Diamond Tiara Apple Princessby vamparityChapters1 - The Life of a Perfect Princess2 - Hate You Too3 - You're Blushing Again4 - Excuse me? Marefriends?5 - Send a Report to Celestia and Luna to the Moon1 - The Life of a Perfect PrincessThree satisfied "Ah's" followed the sounds of empty glasses returning to a table. Rich apple cider tickled the bellies of three young mares. The setting sun sneaked into the clubhouse through an open door and windows to paint the room in a warm orange-red. It was the end of another adventurous day for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. One of the mares smirked, noticing how the light reflected through the ice cubes in their glasses to make them sparkle as if they were diamonds. Taking in her surroundings and good company, her modest tree house felt more like some exclusive lodge resort. The kind that rich spoiled fillies could only dream of having membership in. It was not something that could be bought, but earned. Apple Bloom hiccuped through a smug smile that would have made her sister melt with pride. "That was quite strong," Sweetie Belle said, looking at her. "It's only five percent, I checked." "Yeah, that's nothing." Scootaloo rolled over onto the floor as if it was the natural thing to do. "Rainbow Dash let me taste the hard stuff last cider season. Now that was something." Sweetie Belle looked surprised. "She can't do that! She'll get in trouble!" "We aint fillies anymore," Apple Bloom's gaze remained on the sparkling diamonds in her glass. "Besides, my sister let me try the hard stuff way before any of y'all." "Yeah, don't be such a baby, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said through clenched teeth. Sweetie Belle tilted her head. Scootaloo was on her back on the floor, hoofs curled into fists, muscles strained. "What are you doing?" She asked. "What does it look like I'm doing?" She groaned in response. "Um..." Sweetie Belle moved next to her. She prodded Scootaloo's belly, tickling her. "Ha-ha, stop that!" Scootaloo laughed, the tension gone from her body. "I'm trying to do wing push ups. Rainbow has me training for the Wonderbolts' entrance exam." "Oh..." Was all Sweetie Belle could think of to say. She resumed tickling her. Apple Bloom sighed, nudging her glass to hear the ice cubes clink, ignoring the other sounds bouncing around the room. "Truce, okay?" Scootaloo panted through a smile. She turned to see a look on Apple Bloom's face that immediately threw her own into one of concern. "The drink was pretty good. I didn't mean anything by what I said." She paused, receiving no response. "Is everything okay, AB?" "Huh?" Apple Bloom looked up. "Yeah, I guess so." Her two friends found themselves sitting around the table again. The air was different in the clubhouse. Crickets could be heard waking up to the night, the sun leaving a soft glow in the cloudless sky. The day was over, but the three friends felt as if it were only now starting. Against serious stares, Apple Bloom closed her eyes in thought. "We sure have come a long way, haven't we?" She opened her eyes to see their nods of agreement. "It's funny how time can heal old wounds--make you look back at the dumb things with a smile." Scootaloo groaned. "You've got to be kidding me! You're not thinking about her again, are you?" "She's obviously thinking about our cutie mark adventures," Sweetie Belle beamed, hopefully. "Right?" "Right." Apple Bloom looked away from her glass, pushing it to the side. "We would think long and hard about what cutie marks we'd get. Now that we have them, it's pretty easy to see what should happen next." She nodded to Sweetie Belle. "You have a star and a music note, so you have the potential to be a music star if you want." Sweetie Belle's curls bobbed around her horn as she nodded her head. "I've been taking lessons all summer. Rarity says I'm ready to sing for one of her fall fashion shows. I'm really looking forward to it!" "Mine's obviously the stamp of a Wonderbolt," Scootaloo grinned. "A wing with a lightning bolt. That or something even more awesome." Everypony nodded to that. "But what about mine?" Apple Bloom twisted her rump and neck to look at her cutie mark. "All I got is an apple with a heart in it. Don't get me wrong or anything. I love it, but I still don't know what it means." "Maybe we can go on more adventures to find out?" Sweetie Belle offered. "Psh," Scootaloo blew through her lips with a grin, "It's obviously something apple related. Your whole family has apple marks--and look at them! They do all kinds of stuff, whatever they want." Scootaloo scrunched her nose and brow in suspicion. "You like apples, don't you?" "Of course I like apples!" Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile. "Oh! I know!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Maybe it's something romantic! Like mine is a star because I could become a star, and yours is an apple cause you're an Apple. My musical note means I have a talent for singing." She leaned back, quite proud of her realization. "The heart means you're good at loving." "What does that even mean?" "I don't know. Like kissing?" Scootaloo burst into laughter, falling onto the floor again. Apple Bloom rested her head on her hoof in deep thought. Scootaloo jerked her head up. "You can't be serious. Have you even kissed somepony before?" "No..." Apple Bloom blinked a few times. "Not that I can recall. Unless family counts." "Ew, gross!" Scootaloo grinned, receiving a soft jab from Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle leered at Scootaloo. "Real kisses are great. We're both envious of you." "You are?" "Yeah! They're very special. Especially your first kiss." "What's so special about that?" "You don't know? Everypony knows their first kiss is magical. They remember it for the rest of their lives." "Is this something you got from Rarity?" "Whoever gives you that first kiss will always hold a special place in your heart." Sweetie Belle swooned, "Oh, I can't wait for you to find out and tell us all about it!" Scootaloo sat back, staring at Sweetie Belle in awe. "Yeah. You have to promise to tell us." "Huh," Apple Bloom tapped her hoofs on the table. She gave one last look at the melting ice cubes and a shiver ran up her pelt. "Makes sense to me. Deal." The warm glow of a gentle fire danced across the cold faces of Diamond Tiara and her mother, Spoiled Rich. They sat across from each other in chairs too large for them, in a room that, while filled with various furniture, paintings, and trinkets, seemed supernatural in how empty it felt. The sounds of a newspaper rustled from another chair as Filthy Rich turned a page. Spoiled Rich cleared her throat, noisily. Diamond Tiara crossed her hoofs, taking great interest in the fire. "I asked you a question, dear." A few grumbles escaped Diamond's mouth. "What was that?" Spoiled Rich raised an eyebrow and her nose to look down at her daughter. "I paid good money for your speech lessons and I expect you to show me the results." "That was years ago. I'm not a filly anymore." "You will always be my little filly." "And you will forever be a super bitch," Diamond enunciated each word in her clearest and most elegant voice. "Diamond..." Filthy Rich peered over his newspaper. "Sorry, daddy." Spoiled Rich took a sip of wine, swirling it around in her mouth. "I knew it was a mistake to not send you to a private school." "There are no private schools in Ponyville, dear." Filthy Rich turned another page. "Well, there sure are a lot of low class ponies teaching my daughter how to act disrespectful." "I'm not doing it!" Diamond Tiara yelled. The words hung in the air, transforming it. The crackling of the fire played through the silence, snapping and humming to itself. Randolf, the family's butler, gave a small shake of his head, unseen in the shadows. He picked up his duster and left to another room, leaving them alone with the dying fire, knowing all too well where this was headed. Eventually, Spoiled Rich worked past the cold rage that had seized her voice. "I don't ever remember giving you a choice in the matter." "Celestia, mom, could you be any more stereotypical?" Diamond rolled her eyes. "Don't you use her name like that, it's disrespectful." "Like she even cares." "What did I do to make you into such a hurtful pony?" "I'm not the one forcing you to do something you don't want to do!" Diamond raised her voice. "Force you?" Her mother raised her voice as well, "I didn't force you to get your cutie mark. It means the beauty pageants are who you are. You chose it, not me. I am merely supporting you." "You forced me to go! I wanted to do other things. I only got it because my special talent is being the best at whatever I do." "You're an ungrateful, spoiled princess." Spoiled Rich sighed. "It's the last pageant before all you'll have left is Miss Equestria." She pouted, a hurt expression forming on her lips, "Don't you want to do this for me?" Diamond stood up, stomping her hooves. "Stop living your life through me! Don't blame me you could never win like I did. Don't ruin my life like you ruined yours! What are you even doing? Is your only accomplishment me? Because congrats mom, you've made me into a monster, just like you." She scanned her mother's face to see she was striking multiple nerves. "What, did you think if you could control me, you'd somehow amount to something? Look at how well you've done--I'm so obedient it hurts!" Spoiled Rich looked stunned. She made to open her mouth in reply, but no words came out. Quiet tears began to roll down her cheeks as she stood up and left the room. "Hurts because it's true," Diamond mumbled to herself, sinking back into her plush chair. She listened to the sounds of the dying fire. Her father moved to his study, startling her. She looked around the back of her chair to notice he was still close, writing a letter. She loved her father. He wouldn't leave her or force her to do anything. Idly stroking her mane, she thought about each pageant she had won. At first, she had felt nervous and unsure of herself, but after having won a few, she had found more than enough self esteem and confidence. More than her mother ever had in her, she mentally spat. She recalled the single moment when her cutie mark had hit her and her rump, giving her the perfect match for her winning crown. It was at that moment she knew she was meant to be a princess. Or, was that the thought that came after her victory high, having outdid her competitors and making it past the stress of a difficult contest? No, she corrected herself, she remembered receiving the crown and flowers, waving to the faceless ponies in the crowd. She was meant to be a princess and the other ponies would treat her as such. She sighed. This was why she had trouble making friends. The life of a perfect princess had a price, like everything in Equestria. She had paid for it. It had recently cost her Silver Spoon's friendship, though she knew it was temporary. Ever since she had stood up to her when the Crusaders finally got their cutie marks, their friendship had been rocky at best. Silver Spoon was exploring other opportunities. It was perfectly understandable in the business of life. Diamond was happy for her, as she was afraid the poor filly would forever be under her shadow and leadership. She didn't miss her at all. She stared at the amber fire, listening to its sounds as if it were the words of a distant conversation. Throwing her head back into the cushion of the chair, she groaned dramatically. There was no denying how bored she was. Again, the amber fire pulled her attention into its yellow warmth. Silver Spoon was spending more time with the Cutie Mark Dummies. How she loathed them, and their unofficial redhead leader. Yet, she had to admit how well Apple Bloom made that pink hair ribbon work. She had an eye for these things--it wasn't weird. And, begrudgingly, how after everything she had done to the Crusaders, that miserable filly still pretended to care about her, like she pretended to care about everypony. She wasn't just another pony. How dare she be treated as such! She watched the fire fade, along with an oppressive internal fury she desperately wanted to be rid of. Where did all this rage come from, she thought. Did it have something to do with how she treated Apple Bloom? What a foal she had been. It brought a smile to her, thinking about how she picked on Apple Bloom, and her friends, just to get a reaction out of her. She loved to get under her skin, even after realizing how mean she had been. It was like it was a great sport she had been forced to retire from--there was no way for the champ to give it up completely, not when she was so good at it. That apple bumpkin, she grinned from ear to ear. With her help, she could probably win a pageant or two, maybe a runner-up to Miss Equestria. She definitely had the positive personality and good looks. No matter how hard she had teased her, she had never let it defeat her. It reminded her of herself. "Diamond, come here." Her father's words put a stop to her strange thoughts. She shook her head in amused self pity. Trotting over to his desk, she put on her signature, pageant winning smile. "I am going to the post. Before I return, I want you to pack your bags for one night, maybe two." Diamond's smile stumbled. "What do you mean, daddy?" Filthy Rich rubbed the bags under his eyes. "I'm asking Granny Smith if she'll have you at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow to learn some manners." Diamond Tiara's mouth moved as if to reply, but she could find no words. The corner of her eyes began to water. Her father was punishing her! "It's clear to me that we have failed in some way to instill you with proper values, that I know the Apple family can teach you. And if they can't, some time away will help you realize how upset I am." He looked into the dead fireplace. "I've gotten most everything I ever wanted. Except what they have." His tired eyes lingered on the mantle before he turned to face her, the years showing on his face. "And think about what you've said to your mother. I'll help her understand you didn't mean any of it and give you another chance, but it's ultimately up to you to correct this. Understood?" Diamond lowered her head in defeat. "Yes, father." "Diamond Dazzle Tiara, do you truly understand? You're not a little filly anymore. Please, just give me this one thing." She stared into her father's eyes, searching for what he meant, desperately trying to understand. She couldn't, beyond admitting she was being overly prissy, again. Her father let out a long breath, put a hoof on her shoulder, and left without a word. Shortly thereafter, Diamond found herself in her room, the door locked, fiercely hugging a pillow in controlled anger. She would get back at her mom for this. She didn't know how or when, but she knew she'd figure something out to set her off. Something that would show her she's her own pony. She squeezed the pillow tighter, using it to muffle the sounds of her crying. Apple Bloom breathed in the night air. Her first kiss! What would it be like? Who would it be with? She felt a new purpose to her steps as she returned to her home, having said her goodbyes to her fellow Crusaders. A gray mailmare waved at her, flying away from the porch. She quickly waved back, startled. Curiosity seizing her, she galloped the rest of the way to find Applejack looking up from a letter. A dark feeling took hold of her heart, from where she could only guess at the possibility of it being bad news. Who sends letters this late? Did somepony die? Such feelings were quickly dismissed with a brave face and seeing Applejack look up to smile at her. "Hey-yah, Bloom! Looks like one of your friends will be spending the night tomorrow." She stopped at the steps in surprise. It couldn't be one of her best friends, or else they would have told her. Maybe Babs? Applejack said the last name she would have ever guessed, added a couple of polite comments about Filthy Rich and his family, and casually trotted inside, not noticing she had left Apple Bloom paralyzed at the steps. The young mare swallowed, suddenly finding her throat very dry, licking her lips in a nervous gesture. She had a bad feeling about this. Author's Note oh boy here we go 2 - Hate You TooThe dirt felt different at Sweet Apple Acres. Diamond Tiara dragged a hoof through it, stirring up an ancient dust that tickled something inside her soul. Maybe it was an earth pony thing, she thought, but there was something magically unnatural about a farm. From the soft road to the rolling hills of green, it tricked ponies into some longing for peaceful days spent eating an apple under the shade of a tree without a care in the world. Like she would ever be caught dead doing that. "I've heard you've opened up a shop in Canterlot?" "Indeed I have. You simply must visit it sometime." Diamond Tiara clenched her teeth. Her father was engaged in small talk with Rarity, Apple Bloom's siblings next to her. There was no escape, she was here for a couple of days. She looked at her luggage and sighed. The big red one came closer, eying her. She took a step back. What a weirdo--Apple Bloom's whole family was a bunch of weird, dumb ponies. "I assume I'll be staying with Apple Bloom, correct?" She asked hopefully, looking away with a face that feigned