TwiMacVerse Part 2: Love is a Many Splendid Pile of Crazy

by ThatBronyWithTheClipOns

Rating: teen
Tags: Rarity, Sex, Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Rainbow Dash, Other, Romance, Original Character, Comedy
Length: 28176

In which Rainbow Dash and Rarity discover romance. And stuff in between happens too.

Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh couldn't be happier together. Everypony around them is glad for them too. But things get a bit complicated when an unexpected visitor shows up at Twilight's library. The rest of her friends also start to think about their futures and whether or not they'll find a special somepony.

Sequel to my previous fic Apples Are Magic. I highly recommend reading that one first.

Decided to change the cover image given that this became a more Rainbow Dash and Rarity centric story. Also felt it fit the tone a little better. Image is a combo from two pics if found on deviantart courtesy of http://hawk9mm.deviantart.com/ and http://red4028.deviantart.com/art/Rarity-s-fabulous-facehoof-315536022 ^_^

Published 2012-10-31 13:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-29 05:30:45 UTC

Chapter 1: Celebration Time

It didn’t take long for everypony to find out that Twilight Monoceros Sparkle and Macintosh Chelmsford Apple, AKA Big Macintosh, had started dating. Of course Pinkie Pie, resident party pony, had to throw a party for them in Twilight’s library/home.

TWILIGHT & BIG MACINTOSH OFFICALLY A COUPLE PARTY!!!!

Complete with a song:

HERE’S TO THE HAPPY COUPLE

WHO WE WILL CALL TWIMAC!

THEY’RE HAPPY AND IN LOVE

THAT FOR SURE IS A FACT!

AND WE HOPE YOU STAY TOGETHER FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND WE ALL ARE SUPER DUPER HAPPY THAT YOU TWO FOUND EACH OTHER AND ARE NOW EACH OTHER’S VERY SPECIAL SOMEPONIIIIIIES!!!!!

“That was…interesting, Pinkie,” said Twilight.

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh.

“I didn’t have a lot of time to work in it,” said Pinkie. “Since we just found out you two were together! But I think it works well!”

“We couldn’t be happier fer yah, sugar cube,” said Applejack. “Ah’m glad tah see mah brother with a good filly.”

“And I’m sure it’s good to have a stallion that can keep you from getting spastic,” commented Rainbow Dash.

“You have such a way with words, Rainbow Dash,” commented Rarity.

“What?” asked Rainbow Dash. “We’ve known her long enough to know that she’s neurotic to the core.”

“It’s ok, Rarity,” said Twilight. “I know I can be a little crazy at times. But she’s right, Big Macintosh does bring out the better in me. I hope I bring out the better in him.”

“You kiddin?” said Applejack. “He works even faster than he use tah so he can get as much time with you as possible!”

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” chimed in Fluttershy.

“I certainly hope I can find a nice colt sometime soon,” said Rarity.

“Ah know whatcha mean,” said Applejack.

“Can you guys ever think about it romance?” said a smart mouthed Rainbow Dash.

“Yer not interested in datin?” asked Applejack.

“Well sure it would be nice to meet a nice stallion and all,” said Rainbow Dash. “So long as it’s a Pegasus who can fly nearly as fast as me!”

“So you’d never date an earth pony or unicorn?” asked Fluttershy.

“You kidding!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Why the hay would I want to be with some colt who can’t even fly around with me!?”

“Yah said the same thing when pickin’ a pet,” commented Applejack. “And yah ended up goin’ with a turtle.”

“Tank is not a turtle,” said Rainbow Dash. “He’s a Tortoise! Besides, We made that helicopter doohickey for him. But I’d rather have a colt who can fly, not one who need some flying machine!”

“Well never say never, Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight. “I never thought I’d fall for a farm colt. I always figured it would be with someone in the academic field.”

“You mean an egghead?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I wouldn’t put it that way,” said Twilight. “But yes. Not that Big Macintosh doesn’t have his smart moments. After all he managed to express his feelings for me better than I ever could. I haven’t been this happy since the day I made friends with all of you. He never stops making me feel special.”

“You’re so lucky, darling,” said Rarity.

“Oh man this is so mushy!” said Rainbow Dash.

“One day you’re going to meet somepony special,” said Rarity. “And when you do, you’ll get all quote unquote mushy.”

“Oh please,” said Rainbow Dash. “The day I get mushy is the day you fall for somepony who isn’t some hoity toity nouveau riche elitist.”

“What’s wrong with wanting to be with a high class colt?” asked Rarity.

“Money won’t buy ya happiness,” said Applejack.

“Maybe so,” said Rarity. “But it can certainly buy a lot of other things.”

They all began to laugh a little at Rarity’s remark. They had to admit, it was pretty funny. Meanwhile, Big Macintosh was talking to other colts in the room.

