah feel for ya. Ah really do. But this is a harsh taste o’ reality for ya.” Apple Bloom fixed onto her sister, her intrigue momentarily stopping her flow of tears. “Sunset an’ I are lucky enough ta be tagether cuz we both appreciate the company o’ the same sex. You had feelings for Sweetie Belle. Strong feelings that made ya appreciate her without even thinkin’ whether she was a boy or a girl. That’s one o’ best attitudes ta have in this world.” Applejack looked her sister straight in the eye. “But ya have ta understand, sugarcube, that life works in mysterious ways an’ that said, not everyone is gonna feel the same way you do. Clearly, Sweetie Belle loves ya as her best friend, but not anythang more than that. In short, she just doesn’t swing that way.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah guess ah never thought ‘bout that.” “It’s better to think of it like this, Apple Bloom.” Sunset started to say, prompting Apple Bloom to look at her. “Every door can be pushed or pulled in one direction. Some can only be pushed and some can only be pulled. And some doors can go in both directions.” “Sweetie Belle, sad to say, just isn’t into girls. So you can’t pull her towards you. Only push her away.” Apple Bloom sniffled in reply. “Ah guess that makes sense. But what if… Sweetie Belle hates me now?” “Are you crazy?” Applejack blurted out, looking embarrassed as she lowered her voice. “What Sweetie Belle an’ ya have cannot be thrown away by a misunderstadin’ like this! Give her time, sis. She’ll get over it an’ understand why ya did it.” Apple Bloom smiled for the first time in a while. “Thanks, AJ. And thank you, Sunset.” Sunset gave her a reassuring smile in reply. The three of them shared in a warm embrace for a few moments. As they separated, Sunset appeared to have something on her mind. “Honestly, Apple Bloom, I’m quite surprised you fell for Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom’s eyes jumped straight to Sunset in confusion. “I mean, I never really took you both for the ideal couple.” Apple Bloom continued to stare at Sunset with a perplexed look. “Why?” “Well, your personalities for one. You’re brave, stubborn and very outdoorsy. Not to mention, that you run a bit of a sassy mouth.” Sunset smirked at Apple Bloom, earning a blush from the young Apple. “Sweetie Belle, on the other hand, is quite academic and though obviously loving and kind, doesn’t often have the passion for doing active stuff like you and prefers to do more domestic things.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah didn’t really think ‘bout all that. Ah just liked her cuz she was so pretty an’ we were already best friends so ah thought we might be good tagether.” “But you didn’t think of what you had in common? I mean, you are friends but relationships can be a little trickier. There may not have been a relationship there even if she had accepted you.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah suppose you’re right. But ah guess we’ll never know now.” She said glumly. “True. But don’t let this spoil your confidence that it will work out the next time. There’s always someone out there for everyone, Apple Bloom. And you know what?” Apple Bloom perked up with interest. “What?” Sunset hesitated briefly before putting on a smile. “I think you should talk to Scootaloo. It might be make things a little clearer.” Apple Bloom looked at Sunset oddly before nodding slowly as if she only half understood what she meant. “Whoo-wee, we’d better get back ta our posts in case any shit’s goin’ down in the hall. Pardon ma French.” Sunset giggled. “We did volunteer for this after all.” As the two of them got up, Apple Bloom remained sitting on the staircase. Applejack looked back down at her. “Are ya gonna be alright, sis?” “Yeah, ah’m ok, AJ. Ah’m just gonna sit here a while longer, k?” “Alright then. Ya know where ta find us if ya need anythang else.” Sunset and Applejack walked off back into the auditorium; the slow dance mix pouring out as the doors opened. Apple Bloom sat there a while, unsure of how to feel. Her depression had all but evaporated yet in the back of her mind the feeling of doubt had arisen. She continued to with her arms on her knees, hands holding her chin; looking down as the relentless flux of emotion taunted her. “Hey Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom looked up in surprise. “Hey Scootaloo.” “Are you alright? I saw what happened.” “Yeah. Ah’m ok. At least after AJ an’ Sunset came ta cheer me up.” “Oh, that’s good.” Scootaloo said. “I thought I should come and see you too after you were done with them.” “Thanks, Scoots. Yar a good friend.” Scootaloo smiled and sat down next to Apple Bloom on the steps. “So…” “So?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at her friend. “So…why did you kiss Sweetie Belle?” asked Scootaloo. Apple Bloom sighed. “Couldn’t ya guess?” “You were sweet on her?” “Yup.” Apple Bloom stated, exaggerating the movements of her lips. She clearly didn’t want to talk about it any further. “Gosh, I’m so sorry, AB.” “S’alright.” A long pause followed. Neither spoke for neither knew exactly what to say. Apple Bloom however felt something honourable was due. “Look, Scootaloo, ah want ta apologise. Ah wasn’t a very good at keepin’ ya company. Ah shoulda let ya know what ah was plannin’ but…ah wasn’t sure…ah wasn’t sure ah’d even go through with it.” “But you did.” “Yup.” She voiced as before, looking away ever so slowly. Scootaloo noticed that. “I’m sorry, I really don’t want to remind you about that. I just…” Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo once more. “Just what?” “I’m just…I…. urgh…I’m really bad when it comes to this.” Scootaloo sported a nervous giggle to finish her sentence. “Bad at what?” Apple Bloom was very confused. “You’re not gonna make this easy on me, are you? Though, I shouldn’t be surprised.” Apple Bloom remained silent while still oblivious to Scootaloo’s hints. Scootaloo sighed. “Do you know why I asked you to the dance?” Apple Bloom smiled. “Cuz we’re friends. Ya wanted us ta come like we always did, right?” Her friend shook her head. “I wanted to have a great time with you two, sure. But I wanted to spend more time with… with you.” Apple Bloom froze as the gears in her head began to turn. The pieces of the puzzle of what Sunset had relayed to her slowly came into place in the frame of her mind. “Ya mean… ya like me? Like like like me?” she asked, eyes wide open. Scootaloo nodded. “I do, Apple Bloom. Who woulda thought it right?” She laughed. Apple Bloom did too. “But I can’t help it. I feel happy when I’m around you. I want to make you feel happy. And you make me say all this mushy stuff!” Apple Bloom laughed. “It’s a pain, ain’t it?” “Yeah…” Scootaloo drifted off before returning to face her. Apple Bloom felt weird as if her heart was pounding faster as the seconds went on. She drifted ever so closer to Scootaloo. Scootaloo’s head drifted down. “I know you don’t feel the same way but…” “Who’s says ah don’t?” Apple Bloom blurted out. Did ah really just say that? Scootaloo’s head shot right back up, her eyes fixed on Apple Bloom. The young Apple’s heart began to pound even faster. Her mind didn’t tell her to say that. Then again, her mind couldn’t do anything right now. Every thought rushed through her head at a million miles per hour. And they were all about Scootaloo. The way she had her hair, the way her eyes sparkled back at her, the way her lips seemed so much more beautiful up close. Wait. She was beautiful. And not just like what she felt about Sweetie Belle, but something much more unique and strangely familiar. Did she always feel this way? Did she take this long to realise it? How could she be so ignorant? Why was Scootaloo moving closer? Why was she moving closer to her? Why- Apple Bloom’s mind exploded like a nuclear bomb as her and Scootaloo’s lips touched. Her heart was made of