It was far too hot to sleep in the summer, especially with my kiln running all day long. Although, I probably shouldn't be sleeping through the afternoon anyway. But I didn't care, I had nothing else to do today...or so I thought.
My roommate Midnight Chorus was kicking me softly while I trembled and got up on all fours, weakly muttering at him, "Wha...huh?”
His voice wasn't quite clear but I eventually was shaken out of drowsiness to hear him say, "I'm not showing up at the Corner late, Steel. Don't make me get a hammer, I’ll really ‘Forge’ something outta you."
"Using my name against me, eh? Well... I’ll ‘Chorus’ the crap outta you.... Okay, that was dumb. Alright, alright I...oh man it's today isn't it?" I asked.
Midnight called back as he went up the wooden steps to his apartment above, "Yeah, we have to be there in less than 20 minutes!"
I grumbled as I righted myself then changed quickly into a nice white dress coat, nice enough for a blacksmith at least. I shuffled out into the front room while tucking my shaggy brown mane behind my wide ears. I looked into a small mirror across the room. I noticed an odd amount of my grey-blue face was exposed compared to normal.
"Uhhhh...no." I shook my head to free my hair from the awkward position I put it in. “Heh, it's not like anyone will expect a blacksmith to dress up and look perfect.”
Midnight Chorus, my deep blue pegasus friend and singer-for-hire. He was performing at Sugarcube Corner that night during one of Pinkie Pie's “soirées”. I would accompany him, as always, to the show. I loved seeing my friends do what they do best; I don't get out much as it is. Before long my roomie was rushing out the door with me straggling behind him as he hurriedly asked, "How do I look?" His black suit was as straight, clean and pressed as ever; a bit of a perfectionist when it came to that stuff. Tailored holes in it allowed his ruffled wings to slip through.
I felt something was off with him tonight, he seemed nervous for such a small show for mostly just some friends of ours. As if he had something else on his mind besides the performance, nevertheless we steadily marched over to Sugarcube Corner
*. *. *.
The walk was quiet for the first minute or two but then I noticed Midnight humming to himself what I could perceive to be a folk song about the malicious Discord. The song he always managed to stick in my head and I, as always, joined in the singing for the rest of our walk. He spun around and started walking backwards in front of me. We usually sang together when there was silence to be broken, of course I'm not as strong a singer a he is; evident from the microphone emblazoned on his flank and the anvil on mine. The whole walk he had the usual literal spring in his step, his blue and black mane bouncing lightly in time with each step.
“Hey,” he started, “what’s this party for?”
“She’s celebrating getting a new oven.”
He stopped in his tracks, staring off as if he were processing what I had said. I watched him for a moment until he shook his head and continued his reversed trotting. I suppose it takes either a baker or smith to truly appreciate a good oven.
We didn't live far from Sugarcube Corner; it was nearly visible from the workshop and apartment. Midnight didn't notice we had arrived as he was facing me. I came to a halt before the door to Pinkie's and he nearly crashed into it.
Midnight straightened his bow tie for about the tenth time since we left and took a deep, shaky breath.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked him.
"No uh...there's just something I need to do after the show"
"Is that what's worrying you?"
"No, because I'm not worried" he announced. "But let's get this party started"
I couldn't wait to get inside now that we had actually arrived. I had a plan for tonight too: ask Applejack to dance with me.
*. *. *.
It was more lively than usual inside the Corner; everything had been moved out back to make way for a dance floor. "So what do you have planned for tonight?" I asked Midnight, he just stared at somepony across the floor who I couldn't quite see. I nudged him and he jumped a little.
He mumbled "Sorry, what?" I repeated my inquiry and he answered "Oh...I...nothing"
"You aren't singing anything?"
"Ah, that! I thought you meant after the show." he chuckled for a moment then went quiet and said "I can't tell you just yet.” A mischievous grin spread over his face.
"Well I already know what I want to do." I stated quickly.
"Oh really?" Midnight questioned as we started heading across to the stage where Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle were setting up. As we approached them I started to explain
"Well ya see, I want to ask Ap-"
I was cut off by Pinkie bounding over to meet us followed by the lavender unicorn, Twilight Sparkle.
"Hey! The entertainment has arrived!" she squeaked.
" Yeah and Midnight Chorus is here too." Twi threw out jokingly.
I faked a laugh, my mind was too occupied to actually enjoy a laugh anyhow.
Midnight touted "Say what you will, mares, for I have some minds to blow!"