“So you and the egghead, eh?” commented Caramel.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac. “She is a smart little filly.”

“Woulda never thought you to date a brain, Mac,” said Ace, the tennis athlete. “You always seemed more for the more shapely mares.”

“Twilight has a plenty nice physique, Ace,” said a defensive Big Mac. “Sides, ah aint with her for her looks. Ah love her for who she is.”

“Guess there are worse reason to date a filly,” said Ace, sensing Big Mac didn’t care for his comments.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac, knowing that Ace got the hint.

“So what are you gonna do next, Mac?” asked Caramel.

“Whaddya mean?” asked Big Mac.

“Duh, dude,” said Ace. “Living together? Marriage? Kids? All that stuff.”

“Well, ah hadn’t really thought of that,” said Big Mac. “We only just started datin.”

“Betcha she’s thinking of it,” said Caramel.

“Why?” asked Big Mac.

“Fillies are all about that sorta thing,” said Ace. “My old lady got on me all the time about when we were gonna tie the knot. I told her you can’t keep me tied down!”

“You’ve been married to Lily for three years, Ace,” said Caramel. “You do everything she tells you to do. You’re lucky she let you keep that ridiculous mustache.”

“And just what do you have against the stache!?” questioned Ace. “You’re just jealous that you can’t grow such a sweet testament to colthood!”

“Oh yeah,” said Caramel. “That’s it.”

“I’m tellin’ yah, Mac,” started Ace. “It won’t be long that she’ll be buggin’ ya about marriage and all that filly stuff. Just you wait and see.”

Big Macintosh kept his usual calm demeanor and just gave Ace a “whatever you say” look. But in the back of his mind he was starting to panic just a little. They had just started going out. Sure he’d like to get married eventually. But he didn’t think she’d want to anytime soon. He then started to think how silly it was that he was listening to Ace of all ponies. Caramel was right, Ace was married and he did everything his wife, Lily, told him to. And while he may not say it, Ace was totally in love with Lily and wouldn’t want it any other way. He liked to think he was more macho than he really was.

The Party came to an end and most of the guests had left. Twilight’s friend had stayed behind to clean up some, and of course her new colt friend.

“So, big brother,” began Applejack. “Are yah stayin’ here fer the night or comin’ back to the farm? Tomorrow is yer day off.”

Big Macintosh began to blush a little.

“Is it now?” he feigned innocence. “Ah plum forgot.”

“Ah’m sure you did,” said Applejack. “Don’t matter tah me what yer plans are. Yer a grown colt. Yah can do whatever yah like. Just be careful is all.”

“Ah got no idea what yer talkin’ bout, sis,” he said, still trying to act innocent.

Applejack walked off laughing to herself. As they all got done cleaning, they began to leave.

“Fabulous party as always, Pinky darling,” commented Rarity. “Good night dearies.”

“Yeah it was cool,” said Rainbow Dash. “Night everypony.”

“Least I can do for one of my super bestest friends in the whole wide world!” exclaimed Pinkie.

“We should do this again sometime soon,” said Twilight.

“How bout tomorrow?” said Pinkie with a huge grin. “A Twilight and Big Macintosh are Officially a Couple After Party!!!!”

“Maybe not that soon, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “Lets wait just a tad longer.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” said Pinkie. “Night night, sleep tight, and don’t let the parasprites bite!”

“It was a lovely evening, Twilight,” said Fluttershy. “Sweet dreams.”

“Welp,” began Applejack. “Spose ah’ll be gettin’ back to the farm. Yah can stay a bit longer if yah like, Big Mac.”

Big Macintosh didn’t find it amusing with the insinuations Applejack was making.

“That would be nice,” said Twilight. “We didn’t get a whole lot of time to each other what with all the guests.”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac. “Ah’ll be home in a little, A.J.”

“Ah’m sure yah will,” she said with a sly grin. “Night ya’ll.”

She closed the door behind her.

“Ah can’t believe her,” began Big Mac. “Sayin all that stuff. As if we was gonna…”

He got cut off by Twilight planting a deeply passionate kiss on his lips. He seemed confused for second, but it didn’t take long for him to get caught up in the moment. After a moment they pulled away.

“You know,” began Twilight. “Spike is at the farm with the Cutie Mark Crusaders for a sleepover.”

“That so?” said Big Mac.

“Eeyup,” said Twilight with a sly smile. “We have the whole library to ourselves.”

They hadn’t been dating a month yet, but Big Macintosh certainly thought about what Twilight was hinting at. But he didn’t want to rush into anything. He wanted to treat Twilight with the utmost respect a fine filly like herself deserved.

“Yah sure yah wanna do this now?” he asked.

“As sure as I know I love you more than all the books in this library,” said Twilight, planting another kiss on him.