indifference. "Eyup," the creepy stallion replied. Applejack turned her head away from the other conversation to eye Diamond Tiara. "If you'd like, we have a spare guest room you could use. Figured you'd rather want to spend the night with a friend." My friend, the words weighed heavily on Diamond Tiara's mind. "Thank you for offering, but I don't need the guest room. I will make do." "Oh, don't look like a pack of timber wolves stole your lunch," Applejack grinned. "Sleepovers with your friends can be a good amount of fun if you'd let it." She winked at Rarity, who rolled her eyes, smiling back at her. "Yes, I've read that part in Twilight's book about friendship. It was, uh..." Diamond Tiara searched for the right words, noticing the big red one was already carrying her luggage into the house. Well, at least he knew his place. "That was a silly night for all involved. Don't remind me," Rarity sighed, wistfully. "Right." Thoughts of her and Apple Bloom fighting over a blanket danced across her mind. She looked at her father. This was a cruel and unusual punishment, even for him. She would have preferred putting on the bunny costume again. "Anyway, about your store in Canterlot. I was wondering if you've given any further thought to the idea of Barnyard Bargains carrying a more modest, affordable line of your fashions," Filthy Rich said, resuming their previous conversation. Diamond Tiara smiled. Her father was all business. He had these country bumpkins in the frog of his hoof. Before she could admire and study his techniques further, a hoof gently prodded her rear. "Hey dumb rich girl! Welcome to my farm." It was Apple Bloom, cute bow in hair and all. "How rude," Diamond began, adjusting her tiara to remind Apple Bloom it was more regal than her bow, "Don't you know not to touch royalty?" "Oh, I'm sorry. I must have missed your coronation." "You would be the kind of pony to do such a thing. Probably twiddling your hoofs in your stupid tree house." They were already walking away, to where Diamond had no idea or care. "And your farm? Sorry, I must have missed the day Celestia made you the princess of apples." Apple Bloom playfully touched her, again. "It's good to see you haven't changed at all." "Hate you too." They smiled at each other, the wind brushing through their hair in a comfortable silence. Diamond Tiara was the first to look away, back at her father and the two other ponies. "Didn't expect to see Rarity over here. I held her in such high regard, too." Apple Bloom smirked. "Everypony holds her in high regard. She is an element of harmony, after all." She leaned in closer, deep into Diamond Tiara's personal space. "Between you and me, I think she only comes over so much cause she's sweet on my sister." Diamond Tiara exploded in laughter, blowing out the nervous breath she had been suddenly holding. "You're kidding me! High class ponies don't date the help, stupid." "I aint joking. And why can't they? What's wrong with my sister?" "Please," Diamond held a hoof to her chest, "Ponies of taste have higher standards than settling for a dirty, rough and tumble cowpony. It's unheard of! It'd make for a great Gabby Gums gossip article, though." Apple Bloom eyed her as if they shared some secret gossip of their own. It made her feel the sun's heat a little more than she cared to. "You know my sister is an element of harmony too, don't you?" Apple Bloom took another step into Diamond Tiara's personal space, Diamond quickly taking a step back this time, but not before she could feel the hot breath of the pony's words on her muzzle. "And what's wrong with a little farm fever? Everypony's hot for us farmers." Diamond Tiara scrunched her nose at that. What a silly thing to say. "Ever have a roll in the hay?" Apple Bloom waggled her eyebrows. A crimson blush struck Diamond Tiara's face, the blow hitting so hard that she had to hold her breath and look away, anger rising from her inability to formulate a proper retort. Laughter and a soft slap on her flank followed. "Should see the look on your face! I got you good." Apple Bloom's arm didn't pull away, resting itself around Diamond's shoulder. "Hmph!" Diamond Tiara grunted in rage. "I guess all those years of me bullying you finally rubbed off, huh?" "Nah," Apple Bloom removed her hoof and continued, "I've always been kind of a rude pony in hindsight." Diamond Tiara looked gravely insulted. "You are not." "Am too." "Are not." "Am too." "Are not!" Diamond Tiara punched the ground. "You're the nicest pony I know!" Apple Bloom only smiled, letting the argument go as if she had won it. They were walking again, around the house. Granny Smith eyed them from the back porch, looking as if she had been unwillingly ousted from a rather peaceful nap. Both mares lowered their heads, pretending not to have noticed. "I am too!" Apple Bloom continued under her breath. They took a few more steps until they turned another corner of the house, Granny Smith out of eyesight. Apple Bloom raised her voice back to normal and grinned, "Should have seen my first day selling apples. It's been at least seven years and sis still won't let me run the stand." "That hardly means anything," Diamond Tiara scoffed. "I was all like, 'buy some apples!' Put piles into strangers' bags and tried to make them pay for it." Apple Bloom smiled at her. "I was real pushy and just plain awful." Diamond Tiara pictured the scene in her head, a faint smile fighting its way across her muzzle. "You expect me to believe that?" "Well, it's the truth." Diamond Tiara didn't know what to say. She took in a breath, smelling the finely aged yet fresh aromas that only came from Sweet Apple Acres. Her nose wandered into the orchard, picking up the dense, heavy smell of apple-wood from the trees. The scent of an apple pie lingered in the air, foreshadowing dessert. She wetted her lips. She felt miles away from the stagnant air of her home. "Ah, there you are." Filthy Rich waved, walking toward her. He put a hoof on her shoulder and gave her a stern, loving look. "I will be leaving now. Behave yourself, okay?" "Okay." "There's something about the air out here," Filthy Rich surveyed the distant landscape, before returning his gaze to her. "Remember why you're here. I know it might not seem like it to you, but she loves you very much." Filthy Rich brushed her mane to the side to make room for a small kiss on her forehead. "As much as I do. Take care." They waved goodbye. She watched him leave until she found herself all alone. "What was that about?" Asked the redhead next to her. Diamond Tiara looked to her, her mouth tripping over itself not wanting to talk about her personal life, desperately searching for a response. "Sorry, didn't mean to pry." Apple Bloom's voice had an edge of pity to it. "Silver Spoon still not hanging out with you anymore?" "It's for the best. She was distracting me from other things," Diamond Tiara lied. Apple Bloom motioned with her head to follow her. "Forget I asked. Let's get some grub. You look like you could use some, miss skin and bones." They headed toward the house in better spirits. Diamond Tiara took one last look behind her. Some punishment this was, she thought. She trusted her dad, but sometimes, when she was honest with herself, she felt like she still had a lot to learn from him. What did he see in the Apples, anyway? A pony can do hard work and sweat without being on a farm. He came out just fine, and he never came from a farm, or did he? She didn't know. The thought left her with a sudden emptiness at only now realizing she had never asked. A swat from Apple Bloom's tail brought her back. She shot her an indignant frown, only to receive the sweetest and most smug grin she had ever seen in return. While her mom would be the one spending time with her dad, maybe she was getting the better end of the deal. For all her hatred, she couldn't stop grinning. Maybe this wasn't a punishment, but more of a friendship lesson. That was something princesses had to do. It all made sense to her now. "Hey Diamond, want to hear something exciting?" "Sure." "Last one inside gets to scrub the pigs." Apple Bloom casually winked, before taking off so fast that her sister's dog took notice, barking and joining in on the race. Or maybe this was punishment, Diamond Tiara seethed, galloping to catch up with the silly farm girl. 3 - You're Blushing AgainThat dumb cowpony running off and leaving her behind to play some foalish game--it infuriated Diamond Tiara. Entering the Apple family's home and being bombarded by how cozy and full of life it felt, it knocked through her rage to expose the lonely little filly inside her. Surrounded by pictures full of smiling ponies, some of a younger Apple Bloom with others who clearly loved her, it darkened her mood. Losing their race to find the photogenic redhead already putting two plates on a table, with what looked like a slice of delicious apple pie, and patting a seat next to her--no mention of the stakes of pig washing, no bragging at having beaten her, not even a hint of bratty behavior--it sent Diamond straight into an internal depression. Lost to her own nightmare night, she acted on instinct, cringing inside at her every action. She pushed the plate to the other side of the table and sat herself, nose raised and eyes closed with a "Hmph!" "Aw, come on, don't be sore. I was only playing." Apple Bloom's adorable accent melted her heart. She stuffed herself full of apple pie to ignore the weird feelings. It didn't help. "Celestia, this is..." She mumbled, before swallowing, "Absolutely disgusting. Did you make it?" She waited for some kind of upset reply that never came. Sneaking one eye open, she spied on the yellow pony across from her. Her face wasn't angry at all. Instead, she looked relaxed, even pleased with herself, giving her a smile as bright as sunshine. "So you did make it. Should have known." She shoved another large piece into her salivating mouth. "Maybe," she mumbled with her mouth partially closed, "You're not as useless as you look." "Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that." Diamond Tiara patted her mouth with a nearby napkin. "I haven't ate anything all day," she lied. "Hard to mess up apples and sugar. Any moron could make this." A giggle escaped Apple Bloom's lips. "Your cheeks sure are extra pink today." Diamond Tiara blushed harder, trying to hide it with a mean stare. "Look, as much fun as it is to be the one picking on you for a change, I feel like I need to clue you in on a little something." Apple Bloom took a bite of pie, taking a moment to chew and swallow like a proper adult for added emphasis. She continued, "My sis might be the element of honesty, but even she tries to fib on occasion. We all can spot it a mile away." "What does this have to do with anything?" Diamond crossed her hooves, her blush fading. Apple Bloom casually finished another bite. "It means say what you mean, and mean what you say. I can read your tells." "Excuse me, my tells?" "Sure thing! Like that pretty pink blush on your face." "Yeah, well, whatever." "Come on, it's nothing to be ashamed about. I know you're only joking and trying to be cute--" "Am not," Diamond quickly interrupted. "--But would it hurt you to just tell me you enjoyed my pie?" "I enjoyed your pie. There, are you happy now?" "Now say thank you." Diamond Tiara sighed. "Okay... thank you, mom." "You're welcome," Apple Bloom giggled. "See? Wasn't so bad." They stared at each other. Diamond Tiara evaluated the new power dynamic between them, in a purely business sense, and concluded that she did not approve. But, the insufferable redhead had a point. Manners are manners; she is a civilized pony. It didn't excuse the fact that she was treating her like some kind of ungrateful foal. She would figure out some way to get back at her for this. It gave her a villainous smile. "Eh-heh," Apple Bloom half-heartedly chuckled, seeing her newfound smile. "You okay there? Didn't mean to be condescending or anything." "Oh, I'm quite alright. Thank you for asking," Diamond Tiara replied in her formal pageant winning tone. "What's next?" "Well, we wash the dishes, I guess." "You wash the dishes here?" "Yeah," Apple Bloom eyed her suspiciously. "Who else is going to?" Diamond Tiara looked away, sheepishly. She quickly took Apple Bloom's plate with her own to prevent the conversation from diving any deeper. She had watched Randolf do the dishes before, so she was sure she could do it too. She deposited the dishes into the sink in the kitchen and began cleaning them for the first time since she could remember, though she wanted to feel like she had done so before. It was quite simple, she repeated to herself. She just had to channel her inner Randolf. An unnerving feeling ran up her back, causing her hair to stand on end. She turned her head to see Apple Bloom leaning in the doorway, with what Diamond could only describe as eyes ogling her. She dropped one of the dishes into the sink with a watery plop. "Aint never seen a pony do dishes like that before." She racked her brain as to what that could possibly mean. Was she doing it wrong? She coughed, "You're more than welcome to join me." "I don't know," Apple Bloom pretended to be in thought, "Feel like you need to put on some skimpy maid outfit with the way you're acting. You'd look right nice in one." Diamond Tiara lowered her tail and tried to relax her posture. "Celestia, Bloom, didn't know you were such a perv." "You wish." Apple Bloom moseyed up beside her, finally helping. A semi-comfortable silence ensued, but Diamond couldn't shake the tinge of awkwardness in the air. Apple Bloom's advice rang in her ears about how to say what you mean, to not lie. Was there a tell she missed? Did she mean any of whatever that was? Their hooves brushed against each other under the water. She wasn't paying attention. Apple Bloom gave her another chuckle. She gave her a stink eye. "You're blushing again." Their day had continued in much the same way. Apple Bloom had seemed to win each quip war. Out of habit, Diamond Tiara felt she had to get her back, but she also realized she had softened up quite a lot since their younger schoolyard days. She wasn't a blank flank anymore, but something else entirely. It almost felt like they were friends, and really close friends at that. This was especially true of the mud fight they had just finished. While she hadn't washed the pigs by herself as dictated by the rules of Apple Bloom's impromptu race, they had in fact washed pigs. Maybe it was from the shock and trauma of it all, but Diamond felt the need to playfully slop mud on Apple Bloom's face. She had responded by slapping some on her cutie mark. Next thing she knew, they were giggling and wrestling in the mud. They now found themselves in the shower. She thought to ask who wanted to go first, but Apple Bloom simply nudged her in and followed. She supposed this was perfectly normal, and very exciting. She playfully laughed as Apple Bloom sprayed water on her and took her turn holding the shower head in her mouth to hose her down in kind. They even took turns drying each other, giggling like fillies with wet towels in mouth, rubbing their heads into each other's most ticklish parts, which seemed to be anywhere and everywhere. Downstairs, the Apples had what she could only describe as a feast. While it was mostly apple related dishes, as expected, it was surprising to her. She didn't know what to do with so much food, but gladly followed Apple Bloom's example as they eyed each other knowingly. She was telling her it was okay to pig out. And pig out they did. "Apple Bloom! Mind your manners," Applejack reprimanded her. Diamond felt foalish as she was doing the same thing, having allowed the sly redhead to trick her. She softly kicked her under the table. With a smirk, she received a gentle kick back. Before she could continue the secret kicking war, Granny Smith coughed musically, "So, I noticed you spent all day with that high class pony friend of yours. You two a thing yet?" Diamond Tiara broke out into a hot blush. She opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Applejack. "Come on, Granny," she moaned, "Like I told you before, we're not like that. We had a lot of, uh... work related stuff to talk about." Another hidden leg jab under the table brought Diamond Tiara's eyes away from staring at her plate to Apple Bloom. She was tapping her muzzle, scrunching it up as if she had something sour in her mouth, and pointed at Applejack. Diamond turned to see the same expression on Applejack's face. She turned back to Apple Bloom to see her roll her eyes, amusedly. "Aint nothing wrong with falling for a pretty mare with a lot of money," Granny Smith continued. "Although they do have that high maintenance thing to worry about. Don't say I didn't warn you." Diamond Tiara swallowed a bite of some kind of apple tart. She noticed Granny Smith was eying Apple Bloom as she was talking, which was odd. The conversation ventured off into other subjects, some receiving a few words from Big Mac that surprised Diamond Tiara--she had never heard him say more than a single word, ever. Maybe he wasn't a weirdo after all. Once they were finished, Diamond Tiara thanked them for the wonderful meal and offered to do the dishes. Granny Smith shook her head, insisting she would take care of it. They ended up joining