I kept running what I'd say to Applejack over and over in my mind. I was snapped out of it by Midnight walking across stage to take his place behind a microphone. Everypony's attention shifted to my roomie and the small band behind him, he looked impressive and confident when he saw all the faces looking up at him. The first song started without warning as he jumped right into it. Lo and behold, it was that chaotic song from the walk over.
Tonight’s performance was different; his vocals were even more passionate. Coupled with fantastic energy, it was better than I expected it to be. He always sang brilliantly, but this time he was focused on something more. Like he was singing in his room alone, not caring how he looked or sounded. I believe that is when a singer is at their best. Like I said, it makes me happy seeing my friends do what they're best at.
His energy didn't dissipate. Each consecutive song held the same enthusiasm, even when the small band started their soft-toned melody. I stood near stage left with Twilight for most of the performance; she seemed annoyed as I was enjoying the show enough that I was ignoring her. Feeling a bit foolish once I realized she was talking to me, I snapped out of it and replied "Sorry, I wasn't listening."
"Well at least you're honest." she sighed a tad. "Anyway," she continued
"aren't you going to dance?"
"I am."
"Have someone in mind?" she leaned forward while asking hopefully.
I grinned back at her. "Sorry, not this time"
She frowned a little "But you usually dance with me."
"Yeah, but that's just a friendly thing right?"
"I know it is, but I guess I'm just used to you asking me. So who are you....?”
Twilight dropped her sentence; I had already started weaving through the crowd towards Applejack. She was at the back alone, getting a drink. I rehearsed one final time and pushed my thick brown hair off of my face when, of all the things to happen, a breeze through an open window swept Applejack's hat off her head and it hit me right in the face. By the time I removed it, she was right in front of me. I froze, "This isn't what I planned" I screamed in my mind.
Applejack smiled at me "Gee, thank ya fer catchin' my hat, sugar cube. Somepony mighta stepped on it by accident."
A small "You're welcome..." was all I could spit out. It was no good, her brilliant green eyes were weakening me; they may as well have been Kryptonite.
I placed the hat on top of her head as gentlecoltly as I could. Then took a deep breath and asked her, "Would you care to dance, pretty lady?"
I mentally facehoofed.
"Oh, ah don't do much dancin', 'less it's in a square." she laughed.
Her accent was just one more amazing thing about her. There was something about it; I think it goes along with “southern hospitality”. It made me feel welcome around her.
About that time, Midnight Chorus began singing his part of this set.
"Oh, what the hay." Applejack began happily, "Ah could go for a dance or two."
"By the way, I'm Steel Forge" I told her.
"And I'm Applejack" she said tipping her hat up with one hoof. Then she looked at me for a second and said "Hey, ah think we've met before. You're the blacksmith right?"
"That's correct ma'am" I responded.
"Yeah, you know Twilight."
"Also right."
I smiled at her and I could feel my cheeks get warm when she smiled back and said, "Well c’mon; we don't wanna get left with no place to dance." She trotted off, with me wobbling behind her "Straighten up, Steel. This is what you've been waiting for!" I regained what little composure I had left and caught up with Applejack on the dance floor.
The dance was magnificent, I was grinning like an idiot the whole time but neither of us seemed to mind. We danced slowly and rhythmically, it gave me a huge sense of comfort.
"Ah've never danced like this before" She said to me "I rather like it" Applejack smiled gently.
It felt like the two of us were making a warm glow, I've never felt something quite like that before. After a while, Applejack moved closer and put her head on my shoulder as we continued to step all around the floor. I could feel my entire chest fill with a fluid like warmth.
*. *. *.
I don't remember how long we remained on the dance floor, but eventually the two of us decided to go outside to be alone. We sat in silence on the grass, looking at the rising moon. I said to Applejack "I'm having an amazing time tonight.
"Same here, Sug" she replied. Applejack took off her hat and laid it in front of us. Once again I felt her head on my shoulder; she nuzzled into my neck a bit more and sighed. Applejack let her lovely golden mane out of its normal ponytail so it hung down her neck beautifully. It felt like we were about to have a sort of romantic moment when I heard the door nearest to us open. Out of Sugarcube Corner came Midnight, looking a bit nervous. He was accompanied by a pink-maned, yellow pegasus, Fluttershy. He lost all nervousness at the sight if us and introduced Fluttershy and I. I looked up and Midnight suggested we go back to the apartment for something to eat.
"Oh what the heck, it's not too late." I said back. Applejack looked at Midnight and I.
"Hmm?" she seemed to have missed what just happened.
"Us four should go back to our place, we can eat there." I explained
Applejack stood, my shoulder felt cool without her resting on it. I picked up her hat and tossed it to her. She caught it on top of her head.