A cheesy line, sure, but Big Macintosh knew she being sincere. While most colts might find what she said a bit odd, Big Macintosh knew how much books meant to Twilight. So if she said she loved him more than all the books in her library (and it was a sizeable amount of books) then it must be true.

“And ah love you more than all tha apples in Equestria,” Said Big Mac.

“Goodness,” said Twilight. “And here I just said the books in my library. I guess I should’ve said in all of Equestria too. I guess I just caught up in the moment that I…”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow at her and she stopped talking. They both walked up to her room in silence. Twilight closed the door and made sure to lock it. She didn’t want anypony to ruin the moment.

Chapter 2: Romantic Rendezvous

Nearly six months had passed since Twilight and Big Macintosh had started going out; and neither couldn’t be any happier. They would rotate between staying at the library and staying at Sweet Apple Acres. Both had their risks in terms of the couple’s nightly activities. The library was slightly easier since the only other one to live there was Spike, and once asleep he was a pretty sound sleeper. When worried he’d wake up, Twilight would sometimes slip a little something extra into his nightly cup of tea. The Apple residence was a bit trickier. On more than one occasion Applejack had to complain to the happy couple.

“Ya’ll gotta learn tah be a bit quieter,” said Applejack. “Ah think Apple Bloom is startin’ to not believe me when ah say yer just given Twi a wrestlin’ lesson.”

“Wrestlin’?” asked Big Mac.

“Ah had to tell her somethin,” said Applejack. “Ah sure as hay aint tellin’ her ya’ll are gettin’ on like a bunch of frisky critters! Ah won’t be the one tah explain that to her!”

“Then who’s gonna tell her when she starts askin?” asked Big Mac.

“Well…ah,” Applejack stumbled a bit over her words. “Ah din’t really think that far ahead. Cuz ah don’t wanna think that far ahead! She’s not at the age yet where we tell her bout the birds n the bees!”

“Pa taught me by takin’ me to a pasture and watchin’ some cows,” said Big Mac.

“Ah know,” said Applejack with disdain. “Ya’ll did the same with me!”

“Seemed like a good idea at the time,” thought Big Mac.

“Just talk to Twilight,” said Applejack. “And both ya’ll need to learn some restraint and to keep yer noises down. And ah sure hope ya’ll are usin’ protection! We don’t need anymore little ones walkin’ bout right now!”

“Don’t worry, sis,” said Big Mac. “We’ve been takin' the necessary precautions.”

“Good,” said Applejack. “Plus I don’t need tah be reminded that ah aint gettin’ any at the moment.”

“Ah din’t need tah hear that,” said Big Mac.

“Well ah din’t need tah hear ya’ll night after night!” exclaimed Applejack

Twilight was walking about the library with a big smile on her face, humming to herself while looking through various books. It was starting to get on Spike’s nerves.

“Do you have to be constantly humming and happy?” asked Spike.

“I thought you wanted me to be happy,” said Twilight.

“If I had known you’d be like this,” began Spike. “I would’ve preferred you being single.”

“Hardy har, Spike,” said Twilight.

“Not to mention the constant nights of you and Big Mac doing it,” said Spike off handedly.

This got Twilight’s attention right away, as she went into a little panic.

“How did you know about that!?” she asked. “How do you even know what that is!? You’re just a baby dragon!”

“Oh please, Twilight,” began Spike. “First off, I’m not a baby anymore; at least by dragon standards. Second I’m your assistant and it’s my job to organize books. I’ve probably read almost every book in this place like you have. And we do have books on sex.”

“I thought I was being so careful,” said a panicky Twilight.

“You mean slipping me something extra in my nightly tea to keep me asleep longer?” asked Spike with sarcasm.

“But how?” asked Twilight.

“Again,” began Spike with a sigh. “I’m your assistant. You’ve used me as a guinea pig with your various potions. I guess I’ve built up an immunity to sleep potions. I think I need to invest in some ear plugs. And you two better be using protection. I already got Pee Wee to take care of; I don’t need a foal as well.”

Spike continued his work, while Twilight muttered to herself about how crazy this was. She had to accept that Spike wasn’t as young an naïve as he used to be. She also didn’t take into consideration that dragons aged differently than ponies. There was a knock at the door. Twilight decided to answer it and hope it would take her mind off what just happened. She was not expecting the pony at her doorstep.

“Bookworm!?” said Twilight with great surprise. “What are you doing here!?”

At her doorstep indeed was her ex colt friend, Bookworm Ferdinand Scholar, AKA Chester Buckingham, current author of the Daring Do book series. He was looking very disheveled, and had the look of somepony who had probably been drinking a little.

Chapter 3: The Return of an Unexpected Visitor

Twilight’s first colt friend, Bookworm was standing at her doorstep. His nose was read, his eyes bloodshot and sagging, his mane a mess, and his vest messy.