her in the kitchen anyway, listening to the old lady recall stories and even what sounded like the start of an embarrassing tale about Apple Bloom and a dress that the mare clearly didn't want said in front of her current company, quickly distracting her grandmother by bringing up other memories. It gave her a warm feeling. Was this what her father wanted her to experience? She had good times with her own family. She tried to remember. Her mother would tell embarrassing stories about her. It didn't quite give her a warm feeling, though. Before she knew it, it was nighttime. Everypony said their goodnights, and she nervously followed Apple Bloom into her bedroom. If Diamond Tiara could use one word to describe the difference between the room and her own, it would be 'wooden'. Like the rest of the house, there was no carpet, only rugs and wood floors. The furniture looked old and expensive, but used. This troubled her for some reason. Looking to the bed, she rolled her eyes. The pillow cases were decorated with apples. She stopped herself from rolling her eyes again upon seeing the odd painting above the bed, of some crudely drawn, purple-haired filly running in the sun. Apple Bloom opened a drawer, pulled some blankets out with her mouth, and kicked the drawer closed with her back hoof. While it wouldn't match her room's decor or fashion, she could not deny that the dresser looked like an antique. It was quite possible it was worth more than her entire suite, minus her jewelry and a few of her dresses. "My mom would kill me if I treated my furniture like that," she found herself speaking. "Good thing your mom aint here," Apple Bloom smirked back. She shared the smile. She was right, her mom wasn't here. In a fit of ecstasy, she jumped onto the bed with her hoofs held forward as if she were flying. With a soft bounce, she pulled herself forward to the edge of the bed, watching with newfound curiosity as to what the young Apple was up to. She was making what looked like a bed of blankets on the floor. Diamond Tiara frowned. "What are you doing?" She asked. "Just getting ready for bed." "Oh, okay." She watched her finish, before she followed her to the bathroom to brush teeth. Apple Bloom finished with a hard spit that made Diamond gag, choking on the water she was rinsing her mouth with. Laughter followed, neither speaking with any words, but an assortment of faces. They returned to find the room was lit in a cold blue. The night spilled through a slightly opened window. The entire room was covered in the sounds from outside and a small breeze, making the space feel even more alive than it did before. Maybe Luna wasn't completely crazy, Diamond Tiara thought. The night felt like the start of a whole new day. She watched Apple Bloom walk to her makeshift bed on the floor before climbing into her bed. Staring at the ceiling, not used to her surroundings, and ignoring a hot mix of thoughts swirling in her head, she shuffled to the edge and dropped a hoof off the side. She hoped to be able to nudge her companion, but her arm wasn't long enough. She sighed, giving up. She couldn't sleep and wanted to talk, but about what? She didn't know. Before she could think of how to break the silence, she felt something touch her hoof. An electric shock ran through her spine. She dared not turn her head, keeping her eyes on the ceiling. Apple Bloom was holding her hoof. Her mind ran through a dozen scenarios: maybe it was her imagination, it couldn't be her hoof, perhaps she was asleep and touched her accidentally, or was it on purpose? Her heart slammed inside her ears. There was no way she'd be able to sleep now. She tried to cough, wanting to say something, but it came out weak and made her cringe. She felt the other hoof stir. "Can't sleep either, huh?" Apple Bloom's words floated in the darkness. Diamond Tiara blinked a few times, not sure if she had really heard it or if it was her imagination. Pushing past a nervous sweat, she rolled herself to her side and looked down. Apple Bloom was staring at the ceiling, her head resting on a pillow with her red hair spilling over it in every direction, floating about much like an alicorn's would, her pink ribbon nowhere to be seen. In the dim blue glow, Diamond sucked in her next breath. She was beautiful. Painfully, impossibly beautiful. Maybe it was the way the night colored her, softening the bright fire of her usual features, but she looked like a princess. "Hey," She heard herself say, one of her ears flicking as if she were listening to a voice that wasn't her own, "Plenty of room on your bed." She waited and heard no response, looking at the redhead's distant stare. Clearing her throat, she tried again, "Come on, only dogs sleep on the floor." She meant for it to sound more threatening, but it had come out squeaky. That caused a reaction, she smirked. Apple Bloom turned to face her, eyes wide, and lowered her hoof away. They were no longer touching. "Fine, whatever!" Diamond Tiara hissed, rolling to the other side of the bed in rage. She began to doubt her weird feelings and question whatever that was. Holding hoofs like that was for foals, she told herself. They were messing with each other like it was just another day at school. She pulled the covers tight around her, bringing her legs close. It didn't mean anything. She had to think of how to spin it so she would get the last laugh. Her body softly waved about as she felt another pony climb onto the bed. Her ear turned to catch the sound of the covers being pulled and wrinkled around another naked body. She could feel the heat of another mare behind her, getting closer, until it was slammed against her a bit too forcibly. She pictured the other mare with a smug grin. And then it hit her... Apple Bloom was spooning her. A hoof slowly wrapped itself over her barrel, the other snaking its way under her pillow around her neck. She tried to wiggle in protest, but it only made the other mare tighten her hug. With a strong heat across her face, Diamond realized how nice it felt, even when pretending to struggle. She gave up and allowed herself to be held under the blankets. The day's work and new experiences washed over her body, weighing down her eyelids. She tried to fight it again, but a yellow hoof rubbed her belly, not even bothering to pretend to hold her down as if she would escape. She rubbed the hoof in sleepy thought. She would get Apple Bloom back for this. To think she could be dominated by some beautiful farmer brat! She would... she yawned. She would do something and it would be lovely revenge. Her thoughts melted into dreams, hot breaths splashing the back of her neck. 4 - Excuse me? Marefriends?Diamond Tiara woke up in Apple Bloom's arms. While no longer spooning, they were still in a sloppy hug amidst messy bed sheets. Taking a while to process her thoughts, she grunted to herself. She would have expected to wake up alone for some reason, but apparently this would not be the case. Last night happened. Feeling the need to use the bathroom, she removed a yellow hoof and left the room. Upon returning, she dared a glance at the bed in thoughts of sneaking back in, to see Apple Bloom laying where she had left her with one eye opened. She was smiling. Diamond quickly looked away. "So, uh, yeah..." She lamely began, "I guess that happened." "Morning, diamond butter," Apple Bloom purred. "Oh, don't you even start!" Diamond Tiara stomped up to the other mare on the bed. "You are not giving me nicknames!" "Come on," Apple Bloom pleaded, raising herself up, "My ma got one, Mrs. Cake got one, sis even got one though I don't think it'll catch on. It's what marefriends do." Diamond blanched, "Excuse me? Marefriends?" "Well, yeah. That's what we are now, right?" Apple Bloom tapped her hoofs on her knees, looking hopefully guilty. "As if." "You seriously going to argue this?" "I'm not using the m-word." "But you're not saying no?" Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow and rolled her hooves urging Diamond Tiara to answer. "Fine, whatever." Diamond Tiara whispered, turning dramatically away to a small dresser with a large mirror. She laid out her makeup kit, brush, and other assorted grooming devices. Apple Bloom watched in silent wonder, never before seeing her routine. She hopped off the bed and snuck behind her. She noticed Diamond had stopped her motions and simply sat there. She rubbed a hoof across another, feeling guilty again. "If you're going to be creepy, the least you can do is take my seat and let me do you up." "I don't know, Diamond, we only just started being marefriends. I'm not sure if we should--" With a huff of frustration, Diamond Tiara cut her short, twirling her around so that they traded places. An evil smirk consumed her. Finally, she could turn this around and get her revenge. Starting now, she told herself, she would go on the offensive and make sure this former blank flank would know her place. Especially given they had upgraded their relationship into, whatever this is, she whirled her eyes, evil smirk still in place. She had to reestablish who was supposed to be the boss. "You could be quite the looker if you wanted." She put a hoof to her chin, thinking about which product to start with. She noticed Apple Bloom was eying her through the dresser's mirror. "Think I look pretty enough to make you blush--" Diamond quickly brushed a foundation on Apple Bloom's cheeks to shut her up. "You do know I've won beauty contests? Many of them. I know a thing or two about this, so please, sit still and do me a favor and shut up." "Did your mom teach you how to do this?" Apple Bloom ignored her commands, fidgeting slightly. "Sis doesn't care for it. And, well, Sweetie Belle tried to show me before, but Scoots and I sure did make a mess of it." "I'm sure you did," she couldn't help but laugh, picturing the scene. "And yes, my mother did teach me a lot about how to look my best." She frowned. "Like her, I suppose I'm a beautiful trophy. Congratulations on lucking out and winning the best mare in Equestria." "Thanks, I guess." The way she had responded gave Diamond a satisfied smirk, but at the same time a slight hurt feeling. Yes, she meant it as a compliment, but it did come out as kind of an insult, but to who? Celestia, she swore, how will she screw this up like she ruins everything else? Apple Bloom sneezed. She had been patting her face a bit too briskly. She took out some eyeliner and worked her eyes and eyelashes. "You don't get along with your ma too well, do ya?" It was an innocent enough question. It deserved a honest response. "No, I really don't." She felt her posture go limp and her eyes wandered to the mirror to catch Apple Bloom studying her. She squeezed her chest out, sucking in her stomach, raising her head to regain her form. "We used to, a long time ago. Why do you ask?" "Just something I was curious about." Apple Bloom looked down. Diamond Tiara smacked herself, internally. Of course, the poor dirt farmer never got to experience the mother thing. It made her feel guilty. She focused on applying lipstick. "Maybe I'll take you to her and you can see what it's like. Prepare to be disappointed." "I'd like that." She stopped. She was finished, but something had snapped inside her at the same time. "No, you wouldn't." "She can't be any worse than you." Apple Bloom waited for a response that never came. Her smile faltered upon seeing the look on Diamond Tiara's face. It looked like she wanted to say something, but it was quickly bottled up and replaced with a perturbed glare. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything..." Hearing Apple Bloom apologize for nothing caused Diamond Tiara to mentally hit herself. She was nothing like her mother--so why was she so upset? Her father's request, she remembered, she had to figure out some way to fix things. She had allowed the beautiful hayseed to distract her. This was supposed to be a punishment. With her head hung low and eyes to the ground, she left the room. Apple Bloom listened to the floorboards as they followed her exit. Before she chased after her, she stole a glance at the mirror. It had felt like more makeup was applied than was actually there. It was very subtle, but somehow brought out her eyes and freckles. She looked pretty, she thought. There was more to Diamond Tiara than she would have realized. After a quiet breakfast, the two mares found themselves hanging around the porch. Applejack and Big Mac talked with them some, nothing more than simple pleasantries, before leaving to the market for the day. Apple Bloom leaned against the side of the house, rubbing its thick coat of red paint behind her back. Diamond Tiara idly rocked herself on a bench swing attached to the roof. Apple Bloom tried to make eye contact with her, but the mare wouldn't lift her head. She kicked herself away from the wall with a grunt. "Come on, let's go to the clubhouse." "Okay." Uncrossing her legs, Diamond Tiara stood up to stare at her, making her feel nervous. The dynamic between them felt off, different from earlier. It caused her great concern, as it felt like days since waking up in bed, holding her little spoiled rich pony. She watched her move her legs around, casually, slowly raising herself and her eyelids, bottom lip slightly out--Apple Bloom had to look away. She thought she had to be doing it on purpose, like before with the dishes. She had a way of moving sometimes that screamed seduction, but she was so aloof about it. She looked back to see the purple-pink pony standing before her, observing her features like they were some painting in a stuffy museum. "Well?" Apple Bloom tilted her head in response. Internally, she was a hot mess. She hoped it didn't show. Diamond Tiara smirked as if it did show. "Oh! Right," Apple Bloom pushed herself down the steps, waiting for her to follow. Diamond Tiara followed. She trotted briskly to set herself slightly ahead, only to swat her tail on the poor farmer's face before slowing down to pace with her at her side. "What was that about?" Apple Bloom sheepishly asked. "Was just lost in thought," Diamond Tiara sighed as if the weight of the entire world was on her back, "About things." "For a second there I thought you were being all sexy-like on purpose." That grabbed Diamond Tiara's attention. "Oh, you find me alluring, do you?" She gave her a haughty laugh. "I wasn't even paying attention. How adorable! The poor country filly falling for the rich city pony." "You know that works both ways." Apple Bloom put on her serious all-business face. "What were you doing staring at me, huh?" "Oh," Diamond Tiara took an awkward step, almost tripping. "Just admiring my work." Apple Bloom put a hoof to her face. She already had forgotten she had been dolled up. "If we're going to be," Diamond rolled her hoof in the air searching for a better word, "You-know, then you do realize that means you will be mine to do with as I please." "Is that so?" "Yes, it is." She gave her a serious look. "I have a list of requirements and expectations you will need to sign." Apple Bloom laughed, smiling at her. "It's no joke," Diamond Tiara shared the silly smile. "I've given it a lot of thought. I'm serious." "That's fair enough. I'm open to negotiations." "Like I would ever bargain with you!" Diamond Tiara's tone was playful. "And like you could even keep up." Apple Bloom waggled her eyebrows. "We can always find out. I'll take you out back to my barnyard bargains." Diamond Tiara felt a hot blush, averting her gaze in defeat. They were deep into the apple orchard. Beyond the occasional bird songs and leaves crunching underhoof, the silence surprised Diamond Tiara. In town, there was always some noise in the background, often several, and unpleasant. She looked back expecting to see the house in the distance, but for all she could make out, she was in the middle of a forest of apple trees. They were beginning to be more sporadic in their spacing, which she assumed meant they were almost to the tree house. It hit her, suddenly. Through the goofy smile and sappy feelings of imagining Apple Bloom carrying out her last retort, she realized her father's store was indeed named 'Barnyard Bargains'. She never realized it before. It was there, staring her in the face since she was born. Why did her father call it a barnyard? How did he get all of those contracts with other farmers? How did it start? Did her father's side come from... she gulped. Was she a farm pony too? They arrived at the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse, standing before the ramp. "So," Apple Bloom began, "Want to talk about your mother some more?" Diamond Tiara shot her a look that screamed 'how dare you' and 'you are lucky you're cute'. "I'm tired of pretending like I don't know why you're here." Apple Bloom kicked a small rock between her hooves. "Figured if we're marefriends now, I can help you out." "Don't want to talk about it," Diamond Tiara pouted. "Neither do I. Hay, even feel like we might be going a little too fast here." "Yeah, we're moving so fast. Made it all the way to where we can hug and not bitch each other out." "That was a hug in bed, though." "I know, stupid. It's called spooning." Apple Bloom blinked as if this was the first time she heard the term. "I... know, yeah." She turned to face her directly, standing taller, "Sis said your father