stronger stuff and was absolutely aflutter with joy; she positively melted in the fire of affection coursing through her. Apple Bloom closed her eyes in the sheer bliss of it all. The feeling of her soft lips against hers was unbelievable. She felt her hands meet Scootaloo’s back, her arms locked around her sides. The sensation was soon mirrored on her end and Apple Bloom hugged her even tighter. All understanding of time dispersed from her mind; what was now didn’t matter. All that mattered was Scootaloo. To be with Scootaloo. To love Scootaloo. She opened her eyes to gaze upon her. She moaned softly in ecstasy. Out of the corner of her eye though, she spotted something and the reality of the room came flooding back to her. “Hey!” she voiced through the kiss, causing Scootaloo to retreat abruptly in confusion. “Huh?” “Not you! Her!” She pointed to the doors. Scootaloo’s face blushed a furious red at their peeping tom. Or peeping Applejack for that matter. “W-what do ya thank yar doin’?” Applejack waved her hands in front of her. “Oh, continue. Don’t mind me. Ah’m just enjoyin’ the show.” She finished off with a wink at her younger sister. Apple Bloom pouted in the inevitable déjà vu that came with it. “Touché, AJ.” Applejack chuckled. “Hey Sunset, they kissed!” She shouted as she ran back inside. Apple Bloom made to follow her in hot pursuit, fists clenched. “WHY AH OUGHTA…” Scootaloo grabbed onto Apple Bloom’s arm. “Leave it, AB. Come on, Applejack’s just being Applejack.” Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks. Her annoyance faded, resulting in a roll of the old eyes and a small laugh. “Yeah, ah suppose yar right.” “It’s my fault really.” “What do ya mean?” Apple Bloom wondered. “I may have let it slip to Sunset that I had feelings for you. Or she actually already knew.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “That would explain a lot.” “Yeah…sorry about that. But I was wondering…could we try that kiss again?” Apple Bloom didn’t need another second. She kissed her crush right on the cheek and said teasingly, “Ya need ta ask?” Scootaloo smirked and together the two locked lips. The two lovers embraced once again undisturbed as the shouts and thrills of the party continued to boom out from the auditorium doors. Author's Note Hey, sorry if this chapter was a bit hurried at the start; I wanted to get to the Slice of Life as quick as possible :D Just a Different DayMonday brought the start of a new school week for Apple Bloom. And the young Apple was already at her personal locker in the hallway, a punctual 10 minutes before the homeroom bell would ring. Every passing school week usually brought the illusion for her that it would be business as usual but Apple Bloom knew that reality was forever gone. Not after the events at the Fall Formal. Now her life was quite unpredictable and she couldn’t be happier. There she stood, cleaning her locker out of the books that she would need for the day while whistling a merry tune. “Hey Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom recognised the voice, her happy demeanour fading slightly. She gulped nervously in anticipation of what would soon follow. Peeking her head out from her locker, she saw Sweetie Belle walking towards her. Apple Bloom scanned her face for anger but to her surprise, there was none. “Oh, hey, Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom greeted casually, trying not to let herself sound deflated or so happy. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened.” Apple Bloom closed her locker door, books in hand. “Ah thought ya might, I-” “I’m really sorry, Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom was stunned. “You are?” Sweetie Belle bobbed her head. “I overreacted. Your kiss just left me scared and confused. I took all my anger out on you and I’m sorry for that.” Apple Bloom couldn’t think of what to say. Sweetie Belle however didn’t seem to be finished. “I should have given you a straight answer rather than beat around the bush. I mean, we’re best friends and I wasn’t much of a friend to you by not being honest. But, I’m going to say it now. I love you as a friend, Apple Bloom. Somehow, I think I could love you like that but I’m just not into girls. I’m really sorry.” Apple Bloom smiled. “That’s ok, Sweetie Belle. Ah was very persistent so ah understand completely. Ah was just in ma own dream world thinkin’ we might be tagether without really thinkin’ o’ much else.” “Well, at least we understand each other now.” “Yeah.” Sweetie Belle stepped forward. “Can we hug it out?” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and gestured to her books she was still carrying. “Oh. Well, I’ll just do it for us.” Sweetie Belle wrapped her arms around Apple Bloom and squeezed her in a friendly hug. The two separated shortly after and briefly chatted as Apple Bloom put the books away in her rucksack. She stood back up with rucksack in hand and spotted Scootaloo coming towards them. “Hey, Scoots.” Sweetie Belle turned to greet Scootaloo also. “Oh, hey Scootaloo.” “Hey, guys.” She looked at Apple Bloom and blushed, then turning to Sweetie Belle to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment. “I never saw you after the dance on Friday, Sweetie Belle. How did things go with Button?” “Well…” It seemed Sweetie Belle was trying hard not to look at Apple Bloom as she said this. “Apart from a small mishap that happened… it went fine. We are thinking of doing something similar sometime.” Scootaloo grinned. “SWEETIE BELLE AND BUTTON SITTING IN A TREE < K I S S I N G>!” Sweetie Belle blushed. “Stop that!” “Scoots, cut it out!” Scootaloo was still smirking. “I’ll stop when I want to.” She continued chanting. Apple Bloom marched right up to Sweetie Belle and kissed right on the cheek. The chanting stopped abruptly and Scootaloo’s face turned rosy red. “H-hey…” came her response. Apple Bloom whispered in her ear. “It’s quite dangerous ta tease others when ah’m watchin’.” Scootaloo said nothing and could only hang her head in defeat. Apple Bloom smiled but almost laughed out loud when she saw the gaping hole in Sweetie Belle’s mouth. “W-w-what? H-huh? Y-you t-two? Huh?” Sweetie Belle took a deep breath. “Don’t tell me you two are?” Scootaloo stared right at Sweetie Belle. “If you value your life, you’ll keep this to yourself.” Sweetie Belle was on the verge of bursting a laugh but managed to giggle inside herself, letting out a few squeaks here and there. Scootaloo’s blush turned to a minor annoyance and Apple Bloom’s grinned widened. This is gonna be so much fun!
Just Another Day“APPLE BLOOM?!! Y’ALL BETTER GET UP OR YA’LL BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!” “Where is that girl today?” Applejack muttered under her breath. The elder sister returned to her chair at the kitchen table, adopting a semi-casual demeanour. Taking the half-eaten apple on the table in hand, she chomped down on it with firm bites; her pupils drifting up towards the upstairs landing. With them, the spring morning sun’s light followed; right from the stairway up to the barrier of Apple Bloom’s bedroom door. Surprisingly enough, there was no victory to be had through the windows of the adolescent Apple’s room either. The drawn curtains had pretty much encircled her in darkness. Normally, Apple Bloom liked waking up to the sun; it was a refreshing way to start the day. Yet, the young Apple preferred not to see the dawn as of late. Though judging by how ill-kept her bedsheets were recently, sprawled across the bed and slipping off the sides; not to mention the discarded dirty clothes from the day before just lying all round her bed – it wouldn’t have been a welcome sight for anyone wishing to peer in. Neither was Apple Bloom herself very pleasing this morning, boasting a bed head and a drooling mouth; mumbling as she stirred awake. Her sister’s cries had done enough to get through to her it