“Helho, Miss Sparkle,” said Bookworm slurring his speech horribly. “How are ya doin’ on this oh so lovely day!?”

“Um…I’m doing fine,” she said in bit of confusion. “What happened to you? Have you been drinking?”

“Ah may have tossed back a few,” he said. “Seemed like tha right thing tah do given my current circumstances! May I pleash come in!?”

“Oh, of course,” she said. “Come right in.”

Bookworm fumbled into Twilight’s library; clearly having trouble staying upright.

“Um, can I get you anything?” she asked.

“Ah shink some coffee would beh a gud idea!” he exclaimed. “Ahnd possibly a waste basket!”

“A waste basket?” questioned Twilight. “For what?”

Suddenly Bookworm started to make some funny noises. Twilight knew right away what this meant.

“SPIKE!” Twilight yelled for her assistant. “GET ME A WASTE BASKET! QUICK!”

Spike did as he was told without knowing what it would be for.

“What’s going on Twi…” began Spike. “Bookworm? What are you doing here?”

“Sho glad you asked Mr. Spike,” began Bookworm. “But firsht…”

Bookworm leaned into the basket and promptly threw up. Both Twilight and Spike winced at this. Once done, Bookworm was able to gain some composure.

“I…I’m terribly sorry for that,” Bookworm began, his stutter coming in a little. “I have not had the best of days recently.”

“What’s going on, Bookworm?” asked Twilight.

“My longtime mare friend left me,” said Bookworm, tearing up some. “Turns out she wasn’t the love of my life! Guess my sixth sense bucked up on me!”

“Oh dear,” said Twilight, mainly surprised by Bookworm’s use of language. “Did she say why?”

“She said that…” he fumbled a bit. “She said that she was tired of dating…an egghead.”

After that, Bookworm just couldn’t help but break out into full on tears. Twilight and Spike decided to give him a hug.

“Aw, there there, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “There are plenty of other fillies out there.”

“Why’d you come here?” asked Spike. “Don’t have friends back in Manehattan?”

“Spike!” yelled Twilight.

“What?” asked Spike, still young enough to not always know tact.

“No no,” said Bookworm. “It…it’s quite alright. I understand his curiosity…You see…this is my first real heartache…and I started thinking back to how I hurt you…and I heard from a Miss Pie that you and that Mr. Apple fellow are officially a couple, congratulations by the way. No offense, but you’re really the only pony I know who experienced a major heartbreak.”

While Twilight admitted that wasn’t the best way to word it, Bookworm wasn’t mistaken there. After all he was her first major (and at the moment only) heartbreak. She also couldn’t believe Pinkie told him about her relationship with Big Macintosh. Though she wasn’t totally surprised, Pinkie Pie did love to spread the good new as far as she could.

“So what exactly can I do for you?” she asked Bookworm.

“Well, nothing in particular,” said Bookworm. “I’m just in a bit of a funk, and none of my Manehattan friends are really helping. I was wondering if it was possible for me to stay here for a little?”

Twilight figured he would ask this, but he hoped he wouldn’t. Yes, Twilight had no romantic feelings for Bookworm anymore. But, she wasn’t sure how her friends (or Big Macintosh for that matter) would react to this.

“I don’t know, Bookworm,” said Twilight.

“I do understand, Twilight,” said Bookworm. “Guess I will just go home.”

He began to walk out, but Twilight stopped him.

“Wait, Bookworm,” she began. “You can stay. But I think you should stay in a hotel. If that’s ok with you?”

“Oh thank you so much, Twilight!” he exclaimed. “I have no problem staying in some hotel! As long I’m away from Manehattan!”

Spike took Twilight aside.

“Twi,” began spike. “What are you doing?”

“I can’t tell him not to leave, Spike,” said Twilight. “He’s having a hard time. And he won’t be staying here. So I don’t see the problem.”

“I don’t know, Twilight,” said Spike. “Ponies might talk.”

“Hardly anypony knows I used to date him,” said Twilight. “I can just say he’s an old classmate. And that wouldn’t be a lie.”

“I guess so,” said Spike. “But let Big Macintosh know about it.”

“Of course,” said Twilight. “I have no reason to keep it a secret.”

Twilight went back to talk to Bookworm.

“Alright then,” she said. “Let’s find you a hotel room.”

“Thank you so much, Twilight,” said Bookworm. “You really are a one in a million filly.”

“It’s no big deal,” she said. “This is what friends do for each other. And it is good to get away from your troubles every so often when things are rough. Even Daring Do has to be able to get away from it all.”

“Daring Do and the Cabana Getaway,” Bookworm commented. “The critics were not big fans of that one.”

“It was different, true,” said Twilight. “But I felt it gave the character more depth. Besides she did end up having to save the day from an angry volcano god cult.”

“I wish you were one of my usual critics,” said Bookworm with a little smile. “So do you have hotels here?”