was upset about the way you and your mom get along. What's going on?" "Oh, here we go. You going to crusader-me right in front of your crusader castle? Like I'm just another notch in your crusader bedpost?" "What does that even mean?" "Gah!" Diamond Tiara huffed, waving her hoof at Apple Bloom as she began to pace around under the tree house. "Fine! You want to know what's going on? Mother wants me to enter another stupid pageant." "What's wrong with that? Don't you enjoy them?" "Well duh! Of course I enjoy them. It's kind of my thing, being the most beautiful and smartest pony around. The competition is fun. Showing up all those other dumb ponies is fun. The tiara isn't for show, you know." "Then what's the problem?" Apple Bloom asked, innocently. "The problem!" Diamond Tiara snapped at her, fuming, "The problem is..." She immediately ran out of steam and lowered her voice. "My mom. She's the problem. The way she treats me about it, like I'm still a little filly. It sucks all the fun out of it." "And you told her this?" "Of course I've told her, countless times." Apple Bloom walked up to her, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "I mean, really talk with her about it. In a not Diamond Tiara crazy way." "Well," She wanted to lie, she wanted more than anything to tell her off, "Not really." "I'm sure she'd understand. She'd have to be some kind of nightmare mom not to." "It's not that easy. We kind of get super emotional and go for each other's throats." Apple Bloom hugged her. Diamond Tiara felt like crying. "It's like we're the same pony sometimes and I don't want to be her but I don't want to hate her either." "I know," Apple Bloom tightened her hug. "How could you?" Diamond Tiara immediately wished she could take back her words. "Heard my mom was a lot like me. She helped Mrs. Cake figure out her cutie mark. I like helping others figure out theirs." She backed off, holding onto Diamond's shoulders. "It aint right to be like that with your mom. It's like hating yourself and not wanting to be happy. Try to give her a chance. If you and I can make peace, you can do it with anypony. Especially your mom." Diamond rubbed a hoof across her cheek, a little unnerved to find it wet. "Is it really that simple? I feel so stupid." She opened her eyes to see Apple Bloom's smug expression. "I didn't just say that. You didn't hear anything." Apple Bloom simply nodded. They walked into the tree house. Diamond marveled at how nicer the place looked since last she visited. It didn't feel like a filly's playhouse anymore. It felt more adult and respectful. What caught her eye the most was a wall covered with pictures of ponies. Likely all the ponies the three have helped over the years. One picture in particular caught her eye. "Why am I up there?" She pointed a hoof. Apple Bloom shrugged. "Why not?" "You never helped me with my cutie mark. If I recall correctly, one might say I had a part in getting you your own." Apple Bloom smiled at that. "Oh." "Being completely honest, cause we're official marefriends now," Apple Bloom was quick to remind her with a grin, "Figure I could share something and get it off my chest." She took in a breath and held it for a moment before slowly exhaling. "You kind of been occupying some space in my head for some time now. Not in a crush way, just, well maybe a little sometimes, but more just thinking about all we've been through, you know?" Diamond Tiara turned her head quickly so that her hair swung around her neck, cutting a sharp smile. "Go on." "Well, that's it. Wondering if you've been feeling the same. We sure did do some silly things to each other." Could say that again, Diamond thought. Thinking further, she could not deny having the same thoughts. She knew she was a bad pony, but it was far enough in the past to where it felt somehow out of reach, like it was some other filly and not her. "Do you want me to share some dark, earth-shattering secret of my own?" Apple Bloom nodded her head a bit too enthusiastically. "Well, too bad!" Diamond Tiara smirked, finding a colorful wooden crate to sit on. "Aw, come on! Please? I told you..." She was distracted by Diamond climbing the crate, swishing her tail about, her head turned to eye her knowingly. Apple Bloom countered with her best filly pout, "I told a secret so it's only fair." Taking a regal pose atop her seat as if she were Celestia hearing a plea from a concerned citizen, Diamond stroked a hoof through her hair. She found great interest in the bottom of her hoof, pretending as if she had not heard a thing. Satisfied everything was in order with it, she casually lifted her head with a great sigh. "Fine." Apple Bloom took a seat in front of her, leaning forward as if she were about to be read a story. Diamond Tiara frowned. "It's nothing too big. It's actually quite silly. Something every filly goes through, I imagine." She stared at Apple Bloom to see if that was enough. She received an encouraging nod that expected more. "I liked to think myself a princess," She mumbled. "I liked to imagine you were all my subjects. Something changed the day you got your cutie marks, though." She shifted awkwardly, clearing her throat. "I know the colors on the shield are meant to represent you, but they had my colors in there too. I liked to imagine your cutie marks were my royal seal and you were my knights." Apple Bloom took it all in, saying nothing. "Maybe, one day in the far future it'd all become real somehow. Weirder things have happened, right? Twilight became a princess. That means anypony can. I've read her book a lot. All we have to find is another magic tree or something." She looked around the room, waiting for a reply or some form of acknowledgement. Hearing none, she lowered her head in shame. "I've probably said too much, haven't I?" "Nah," Apple Bloom said, standing up, "Now we're even. It's kind of cool sharing secrets." Diamond Tiara was hesitant to reply. "Yeah, I guess." "Don't think I've ever heard one like that before. Most ponies give up on the princess fantasies by now. You sure are something special." "Stop making fun of me." "I'm not. I honestly think it's really sweet." "You're just saying that to make me feel better." "Am not." Before Diamond Tiara could respond with a 'are too', she quickly added with a wink, "Saying it cause I like seeing you get all flustered." Diamond Tiara's mind was screaming for her to do something--make a face, toss an insult--anything to correct the dynamic between them. She was the alpha mare. She had to show Apple Bloom her place in the relationship! Why was she rubbing her hoof on her leg like some shy school filly? Lost in the heat of her inner turmoil, she didn't notice the other mare approach her. Looking into her eyes, she became lost and helpless, like it was some magical curse being cast that she had no chance of escaping. She tried to power out of its control, but her vision shrank and so did the rest of the room and world with it. "You ever kiss somepony before?" Apple Bloom almost stuttered. Diamond Tiara closed her eyes, smiling at herself and the entire silly universe. It was like there was some insufferable and hidden alicorn of jokes, or maybe a draconequus out there playing a joke on her without realizing it was exactly what she wanted. And she always got what she wanted. Surging with newfound strength, having found her lost power, she walked over to the other mare, taking another step forward without missing a beat to match the immediate backwards step of the dolled up redhead. She had her up against the wall, both of them on their back hooves, her forehooves trapping her head between them, her belly and chest pinning the poor farmer before her. She pressed her lips onto hers, showing no mercy. Pushing past her wild nerves, she shoved her tongue into the mix. She had to show the slightly larger pony who was the boss, after all. She had to know her place in this. She continued the thoughts as she was overpowered and pushed to the floor, the slightly larger pony now on top of her. Lost in the whirlwind of sensations, feeling the lipstick smear on their muzzles, she decided to let the other mare pretend to dominate her, strategically conceding defeat in a fierce tongue on tongue battle but not the overall make out war. "Holy Celestia!" The sound from the doorway of Scootaloo's exclamation and a sharp squeal from Sweetie Belle instantly pulled both mares out of their frenzied horse play. 5 - Send a Report to Celestia and Luna to the Moon"Horse apples," Apple Bloom cursed under her breath. Along with Diamond Tiara, she rose to her hooves, both of them rubbing the lipstick off their mouths under the shocked gazes of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "What the buck are you doing?" Scootaloo shouted. "Aw, your first kiss!" Sweetie Belle swooned. Diamond Tiara sharply turned her head to Apple Bloom. Did she hear that right? "Hey girls, nice of ya to knock," Apple Bloom deadpanned. Scootaloo took to the air, hovering in place, throwing her hoof in her direction. "What did she do? Is magic involved? Quick, check for traps, Sweetie Belle!" Magical energy flashed and quickly dissipated on Sweetie Belle's horn, her face de-scrunching itself. "Um, I don't know any spells like that, sorry." "Shoot!" Scootaloo landed on the ground, taking up a fighting stance. "Don't worry Apple Bloom, we'll find a way to help you." "Will you cut that out!" Apple Bloom sent her hoof to her forehead in frustration. "We're marefriends, you big idiot." "Aw!" Sweetie Belle clasped her hooves together, to quickly trot forward and hug the apple pony. "Bleh," Scootaloo pretended to puke. She turned to face Diamond Tiara, giving her a face that said she was onto her schemes and that she had better watch out. Sweetie Belle noticed the look and walked back over to her. With her hoof, she flicked one of Scootaloo's wings as they all watched it stiffly bounce in place. Like a few drops of water before a heavy flood, Scootaloo scratched the back of her neck with a self aware chuckle, followed by a giggle from Apple Bloom, and next thing they knew, every pony was drenched in emotional laughter, washing away the tension in the room. Scootaloo was first to speak. "Really, Apple Bloom? Her of all ponies?" Diamond Tiara shot her a death stare. "Deal with it, Scoots." Apple Bloom slapped a tiara cutie mark with her tail, increasing the intensity of Diamond's death stare, but at a new target. Something changed in Scootaloo's eyes. They became as soft as Sweetie Belle's. Diamond twisted her mouth in anger--for some reason, them being suddenly okay with things made her feel even more embarrassed and out of place in their clubhouse. "There, there, Diamond. No harm done. My best friends are your best friends." Diamond Tiara seethed at being patted on the back by Apple Bloom. She looked again to see an insufferable grin spread across the other two ponies' faces. "Oh my gosh!" Sweetie Belle giggled. "What?" Diamond asked, cringing at herself for knowingly channeling her mother's grumpy face. Scootaloo snickered. "Oh wow, you totally got her by the leash. I had no idea." Diamond Tiara fumed. "I wouldn't have believed anypony could tame that spoiled filly. Guess I was wrong!" Her rising anger was met with a swift hug by Apple Bloom that seemed to change the heat on her face into something else. "Stupid little rich pony," she heard the words escape Apple Bloom's lips. Surprisingly, she felt better, but a little anger lingered. That too was converted into a hot blush after letting go, seeing a noble look on the yellow crusader's face that seemed to bow to her, as if saying she was indeed her knight, and she was indeed her princess. And with that, she doubted any other pony could ever get to her so intensely ever again. She wasn't her pet. She was her princess. Nothing else mattered. She smiled, thinking of her mother and how she'd let her get under her skin. Friendship lesson learned, she smirked in her personal victory. Send a report to Celestia and Luna to the moon--damn, I'm good. She mentally congratulated herself for being the smartest and best princess ever. Scootaloo looked like she was waiting for an insult to be hurled her way. "You have no idea how marefriends work, do you?" Diamond asked her. "Oh, she's learning," Sweetie Belle said, giving them a smirk. Diamond Tiara laughed. She genuinely, honestly laughed with the feeling that they were actually real friends now. "Who's taming who?" A few grumbles and curse words could be heard under Scootaloo's breath. "Sooooo," the mood instantly brightened in the room with the sing-song voice of Sweetie Belle, "How was your first kiss?" "It was, uh..." Apple Bloom rested her head on her hoof in deep thought. "Pretty nice! Although, I thought it'd be more clumsy and difficult. Guess I have a skilled partner." Diamond rolled her eyes, trying to hide her proud smile. "Why would you think it's something hard to do?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Cause that's what you're always saying," Scootaloo answered for her, before choking on her last words, eyes bulging in some kind of secret revelation. Apple Bloom nudged Diamond. "Check out her tells." They shared knowing smug grins. The day carried on without further dramatics for the mares. They messed around in their clubhouse as if it were any other day at the Cutie Mark Crusaders' headquarters. Talk of making Diamond Tiara a honorary crusader was brought up and discussed in a huddle. Diamond promptly broke up their not-so-secret meeting, gracefully declining the offer, not feeling quite ready and worthy of membership. She secretly shared glances with Apple Bloom that revealed her true intentions. She would never be a crusader. Why would she want that? She was already an apple princess. Twilight followed sunset making way for starlight. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said their goodbyes and exchanged a few playful jabs at their newfound relationships before leaving. Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara walked through the apple orchard alone, flanks touching each other. They could see the soft glow of lights coming from her house. Diamond Tiara didn't want the day to end, but part of her was desperate for it. She was already playing through different scenarios with her mother in how to apologize and make things better between them. She even imagined a few what-if situations involving bringing Apple Bloom along. One that she spent many quiet steps pondering was what if she would kiss Apple Bloom full on the lips in front of her mother in an act of steamy defiance. There were many ways that one could play out so she had to explore each angle. A bump from her partner's rump took her out of her daydreaming. "Apple for your thoughts?" "Just thinking about what I need to do tomorrow when my dad comes to pick me up." "Don't think your mom will be there too?" No, Diamond thought, she hardly ever comes. But this time, she was uncertain. Her father is really good at negotiations. Who knows? "Maybe. Daddy will butter her up and I'll knock her down." Apple Bloom frowned. "It's business talk for setting up a win-win situation," she smiled despite herself. "It isn't literal, you stupid little poor pony." "I know that," Apple Bloom gave her another bump. "Just messing with you." They were at the porch steps. Sounds of family and a few guests could be heard through the door. They looked at each other in shared curiosity. "Bet I know who that is." "Don't say it," Diamond Tiara warned. "Told you she'd be here." "You did not." Apple Bloom moved to open the door. "Maybe I ought to butter you up before we enter." "You're such a perv," Diamond Tiara said, grabbing Apple Bloom for a quick kiss. With another beauty pageant finished, and another tiara to add to her collection, Diamond Tiara hugged her mother in complete and total victory. "I'm so proud of you." Her mother seemed to smile to herself, holding the bouquet she had won. They stopped in the hallway, backstage. Diamond Tiara looked down, her neck sore from holding her head up for the past several hours, her muzzle worn out from all of her forced smiling. Spoiled Rich raised an eyebrow, questioning her daughter. They both shared the same tired and grumpy expression. "Hey, mom," Diamond Tiara huffed, exhausted. "Thanks." "You're welcome, dear." "Sorry about yelling at you before." Spoiled Rich raised both eyebrows. She looked quite surprised. At that moment, Diamond Tiara wanted to tell her mom that she forgave and loved her, but she knew they weren't ready for that yet. Maybe some time soon, she thought, but for now, she-- Her mind went blank as she found herself in her mother's tight hug. "You do know I love you," Spoiled whispered to her. "Love you too, mom," Diamond cried in her shoulder, her tears already spent from being crowned earlier. The dirt felt different at Sweet Apple Acres. Diamond dragged a hoof through it, stirring up an ancient dust that tickled something inside her soul. Maybe it was an earth pony thing, she thought, but there was something magically unnatural about this farm. From the soft road to the rolling hills of green, it tricked ponies into some longing for peaceful days spent eating an apple under the shade of a tree without a care in the world. With a pompous grin fit for a princess, she laid herself against Apple Bloom and did just that. Author's Note special thanks to fastserve for all the inspiring pony pictures!