seemed. Lazily, Apple Bloom opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times. Having woke up facing her alarm clock, she could make out the digits it displayed. It took a little while longer for her brain to engage. Her eyes went wide and she bolted out of bed. “Fuck! Ah’m late!” She almost tripped over her dirty clothes on the way to her dresser. She had no time to shower this morning so she’d have to make herself look as presentable as possible. Apple Bloom fumbled around for her hairbrush; in the room void of sunlight it was hard to make out one thing from the other. With hairbrush in hand she proceeded to carefully nurture her bedhead into the fine red locks of hair she was known for. Grabbing her pink ribbon, Apple Bloom tied her hair into a fashion mimicking that of her sister, Applejack, tying her pink bow in the middle. In years past, it would normally sit upon her head but puberty had forced her to wear her hair differently because of there being more of it. Besides, it suited her – she thought so anyway. Putting on her stylish blue jeans and green top, Apple Bloom took one last look in her dresser mirror and sighed. Satisfied, she quickly put some socks over her bare feet and placed them in her country boots. She made her way to the door, before halting and turning back around. “Right, bag.” The flustered Apple picked up her neglected rucksack and without another hesitation went straight out of her room and down the stairs. She hurried over to the kitchen where a pretty frustrated Applejack was there waiting for her. “Ya showed. Ah was beginning ta think ah’d have ta boop yar keister into mosin’ on over ‘ere.” Her elder sister gave Apple Bloom a scowling stare. “Y’all better get goin’ before ya miss first period.” “Sure, sis. But umm…did ya make anything fer meh? Like toast or summin’?” Apple asked nervously. Her sister responded with another silent stare, followed by a short chuckle and some rolling eyes aimed at Apple Bloom. Applejack walked over to the toaster, and plucked out two pieces of toast, that were still piping hot. She threw them over to Apple Bloom who caught them only barely out of surprise. “Hehe, I suppose that’ll teach ya fer sleepin’ in!” Applejack chuckled. “Now, away with ya.” Taking a piece of toast into her mouth, Apple Bloom raced outside and mumbled back to her sister, “Tanx, Shis!” Applejack watched her sister leave the farm, shaking her head amusedly all the while. Apple Bloom hurried past building and building as she entered the city. It was quite fortunate that she was light on her feet; the most natural born sprinter of the Apple clan. She may not have Big Macintosh’s strength or her sisters’ speedy apple picking coupled with her built-in lie detector but she could outrun them all in a flat-out race. The school was coming into sight as Apple Bloom slowed to take a few breaths. “HEY! Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom turned her head towards the direction of her name call while still jogging at a pace. Crossing the road adjacent to her at a hurried pace, Scootaloo was waving. It looked like she was also running late today too. “Hey…Scoots!” replied Apple Bloom breathlessly. She didn’t pause to wait for her but luckily neither did Scootaloo who matched Apple Bloom’s speed and ran alongside. “Slept…in too, huh?” “Yeah…you could say that.” Scootaloo’s face was drenched in sweat. “Ya live…closer ta the school than ah do!” Apple Bloom challenged. “Yeah, well…that doesn’t mean jack shit when you…you’re a sloth like me!” Scootaloo joked. Apple Bloom woulda laughed if she wasn’t so busy panting. The pair were just rounding the corner into the school courtyard. Scootaloo held out her arm in front of Apple Bloom, showing her the digital watch on her wrist. “The bell hasn’t rung yet. If we’re lucky we won’t be tardy.” “Then let’s get to it!” Apple Bloom encouraged, picking up the pace. The two of them cleared the front doors and hurried to their home room. Within seconds, they’d reached it. “Hmmm, looks like you girls got here just in the nick of time. Shall I note that down as the third time this week that you escaped being late?” Miss Cheerilee said with a concerned expression. “Sorry, M…Miss Cheerilee. We ra…ran as fast as we could.” said Scootaloo, getting her breath back. Their teacher smiled. “Well, at least you’re here. I’ll just add your names to the register. Please take your seats.” The pair nodded and walked into the classroom, each plumping down on their usual seat. Apple Bloom sat in the desk in front of Scootaloo. Both of them could hear the other’s exhaustion, and so could Sweetie Belle who sat across from Apple Bloom. “Are you two in cahoots to see who can be the last one to arrive on time? That must be the third time this week you’ve survived a possible detention.” “Correction. It was the third time. And, no. AB and I just happen to be heavy sleepers.” Scootaloo answered with a smile. “Speak for yarself. Ah’m an early riser.” Apple Bloom threw back playfully. “Yeah right.” said Scootaloo. “Now, if I can have everyone’s attention please. I have a few announcements this morning…” Miss Cheerilee started to say. “Firstly, the principal wanted me to tell you all that…” Something sweet caught on the tip of Apple Bloom’s nostrils. She inhaled the aroma, remarking how familiar it seemed. She followed the scent trail to what she assumed to be its source. She sighed lovingly at her. Sweetie Belle always wore a honeyed fragrance, it followed her around everywhere. Apple Bloom was never sure if it was a perfume she wore or just her natural scent. Often she would mean to ask her about it but often she would forget from being distracted by the rest of her beauty. She no longer wore her hairband and so her silky-smooth lilac hair had been let loose for all to admire. Unlike her sister, Rarity, Sweetie Belle didn’t need makeup to make herself look beautiful. That said, she did wear a bit of blush but she didn’t really need it. If anything though, it was her eyes that stood out most of all. On many occasions, Apple Bloom had lost all train of thought in those leaf green eyes before being woken up out of her trance by a questioning Sweetie Belle. Coupling that with her cute nose and tempting lips… Apple Bloom sighed again. The palm of her hand held up her drifting head; her eyes fixed on her friend, who was comfortably focused on Miss Cheerilee’s lesson. It was weird - she had always loved her friends. Sweetie and Scoots had been her friends all the way through middle school after all and only through their friendship did they learn of their incredible ability to point out other people’s strengths. But recently, Apple Bloom felt differently around Sweetie Belle. Just the thought of being around her gave the young apple farmer a butterfly sensation in her stomach – if it wasn’t last night’s dinner knocking on her throat. Sweetie Belle was an amazing friend. Perhaps they could… “Apple Bloom?” “Huh?” Apple Bloom said quickly, waking up of her trance. At the front of the class, Miss Cheerilee was looking directly at her. “Did you hear all that I said?” “Oh! Yeah, ah-” Miss Cheerilee sighed. “There’s the morning bell, everyone. Have a nice day.” A gasp of relief escaped Apple Bloom. Saved by the bell… As the school day drew to a close, the front doors of CHS became flooded with pupils as per usual. Making her way past the jammed-up doors, Apple Bloom prepared to walk back home for the day. Knowing there'd be the usual list of afternoon chores to do, she wasted little time dawdling. As she rounded the corner of the schoolyard, some incoming footsteps from behind her prompted her to turn around briefly. Scootaloo stopped in front of her. “Hey, Apple Bloom. Want to walk home together?” “Hey, Scoots. Sure, we can walk fer a little bit.” Scootaloo smiled and walked alongside Apple Bloom as they walked further down the street. “By the way, have ya seen Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked. “I think she’s getting picked up by Rarity. Something about a family thing, she told me.” Scootaloo replied. “Oh, well.” Apple Bloom shrugged and kept on walking. “Hey, so what was that zoning out in home room about? You do that an awful lot lately.” Apple Bloom stuttered for a response. “Ah…ah don’ rightly know.” “There’s always a reason.