"Bravo, were you two practicing that?" Midnight quipped. There was a unanimous chuckle.
*. *. *.
The four of us walked, the two couples separated a little. I looked at Applejack as she seemed lost in looking straight forward.
She caught me, "What're ya starin at?"
I blushed, hard, pointing my gaze towards my hooves. "N-nuthin..." I stammered.
"Are ya sure? Ya seem a bit flustered there." she teased with a wink.
"You..just look.." I turned my head away and mumbled the next word.
"Ah didn't quite catch that sugar cube."
‘Sugarcube’. That made me feel a lot more calm. Just one of the cute things she says.
"You look real pretty, Applejack." I said to her with a warm smile. I had no idea how she would react. After some silence I looked up at her. She was blushing behind her adorable freckles.
"Gosh....nopony's ever gone and said somethin' like that to me." she said quietly. I took a deep breath,
"Well I mean it" her eyes looked a bit wet, was she about to cry? She didn't, she just brought her nose to mine and whispered,
"Thank you."
The rest of the walk passed without much happening. I looked over to Midnight as I opened the door to the living quarters behind the shop. He and Fluttershy looked rather cute together.
*. *. *.
After some late dinner, Applejack and I had sat on the front porch while Midnight had gone with Fluttershy, walking her back to her cottage at the edge of the forest.
The two of us just sat there for a good hour talking about whatever came to mind; working, our friends and other stuff. Just two hard-workers with some things in common.
"She really likes me" I thought to myself. I was imagining her head on my shoulder again..I could feel her warmth on me. Then I realized she had scooted a bit closer to me and actually was leaning against me. I wanted to say something charming. All that came to mind was just admitting how I really felt.
"Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
"I probably shoulda said this earlier but... I've had a crush on you for a while." I felt so embarrassed, I've never told someone that before.
"Really?" she seemed surprised, but I could tell she was acting.
To keep from having an awkward silence, I added, "Yup, I had hoped Twilight would introduce us for a long time. I couldn't think of a way better than at a dance. And then tonight came up."
"Aw shucks, that's too cute." She looked up and smiled at my dopey confession. She looked right into my eyes and whispered, "From what I saw ‘bout a sweetie-pie like you tonight, I really like you too, Steel."
Before I could respond she threw her fore hooves around me and planted a kiss right on my lips. I was so unprepared. A scent of apples and a hint of cinnamon overwhelmed me for a few moments. I relaxed my lips and kissed back. It didn't last too long, but wasn't short either. Perfect...
Applejack pulled away, both of us remained speechless for a long time. Just looking at each other in silence.
*. *. *.
I had walked Applejack home to the acres and we stood outside the farmhouse door.
I broke the silence "So...do you want to do something like this again? Maybe go out some time?"
"I'd love to." she nodded immediately.
"When?"
"As soon as possible" she said. One more kiss later and Applejack stood in the doorway, waving goodbye. I walked backward away from the barn until I couldn't see her face. Then I turned around and exhaled deeply. I started walking a bit faster back to the house, full of energy I did something completely unlike myself.
"YEEHAW!"
My voice rang in the distance for quite some time. I didn't care if anypony had heard me. I ran the rest of the way home, smiling wide the entire time.
When I made it back inside, Midnight was there waiting. He looked blissfully lost, he then asked me what Applejack and I did while he was gone. I rambled on and on about what happened for a while. I was so happy, ecstatic even. And then I stopped myself. "Oh hey! How'd it go with Fluttershy?"
I sat down across from Midnight and listened to him re-tell the events of his night as I did mine.
I always delight in sticking a song my friend Steel’s head. So, how could I pass up an opportunity to drill one of my favourites into his skull? The walk to this evening’s venue was just another warm-up for my set, even though I had spent much of the afternoon rehearsing. I wanted it to be special; I had a particular mare to impress.
After Twilight’s kind words of encouragement, I took my place at the mic. Everypony was staring at me, of course. But with the stage lights shining in my face, it was like looking upon a room of mannequins. The band behind me began and I felt the notes envelope my senses entirely, their music fueled my passion. I sprang to action. I let my voice flow by itself. In conversation I can barely remember lyrics, but on stage they stream as naturally as the heart beats.
My adrenaline was truly pumping by now. I looked upon the mannequins; they had begun their haphazard swaying and bobbing. The illusion was broken, but whatever unease dared pop up was swiftly quelled by the rush.