1 - The Life of a Perfect PrincessThree satisfied "Ah's" followed the sounds of empty glasses returning to a table. Rich apple cider tickled the bellies of three young mares. The setting sun sneaked into the clubhouse through an open door and windows to paint the room in a warm orange-red. It was the end of another adventurous day for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. One of the mares smirked, noticing how the light reflected through the ice cubes in their glasses to make them sparkle as if they were diamonds. Taking in her surroundings and good company, her modest tree house felt more like some exclusive lodge resort. The kind that rich spoiled fillies could only dream of having membership in. It was not something that could be bought, but earned. Apple Bloom hiccuped through a smug smile that would have made her sister melt with pride. "That was quite strong," Sweetie Belle said, looking at her. "It's only five percent, I checked." "Yeah, that's nothing." Scootaloo rolled over onto the floor as if it was the natural thing to do. "Rainbow Dash let me taste the hard stuff last cider season. Now that was something." Sweetie Belle looked surprised. "She can't do that! She'll get in trouble!" "We aint fillies anymore," Apple Bloom's gaze remained on the sparkling diamonds in her glass. "Besides, my sister let me try the hard stuff way before any of y'all." "Yeah, don't be such a baby, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said through clenched teeth. Sweetie Belle tilted her head. Scootaloo was on her back on the floor, hoofs curled into fists, muscles strained. "What are you doing?" She asked. "What does it look like I'm doing?" She groaned in response. "Um..." Sweetie Belle moved next to her. She prodded Scootaloo's belly, tickling her. "Ha-ha, stop that!" Scootaloo laughed, the tension gone from her body. "I'm trying to do wing push ups. Rainbow has me training for the Wonderbolts' entrance exam." "Oh..." Was all Sweetie Belle could think of to say. She resumed tickling her. Apple Bloom sighed, nudging her glass to hear the ice cubes clink, ignoring the other sounds bouncing around the room. "Truce, okay?" Scootaloo panted through a smile. She turned to see a look on Apple Bloom's face that immediately threw her own into one of concern. "The drink was pretty good. I didn't mean anything by what I said." She paused, receiving no response. "Is everything okay, AB?" "Huh?" Apple Bloom looked up. "Yeah, I guess so." Her two friends found themselves sitting around the table again. The air was different in the clubhouse. Crickets could be heard waking up to the night, the sun leaving a soft glow in the cloudless sky. The day was over, but the three friends felt as if it were only now starting. Against serious stares, Apple Bloom closed her eyes in thought. "We sure have come a long way, haven't we?" She opened her eyes to see their nods of agreement. "It's funny how time can heal old wounds--make you look back at the dumb things with a smile." Scootaloo groaned. "You've got to be kidding me! You're not thinking about her again, are you?" "She's obviously thinking about our cutie mark adventures," Sweetie Belle beamed, hopefully. "Right?" "Right." Apple Bloom looked away from her glass, pushing it to the side. "We would think long and hard about what cutie marks we'd get. Now that we have them, it's pretty easy to see what should happen next." She nodded to Sweetie Belle. "You have a star and a music note, so you have the potential to be a music star if you want." Sweetie Belle's curls bobbed around her horn as she nodded her head. "I've been taking lessons all summer. Rarity says I'm ready to sing for one of her fall fashion shows. I'm really looking forward to it!" "Mine's obviously the stamp of a Wonderbolt," Scootaloo grinned. "A wing with a lightning bolt. That or something even more awesome." Everypony nodded to that. "But what about mine?" Apple Bloom twisted her rump and neck to look at her cutie mark. "All I got is an apple with a heart in it. Don't get me wrong or anything. I love it, but I still don't know what it means." "Maybe we can go on more adventures to find out?" Sweetie Belle offered. "Psh," Scootaloo blew through her lips with a grin, "It's obviously something apple related. Your whole family has apple marks--and look at them! They do all kinds of stuff, whatever they want." Scootaloo scrunched her nose and brow in suspicion. "You like apples, don't you?" "Of course I like apples!" Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile. "Oh! I know!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Maybe it's something romantic! Like mine is a star because I could become a star, and yours is an apple cause you're an Apple. My musical note means I have a talent for singing." She leaned back, quite proud of her realization. "The heart means you're good at loving." "What does that even mean?" "I don't know. Like kissing?" Scootaloo burst into laughter, falling onto the floor again. Apple Bloom rested her head on her hoof in deep thought. Scootaloo jerked her head up. "You can't be serious. Have you even kissed somepony before?" "No..." Apple Bloom blinked a few times. "Not that I can recall. Unless family counts." "Ew, gross!" Scootaloo grinned, receiving a soft jab from Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle leered at Scootaloo. "Real kisses are great. We're both envious of you." "You are?" "Yeah! They're very special. Especially your first kiss." "What's so special about that?" "You don't know? Everypony knows their first kiss is magical. They remember it for the rest of their lives." "Is this something you got from Rarity?" "Whoever gives you that first kiss will always hold a special place in your heart." Sweetie Belle swooned, "Oh, I can't wait for you to find out and tell us all about it!" Scootaloo sat back, staring at Sweetie Belle in awe. "Yeah. You have to promise to tell us." "Huh," Apple Bloom tapped her hoofs on the table. She gave one last look at the melting ice cubes and a shiver ran up her pelt. "Makes sense to me. Deal." The warm glow of a gentle fire danced across the cold faces of Diamond Tiara and her mother, Spoiled Rich. They sat across from each other in chairs too large for them, in a room that, while filled with various furniture, paintings, and trinkets, seemed supernatural in how empty it felt. The sounds of a newspaper rustled from another chair as Filthy Rich turned a page. Spoiled Rich cleared her throat, noisily. Diamond Tiara crossed her hoofs, taking great interest in the fire. "I asked you a question, dear." A few grumbles escaped Diamond's mouth. "What was that?" Spoiled Rich raised an eyebrow and her nose to look down at her daughter. "I paid good money for your speech lessons and I expect you to show me the results." "That was years ago. I'm not a filly anymore." "You will always be my little filly." "And you will forever be a super bitch," Diamond enunciated each word in her clearest and most elegant voice. "Diamond..." Filthy Rich peered over his newspaper. "Sorry, daddy." Spoiled Rich took a sip of wine, swirling it around in her mouth. "I knew it was a mistake to not send you to a private school." "There are no private schools in Ponyville, dear." Filthy Rich turned another page. "Well, there sure are a lot of low class ponies teaching my daughter how to act disrespectful." "I'm not doing it!" Diamond Tiara yelled. The words hung in the air, transforming it. The crackling of the fire played through the silence, snapping and humming to itself. Randolf, the family's butler, gave a small shake of his head, unseen in the shadows. He picked up his duster and left to another room, leaving them alone with the dying fire, knowing all too well where this was headed. Eventually, Spoiled Rich worked past the cold rage that had seized her voice. "I don't ever remember giving you a choice in the matter." "Celestia, mom, could you be any more stereotypical?" Diamond rolled her eyes. "Don't you use her name like that, it's disrespectful." "Like she even cares." "What did I do to make you into such a hurtful pony?" "I'm not the one forcing you to do something you don't want to do!" Diamond raised her voice. "Force you?" Her mother raised her voice as well, "I didn't force you to get your cutie mark. It means the beauty pageants are who you are. You chose it, not me. I am merely supporting you." "You forced me to go! I wanted to do other things. I only got it because my special talent is being the best at whatever I do." "You're an ungrateful, spoiled princess." Spoiled Rich sighed. "It's the last pageant before all you'll have left is Miss Equestria." She pouted, a hurt expression forming on her lips, "Don't you want to do this for me?" Diamond stood up, stomping her hooves. "Stop living your life through me! Don't blame me you could never win like I did. Don't ruin my life like you ruined yours! What are you even doing? Is your only accomplishment me? Because congrats mom, you've made me into a monster, just like you." She scanned her mother's face to see she was striking multiple nerves. "What, did you think if you could control me, you'd somehow amount to something? Look at how well you've done--I'm so obedient it hurts!" Spoiled Rich looked stunned. She made to open her mouth in reply, but no words came out. Quiet tears began to roll down her cheeks as she stood up and left the room. "Hurts because it's true," Diamond mumbled to herself, sinking back into her plush chair. She listened to the sounds of the dying fire. Her father moved to his study, startling her. She looked around the back of her chair to notice he was still close, writing a letter. She loved her father. He wouldn't leave her or force her to do anything. Idly stroking her mane, she thought about each pageant she had won. At first, she had felt nervous and unsure of herself, but after having won a few, she had found more than enough self esteem and confidence. More than her mother ever had in her, she mentally spat. She recalled the single moment when her cutie mark had hit her and her rump, giving her the perfect match for her winning crown. It was at that moment she knew she was meant to be a princess. Or, was that the thought that came after her victory high, having outdid her competitors and making it past the stress of a difficult contest? No, she corrected herself, she remembered receiving the crown and flowers, waving to the faceless ponies in the crowd. She was meant to be a princess and the other ponies would treat her as such. She sighed. This was why she had trouble making friends. The life of a perfect princess had a price, like everything in Equestria. She had paid for it. It had recently cost her Silver Spoon's friendship, though she knew it was temporary. Ever since she had stood up to her when the Crusaders finally got their cutie marks, their friendship had been rocky at best. Silver Spoon was exploring other opportunities. It was perfectly understandable in the business of life. Diamond was happy for her, as she was afraid the poor filly would forever be under her shadow and leadership. She didn't miss her at all. She stared at the amber fire, listening to its sounds as if it were the words of a distant conversation. Throwing her head back into the cushion of the chair, she groaned dramatically. There was no denying how bored she was. Again, the amber fire pulled her attention into its yellow warmth. Silver Spoon was spending more time with the Cutie Mark Dummies. How she loathed them, and their unofficial redhead leader. Yet, she had to admit how well Apple Bloom made that pink hair ribbon work. She had an eye for these things--it wasn't weird. And, begrudgingly, how after everything she had done to the Crusaders, that miserable filly still pretended to care about her, like she pretended to care about everypony. She wasn't just another pony. How dare she be treated as such! She watched the fire fade, along with an oppressive internal fury she desperately wanted to be rid of. Where did all this rage come from, she thought. Did it have something to do with how she treated Apple Bloom? What a foal she had been. It brought a smile to her, thinking about how she picked on Apple Bloom, and her friends, just to get a reaction out of her. She loved to get under her skin, even after realizing how mean she had been. It was like it was a great sport she had been forced to retire from--there was no way for the champ to give it up completely, not when she was so good at it. That apple bumpkin, she grinned from ear to ear. With her help, she could probably win a pageant or two, maybe a runner-up to Miss Equestria. She definitely had the positive personality and good looks. No matter how hard she had teased her, she had never let it defeat her. It reminded her of herself. "Diamond, come here." Her father's words put a stop to her strange thoughts. She shook her head in amused self pity. Trotting over to his desk, she put on her signature, pageant winning smile. "I am going to the post. Before I return, I want you to pack your bags for one night, maybe two." Diamond's smile stumbled. "What do you mean, daddy?" Filthy Rich rubbed the bags under his eyes. "I'm asking Granny Smith if she'll have you at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow to learn some manners." Diamond Tiara's mouth moved as if to reply, but she could find no words. The corner of her eyes began to water. Her father was punishing her! "It's clear to me that we have failed in some way to instill you with proper values, that I know the Apple family can teach you. And if they can't, some time away will help you realize how upset I am." He looked into the dead fireplace. "I've gotten most everything I ever wanted. Except what they have." His tired eyes lingered on the mantle before he turned to face her, the years showing on his face. "And think about what you've said to your mother. I'll help her understand you didn't mean any of it and give you another chance, but it's ultimately up to you to correct this. Understood?" Diamond lowered her head in defeat. "Yes, father." "Diamond Dazzle Tiara, do you truly understand? You're not a little filly anymore. Please, just give me this one thing." She stared into her father's eyes, searching for what he meant, desperately trying to understand. She couldn't, beyond admitting she was being overly prissy, again. Her father let out a long breath, put a hoof on her shoulder, and left without a word. Shortly thereafter, Diamond found herself in her room, the door locked, fiercely hugging a pillow in controlled anger. She would get back at her mom for this. She didn't know how or when, but she knew she'd figure something out to set her off. Something that would show her she's her own pony. She squeezed the pillow tighter, using it to muffle the sounds of her crying. Apple Bloom breathed in the night air. Her first kiss! What would it be like? Who would it be with? She felt a new purpose to her steps as she returned to her home, having said her goodbyes to her fellow Crusaders. A gray mailmare waved at her, flying away from the porch. She quickly waved back, startled. Curiosity seizing her, she galloped the rest of the way to find Applejack looking up from a letter. A dark feeling took hold of her heart, from where she could only guess at the possibility of it being bad news. Who sends letters this late? Did somepony die? Such feelings were quickly dismissed with a brave face and seeing Applejack look up to smile at her. "Hey-yah, Bloom! Looks like one of your friends will be spending the night tomorrow." She stopped at the steps in surprise. It couldn't be one of her best friends, or else they would have told her. Maybe Babs? Applejack said the last name she would have ever guessed, added a couple of polite comments about Filthy Rich and his family, and casually trotted inside, not noticing she had left Apple Bloom paralyzed at the steps. The young mare swallowed, suddenly finding her throat very dry, licking her lips in a nervous gesture. She had a bad feeling about this. Author's Note oh boy here we go