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “And you’d know all about that now?” “I might.” Scootaloo said sternly. They both stared at each other a while before bursting out into laughter. Naturally, they continued to walk down the street. “Oh, I never said,” started Scootaloo. “I got some new trainers yesterday. Do you like them?” She gestured down to her feet. The trainers were yellow with red stripes on either side; at the top of the lace rack featured the Nike logo in red too. “Wow, they look great on you!” Apple Bloom commented. It was nice to see something new from Scootaloo since her dress sense almost mirrored that of what she wore through middle school. Her entire wardrobe consisted of tracksuits and baggy shorts and a few pairs of boots and trainers. To be honest though, Scootaloo looked fine without any added extras. Scootaloo blushed. “You really think so?” “Well, yeah. Ya always make thangs look so good.” Her compliment made Scootaloo stop in her tracks suddenly. Apple Bloom didn’t seem to notice until she looked to find her friend no longer beside her and turned around. Scootaloo looked a little weird. “Hey, are you alright?” asked Apple Bloom. “Oh, sorry. I just got a little confused there. Nothing to worry about.” Scootaloo replied, putting on a smile. “Wait, didn’t we pass your street a couple of blocks back?” Apple Bloom brought up. “Yeah, we did. I didn’t mind walking with you a little longer. Though I should probably split here, now that you bring it up.” Scootaloo chuckled. “Guess I’ll see ya tomorrow?” “O’ course. Last day before the weekend.” “You know it. See ya later, Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom waved back to her friend as she and Scootaloo went their separate ways. Turning back towards Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple teen sighed again. Are all my days gonna be like this? Upon entering her homestead, Apple Bloom unlevied her rucksack from her shoulders and dumped it in the entryway hall. She would get onto her chores as soon as she had a small sit-down on the living room sofa. As she entered the doorway to the living room, she hesitated when she heard soft squelchy sounds emanating from inside. Apple Bloom switched to a stealthier mode and eased the door open slowly to take a glance at the happenings going on inside. She almost cried out in shock. Applejack lay on the sofa, eyes closed and moans quite audible to say the least. On top of her was Sunset Shimmer, who was a dead giveaway with her sunset or rather bacon coloured hair. Together they were lip-locked in a perpetual kiss while using their arms to caress one another. Apple Bloom stood wide-eyed at the display, getting more and more interested as the exchange went on. Sunset began to poke her hands under Applejack’s shirt with Applejack doing the same in response. Their legs danced around each other, rubbing against one another and feet teasing away. It looked kinda hot, Apple Boom had to admit; Applejack’s hands running through her girlfriend’s hair, Sunset squeezing AJ’s titties. Apple Bloom was loving this. She edged the door open a tad more but it squeaked quite loudly, causing Applejack’s eyes to open. She caught sight of the peeping Tom and nudged Sunset to stop. “Hey! What do ya think yar doin’?” Applejack said, evidently embarrassed. Apple Bloom froze but it didn’t alter the smirk she was giving her older sister. “Oh, don’ mind me. Ah’m just enjoyin’ the show.” Applejack blushed furiously as Sunset moved off her, stifling a laugh or two. “Uhh…shouldn’t y’all be doin’ yar chores or summin’?” “Ah was goin’ ta have a lil’ breather beforehand but the couch was all taken up by you two makin’ out.” “Well…ah mean…ya shouldn’t have been peekin’ at us.” Sunset was still laughing. “Come on, AJ. A 15-year-old is exposed to much more than what we were doing. Besides, it’s not like Apple Bloom isn’t used to us being an item or anything.” Apple Bloom smiled victoriously. Sunset was taking her side. Though she soon faced her with a serious tone. “Still, it isn’t very polite to pry on other peoples’ privacy, Apple Bloom. Please don’t do it again.” The Apple teen’s smile faded. She nodded silently. Applejack spoke up. “It’s ma fault, really. Ah shoulda known better than to do summin’ like this in the living room where everyone can see us, left, right an’ centre.” Sunset nodded. “Let’s stick to the bedroom in future, k?” Applejack smiled through her obvious blush. She and Sunset walked towards the kitchen. Applejack stopped and turned to Apple Bloom. “Well, sis, couch is free now. Go on an’ take it. Not fer too long now, ya hear. Y’all get a double load tomorrow if ah don’ see that keister in gear in ten minutes.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Whatever you say, big sister.” She winked at the end. Applejack rolled her eyes jokingly and followed Sunset to the kitchen. Apple Bloom took roost on the couch and lied across like Applejack had been just a minute ago, without Sunset pinning her down of course. Though it would be rather great to see Sweetie Belle like that…thought the Apple teen, closing her eyes and letting her daydream fantasies loose.
The Big Question“Alright, class! This morning I have an exciting announcement. The Fall Formal is coming up once more and is scheduled to be held next Thursday! Anyone wishing to attend should make sure they take a permission slip home for their parents to sign.” Miss Cheerilee’s news caused an outbreak of murmuring between everyone in the class. Apple Bloom looked to both of her friends who in turn showed excited expressions. “The Fall Formal is always the best!” Scootaloo said. “And heck, this time we can stay even later!” Apple Bloom nodded to her friend enthusiastically. Since they had just entered high school, the crusaders would be able to stay longer than before as middle school students weren’t permitted to remain after a certain time. This hadn’t bothered them in the past either though since most of the lively music was worn out in the first part of the Fall Formal and slow music was played later; perfect for all those smoochy-woochy couples. This year however, the thought of smooching someone was much more on her mind. And that someone, well, was there really much mystery? “It should be great fun.” Sweetie Belle agreed. “Rarity and I were talking about the dress I’ll wear just last week.” “Ya’ll look great, anyhow.” Apple Bloom blurted out. She pursed her lips immediately at her sudden outburst and tried not to look embarrassed. Thankfully, Sweetie Belle seemed to have taken it as a normal compliment. She was fretting for nothing. “Aw, thanks, Apple Bloom.” Her friend replied gently. “Don’t mention it.” Apple Bloom said calmly. Whew… “Ok, class. Enjoy your day and have a good weekend if I don’t see you all again.” Miss Cheerliee said happily. “The same to you, Miss Cheerliee.” A familiar voice exclaimed. “Aww, thank you, Button.” Their teacher smiled warmly. Button was the brown-haired boy getting up from his seat at the front of the class. He was quite distinguishable by his tendency to come to school with a messed-up mop top and a set of headphones round his neck. He fashioned a black hoodie and some blue jeans. Apple Bloom had spoken to him once or twice but never quite got to know him. Apple Bloom tucked her chair in and moved away from her desk. “Umm…Apple Bloom?” The young Apple turned to the voiced question. “What is it, Scoots?” “I was wondering if we could talk after school…ya know, just for a few