“Well, we have a Red Hoof Inn,” said Twilight. “It’s really our only hotel. But given that it’s not tourist season, I’m sure they’ll have something open. Spike, take Bookworm to the Red Hoof Inn.”

“Why me?” asked Spike.

“Because I’m going to Sweet Apple Acres to inform Big Macintosh of the situation,” said Twilight.

“Oh yeah,” said Spike. “Good Idea. Come on, Bookworm.”

Spike and Bookworm headed off into the direction of the Red Hoof Inn, while Twilight walked to Sweet Apple Acres to inform her colt friend of the situation.

Chapter 4: CRASH! BAM! TUMBLE!

“So that’s the situation,” said Twilight to Big Macintosh. “I hope this is ok with you.”

Twilight had gone to Sweet Apple Acres to inform Big Macintosh that her ex colt friend, Bookworm, had just gone through a bad breakup and wanted some place to get away. She was clear to let him know that he was staying at the Red Hoof Inn. Even though she saw nothing wrong with this, she of course wanted to make sure Big Macintosh was alright with everything.

“Eeyup,” responded Big Mac. “He doesn’t seem like a bad colt, from what ya told me. Sides, if it hadn’t been fer him yah never woulda found the courage to come talk to me again. Ah owe him a lot of gratitude. That and he’s a contributor to one of mah favorite book series.”

“That’s so wonderful to hear,” said Twilight, blushing brightly.

She was quite surprised by how cool he was with all this. Based on the various books she read, most colts would be super jealous of this kind of situation. Then again, Big Macintosh was a lot more level headed than most colts. That’s one reason Twilight loved him so much. She gave him a kiss.

“I love you, Big Macintosh,” she said.

“Ah love you, Twilight Sparkle,” he said.

After a pause, Big Macintosh decided to bring up what Applejack told him earlier.

“So,” he began, while blushing. “Applejack was wantin’ me tah talk about our nightly visits with each other.”

“Oh, right,” said Twilight, also blushing. “Spike talked to me about too.”

“Spike?” said Big Mac, amazed Spike new what was going on.

“I keep forgetting that dragons don’t age the same way ponies do,” she said. “He’s growing up faster that I excepted…or wanted.”

“Ah know tha feelin,” said Big Mac. “Little Apple Bloom is gettin’ evryday. Pretty soon ah’ll be teachin’ her how to farm and apple buck.”

“Kids can be a pain,” she said.

“Eeyup,” he said. “But there are plenty ah moments where it’s worth it.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. Then they both looked at each other, realizing what they were talking about, and both blushed incredibly bright.

“Anyway,” said Twilight, breaking the silence. “It’s been a while since we had a proper date.”

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Mac. “Reckon we oughta go somewhere nice. How bout dinner tommora night at some nice restaurant?”

“That sounds lovely,” said Twilight. “I should probably head back. Make sure everything is ok with Bookworm.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” said Big Mac.

They gave each other another kiss, and Twilight headed off. Soon as she left, Applejack walked in to talk to Big Macintosh.

“She’s got her ex colt friend in town?” said Applejack in shock.

“How long yah been standin’ there?” asked Big Mac.

“Long enough,” she said. “How can yah be so calm and cool about this? That’s the first colt Twilight ever dated!”

“Years ago, AJ,” Big Mac pointed out. “Sides, he may have been tha first tah go out with her. But ah was tha first to love her in more ways than one.”

“What in the hay is that sposed tah mean?” Applejack asked. But after second or two she knew exactly what he meant. “AW! I din’t need tah hear that, Mac!”

“Well ya already heard it a few times beforehand,” he said sarcastically. “As you told me earlier.”

“Ah spose ah did set myself up fer that one,” she said.

“Eeyup,” he said. “Ah aint gonna be one of them possessive colts, who’s gonna tell his special filly that she can’t have friends just cause they were once together.”

“Spose that is a good mentality to have,” said Applejack.

“And as ah said tah Twilight,” he began. “Bookworm convinced Twilight tah talk to me again. So it’s thanks tah him that we’re now together.”

“That and Granny Smith yellin’ at yah to colt up and go after her too,” said Applejack in a sly tone.

“Right,” said Big Mac with an embarrassed blush. “That too. Good thing we got her around when any of us need to have some sense knocked intah our thick skulls.”

“And how,” agreed Applejack.

Meanwhile, Ponyville’s number one flyer, Rainbow Dash, and Ponyville’s number one party planner, Pinkie Pie, were hanging out. Rainbow Dash wanted to test out a new routine and see if she could break her current speed record. Pinkie was the only other pony around willing to help her out. She also knew Pinkie could make some flying contraption to stay up in the sky with her.

“This is so super awesome,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I can’t wait to see what you do with your newest routine! I bet it’s gonna be super special awesome fantastic best thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life today!”