My set had finally ended for the night to a justified round of applause. After I had exited the stage, I saw Fluttershy’s mane facing in my direction over the crowd. She had a lovely little rose in her hair that night. She hid her cute face behind her pink waterfall mane. Her meek “H-hello.” only cemented her timid image.
I tried to casually break the ice, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Um... Yes, your performance was very... nice" she smiled, coming out from behind her hair.
I could see she was softening the blow of some kind of criticism. "Not your preferred kind of music?"
"Something more soft and um... serene." she responded. I was waiting for that. I tapped the floor twice with my back hoof. The band began playing some slow dance music.
"Is this music you'd dance to?" I gestured to the musicians.
She saw right through me and roses blossomed on her cheeks to accompany the one in her mane. She simply nodded. My thirty bits were well-spent.
The two of us put a front leg around each other’s necks and danced slowly close to each other. Fluttershy was as gentle as ever, even her dancing had an air of her shyness to it. It was rather adorable. I could pick up a scent like honey and flowers masking the faint smell of animal feed. She was a good dancer too; well, this was her kind of music after all. I simply thought she’d be too shy to get much practice. I led Fluttershy outside after dancing. Feeling a bit unsure of what was to come next, I had been comforted by meeting Applejack and Steel Forge just outside on the lawn.
*. *. *.
When the four of us had gotten back to the apartment I lived in above Steel's ground level shop and house. He and I told the girls to take a seat anywhere and we'd be right back with something to eat. While in the small kitchen, I gazed out the one window in the room.
"Looking at the moon again?" came Steel's voice from beside me.
"Sorta...what? Are you talking to me?"
"Yeah bud...nopony else in here" he laughed a bit at me.
"Lost myself for a second I guess..."
*. *. *.
I gave Steel a little hoof bump as I opened the front door. He and Applejack took seats out on the porch in the surprisingly chilly night. I then bowed and smiled to Fluttershy.
"Shall we be on our way then?"
"Oh yes, I really should be getting back to the animals. I'm sure they're all restless."
Much of the walk passed in silence, neither of us were particularly skilled with small-talk. The only sounds were our hooves on the dirt road and the night breeze through the trees. I looked upwards to a luminous full moon and silently thanked Princess Luna.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Anything to break the lull.
Fluttershy smirked, "Well, your name would suggest you enjoy the moonlight."
"Actually, would you believe I'm allergic?"
She looked at me quizzically.
"I'm serious; overexposure results in sappy and romantic notions..." I was never going to get another chance at this, "towards very attractive pink-maned pegasi."
She turned away, blushing, trying to hide her sheepish grin.
"Thought you deserved fair warning, Miss Beautyshy- I mean Fluttershy." I said, feeling my stomach knot. We drew closer to her cottage on the edge of the Everfree.
"I um... Appreciate the gesture, Midnight." There were clearly several critters still stirring within her home. "Why don't you come inside and give your um... 'allergies' a rest? You could help me sing the animals to sleep."
Everything was going better than expected. We stepped in the sectioned front door to find a few errant squirrels and birds still flitting about. Fluttershy made her rounds, coaxing the little ones to their houses and holes in the boards. She began to sing "Hush Now, Quiet Now" as they retired. I followed her lead, singing to the ones on the opposite side of her sitting room.
As the last squirrel reached its dwelling, she turned her aqua eyes to me, taking the rose from her hair and setting aside.
"Thanks, Midnight. Now I'll have a few less cranky critters in the morning." she said sweetly, strolling over to me.
I bowed as gentlecoltly as I could. I glanced at the clock, my hour was now. I smiled at the lovely mare in front of me. There was a spark in my head that spawned the flow of a gentle tune, I began singing along.
Midnight is here so Midnight must go,
Homeward now the winds shall blow.
But let me say, how you've moved my Earth,
That angelic voice; a gift of mirth
Your shining face around the town,
'Twas a save from a spiral down.
It vexes me yet what you've done,
Your wings alone send my mind to run.
You're the mare I'd like to know
I took her hoof in mine and I leaned in.
I can set your heart
I placed a tender kiss on her cheek and whispered,
Aglow.
I drew back and turned to leave. She didn't seem to want that just yet. She held my hoof, I turned back, right into a honey-sweet return.
We walked to the door. I stepped outside and glanced again at the princess' astral charge.
"I'm certain the animals enjoyed your lullaby," Fluttershy said, "maybe you could help me again... soon?"
I bowed again, "It would be a pleasure, Miss Beautyshy." I finished coyly. With that, I spun into the air and began my glide home, waving back to the beauteous mare.
The perfect end to a night I will never forget.