2 - Hate You TooThe dirt felt different at Sweet Apple Acres. Diamond Tiara dragged a hoof through it, stirring up an ancient dust that tickled something inside her soul. Maybe it was an earth pony thing, she thought, but there was something magically unnatural about a farm. From the soft road to the rolling hills of green, it tricked ponies into some longing for peaceful days spent eating an apple under the shade of a tree without a care in the world. Like she would ever be caught dead doing that. "I've heard you've opened up a shop in Canterlot?" "Indeed I have. You simply must visit it sometime." Diamond Tiara clenched her teeth. Her father was engaged in small talk with Rarity, Apple Bloom's siblings next to her. There was no escape, she was here for a couple of days. She looked at her luggage and sighed. The big red one came closer, eying her. She took a step back. What a weirdo--Apple Bloom's whole family was a bunch of weird, dumb ponies. "I assume I'll be staying with Apple Bloom, correct?" She asked hopefully, looking away with a face that feigned indifference. "Eyup," the creepy stallion replied. Applejack turned her head away from the other conversation to eye Diamond Tiara. "If you'd like, we have a spare guest room you could use. Figured you'd rather want to spend the night with a friend." My friend, the words weighed heavily on Diamond Tiara's mind. "Thank you for offering, but I don't need the guest room. I will make do." "Oh, don't look like a pack of timber wolves stole your lunch," Applejack grinned. "Sleepovers with your friends can be a good amount of fun if you'd let it." She winked at Rarity, who rolled her eyes, smiling back at her. "Yes, I've read that part in Twilight's book about friendship. It was, uh..." Diamond Tiara searched for the right words, noticing the big red one was already carrying her luggage into the house. Well, at least he knew his place. "That was a silly night for all involved. Don't remind me," Rarity sighed, wistfully. "Right." Thoughts of her and Apple Bloom fighting over a blanket danced across her mind. She looked at her father. This was a cruel and unusual punishment, even for him. She would have preferred putting on the bunny costume again. "Anyway, about your store in Canterlot. I was wondering if you've given any further thought to the idea of Barnyard Bargains carrying a more modest, affordable line of your fashions," Filthy Rich said, resuming their previous conversation. Diamond Tiara smiled. Her father was all business. He had these country bumpkins in the frog of his hoof. Before she could admire and study his techniques further, a hoof gently prodded her rear. "Hey dumb rich girl! Welcome to my farm." It was Apple Bloom, cute bow in hair and all. "How rude," Diamond began, adjusting her tiara to remind Apple Bloom it was more regal than her bow, "Don't you know not to touch royalty?" "Oh, I'm sorry. I must have missed your coronation." "You would be the kind of pony to do such a thing. Probably twiddling your hoofs in your stupid tree house." They were already walking away, to where Diamond had no idea or care. "And your farm? Sorry, I must have missed the day Celestia made you the princess of apples." Apple Bloom playfully touched her, again. "It's good to see you haven't changed at all." "Hate you too." They smiled at each other, the wind brushing through their hair in a comfortable silence. Diamond Tiara was the first to look away, back at her father and the two other ponies. "Didn't expect to see Rarity over here. I held her in such high regard, too." Apple Bloom smirked. "Everypony holds her in high regard. She is an element of harmony, after all." She leaned in closer, deep into Diamond Tiara's personal space. "Between you and me, I think she only comes over so much cause she's sweet on my sister." Diamond Tiara exploded in laughter, blowing out the nervous breath she had been suddenly holding. "You're kidding me! High class ponies don't date the help, stupid." "I aint joking. And why can't they? What's wrong with my sister?" "Please," Diamond held a hoof to her chest, "Ponies of taste have higher standards than settling for a dirty, rough and tumble cowpony. It's unheard of! It'd make for a great Gabby Gums gossip article, though." Apple Bloom eyed her as if they shared some secret gossip of their own. It made her feel the sun's heat a little more than she cared to. "You know my sister is an element of harmony too, don't you?" Apple Bloom took another step into Diamond Tiara's personal space, Diamond quickly taking a step back this time, but not before she could feel the hot breath of the pony's words on her muzzle. "And what's wrong with a little farm fever? Everypony's hot for us farmers." Diamond Tiara scrunched her nose at that. What a silly thing to say. "Ever have a roll in the hay?" Apple Bloom waggled her eyebrows. A crimson blush struck Diamond Tiara's face, the blow hitting so hard that she had to hold her breath and look away, anger rising from her inability to formulate a proper retort. Laughter and a soft slap on her flank followed. "Should see the look on your face! I got you good." Apple Bloom's arm didn't pull away, resting itself around Diamond's shoulder. "Hmph!" Diamond Tiara grunted in rage. "I guess all those years of me bullying you finally rubbed off, huh?" "Nah," Apple Bloom removed her hoof and continued, "I've always been kind of a rude pony in hindsight." Diamond Tiara looked gravely insulted. "You are not." "Am too." "Are not." "Am too." "Are not!" Diamond Tiara punched the ground. "You're the nicest pony I know!" Apple Bloom only smiled, letting the argument go as if she had won it. They were walking again, around the house. Granny Smith eyed them from the back porch, looking as if she had been unwillingly ousted from a rather peaceful nap. Both mares lowered their heads, pretending not to have noticed. "I am too!" Apple Bloom continued under her breath. They took a few more steps until they turned another corner of the house, Granny Smith out of eyesight. Apple Bloom raised her voice back to normal and grinned, "Should have seen my first day selling apples. It's been at least seven years and sis still won't let me run the stand." "That hardly means anything," Diamond Tiara scoffed. "I was all like, 'buy some apples!' Put piles into strangers' bags and tried to make them pay for it." Apple Bloom smiled at her. "I was real pushy and just plain awful." Diamond Tiara pictured the scene in her head, a faint smile fighting its way across her muzzle. "You expect me to believe that?" "Well, it's the truth." Diamond Tiara didn't know what to say. She took in a breath, smelling the finely aged yet fresh aromas that only came from Sweet Apple Acres. Her nose wandered into the orchard, picking up the dense, heavy smell of apple-wood from the trees. The scent of an apple pie lingered in the air, foreshadowing dessert. She wetted her lips. She felt miles away from the stagnant air of her home. "Ah, there you are." Filthy Rich waved, walking toward her. He put a hoof on her shoulder and gave her a stern, loving look. "I will be leaving now. Behave yourself, okay?" "Okay." "There's something about the air out here," Filthy Rich surveyed the distant landscape, before returning his gaze to her. "Remember why you're here. I know it might not seem like it to you, but she loves you very much." Filthy Rich brushed her mane to the side to make room for a small kiss on her forehead. "As much as I do. Take care." They waved goodbye. She watched him leave until she found herself all alone. "What was that about?" Asked the redhead next to her. Diamond Tiara looked to her, her mouth tripping over itself not wanting to talk about her personal life, desperately searching for a response. "Sorry, didn't mean to pry." Apple Bloom's voice had an edge of pity to it. "Silver Spoon still not hanging out with you anymore?" "It's for the best. She was distracting me from other things," Diamond Tiara lied. Apple Bloom motioned with her head to follow her. "Forget I asked. Let's get some grub. You look like you could use some, miss skin and bones." They headed toward the house in better spirits. Diamond Tiara took one last look behind her. Some punishment this was, she thought. She trusted her dad, but sometimes, when she was honest with herself, she felt like she still had a lot to learn from him. What did he see in the Apples, anyway? A pony can do hard work and sweat without being on a farm. He came out just fine, and he never came from a farm, or did he? She didn't know. The thought left her with a sudden emptiness at only now realizing she had never asked. A swat from Apple Bloom's tail brought her back. She shot her an indignant frown, only to receive the sweetest and most smug grin she had ever seen in return. While her mom would be the one spending time with her dad, maybe she was getting the better end of the deal. For all her hatred, she couldn't stop grinning. Maybe this wasn't a punishment, but more of a friendship lesson. That was something princesses had to do. It all made sense to her now. "Hey Diamond, want to hear something exciting?" "Sure." "Last one inside gets to scrub the pigs." Apple Bloom casually winked, before taking off so fast that her sister's dog took notice, barking and joining in on the race. Or maybe this was punishment, Diamond Tiara seethed, galloping to catch up with the silly farm girl.
3 - You're Blushing AgainThat dumb cowpony running off and leaving her behind to play some foalish game--it infuriated Diamond Tiara. Entering the Apple family's home and being bombarded by how cozy and full of life it felt, it knocked through her rage to expose the lonely little filly inside her. Surrounded by pictures full of smiling ponies, some of a younger Apple Bloom with others who clearly loved her, it darkened her mood. Losing their race to find the photogenic redhead already putting two plates on a table, with what looked like a slice of delicious apple pie, and patting a seat next to her--no mention of the stakes of pig washing, no bragging at having beaten her, not even a hint of bratty behavior--it sent Diamond straight into an internal depression. Lost to her own nightmare night, she acted on instinct, cringing inside at her every action. She pushed the plate to the other side of the table and sat herself, nose raised and eyes closed with a "Hmph!" "Aw, come on, don't be sore. I was only playing." Apple Bloom's adorable accent melted her heart. She stuffed herself full of apple pie to ignore the weird feelings. It didn't help. "Celestia, this is..." She mumbled, before swallowing, "Absolutely disgusting. Did you make it?" She waited for some kind of upset reply that never came. Sneaking one eye open, she spied on the yellow pony across from her. Her face wasn't angry at all. Instead, she looked relaxed, even pleased with herself, giving her a smile as bright as sunshine. "So you did make it. Should have known." She shoved another large piece into her salivating mouth. "Maybe," she mumbled with her mouth partially closed, "You're not as useless as you look." "Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that." Diamond Tiara patted her mouth with a nearby napkin. "I haven't ate anything all day," she lied. "Hard to mess up apples and sugar. Any moron could make this." A giggle escaped Apple Bloom's lips. "Your cheeks sure are extra pink today." Diamond Tiara blushed harder, trying to hide it with a mean stare. "Look, as much fun as it is to be the one picking on you for a change, I feel like I need to clue you in on a little something." Apple Bloom took a bite of pie, taking a moment to chew and swallow like a proper adult for added emphasis. She continued, "My sis might be the element of honesty, but even she tries to fib on occasion. We all can spot it a mile away." "What does this have to do with anything?" Diamond crossed her hooves, her blush fading. Apple Bloom casually finished another bite. "It means say what you mean, and mean what you say. I can read your tells." "Excuse me, my tells?" "Sure thing! Like that pretty pink blush on your face." "Yeah, well, whatever." "Come on, it's nothing to be ashamed about. I know you're only joking and trying to be cute--" "Am not," Diamond quickly interrupted. "--But would it hurt you to just tell me you enjoyed my pie?" "I enjoyed your pie. There, are you happy now?" "Now say thank you." Diamond Tiara sighed. "Okay... thank you, mom." "You're welcome," Apple Bloom giggled. "See? Wasn't so bad." They stared at each other. Diamond Tiara evaluated the new power dynamic between them, in a purely business sense, and concluded that she did not approve. But, the insufferable redhead had a point. Manners are manners; she is a civilized pony. It didn't excuse the fact that she was treating her like some kind of ungrateful foal. She would figure out some way to get back at her for this. It gave her a villainous smile. "Eh-heh," Apple Bloom half-heartedly chuckled, seeing her newfound smile. "You okay there? Didn't mean to be condescending or anything." "Oh, I'm quite alright. Thank you for asking," Diamond Tiara replied in her formal pageant winning tone. "What's next?" "Well, we wash the dishes, I guess." "You wash the dishes here?" "Yeah," Apple Bloom eyed her suspiciously. "Who else is going to?" Diamond Tiara looked away, sheepishly. She quickly took Apple Bloom's plate with her own to prevent the conversation from diving any deeper. She had watched Randolf do the dishes before, so she was sure she could do it too. She deposited the dishes into the sink in the kitchen and began cleaning them for the first time since she could remember, though she wanted to feel like she had done so before. It was quite simple, she repeated to herself. She just had to channel her inner Randolf. An unnerving feeling ran up her back, causing her hair to stand on end. She turned her head to see Apple Bloom leaning in the doorway, with what Diamond could only describe as eyes ogling her. She dropped one of the dishes into the sink with a watery plop. "Aint never seen a pony do dishes like that before." She racked her brain as to what that could possibly mean. Was she doing it wrong? She coughed, "You're more than welcome to join me." "I don't know," Apple Bloom pretended to be in thought, "Feel like you need to put on some skimpy maid outfit with the way you're acting. You'd look right nice in one." Diamond Tiara lowered her tail and tried to relax her posture. "Celestia, Bloom, didn't know you were such a perv." "You wish." Apple Bloom moseyed up beside her, finally helping. A semi-comfortable silence ensued, but Diamond couldn't shake the tinge of awkwardness in the air. Apple Bloom's advice rang in her ears about how to say what you mean, to not lie. Was there a tell she missed? Did she mean any of whatever that was? Their hooves brushed against each other under the water. She wasn't paying attention. Apple Bloom gave her another chuckle. She gave her a stink eye. "You're blushing again." Their day had continued in much the same way. Apple Bloom had seemed to win each quip war. Out of habit, Diamond Tiara felt she had to get her back, but she also realized she had softened up quite a lot since their younger schoolyard days. She wasn't a blank flank anymore, but something else entirely. It almost felt like they were friends, and really close friends at that. This was especially true of the mud fight they had just finished. While she hadn't washed the pigs by herself as dictated by the rules of Apple Bloom's impromptu race, they had in fact washed pigs. Maybe it was from the shock and trauma of it all, but Diamond felt the need to playfully slop mud on Apple Bloom's face. She had responded by slapping some on her cutie mark. Next thing she knew, they were giggling and wrestling in the mud. They now found themselves in the shower. She thought to ask who wanted to go first, but Apple Bloom simply nudged her in and followed. She supposed this was perfectly normal, and very exciting. She playfully laughed as Apple Bloom sprayed water on her and took her turn holding the shower head in her mouth to hose her down in kind. They even took turns drying each other, giggling like fillies with wet towels in mouth, rubbing their heads into each other's most ticklish parts, which seemed to be anywhere and everywhere. Downstairs, the Apples had what she could only describe as a feast. While it was mostly apple related dishes, as expected, it was surprising to her. She didn't know what to do with so much food, but gladly followed Apple Bloom's example as they eyed each other knowingly. She was telling her it was okay to pig out. And pig out they did. "Apple Bloom! Mind your manners," Applejack reprimanded her. Diamond felt foalish as she was doing the same thing, having allowed the sly redhead to trick her. She softly kicked her under the table. With a smirk, she received a gentle kick back. Before she could continue the secret kicking war, Granny Smith coughed musically, "So, I noticed you spent all day with that high class pony friend of yours. You two a thing yet?" Diamond Tiara broke out into a hot blush. She opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Applejack. "Come on, Granny," she moaned, "Like I told you before, we're not like that. We had a lot of, uh... work related stuff to talk about." Another hidden leg jab under the table brought Diamond Tiara's eyes away from staring at her plate to Apple Bloom. She was tapping her muzzle, scrunching it up as if she had something sour in her mouth, and pointed at Applejack. Diamond turned to see the same expression on Applejack's face. She turned back to Apple Bloom to see her roll her eyes, amusedly. "Aint nothing wrong with falling for a pretty mare with a lot of money," Granny Smith continued. "Although they do have that high maintenance thing to worry about. Don't say I didn't warn you." Diamond Tiara swallowed a bite of some kind of apple tart. She noticed Granny Smith was eying Apple Bloom as she was talking, which was odd. The conversation ventured off into other subjects, some receiving a few words from Big Mac that surprised Diamond Tiara--she had never heard him say more than a single word, ever. Maybe he wasn't a weirdo after all. Once they were finished, Diamond Tiara thanked them for the wonderful meal and offered to do the dishes. Granny Smith shook her head, insisting she would take care of it. They ended up joining her in the kitchen anyway, listening to the old lady recall stories and even what sounded like