minutes?” “Sure! Ah’ll meet up with ya after, ok?” “Cool.” Scootaloo smiled and walked past Apple Bloom to the class exit. Apple Bloom followed, all the while thinking; Ah gotta ask Sweetie to the dance… Another school day down and Apple Bloom blew a sigh of relief from the completion of yet another school week. She hadn’t seen Sweetie Belle all day so the young teen was hoping to catch her friend on her way home. She also remembered that Scootaloo wanted to talk about something once school finished so rather than keep her friend waiting, Apple Bloom got her things together and walked out the front doors of the school. When Apple Bloom arrived at their usual meet spot, Scootaloo was absent. Naturally, the teenager leaned on the school wall as she waited for her friend to arrive, while her eyes scanned the crowds emptying the building for Sweetie Belle. A minute passed before Apple Bloom’s eyes caught sight of Scootaloo and she leaned back off of the wall to greet her friend. “Hey, Scoots! Rough day?” “Ah, same old shit, different day.” She said confidently. Apple Bloom giggled at her answer; Scootaloo did have a talent for making her laugh. “And you?” “Ah’m good. So uhh…what did ya want ta talk about?” asked Apple Bloom, her eyes drifting back towards the doors again to watch out for Sweetie Belle. “Well…I…umm…wanted to know if you’d want to…you know, go to the dance with me?” Apple Bloom threw her attention back onto Scootaloo. It was a question she didn’t anticipate. And her mind was only half-focused on her friend. “Oh, come on, Scoots. Ah think we’re old enough now that all three o’ us don’ have ta go ta the dance tagether.” Her eyes drifted back to the doors. A familiar face was among the crowd. “But, Apple Bloom, I-” “Just a sec, Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom rushed off before Scootaloo could finish, and walked over towards her crush, intent on asking a particularly big question. As she got closer though, she began to doubt; wondering whether it would go well or not. The thought lingered as she approached, decreasing the gaps between her steps. And then it hit her. If AJ can be with Sunset, ah can be with Sweetie Belle. Working up the courage, she called out to Sweetie Belle. “Hey! Sweetie Belle!” Her crush turned to face her, a surprised expression forming. “Oh, Apple Bloom! Hey!” Apple Bloom walked up to Sweetie Belle and embraced her. Evidently more surprised, Sweetie Belle squeaked silently but eventually returned the hug. The two then separated and Apple Bloom spoke up. “Ah was hopin’ ah could talk ta ya ‘bout summin’.” “Really?” Sweetie Belle. “Well, go on.” Apple Bloom gulped and spat out the words. “Would ya like ta go ta the dance with me?” Sweetie Belle froze for a second or two. Apple Bloom began to worry but it turned to surprise when her friend started laughing. “Oh, Apple Bloom. I think we’re old enough now that all three of us don’t have to go with each other.” Apple Bloom’s brain sensed some hard déjà vu here; the half that had been focused at the time that is. She began to feel disheartened, falling over her words as she tried to reply. “Besides, I kinda…already asked Button Mash to the dance.” Sweetie Belle inclined her head to a group of boys directly behind her. There was Button alright, evidently showing off some game on his handheld console to his buddies. “He said he’d go! I’m so excited.” Apple Bloom struggled to come up with any reply. “But, I-I-” “We were gonna walk back home together.” Sweetie Belle looked to her watch. “Speaking of which, I really need to get going. I’m supposed to be back at Rarity’s to help move some stuff out of the way. Need to pay her back somehow now that she and I are living together.” Sweetie Belle faced towards Button. “Hey Button, you ready?” Button looked up from his game and nodded to his friends. The group soon disbanded. Button turned to Sweetie Belle. “Yeah, let’s go.” Sweetie Belle smiled and returned to face Apple Bloom. “See ya later, Bloom. Maybe you should ask Featherweight to the dance, he’s pretty cute.” As Sweetie Belle walked off with Button, Apple Bloom could only mumble a reply. “But, Sweetie, I-I meant…” She reached out to the fading image of her friend as she disappeared around the corner. Apple Bloom drooped her head sadly. But the sound of approaching footsteps prompted her to compose herself once more. “What was that about?” said the familiar voice of Scootaloo behind her. “Ah’m…ah’m not quite sure.” “Huh.” Apple Bloom laughed nervously and turned to face her. “Forget all that, what was that about the dance again?” Apple Bloom, a little deflated after the days’ events, shut the front door and walked into the Apple family kitchen. “Heya, sis.” Apple Bloom looked up from her brooding to see Applejack by the sink. She was cleaning dishes. “Oh hey, sis.” Apple Bloom replied neutrally, retracting her eyes back. Quite predictably, she could hear the running of the tap water cease and a sympathetic ear coming from her big sister. “Y’all right, sugarcube?” Apple Bloom simply shrugged in reply. She seated herself at the table and helped herself to an apple from the basket in the middle, chomping down on it with exaggerated bites. She saw Applejack sit down opposite her on the table. “Bad day at school?” Apple Bloom sighed. “No, not really. I-” A long pause occurred. Then Applejack spoke up. “Summin’ else troublin’ ya? Come on, ah’m yar sister. Ya can tell me anythang.” Apple Bloom sighed again, resting the apple on the table. “Well…let’s say…ah really wanna ask someone out.” Applejack gasped suddenly which caused Apple Bloom to stop. Her sister gestured for her to continue. “Sorry, sis. Please continue.” “So, the Fall Formal is comin’ up next week an’-” “Got a date yet?” Applejack interjected, leaning in slightly. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes at her. “Ah’m goin’ with Scootaloo. Just as friends.” Applejack crossed her arms and smirked at her. “Just friends, huh? Ah guess it must run in the family.” “What do you mean?” questioned Apple Bloom. “Oh, nothin’.” Her elder sister waved the subject off. “Ya were sayin’?” Apple Bloom collected her thoughts again. “Well, ah wanna try ma best ta show them how ah feel at the dance but ah’m not sure if they understand what ah’m…implyin’?” Applejack nodded in understanding. “So, yar not sure if ya can communicate yar feelings across ta them?” Apple Bloom sighed and nodded. Applejack thought for a moment. “Well, ma advice would be ta keep reminding ‘em about how ya feel so that even if they can’t quite understand yar feelings now, it will start ta sink in eventually. Course, if yar feelin’ confident that they’ll like ya back; ya can always give them a lil’ summin’ ta show yar love.” Apple Bloom blushed. “You mean like a k-kiss?” Her sister nodded. “It’s a risky venture but if ya think they would appreciate it, then by all means go fer it. But only go fer that if y’all have exhausted all other options. They may not like it.” The last words of her sister’s advice stayed with her a while. She got up from her seat and tucked the chair in. “Thanks, sis. Ah think ah need ta think on this. Ah’ll go help Big Macintosh out back until supper.” “Don’t mention it, sis. Ah hope it all works out fer ya.” Applejack replied warmly. Apple Bloom smiled back before starting towards the back door. She stopped briefly and spun around back to Applejack who had already began washing the dishes again. “Applejack?” “What is it, sis?” “How easy was it fer you an’ Sunset? Admitting yar feelings an’ all?” Applejack giggled. “Oh, it was mighty easy considerin’ you told me she was sweet on me, in the first place.” “Oh…yeah…”