“Of course it will,” said Rainbow Dash. “I am Ponyville’s best flyer! And a future Wonderbolt!”

“You got into the Wonderbolts!?” Pinkie exclaimed, letting out a huge gasp. “When did that happen!? Why are you now just telling me!? We need to throw a RAINBOW DASH GOT INTO THE WONDERBOLTS PARTY! And…

Rainbow Dash stuffed her front hoof into Pinkie Pie’s mouth to quiet her.

“I’m not in the Wonderbolts yet, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash. “I meant that I’ll be a Wonderbolt some day.”

“Ohhhhhh!” said Pinkie. “That does make more sense.”

“So did you bring the stop watch?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“You betcha!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Great,” said Rainbow Dash. “Let’s get started. We’ll use the standard, ready, set, go.”

“Okey dokey smokey,” said Pinkie Pie. “Assume the position!”

Rainbow Dash positioned herself, crouched forward, back legs stiff, getting ready to fly off and maneuver as fast as she could without slipping up.

“Ready,” began Pinkie Pie, preparing to hit the clock with a giant grin on her face. “Set…GO!”

Rainbow Dash took off like a bolt of lighting. She was doing loop de loops, barrel rolls, flying backwards, zig zags, and many other moves. She began maneuvering around trees, under bridges, and spinning a couple times around buildings. Most of the residents of Ponyville were used to her practice sessions at this point; many restaurants would even bolt their outdoor tables to the ground to keep them from flying over. A lot of businesses, and even households, had invested money in shatterproof glass. Rainbow Dash felt there was a bigger challenge flying around town, as apposed to simply flying in an open field or a forest. Pinkie Pie did her best to keep up with the light blue blur, using a makeshift helicopter she constructed out of everyday household appliances. Where she got the powerful fuel, nopony could even begin to know.

“You’re doing great, Dashy!” yelled Pinkie.

“Was there ever any doubt in your mind!?” said a confident Rainbow Dash.

Things seemed to be going without a hitch. But then Pinkie Pie let out another huge gasp.

“RAINBOW!” shouted Pinkie. “LOOK OUT!”

“WHAT!?” shouted Rainbow Dash.

But it was too late, and Rainbow dash suddenly ran straight into something…actually, somepony, with a loud CRASH! BAM! TUMBLE!

Pinkie ran over to her fallen friend as fast as she could.

“RAINBOW DASH! THIS IS AWFUL!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “YOU DIDN’T BEAT YOUR RECORD TIME!”

Chapter 5: Love At First Crash

“RAINBOW DASH!” yelled Pinkie Pie. “ARE YOU OK!?”

Rainbow Dash had crashed hard. As she was getting up she had trouble keeping her eyes straight and her head was spinning. She began rubbing her temples with her hooves.

“Yeah yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “Head’s spinning, but I’ll be fine. Jeez, what did I hit!?”

“It’s not a what,” said Pinkie. “It’s a who!”

They looked down to see an unconscious unicorn they’d never seen before. He had light grey fur, a brown mane, and was wearing a blue vest. His cutie mark was a thick book with a worm popping out of it.

“Oh man,” said Rainbow Dash. “Do you think I killed him?!”

“No way,” said Pinkie. “I can totally tell he’s breathing! But I’m positive he’s gonna have a whopper of a headache when he wakes up!”

The mysterious unicorn began to stir. He was grunting, while trying to get himself up. Rainbow Dash gave him a hoof.

“Hey, mister” said Rainbow Dash. “Let me help you up.”

“Thank you kindly, ma’am,” he said with his eyes still shut tight. “I have no idea what just happened. I was walking to the library, when something just ran into me.”

“More like flew,” said Pinkie.

“PINKIE!” yelled Rainbow Dash.

“Well you did fly into him, Rainbow Dash!” said Pinkie.

“You did this!?” exclaimed the unicorn, starting to open his eyes. “What in the world were you…”

He stopped mid sentence when he gazed his eyes upon Rainbow Dash. He seemed to become entranced with her eyes and color scheme in general. Rainbow dash noticed his pale blue eyes.

“Moderate cerise,” he suddenly said.

“Excuse me,” questioned Rainbow Dash.

“Your eyes,” he said. “Your eyes are a very lovely shade of moderate cerise.”

“It’s a shade reddish pink,” chimed in Pinkie Pie.

“Oh,” said Rainbow Dash, blushing at the remark.

“And your mane and tail,” he continued. “Never in my entire life have I come across a pony with such a color scheme. And your fur is cerulean, like the sky on certain days. And clearly an athlete, given your toned physique”

“Um, gee,” began Rainbow Dash, blushing brighter. “Than.ks for the compliment, mister.”

“Oh, pardon my rudeness,” he said. “My name is Bookworm Ferdinand Scholar. And you are?”

