One would think a fusion of a local, somewhat famous, farmer and pop star, would have trouble trying to keep such a secret while making a new friend. The solution, it turned out, was to try and always be the one asking questions. When that didn’t work; fallow Rarity's advice on how the best lies work. Of course, with West only having around ten to thirty minutes, they didn’t have time to get too deep into their backstories. He asked her what it was like in Manehattan, and Melody recalled both Applejack’s and Coloratura’s past experiences to paint a basic picture. She then asked back what it was like to live in a quiet town on Ponyville, and he said it was peaceful save for the occasional monster attacks.

“That is something.” Melody Orchard nodded as she finished off the last of her soda.

“I mean, it makes living here a steal.” West waved off. “How else do you think I can live on my own with a seasonal job like this?”

Melody laughed at that. “I’m surprised then the town doesn’t pay you to live in it.” She tilted her head. “You live by yourself?”

West puffed up his chest. “Yup.” He then paused. Saying that out loud, it’s a bit of a long story why I should be. Mostly just a lot of hard work and determination.”

“Sounds interesting.” She said, a sparkle in her eyes.

Feeling confident, West started his story, before his co-worker in the office walked in.

“Oh, don’t mind me interrupting your date, you crazy love birds.” He placed a bit on the counter and took a chocolate bar out of the bit bin. “By the way, One Shot’s coming by in a bit. Likely five minutes away. Just thought you should know.”

“We’re not—

West started to protest the dating part, before realizing the bigger issues. “Ah! My lovely boss. I mean, as long as I do what I should do, and a good job at it, he won’t fire me. But, it’s usually best to find something to do when he’s around.” He stood up. “Sorry, got to go.”

“Its fine.” Melody assured, and started to pay for her drink.

“Allow me.” West stopped her by placing enough money for his and her sodas. “Think of it as a welcome to ponyville gift.”

“My, what a gentleman,” she blushed.

The complement started to stir something inside of him. And while he knew from past experiences that, this always was the part where, the girl would turn him down, make an excuse why not to if he asked. And he was on the clock. Still…

Ah! What the hay? He was sure his brother would scold him more if he didn’t take a chance and go his whole life wondering, what if.

“Well, if you’re not busy or have any plans, you want to hang out later tonight? Depending how long golf carters play, I’ll be off in about two to three hours.”

“I’d love to!” Melody answered without thought. “How about I meet you back here when you’re done and you can show me around town?” So far, she had a good impression of him. He didn’t seem like a creep or anything. Maybe a little round in the belly, but his mane looked nice, some decently toned legs, his handsome-

“Great!” West smiled. Fighting to control his excitement and to remind himself he could just be seeing her as a friend. Still be nice then how far he went with most girls. “I’ll see ya around then.” Somewhat oblivious to the blank stare she now wore, he whispered, “if you want, I can hook you up with some free range balls.”

Not wanting to risk losing the job that allowed for said golf balls, he raced off. “See ya then.” While his luck held out that this wasn’t going to last, he was still going to enjoy every moment he had on cloud nine.

Which, contrast to himself, back on the balcony, Melody began to have inner conflicts. In her case, quite literally.

“What the heck was that?” Coloratura spat out.

“What’s what now?” Applejack asked, somewhat as baffled as she realized the feelings and thoughts they/Melody was having.

“The fact that we may or may not be crushing on a stallion we just met. Emphasis on the stallion, part more than anything.”

Saying it out loud was what Applejack needed to rationalize it. “Yeah, that is a bit peculiar.” She pondered an idea. “Well, I say we ask Twilight, but my guess is, either the fusioning of two lesbians acted like some sort of, what’s the word… two negative numbers turning into a positive. When you add two gays together you make a straight or something. That, or… I do lean more towards mares, but maybe, like, say, twenty percent of me has some interest in stallions or something? I don’t know!”

“Great.” Coloratura moaned.

“Come on, Rara! I mean, what’s the big deal?”

Despite not having a body within the context of this conversation, Coloratura managed to raise an eyebrow at Applejack.

“You mean aside from the fact that we’re a lesbian fusion that’s not going to exist in a couple of days who j just led on a stallion she may be crushing on?”

“Ah. Touche.”

That was enough to get Harmony moving again. Realizing that standing in the middle of a bar's front door was not the place to let her two half’s debate this.

“So, I mean,” Applejack continued, “maybe he already has a girlfriend or something and is only being nice.”

“Eh… I don’t want to rule it out, but I think he is single, straight, and if not downright crushing, had some interest in us.”

“You can tell?”

“Um, educated assumption based on experience in high social settings.”

“Ah.”

The next swing Melody took hardly made it off the tee.

“So, what?” Applejack finally asked. “We just turn him down? Get out of here, and if we see him again make some excuse that gives him the hint we’re not interesting.”

Coloratura thought about that for an entire hole before answering. “Well, I mean… Would it be selfish of me to say, maybe we should give this a chance? See what happens?”

“You serious?” Applejack asked genially. “Well, honestly, I guess that’s a good question. Turn him down, or risk breaking his heart later. Neither sounds like a good option.”

“Isn’t that the conundrum of the start to every relationship?”

Melody shivered and turned beat red at the memory of when Coloratura first suggested the idea that she and Applejack should start dating. How it tore at Applejack wanting to, but knowing it might not work with how little time they could spend together.

“Well, if you’re really okay, with the stallion part most of all among other things, then let’s go see how this plays out.”

“Oh wonderful!” Coloratura beamed. “Don’t get me wrong, dear, I love you, but it’s been so long since I tried genuine flirting with someone.”

“I’m torn how to feel about that. Except, I’m just as excited as you are about the prospect.”

Their mutual feelings put just as much of an extra bounce into Melody Orchards step as well.

Author's Note

This was a unique chapter to experiment with
Feel free to give constructive criticism and pre-readers still welcomed