the start of an embarrassing tale about Apple Bloom and a dress that the mare clearly didn't want said in front of her current company, quickly distracting her grandmother by bringing up other memories. It gave her a warm feeling. Was this what her father wanted her to experience? She had good times with her own family. She tried to remember. Her mother would tell embarrassing stories about her. It didn't quite give her a warm feeling, though. Before she knew it, it was nighttime. Everypony said their goodnights, and she nervously followed Apple Bloom into her bedroom. If Diamond Tiara could use one word to describe the difference between the room and her own, it would be 'wooden'. Like the rest of the house, there was no carpet, only rugs and wood floors. The furniture looked old and expensive, but used. This troubled her for some reason. Looking to the bed, she rolled her eyes. The pillow cases were decorated with apples. She stopped herself from rolling her eyes again upon seeing the odd painting above the bed, of some crudely drawn, purple-haired filly running in the sun. Apple Bloom opened a drawer, pulled some blankets out with her mouth, and kicked the drawer closed with her back hoof. While it wouldn't match her room's decor or fashion, she could not deny that the dresser looked like an antique. It was quite possible it was worth more than her entire suite, minus her jewelry and a few of her dresses. "My mom would kill me if I treated my furniture like that," she found herself speaking. "Good thing your mom aint here," Apple Bloom smirked back. She shared the smile. She was right, her mom wasn't here. In a fit of ecstasy, she jumped onto the bed with her hoofs held forward as if she were flying. With a soft bounce, she pulled herself forward to the edge of the bed, watching with newfound curiosity as to what the young Apple was up to. She was making what looked like a bed of blankets on the floor. Diamond Tiara frowned. "What are you doing?" She asked. "Just getting ready for bed." "Oh, okay." She watched her finish, before she followed her to the bathroom to brush teeth. Apple Bloom finished with a hard spit that made Diamond gag, choking on the water she was rinsing her mouth with. Laughter followed, neither speaking with any words, but an assortment of faces. They returned to find the room was lit in a cold blue. The night spilled through a slightly opened window. The entire room was covered in the sounds from outside and a small breeze, making the space feel even more alive than it did before. Maybe Luna wasn't completely crazy, Diamond Tiara thought. The night felt like the start of a whole new day. She watched Apple Bloom walk to her makeshift bed on the floor before climbing into her bed. Staring at the ceiling, not used to her surroundings, and ignoring a hot mix of thoughts swirling in her head, she shuffled to the edge and dropped a hoof off the side. She hoped to be able to nudge her companion, but her arm wasn't long enough. She sighed, giving up. She couldn't sleep and wanted to talk, but about what? She didn't know. Before she could think of how to break the silence, she felt something touch her hoof. An electric shock ran through her spine. She dared not turn her head, keeping her eyes on the ceiling. Apple Bloom was holding her hoof. Her mind ran through a dozen scenarios: maybe it was her imagination, it couldn't be her hoof, perhaps she was asleep and touched her accidentally, or was it on purpose? Her heart slammed inside her ears. There was no way she'd be able to sleep now. She tried to cough, wanting to say something, but it came out weak and made her cringe. She felt the other hoof stir. "Can't sleep either, huh?" Apple Bloom's words floated in the darkness. Diamond Tiara blinked a few times, not sure if she had really heard it or if it was her imagination. Pushing past a nervous sweat, she rolled herself to her side and looked down. Apple Bloom was staring at the ceiling, her head resting on a pillow with her red hair spilling over it in every direction, floating about much like an alicorn's would, her pink ribbon nowhere to be seen. In the dim blue glow, Diamond sucked in her next breath. She was beautiful. Painfully, impossibly beautiful. Maybe it was the way the night colored her, softening the bright fire of her usual features, but she looked like a princess. "Hey," She heard herself say, one of her ears flicking as if she were listening to a voice that wasn't her own, "Plenty of room on your bed." She waited and heard no response, looking at the redhead's distant stare. Clearing her throat, she tried again, "Come on, only dogs sleep on the floor." She meant for it to sound more threatening, but it had come out squeaky. That caused a reaction, she smirked. Apple Bloom turned to face her, eyes wide, and lowered her hoof away. They were no longer touching. "Fine, whatever!" Diamond Tiara hissed, rolling to the other side of the bed in rage. She began to doubt her weird feelings and question whatever that was. Holding hoofs like that was for foals, she told herself. They were messing with each other like it was just another day at school. She pulled the covers tight around her, bringing her legs close. It didn't mean anything. She had to think of how to spin it so she would get the last laugh. Her body softly waved about as she felt another pony climb onto the bed. Her ear turned to catch the sound of the covers being pulled and wrinkled around another naked body. She could feel the heat of another mare behind her, getting closer, until it was slammed against her a bit too forcibly. She pictured the other mare with a smug grin. And then it hit her... Apple Bloom was spooning her. A hoof slowly wrapped itself over her barrel, the other snaking its way under her pillow around her neck. She tried to wiggle in protest, but it only made the other mare tighten her hug. With a strong heat across her face, Diamond realized how nice it felt, even when pretending to struggle. She gave up and allowed herself to be held under the blankets. The day's work and new experiences washed over her body, weighing down her eyelids. She tried to fight it again, but a yellow hoof rubbed her belly, not even bothering to pretend to hold her down as if she would escape. She rubbed the hoof in sleepy thought. She would get Apple Bloom back for this. To think she could be dominated by some beautiful farmer brat! She would... she yawned. She would do something and it would be lovely revenge. Her thoughts melted into dreams, hot breaths splashing the back of her neck.
4 - Excuse me? Marefriends?Diamond Tiara woke up in Apple Bloom's arms. While no longer spooning, they were still in a sloppy hug amidst messy bed sheets. Taking a while to process her thoughts, she grunted to herself. She would have expected to wake up alone for some reason, but apparently this would not be the case. Last night happened. Feeling the need to use the bathroom, she removed a yellow hoof and left the room. Upon returning, she dared a glance at the bed in thoughts of sneaking back in, to see Apple Bloom laying where she had left her with one eye opened. She was smiling. Diamond quickly looked away. "So, uh, yeah..." She lamely began, "I guess that happened." "Morning, diamond butter," Apple Bloom purred. "Oh, don't you even start!" Diamond Tiara stomped up to the other mare on the bed. "You are not giving me nicknames!" "Come on," Apple Bloom pleaded, raising herself up, "My ma got one, Mrs. Cake got one, sis even got one though I don't think it'll catch on. It's what marefriends do." Diamond blanched, "Excuse me? Marefriends?" "Well, yeah. That's what we are now, right?" Apple Bloom tapped her hoofs on her knees, looking hopefully guilty. "As if." "You seriously going to argue this?" "I'm not using the m-word." "But you're not saying no?" Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow and rolled her hooves urging Diamond Tiara to answer. "Fine, whatever." Diamond Tiara whispered, turning dramatically away to a small dresser with a large mirror. She laid out her makeup kit, brush, and other assorted grooming devices. Apple Bloom watched in silent wonder, never before seeing her routine. She hopped off the bed and snuck behind her. She noticed Diamond had stopped her motions and simply sat there. She rubbed a hoof across another, feeling guilty again. "If you're going to be creepy, the least you can do is take my seat and let me do you up." "I don't know, Diamond, we only just started being marefriends. I'm not sure if we should--" With a huff of frustration, Diamond Tiara cut her short, twirling her around so that they traded places. An evil smirk consumed her. Finally, she could turn this around and get her revenge. Starting now, she told herself, she would go on the offensive and make sure this former blank flank would know her place. Especially given they had upgraded their relationship into, whatever this is, she whirled her eyes, evil smirk still in place. She had to reestablish who was supposed to be the boss. "You could be quite the looker if you wanted." She put a hoof to her chin, thinking about which product to start with. She noticed Apple Bloom was eying her through the dresser's mirror. "Think I look pretty enough to make you blush--" Diamond quickly brushed a foundation on Apple Bloom's cheeks to shut her up. "You do know I've won beauty contests? Many of them. I know a thing or two about this, so please, sit still and do me a favor and shut up." "Did your mom teach you how to do this?" Apple Bloom ignored her commands, fidgeting slightly. "Sis doesn't care for it. And, well, Sweetie Belle tried to show me before, but Scoots and I sure did make a mess of it." "I'm sure you did," she couldn't help but laugh, picturing the scene. "And yes, my mother did teach me a lot about how to look my best." She frowned. "Like her, I suppose I'm a beautiful trophy. Congratulations on lucking out and winning the best mare in Equestria." "Thanks, I guess." The way she had responded gave Diamond a satisfied smirk, but at the same time a slight hurt feeling. Yes, she meant it as a compliment, but it did come out as kind of an insult, but to who? Celestia, she swore, how will she screw this up like she ruins everything else? Apple Bloom sneezed. She had been patting her face a bit too briskly. She took out some eyeliner and worked her eyes and eyelashes. "You don't get along with your ma too well, do ya?" It was an innocent enough question. It deserved a honest response. "No, I really don't." She felt her posture go limp and her eyes wandered to the mirror to catch Apple Bloom studying her. She squeezed her chest out, sucking in her stomach, raising her head to regain her form. "We used to, a long time ago. Why do you ask?" "Just something I was curious about." Apple Bloom looked down. Diamond Tiara smacked herself, internally. Of course, the poor dirt farmer never got to experience the mother thing. It made her feel guilty. She focused on applying lipstick. "Maybe I'll take you to her and you can see what it's like. Prepare to be disappointed." "I'd like that." She stopped. She was finished, but something had snapped inside her at the same time. "No, you wouldn't." "She can't be any worse than you." Apple Bloom waited for a response that never came. Her smile faltered upon seeing the look on Diamond Tiara's face. It looked like she wanted to say something, but it was quickly bottled up and replaced with a perturbed glare. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything..." Hearing Apple Bloom apologize for nothing caused Diamond Tiara to mentally hit herself. She was nothing like her mother--so why was she so upset? Her father's request, she remembered, she had to figure out some way to fix things. She had allowed the beautiful hayseed to distract her. This was supposed to be a punishment. With her head hung low and eyes to the ground, she left the room. Apple Bloom listened to the floorboards as they followed her exit. Before she chased after her, she stole a glance at the mirror. It had felt like more makeup was applied than was actually there. It was very subtle, but somehow brought out her eyes and freckles. She looked pretty, she thought. There was more to Diamond Tiara than she would have realized. After a quiet breakfast, the two mares found themselves hanging around the porch. Applejack and Big Mac talked with them some, nothing more than simple pleasantries, before leaving to the market for the day. Apple Bloom leaned against the side of the house, rubbing its thick coat of red paint behind her back. Diamond Tiara idly rocked herself on a bench swing attached to the roof. Apple Bloom tried to make eye contact with her, but the mare wouldn't lift her head. She kicked herself away from the wall with a grunt. "Come on, let's go to the clubhouse." "Okay." Uncrossing her legs, Diamond Tiara stood up to stare at her, making her feel nervous. The dynamic between them felt off, different from earlier. It caused her great concern, as it felt like days since waking up in bed, holding her little spoiled rich pony. She watched her move her legs around, casually, slowly raising herself and her eyelids, bottom lip slightly out--Apple Bloom had to look away. She thought she had to be doing it on purpose, like before with the dishes. She had a way of moving sometimes that screamed seduction, but she was so aloof about it. She looked back to see the purple-pink pony standing before her, observing her features like they were some painting in a stuffy museum. "Well?" Apple Bloom tilted her head in response. Internally, she was a hot mess. She hoped it didn't show. Diamond Tiara smirked as if it did show. "Oh! Right," Apple Bloom pushed herself down the steps, waiting for her to follow. Diamond Tiara followed. She trotted briskly to set herself slightly ahead, only to swat her tail on the poor farmer's face before slowing down to pace with her at her side. "What was that about?" Apple Bloom sheepishly asked. "Was just lost in thought," Diamond Tiara sighed as if the weight of the entire world was on her back, "About things." "For a second there I thought you were being all sexy-like on purpose." That grabbed Diamond Tiara's attention. "Oh, you find me alluring, do you?" She gave her a haughty laugh. "I wasn't even paying attention. How adorable! The poor country filly falling for the rich city pony." "You know that works both ways." Apple Bloom put on her serious all-business face. "What were you doing staring at me, huh?" "Oh," Diamond Tiara took an awkward step, almost tripping. "Just admiring my work." Apple Bloom put a hoof to her face. She already had forgotten she had been dolled up. "If we're going to be," Diamond rolled her hoof in the air searching for a better word, "You-know, then you do realize that means you will be mine to do with as I please." "Is that so?" "Yes, it is." She gave her a serious look. "I have a list of requirements and expectations you will need to sign." Apple Bloom laughed, smiling at her. "It's no joke," Diamond Tiara shared the silly smile. "I've given it a lot of thought. I'm serious." "That's fair enough. I'm open to negotiations." "Like I would ever bargain with you!" Diamond Tiara's tone was playful. "And like you could even keep up." Apple Bloom waggled her eyebrows. "We can always find out. I'll take you out back to my barnyard bargains." Diamond Tiara felt a hot blush, averting her gaze in defeat. They were deep into the apple orchard. Beyond the occasional bird songs and leaves crunching underhoof, the silence surprised Diamond Tiara. In town, there was always some noise in the background, often several, and unpleasant. She looked back expecting to see the house in the distance, but for all she could make out, she was in the middle of a forest of apple trees. They were beginning to be more sporadic in their spacing, which she assumed meant they were almost to the tree house. It hit her, suddenly. Through the goofy smile and sappy feelings of imagining Apple Bloom carrying out her last retort, she realized her father's store was indeed named 'Barnyard Bargains'. She never realized it before. It was there, staring her in the face since she was born. Why did her father call it a barnyard? How did he get all of those contracts with other farmers? How did it start? Did her father's side come from... she gulped. Was she a farm pony too? They arrived at the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse, standing before the ramp. "So," Apple Bloom began, "Want to talk about your mother some more?" Diamond Tiara shot her a look that screamed 'how dare you' and 'you are lucky you're cute'. "I'm tired of pretending like I don't know why you're here." Apple Bloom kicked a small rock between her hooves. "Figured if we're marefriends now, I can help you out." "Don't want to talk about it," Diamond Tiara pouted. "Neither do I. Hay, even feel like we might be going a little too fast here." "Yeah, we're moving so fast. Made it all the way to where we can hug and not bitch each other out." "That was a hug in bed, though." "I know, stupid. It's called spooning." Apple Bloom blinked as if this was the first time she heard the term. "I... know, yeah." She turned to face her directly, standing taller, "Sis said your father was upset about the way you and your mom get along. What's going on?" "Oh, here we go. You going to