“I uh,” fumbled Rainbow Dash. “I’m…Rainbow Dash.”

“A perfect name,” said Bookworm. “For such a filly of your beauty.”

Rainbow Dash, and even Pinkie Pie, could not believe what they were hearing. Rainbow Dash had been called many things in her life, a lot of which she wouldn’t say to others for fear of offending. But beautiful had never been one of them. She figured it was because of her general appearance. Unlike Rarity, she didn’t go out of her way to make herself look super special or anything. And at the moment she was sure she was fairly dirty from her crash.

“Thank you,” said Rainbow Dash, becoming entranced as well.

Then Pinkie Pie had a light bulb moment.

“HEY! I KNOW YOU!” exclaimed Pinkie. “YOU’RE THE COLT THAT TWILIGHT DATED BACK IN SCHOOL!”

“Oh,” thought Bookworm. “Given your appearance, I’m guessing that you are Miss Pinkie Pie?”

“You betcha!” she said. “Glad to see you got my letter! What brings you to Ponyville!?”

Bookworm didn’t feel the need to unload his drama to these new ponies. He also figured that Twilight would inform them later on.

“I am…” he began. “I am here to do research for a story I’m writing.”

“A writer, eh?” said Rainbow Dash. “I can see how you and Twilight managed to get along.”

“Oh yeah!” said Pinkie. “You’re the writer of the Daring Do books!”

Rainbow Dash suddenly became more interested.

“Wait a minute,” said Rainbow Dash. “You’re Chester Buckingham?”

“Well, yes,” said Bookworm. “I suppose you could say that I am.”

“But the Daring Do stories have been around for decades,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Chester Buckingham is a pen name used since the very beginning,” explained Bookworm. “It’s more the name of the author that matters.”

“What, like the Dread Pirate Trotters?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Bookworm was impressed with the reference cerulean filly made.

“Not that I’ve read The Princess Buttercup,” said Rainbow Dash. “I don’t really have time to read.”

“What are you talking about, Dash?” said Pinkie. “You read plenty now! Especially the Daring Do books! You’ve read nearly all of them!”

Rainbow Dash face hoofed herself.

“Thanks a lot Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow Dash sarcastically.

“That’s flattering to hear,” said Bookworm. “Do you have a favorite?”

“Well they’re all undeniably, unquestionably, un-putdownable!” said Rainbow Dash, with great enthusiasm.

Bookworm gave her a big smile, which made her go almost beet red.

“But um,” she thought. “I really love Daring Do and the Pirates of the North Marelantic.”

“I did have the most fun writing that one,” he said. “Perhaps I can sign a copy of it for you?”

“YOU COULD!?” she exclaimed, before composing herself. “I mean, sure, whatever. If you really want to.”

“I would be delighted,” he said. “It was very nice meeting you, Miss Dash. Miss Pie. I’m afraid I must be going now. Things to do and all. Good day.”

“Bye bye, Mr. Bookworm!” said Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah, later,” said Rainbow Dash as calmly and cool as possible.

Once gone, Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash; it was freaking her out a little.

“What?” said Rainbow Dash.

“Looks like somepony likes another pony,” said Pinkie.

“What?!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! No way I’d crush on an egghead. I was just excited to meet the author of Daring Do. I mean, what pony wouldn’t!?”

“Suuuuuuure,” said Pinkie. “Like you weren’t blushing and getting all googly eyed when he started saying all those compliments to you.”

“Oh please, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash. “He probably wasn’t seeing that well.”

“But he described your eye and fur color perfectly,” Pinkie pointed out.

“Knock it off, Pinkie” said Rainbow Dash.

“You should ask Twilight if he’s single,” said Pinkie. “I’m sure she knows!”

“I don’t care either way, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash. “But I suppose we can go over to the library to hang out with her for a little bit.”

“I’m sure that’s the only reason for going,” said Pinkie, arching an eyebrow.

“Shut up, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash.

So the two headed off to the library, with Pinkie still teasing Rainbow Dash.

Chapter 6: Rarity's Day Off

At the Carousel Boutique, the fabulous fashionista Rarity and her little sister Sweetie Belle where working on some dresses. Recently Rarity had decided to give her little sister some sewing tips. But for the past few days, Rarity seemed to be in a funk.

“What’s wrong, sis?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Oh, Sweetie,” began Rarity. “I’m just envious of Twilight and Big Macintosh. I just wish I could find a special somepony.”

“Maybe I could help,” said Sweetie Belle with great enthusiasm.

“No thank you, darling,” said Rarity. “I’ve seen what happens when you and your little friends try to set ponies up.”

“Well why don’t you get out more to meet eligible young stallions?” asked Sweetie Belle. “I read that you meet plenty of bachelors at bars and clubs.”