The Fall FormalIt had been only an hour since the dance kicked off and the event was already raging on. Students were taking to the dance floor and grooving to their heart’s content. Apple Bloom was standing near the punch table with her date, Scootaloo, slurping away at the cup of juice in her hand. She was feeling out of sorts unlike her friend who seemed to be quite happy. “Wow, Pinkie sure went all out on the decorations this year!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Huh, yeah.” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at Apple Bloom. “Something up?” “Oh, umm, it’s nothin’. Have ya seen Sweetie Belle yet?” Apple Bloom looked around the hall. “Umm…why do you ask?” “Ah’m just wonderin’ is all. We’re friends, right?” Scootaloo fidgeted with her hands for a moment. “Right, sorry. I think I saw her come in earlier with Button. Look, she’s dancing over there with him.” Scootaloo pointed directly to the other end of the hall. Apple Bloom’s eyes followed her and she soon caught sight of the pair. “They look like they’re having fun. Speaking of which…you uh…you wanna dance?” “Hmm?” Apple Bloom turned around, only having half-heard what her friend had said. “Oh, maybe in a minute or two.” Apple Bloom then bent her knees in a peculiar fashion. “Ah kinda need ta go ta the gals’ room, would ya excuse me for a bit?” “Oh…ok.” Scootaloo said uneasily. Apple Bloom walked off down the side of the auditorium parallel to the dance floor and all the students on it. She stopped at the doors that would eventually lead her to the school toilets but she instead continued towards the other end of the hall. As she neared the opposite end of the hall, she stopped suddenly as she caught Sweetie Belle exit the floor with Button, who seemed to be heading back her way towards what Apple Bloom likely figured were the toilet doors. Sweetie Belle stood alone for now. “Well, hey there, sis.” Apple Bloom twisted round to the voice of her elder sibling. She was shocked to find Applejack standing there, evidently making punch and filling the approximately thirty empty glasses on the table in front. “Applejack?” Apple Bloom gazed at the figure beside her. “Sunset? What y’all doin’ here?” “Hehe, Principal Celestia was short of staff to help monitor the dance so she asked us if we wouldn’t mind chaperoning. Besides, the Fall Formal holds pleasant memories for us; and not so nice ones.” Sunset expressed, her speech ending in an awkward chuckle. “All water under the bridge. Speakin’ o’ bridges, how’s yar night goin’ with Scootaloo?” “Uh…what does that have ta do wi’ bridges?” Applejack chuckled. “Yar right. Forget ah said anything. But ya having fun?” “Yeah, ah’m fine.” “Excuse me, could I have some punch?” A random dance attender asked suddenly. “Ah’m not gonna drink this all maself, sure!” Applejack poured more punch into the empty glasses. “Ah’ll see ya later, sis. Have fun now!” Apple Bloom waved a goodbye and as she turned back to Sweetie Belle, she gulped awkwardly. She hadn’t expected Applejack to be here, and it was just what she needed right now. Sweetie Belle still stood alone, fumbling with the ends of her hair. She looked beautiful. Apple Bloom’s heart pounded faster. Here goes nothing. Then she walked on over to Sweetie Belle. “Hey, Sweetie Belle!” Sweetie ceased fiddling with her hair. “Oh, Apple Bloom. It’s great to see you here! Who did you come with? Was it Featherweight?” “Oh…ah came with Scoots.” “Oh, right.” Sweetie Belle said nervously. “Well, I hope you two are having fun.” “We are but…” Apple Bloom held her but as long as she could. “But what?” “But there’s something ah have ta get off ma chest, Sweetie Belle.” “Yeah?” Sweetie Belle said anxiously. Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Ah like you.” Sweetie Belle smiled and laughed nervously. “Oh come on, Apple Bloom. You had me worried for a second there. I like you too.” Apple Bloom mouth turned half way to smile before crashing back down at the mixed signals she was receiving. “No, ah mean ah like ya more than just a friend.” Sweetie Belle hesitated before again chuckling nervously. “Well duh…hehe…we are BEST friends!” “No, Sweets ah mean…” “Oh, Button’s coming back. Maybe we can talk later?” Apple Bloom didn’t want to talk later. She wanted to talk now. But she wouldn’t get to later. And she couldn’t be sure when else she’d get a perfect opportunity like this. Not a second before Sweetie Belle began to wander away, did Apple Bloom step in her path; push all her weight forward; and lock lips with Sweetie Belle. The taste of her lips was everything Apple Bloom had dreamed about and more. She didn’t get long to enjoy it however as she was pushed back hard. The Apple lost her footing and crashed to the floor with a loud painful grunt, alerting most of the surrounding students. She looked back up at Sweetie Belle, who was drowned in rage. “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” Apple Bloom had never heard Sweetie Belle swear; ever. “Sweetie, ah-” “WHEN ARE YOU GONNA GET IT INTO YOUR THICK SKULL, APPLE BLOOM! I DON’T LIKE YOU!” “W-what? B-b-but…” Apple Bloom was on the verge of tears. “I WILL NEVER LIKE YOU. IN FACT, I HATE YOU!” That did it. Apple Bloom eyes became clogged with her tears and she threw herself up on her legs, bolting from the area, crying quite loudly. “Apple Bloom!” came a voice. Apple Bloom was took grief-stricken to check the source. Apple Bloom pushed past partygoers, not caring much for their cries of dismay. Almost blind from the mass of tears flooding her eyes, the heartbroken teen could hardly see anything but the way out. She just needed to leave, to get away from the disaster area. The disaster that was her awful judgement and the harsh words thrown at her from her best friend. She burst through the double doors of the auditorium and into the main hallway. Looking from side to side quickly, her tears staining the floor, Apple Bloom quickly resolved to running to nearest seat which just so happened to be one of the staircases and sat down on one of the steps. She curled up and buried her head into her knees. How could she have been so stupid? She should have known this would happen. Why did it have to be Sweetie Belle she had to go and fall for? Why not Featherweight? Why, just why? Apple Bloom whimpered as she continued to bawl her eyes out. In the distance, she heard a door close followed by a shuffle of footsteps. She looked up from her knees, eyes soaked in water, and just about made out her sister, Applejack. And Sunset. Both giving her sympathetic looks. “Are ya alright, sis?” Applejack said, kneeling to her level. Apple Bloom shifted her gaze from Applejack to Sunset and then back again. Then she returned to her moping through her knees. “How do ya do it, AJ?” mumbled Apple Bloom, almost inaudibly. “Huh?” Applejack replied. “What you talkin’ about, sis?” Apple Bloom sniffed and brought her head back up. “How’d ya get so lucky?!” She verbally expressed. “How’d you an’… Sunset get so godamm lucky?” She whimpered loudly in front of them both. Sunset sat down next to Apple Bloom, concern struck across her face. “What do you mean, Apple Bloom?” Apple Bloom turned to Sunset. “WHY SHOULD Y’ALL GET MA SISTER WHILE AH’M STUCK ALONE AN’ MISERABLE WITHOUT SWEETIE BELLE?!!” She positively screamed at Sunset. The shocked face on her mentor’s face was result enough. Apple Bloom instantly regretted it and fell into Sunset’s chest. “Ah’m so sorry, Sunset!” Apple Bloom pleaded. “Ah didn’t mean that! Ah…ah dunno why ah said that! Please believe me! Ah love ya. Really!” She hugged Sunset tightly. Her cries faded as she felt Sunset’s own hands come against her back. They dug deep into her too. “Don’t worry about it, Apple Bloom. It hurts me more to see you upset than to be upset myself. And I love you as the sister I never had. Never forget that.” “Ah…ah won’t! Ah’m s-sorry.” Apple Bloom’s sniffles began to die down and she eventually relaxed back to her sitting position, head down and snivelling at intervals. “Now, do ya mind tellin’ me what happened, sugarcube?” Applejack said as she sat on the opposite side of Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Ah… ah tried ta show Sweetie Belle how ah feel an’ well…she didn’t seem ta catch on ta what ah was sayin’ an’ so ah kissed her on the lips but… she pushed me away an’ hurled at me all those mean words.” “Wait, ya kissed Sweetie Belle?! Why?” asked her older sister. “You told me ta do it if things were goin’ south!” “Ah thought ya meant Scootaloo! Man, sometimes ah can assume the strangest things.” “Scootaloo? Why would ya think that?” Sunset spoke this time. “Probably because you were coming to the dance with her.” “Oh… ah suppose ah shoulda been more clear…” Applejack patted her sister on the shoulder and sighed deeply. “Ah’m so sorry, sis. Ah thought you were makin’ out you had a crush on Scootaloo. An’ seein’ how you two are as tight as a horse saddle, ah guess ah jumped ahead an’ gave ya some poor advice. Can ya forgive me?” Apple Bloom hugged her big sister. “O’ course. Ah don’t really blame you. This whole mess is ma fault.” Apple Bloom took a big sniff and stretched her dress up to her eyes to dry them. “Oh, don’t use that. Here, take my tissue.” Sunset offered, taking a handkerchief from her pocket and stretching it in front of Apple Bloom. She took it with pleasure. She sighed again. “Why did she not want ta be with me, AJ?” she asked Applejack, tears starting to well up again. “Oh, darlin’. Ah feel for ya. Ah really do. But this is a harsh taste o’ reality for ya.” Apple Bloom fixed onto her sister, her intrigue momentarily stopping her flow of tears. “Sunset an’ I are lucky enough ta be tagether cuz we both appreciate the company o’ the same sex. You had feelings for Sweetie Belle. Strong feelings that made ya appreciate her without even thinkin’ whether she was a boy or a girl. That’s one o’ best attitudes ta have in this world.” Applejack looked her sister straight in the eye. “But ya have ta understand, sugarcube, that life works in mysterious ways an’ that said, not everyone is gonna feel the same way you do. Clearly, Sweetie Belle loves ya as her best friend, but not anythang more than that. In short, she just doesn’t swing that way.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah guess ah never thought ‘bout that.” “It’s better to think of it like this, Apple Bloom.” Sunset started to say, prompting Apple Bloom to look at her. “Every door can be pushed or pulled in one direction. Some can only be pushed and some can only be pulled. And some doors can go in both directions.” “Sweetie Belle, sad to say, just isn’t into girls. So you can’t pull her towards you. Only push her away.” Apple Bloom sniffled in reply. “Ah guess that makes sense. But what if… Sweetie Belle hates me now?” “Are you crazy?” Applejack blurted out, looking embarrassed as she lowered her voice. “What Sweetie Belle an’ ya have cannot be thrown away by a misunderstadin’ like this! Give her time, sis. She’ll get over it an’ understand why ya did it.” Apple Bloom smiled for the first time in a while. “Thanks, AJ. And thank you, Sunset.” Sunset gave her a reassuring smile in reply. The three of them shared in a warm embrace for a few moments. As they separated, Sunset appeared to have something on her mind. “Honestly, Apple Bloom, I’m quite surprised you fell for Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom’s eyes jumped straight to Sunset in confusion. “I mean, I never really took you both for the ideal couple.” Apple Bloom continued to stare at Sunset with a perplexed look. “Why?” “Well, your personalities for one. You’re brave, stubborn and very outdoorsy. Not to mention, that you run a bit of a sassy mouth.” Sunset smirked at Apple Bloom, earning a blush from the young Apple. “Sweetie Belle, on the other hand, is quite academic and though obviously loving and kind, doesn’t often have the passion for doing active stuff like you and prefers to do more domestic things.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah didn’t really think ‘bout all that. Ah just liked her cuz she was so pretty an’ we were already best friends so ah thought we might be good tagether.” “But you didn’t think of what you had in common? I mean, you are friends but relationships can be a little trickier. There may not have been a relationship there even if she had accepted you.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah suppose you’re right. But ah guess we’ll never know now.” She said glumly. “True. But don’t let this spoil your confidence that it will work out the next time. There’s always someone out there for everyone, Apple Bloom. And you know what?” Apple Bloom perked up with interest. “What?” Sunset hesitated briefly before putting on a smile. “I think you should talk to Scootaloo. It might be make things a little clearer.” Apple Bloom looked at Sunset oddly before nodding slowly as if she only half understood what she meant. “Whoo-wee, we’d better get back ta our posts in case any shit’s goin’ down in the hall. Pardon ma French.” Sunset giggled. “We did volunteer for this after all.” As the two of them got up, Apple Bloom remained sitting on the staircase. Applejack looked back down at her. “Are ya gonna be alright, sis?” “Yeah, ah’m ok, AJ. Ah’m just gonna sit here a while longer, k?” “Alright then. Ya know where ta find us if ya need anythang else.” Sunset and Applejack walked off back into the auditorium; the slow dance mix pouring out as the doors opened. Apple Bloom sat there a while, unsure of how to feel. Her depression had all but evaporated yet in the back of her mind the feeling of doubt had arisen. She continued to with her arms on her knees, hands holding her chin; looking down as the relentless flux of emotion taunted her. “Hey Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom looked up in surprise. “Hey Scootaloo.” “Are you alright? I saw what happened.” “Yeah. Ah’m ok. At least after AJ an’ Sunset came ta cheer me up.” “Oh, that’s good.” Scootaloo said. “I thought I should come and see you too after you were done with them.” “Thanks, Scoots. Yar a good friend.” Scootaloo smiled and sat down next to Apple Bloom on the steps. “So…” “So?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at her friend. “So…why did you kiss Sweetie Belle?” asked Scootaloo. Apple Bloom sighed. “Couldn’t ya guess?” “You were sweet on her?” “Yup.” Apple Bloom stated, exaggerating the movements of her lips. She clearly didn’t want to talk about it any further. “Gosh, I’m so sorry, AB.” “S’alright.” A long pause followed. Neither spoke for neither knew exactly what to say. Apple Bloom however felt something honourable was due. “Look, Scootaloo, ah want ta apologise. Ah wasn’t a very good at keepin’ ya company. Ah shoulda let ya know what ah was plannin’ but…ah wasn’t sure…ah wasn’t sure ah’d even go through with it.” “But you did.” “Yup.” She voiced as before, looking away ever so slowly. Scootaloo noticed that. “I’m sorry, I really don’t want to remind you about that. I just…” Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo once more. “Just what?” “I’m just…I…. urgh…I’m really bad when it comes to this.” Scootaloo sported a nervous giggle to finish her sentence. “Bad at what?” Apple Bloom was very confused. “You’re not gonna make this easy on me, are you? Though, I shouldn’t be surprised.” Apple Bloom remained silent while still oblivious to Scootaloo’s hints. Scootaloo sighed. “Do you know why I asked you to the dance?” Apple Bloom smiled. “Cuz we’re friends. Ya wanted us ta come like we always did, right?” Her friend shook her head. “I wanted to have a great time with you two, sure. But I wanted to spend more time with… with you.” Apple Bloom froze as the gears in her head began to turn. The pieces of the puzzle of what Sunset had relayed to her slowly came into place in the frame of her mind. “Ya mean… ya like me? Like like like me?” she asked, eyes wide open. Scootaloo nodded. “I do, Apple Bloom. Who woulda thought it right?” She laughed. Apple Bloom did too. “But I