crusader-me right in front of your crusader castle? Like I'm just another notch in your crusader bedpost?" "What does that even mean?" "Gah!" Diamond Tiara huffed, waving her hoof at Apple Bloom as she began to pace around under the tree house. "Fine! You want to know what's going on? Mother wants me to enter another stupid pageant." "What's wrong with that? Don't you enjoy them?" "Well duh! Of course I enjoy them. It's kind of my thing, being the most beautiful and smartest pony around. The competition is fun. Showing up all those other dumb ponies is fun. The tiara isn't for show, you know." "Then what's the problem?" Apple Bloom asked, innocently. "The problem!" Diamond Tiara snapped at her, fuming, "The problem is..." She immediately ran out of steam and lowered her voice. "My mom. She's the problem. The way she treats me about it, like I'm still a little filly. It sucks all the fun out of it." "And you told her this?" "Of course I've told her, countless times." Apple Bloom walked up to her, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "I mean, really talk with her about it. In a not Diamond Tiara crazy way." "Well," She wanted to lie, she wanted more than anything to tell her off, "Not really." "I'm sure she'd understand. She'd have to be some kind of nightmare mom not to." "It's not that easy. We kind of get super emotional and go for each other's throats." Apple Bloom hugged her. Diamond Tiara felt like crying. "It's like we're the same pony sometimes and I don't want to be her but I don't want to hate her either." "I know," Apple Bloom tightened her hug. "How could you?" Diamond Tiara immediately wished she could take back her words. "Heard my mom was a lot like me. She helped Mrs. Cake figure out her cutie mark. I like helping others figure out theirs." She backed off, holding onto Diamond's shoulders. "It aint right to be like that with your mom. It's like hating yourself and not wanting to be happy. Try to give her a chance. If you and I can make peace, you can do it with anypony. Especially your mom." Diamond rubbed a hoof across her cheek, a little unnerved to find it wet. "Is it really that simple? I feel so stupid." She opened her eyes to see Apple Bloom's smug expression. "I didn't just say that. You didn't hear anything." Apple Bloom simply nodded. They walked into the tree house. Diamond marveled at how nicer the place looked since last she visited. It didn't feel like a filly's playhouse anymore. It felt more adult and respectful. What caught her eye the most was a wall covered with pictures of ponies. Likely all the ponies the three have helped over the years. One picture in particular caught her eye. "Why am I up there?" She pointed a hoof. Apple Bloom shrugged. "Why not?" "You never helped me with my cutie mark. If I recall correctly, one might say I had a part in getting you your own." Apple Bloom smiled at that. "Oh." "Being completely honest, cause we're official marefriends now," Apple Bloom was quick to remind her with a grin, "Figure I could share something and get it off my chest." She took in a breath and held it for a moment before slowly exhaling. "You kind of been occupying some space in my head for some time now. Not in a crush way, just, well maybe a little sometimes, but more just thinking about all we've been through, you know?" Diamond Tiara turned her head quickly so that her hair swung around her neck, cutting a sharp smile. "Go on." "Well, that's it. Wondering if you've been feeling the same. We sure did do some silly things to each other." Could say that again, Diamond thought. Thinking further, she could not deny having the same thoughts. She knew she was a bad pony, but it was far enough in the past to where it felt somehow out of reach, like it was some other filly and not her. "Do you want me to share some dark, earth-shattering secret of my own?" Apple Bloom nodded her head a bit too enthusiastically. "Well, too bad!" Diamond Tiara smirked, finding a colorful wooden crate to sit on. "Aw, come on! Please? I told you..." She was distracted by Diamond climbing the crate, swishing her tail about, her head turned to eye her knowingly. Apple Bloom countered with her best filly pout, "I told a secret so it's only fair." Taking a regal pose atop her seat as if she were Celestia hearing a plea from a concerned citizen, Diamond stroked a hoof through her hair. She found great interest in the bottom of her hoof, pretending as if she had not heard a thing. Satisfied everything was in order with it, she casually lifted her head with a great sigh. "Fine." Apple Bloom took a seat in front of her, leaning forward as if she were about to be read a story. Diamond Tiara frowned. "It's nothing too big. It's actually quite silly. Something every filly goes through, I imagine." She stared at Apple Bloom to see if that was enough. She received an encouraging nod that expected more. "I liked to think myself a princess," She mumbled. "I liked to imagine you were all my subjects. Something changed the day you got your cutie marks, though." She shifted awkwardly, clearing her throat. "I know the colors on the shield are meant to represent you, but they had my colors in there too. I liked to imagine your cutie marks were my royal seal and you were my knights." Apple Bloom took it all in, saying nothing. "Maybe, one day in the far future it'd all become real somehow. Weirder things have happened, right? Twilight became a princess. That means anypony can. I've read her book a lot. All we have to find is another magic tree or something." She looked around the room, waiting for a reply or some form of acknowledgement. Hearing none, she lowered her head in shame. "I've probably said too much, haven't I?" "Nah," Apple Bloom said, standing up, "Now we're even. It's kind of cool sharing secrets." Diamond Tiara was hesitant to reply. "Yeah, I guess." "Don't think I've ever heard one like that before. Most ponies give up on the princess fantasies by now. You sure are something special." "Stop making fun of me." "I'm not. I honestly think it's really sweet." "You're just saying that to make me feel better." "Am not." Before Diamond Tiara could respond with a 'are too', she quickly added with a wink, "Saying it cause I like seeing you get all flustered." Diamond Tiara's mind was screaming for her to do something--make a face, toss an insult--anything to correct the dynamic between them. She was the alpha mare. She had to show Apple Bloom her place in the relationship! Why was she rubbing her hoof on her leg like some shy school filly? Lost in the heat of her inner turmoil, she didn't notice the other mare approach her. Looking into her eyes, she became lost and helpless, like it was some magical curse being cast that she had no chance of escaping. She tried to power out of its control, but her vision shrank and so did the rest of the room and world with it. "You ever kiss somepony before?" Apple Bloom almost stuttered. Diamond Tiara closed her eyes, smiling at herself and the entire silly universe. It was like there was some insufferable and hidden alicorn of jokes, or maybe a draconequus out there playing a joke on her without realizing it was exactly what she wanted. And she always got what she wanted. Surging with newfound strength, having found her lost power, she walked over to the other mare, taking another step forward without missing a beat to match the immediate backwards step of the dolled up redhead. She had her up against the wall, both of them on their back hooves, her forehooves trapping her head between them, her belly and chest pinning the poor farmer before her. She pressed her lips onto hers, showing no mercy. Pushing past her wild nerves, she shoved her tongue into the mix. She had to show the slightly larger pony who was the boss, after all. She had to know her place in this. She continued the thoughts as she was overpowered and pushed to the floor, the slightly larger pony now on top of her. Lost in the whirlwind of sensations, feeling the lipstick smear on their muzzles, she decided to let the other mare pretend to dominate her, strategically conceding defeat in a fierce tongue on tongue battle but not the overall make out war. "Holy Celestia!" The sound from the doorway of Scootaloo's exclamation and a sharp squeal from Sweetie Belle instantly pulled both mares out of their frenzied horse play.
5 - Send a Report to Celestia and Luna to the Moon"Horse apples," Apple Bloom cursed under her breath. Along with Diamond Tiara, she rose to her hooves, both of them rubbing the lipstick off their mouths under the shocked gazes of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "What the buck are you doing?" Scootaloo shouted. "Aw, your first kiss!" Sweetie Belle swooned. Diamond Tiara sharply turned her head to Apple Bloom. Did she hear that right? "Hey girls, nice of ya to knock," Apple Bloom deadpanned. Scootaloo took to the air, hovering in place, throwing her hoof in her direction. "What did she do? Is magic involved? Quick, check for traps, Sweetie Belle!" Magical energy flashed and quickly dissipated on Sweetie Belle's horn, her face de-scrunching itself. "Um, I don't know any spells like that, sorry." "Shoot!" Scootaloo landed on the ground, taking up a fighting stance. "Don't worry Apple Bloom, we'll find a way to help you." "Will you cut that out!" Apple Bloom sent her hoof to her forehead in frustration. "We're marefriends, you big idiot." "Aw!" Sweetie Belle clasped her hooves together, to quickly trot forward and hug the apple pony. "Bleh," Scootaloo pretended to puke. She turned to face Diamond Tiara, giving her a face that said she was onto her schemes and that she had better watch out. Sweetie Belle noticed the look and walked back over to her. With her hoof, she flicked one of Scootaloo's wings as they all watched it stiffly bounce in place. Like a few drops of water before a heavy flood, Scootaloo scratched the back of her neck with a self aware chuckle, followed by a giggle from Apple Bloom, and next thing they knew, every pony was drenched in emotional laughter, washing away the tension in the room. Scootaloo was first to speak. "Really, Apple Bloom? Her of all ponies?" Diamond Tiara shot her a death stare. "Deal with it, Scoots." Apple Bloom slapped a tiara cutie mark with her tail, increasing the intensity of Diamond's death stare, but at a new target. Something changed in Scootaloo's eyes. They became as soft as Sweetie Belle's. Diamond twisted her mouth in anger--for some reason, them being suddenly okay with things made her feel even more embarrassed and out of place in their clubhouse. "There, there, Diamond. No harm done. My best friends are your best friends." Diamond Tiara seethed at being patted on the back by Apple Bloom. She looked again to see an insufferable grin spread across the other two ponies' faces. "Oh my gosh!" Sweetie Belle giggled. "What?" Diamond asked, cringing at herself for knowingly channeling her mother's grumpy face. Scootaloo snickered. "Oh wow, you totally got her by the leash. I had no idea." Diamond Tiara fumed. "I wouldn't have believed anypony could tame that spoiled filly. Guess I was wrong!" Her rising anger was met with a swift hug by Apple Bloom that seemed to change the heat on her face into something else. "Stupid little rich pony," she heard the words escape Apple Bloom's lips. Surprisingly, she felt better, but a little anger lingered. That too was converted into a hot blush after letting go, seeing a noble look on the yellow crusader's face that seemed to bow to her, as if saying she was indeed her knight, and she was indeed her princess. And with that, she doubted any other pony could ever get to her so intensely ever again. She wasn't her pet. She was her princess. Nothing else mattered. She smiled, thinking of her mother and how she'd let her get under her skin. Friendship lesson learned, she smirked in her personal victory. Send a report to Celestia and Luna to the moon--damn, I'm good. She mentally congratulated herself for being the smartest and best princess ever. Scootaloo looked like she was waiting for an insult to be hurled her way. "You have no idea how marefriends work, do you?" Diamond asked her. "Oh, she's learning," Sweetie Belle said, giving them a smirk. Diamond Tiara laughed. She genuinely, honestly laughed with the feeling that they were actually real friends now. "Who's taming who?" A few grumbles and curse words could be heard under Scootaloo's breath. "Sooooo," the mood instantly brightened in the room with the sing-song voice of Sweetie Belle, "How was your first kiss?" "It was, uh..." Apple Bloom rested her head on her hoof in deep thought. "Pretty nice! Although, I thought it'd be more clumsy and difficult. Guess I have a skilled partner." Diamond rolled her eyes, trying to hide her proud smile. "Why would you think it's something hard to do?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Cause that's what you're always saying," Scootaloo answered for her, before choking on her last words, eyes bulging in some kind of secret revelation. Apple Bloom nudged Diamond. "Check out her tells." They shared knowing smug grins. The day carried on without further dramatics for the mares. They messed around in their clubhouse as if it were any other day at the Cutie Mark Crusaders' headquarters. Talk of making Diamond Tiara a honorary crusader was brought up and discussed in a huddle. Diamond promptly broke up their not-so-secret meeting, gracefully declining the offer, not feeling quite ready and worthy of membership. She secretly shared glances with Apple Bloom that revealed her true intentions. She would never be a crusader. Why would she want that? She was already an apple princess. Twilight followed sunset making way for starlight. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said their goodbyes and exchanged a few playful jabs at their newfound relationships before leaving. Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara walked through the apple orchard alone, flanks touching each other. They could see the soft glow of lights coming from her house. Diamond Tiara didn't want the day to end, but part of her was desperate for it. She was already playing through different scenarios with her mother in how to apologize and make things better between them. She even imagined a few what-if situations involving bringing Apple Bloom along. One that she spent many quiet steps pondering was what if she would kiss Apple Bloom full on the lips in front of her mother in an act of steamy defiance. There were many ways that one could play out so she had to explore each angle. A bump from her partner's rump took her out of her daydreaming. "Apple for your thoughts?" "Just thinking about what I need to do tomorrow when my dad comes to pick me up." "Don't think your mom will be there too?" No, Diamond thought, she hardly ever comes. But this time, she was uncertain. Her father is really good at negotiations. Who knows? "Maybe. Daddy will butter her up and I'll knock her down." Apple Bloom frowned. "It's business talk for setting up a win-win situation," she smiled despite herself. "It isn't literal, you stupid little poor pony." "I know that," Apple Bloom gave her another bump. "Just messing with you." They were at the porch steps. Sounds of family and a few guests could be heard through the door. They looked at each other in shared curiosity. "Bet I know who that is." "Don't say it," Diamond Tiara warned. "Told you she'd be here." "You did not." Apple Bloom moved to open the door. "Maybe I ought to butter you up before we enter." "You're such a perv," Diamond Tiara said, grabbing Apple Bloom for a quick kiss. With another beauty pageant finished, and another tiara to add to her collection, Diamond Tiara hugged her mother in complete and total victory. "I'm so proud of you." Her mother seemed to smile to herself, holding the bouquet she had won. They stopped in the hallway, backstage. Diamond Tiara looked down, her neck sore from holding her head up for the past several hours, her muzzle worn out from all of her forced smiling. Spoiled Rich raised an eyebrow, questioning her daughter. They both shared the same tired and grumpy expression. "Hey, mom," Diamond Tiara huffed, exhausted. "Thanks." "You're welcome, dear." "Sorry about yelling at you before." Spoiled Rich raised both eyebrows. She looked quite surprised. At that moment, Diamond Tiara wanted to tell her mom that she forgave and loved her, but she knew they weren't ready for that yet. Maybe some time soon, she thought, but for now, she-- Her mind went blank as she found herself in her mother's tight hug. "You do know I love you," Spoiled whispered to her. "Love you too, mom," Diamond cried in her shoulder, her tears already spent from being crowned earlier. The dirt felt different at Sweet Apple Acres. Diamond dragged a hoof through it, stirring up an ancient dust that tickled something inside her soul. Maybe it was an earth pony thing, she thought, but there was something magically unnatural about this farm. From the soft road to the rolling hills of green, it tricked ponies into some longing for peaceful days spent eating an apple under the shade of a tree without a care in the world. With a pompous grin fit for a princess, she laid herself against Apple Bloom and did just that. Author's Note special thanks to fastserve for all the inspiring pony pictures!