can’t help it. I feel happy when I’m around you. I want to make you feel happy. And you make me say all this mushy stuff!” Apple Bloom laughed. “It’s a pain, ain’t it?” “Yeah…” Scootaloo drifted off before returning to face her. Apple Bloom felt weird as if her heart was pounding faster as the seconds went on. She drifted ever so closer to Scootaloo. Scootaloo’s head drifted down. “I know you don’t feel the same way but…” “Who’s says ah don’t?” Apple Bloom blurted out. Did ah really just say that? Scootaloo’s head shot right back up, her eyes fixed on Apple Bloom. The young Apple’s heart began to pound even faster. Her mind didn’t tell her to say that. Then again, her mind couldn’t do anything right now. Every thought rushed through her head at a million miles per hour. And they were all about Scootaloo. The way she had her hair, the way her eyes sparkled back at her, the way her lips seemed so much more beautiful up close. Wait. She was beautiful. And not just like what she felt about Sweetie Belle, but something much more unique and strangely familiar. Did she always feel this way? Did she take this long to realise it? How could she be so ignorant? Why was Scootaloo moving closer? Why was she moving closer to her? Why- Apple Bloom’s mind exploded like a nuclear bomb as her and Scootaloo’s lips touched. Her heart was made of stronger stuff and was absolutely aflutter with joy; she positively melted in the fire of affection coursing through her. Apple Bloom closed her eyes in the sheer bliss of it all. The feeling of her soft lips against hers was unbelievable. She felt her hands meet Scootaloo’s back, her arms locked around her sides. The sensation was soon mirrored on her end and Apple Bloom hugged her even tighter. All understanding of time dispersed from her mind; what was now didn’t matter. All that mattered was Scootaloo. To be with Scootaloo. To love Scootaloo. She opened her eyes to gaze upon her. She moaned softly in ecstasy. Out of the corner of her eye though, she spotted something and the reality of the room came flooding back to her. “Hey!” she voiced through the kiss, causing Scootaloo to retreat abruptly in confusion. “Huh?” “Not you! Her!” She pointed to the doors. Scootaloo’s face blushed a furious red at their peeping tom. Or peeping Applejack for that matter. “W-what do ya thank yar doin’?” Applejack waved her hands in front of her. “Oh, continue. Don’t mind me. Ah’m just enjoyin’ the show.” She finished off with a wink at her younger sister. Apple Bloom pouted in the inevitable déjà vu that came with it. “Touché, AJ.” Applejack chuckled. “Hey Sunset, they kissed!” She shouted as she ran back inside. Apple Bloom made to follow her in hot pursuit, fists clenched. “WHY AH OUGHTA…” Scootaloo grabbed onto Apple Bloom’s arm. “Leave it, AB. Come on, Applejack’s just being Applejack.” Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks. Her annoyance faded, resulting in a roll of the old eyes and a small laugh. “Yeah, ah suppose yar right.” “It’s my fault really.” “What do ya mean?” Apple Bloom wondered. “I may have let it slip to Sunset that I had feelings for you. Or she actually already knew.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “That would explain a lot.” “Yeah…sorry about that. But I was wondering…could we try that kiss again?” Apple Bloom didn’t need another second. She kissed her crush right on the cheek and said teasingly, “Ya need ta ask?” Scootaloo smirked and together the two locked lips. The two lovers embraced once again undisturbed as the shouts and thrills of the party continued to boom out from the auditorium doors. Author's Note Hey, sorry if this chapter was a bit hurried at the start; I wanted to get to the Slice of Life as quick as possible :D
Just a Different DayMonday brought the start of a new school week for Apple Bloom. And the young Apple was already at her personal locker in the hallway, a punctual 10 minutes before the homeroom bell would ring. Every passing school week usually brought the illusion for her that it would be business as usual but Apple Bloom knew that reality was forever gone. Not after the events at the Fall Formal. Now her life was quite unpredictable and she couldn’t be happier. There she stood, cleaning her locker out of the books that she would need for the day while whistling a merry tune. “Hey Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom recognised the voice, her happy demeanour fading slightly. She gulped nervously in anticipation of what would soon follow. Peeking her head out from her locker, she saw Sweetie Belle walking towards her. Apple Bloom scanned her face for anger but to her surprise, there was none. “Oh, hey, Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom greeted casually, trying not to let herself sound deflated or so happy. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened.” Apple Bloom closed her locker door, books in hand. “Ah thought ya might, I-” “I’m really sorry, Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom was stunned. “You are?” Sweetie Belle bobbed her head. “I overreacted. Your kiss just left me scared and confused. I took all my anger out on you and I’m sorry for that.” Apple Bloom couldn’t think of what to say. Sweetie Belle however didn’t seem to be finished. “I should have given you a straight answer rather than beat around the bush. I mean, we’re best friends and I wasn’t much of a friend to you by not being honest. But, I’m going to say it now. I love you as a friend, Apple Bloom. Somehow, I think I could love you like that but I’m just not into girls. I’m really sorry.” Apple Bloom smiled. “That’s ok, Sweetie Belle. Ah was very persistent so ah understand completely. Ah was just in ma own dream world thinkin’ we might be tagether without really thinkin’ o’ much else.” “Well, at least we understand each other now.” “Yeah.” Sweetie Belle stepped forward. “Can we hug it out?” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and gestured to her books she was still carrying. “Oh. Well, I’ll just do it for us.” Sweetie Belle wrapped her arms around Apple Bloom and squeezed her in a friendly hug. The two separated shortly after and briefly chatted as Apple Bloom put the books away in her rucksack. She stood back up with rucksack in hand and spotted Scootaloo coming towards them. “Hey, Scoots.” Sweetie Belle turned to greet Scootaloo also. “Oh, hey Scootaloo.” “Hey, guys.” She looked at Apple Bloom and blushed, then turning to Sweetie Belle to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment. “I never saw you after the dance on Friday, Sweetie Belle. How did things go with Button?” “Well…” It seemed Sweetie Belle was trying hard not to look at Apple Bloom as she said this. “Apart from a small mishap that happened… it went fine. We are thinking of doing something similar sometime.” Scootaloo grinned. “SWEETIE BELLE AND BUTTON SITTING IN A TREE < K I S S I N G>!” Sweetie Belle blushed. “Stop that!” “Scoots, cut it out!” Scootaloo was still smirking. “I’ll stop when I want to.” She continued chanting. Apple Bloom marched right up to Sweetie Belle and kissed right on the cheek. The chanting stopped abruptly and Scootaloo’s face turned rosy red. “H-hey…” came her response. Apple Bloom whispered in her ear. “It’s quite dangerous ta tease others when ah’m watchin’.” Scootaloo said nothing and could only hang her head in defeat. Apple Bloom smiled but almost laughed out loud when she saw the gaping hole in Sweetie Belle’s mouth. “W-w-what? H-huh? Y-you t-two? Huh?” Sweetie Belle took a deep breath. “Don’t tell me you two are?” Scootaloo stared right at Sweetie Belle. “If you value your life, you’ll keep this to yourself.” Sweetie Belle was on the verge of bursting a laugh but managed to giggle inside herself, letting out a few squeaks here and there. Scootaloo’s blush turned to a minor annoyance and Apple Bloom’s grinned widened. This is gonna be so much fun!