“Yes, that’s true,” said Rarity. “But I always have way too much work to do. Also there aren’t many bars or clubs in Ponyville.”

“It’s been a pretty slow month,” said Sweetie Belle. “Why not take some time off to relax and just take a stroll around town?”

Rarity thought about this for a moment. It was true that business was rather slow. And while that would normally be a good time to catch up on any delayed work, she really didn’t have much of that either. Sweetie Belle had actually started to improve on her sewing, and was becoming a fairly competent assistant. It had been a while since she really had some time for herself, besides her weekly spa trips with Fluttershy.

“You know,” began Rarity. “That does sound like a splendid idea. Thank you for the suggestion Sweetie Belle.”

“No problem sis,” said Sweetie Belle. “Everypony needs some rest and relaxation.”

“I just wish there was more to do around town,” thought Rarity.

“There’s plenty of things you can do, sis,” said Sweetie Belle. “Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and I find things to do all the time!”

“Well that’s good for you, Sweetie,” said Rarity. “But I’m not a little filly anymore. Hang gliding and scooter riding are exactly my cup of tea.”

“I suppose you have a point there,” said  Sweetie Belle, with a little frown on her face.

“Oh don’t worry now, darling,” said Rarity, giving her sister a hug. “I’ll figure something out. Thank you for suggesting this in the first place.”

“I don’t want my sister to be sad,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Mom and dad certainly had the right idea when they named you Sweetie,” said Rarity.

Rarity closed shop for the day and went for a walk. It was a lovely day; not too hot and not too cold. She wasn’t sure why she was so unlucky when it came to love. For as long as she could remember, she had gotten compliments on her looks. Many ponies had pointed out she didn’t even need makeup to look good, but she loved to accessorize and saw makeup as part of the wardrobe. While she’d  been on a good few dates, she’d never really had a steady colt friend. They’d often turn out to be either self centered (like Prince Blueblood), possessive jerks, jealous, or other reasons that just never worked for her. She just wanted somepony who was hard working, generous, and yes she wouldn’t mind him being handsome. It didn’t help that the male to female ratio in Ponyville was way off balance. She ended up in the park, which seemed deserted.

“Oh Rarity,” she said talking to herself. “Why don’t you just move to some bigger city? Canterlot? Manehattan? Fillydelphia? Everypony asks me that. They should know why. Mom and dad need my help with little Sweetie Belle. She’s such a dear too; always willing to help even if she messes up more often than helps. It’s the least I can do for my parents, they did raise me after all. They both may be a bit tacky, but they mean well always. They did give me a little loan to help open the Carousel Boutique. Besides, my business does well enough here; plenty of ponies all over know of my shop. Knowing the prized pupil of Princess Celestia has most certainly had positive effects as well. And my friends. They are all so wonderful; I can’t imagine my life without them. Twilight Sparkle, so smart and intuitive. Applejack, such a hard worker. Stubborn for sure, but then again so can I. Fluttershy, probably my best friend in the whole world. I love our weekly spa trips. Not to mention her fashion sense is impeccable. Pinkie Pie, a ball of energy for sure, but she has such a positive personality that it’s nearly impossible for it not to catch on. Rainbow Dash, hates to look un-cool, but she’ll always be there for a friend. And good old Spikey Wikey. Poor thing has a crush on me, and while I appreciate the admiration he simply isn’t my type. Or age range for that matter. Or species even. Sure I’m still young and fit, but I won’t stay young forever.”

Rarity continued to walk about in the park; the foliage was very lovely today.

“Whoever the groundskeeper of this park is doing a splendid job,” said Rarity to herself.

Or so she thought it was to herself.

“Why thank ya very much, Miss Rarity,” said a voice with a country accent.

Rarity turned around to see a young male earth pony with light tan fur, a brown mane, and light brown eyes. He was wearing a green baseball cap, blue overalls, and had an average build to him. She had a feeling she knew him, but couldn’t quite place her hoof on it.

“Excuse me good sir,” said Rarity. “But do I know you?”

“Aw shucks,” he said. “Has it really been that long? I spose so. Maybe this will refresh yer memory.”

The groundskeeper colt pointed to his cutie mark, which was the image of three turnips. It instantly donned on Rarity who it was.

“Hayseed Turnip Truck?” she asked. “Is that really you?”

“Darn tootin, Miss Rarity!” he said with a jovial smile. “Although yah can just call me Hayseed. Or even just Seed for short! Lots of ponies do.”

“Alright then…Hayseed,” she said. “You can just call me Rarity. No need for the formalities.”

“But yer a lady, Miss Rarity,” said Hayseed. “Mah pa always said be formal to a lady. And yer the most formal lady ah know.”

“Well, thank you,” she said, blushing from the flattery. “But I thought you were living in Canterlot? When did you move back to Ponyville?”

“Hmmm,” he thought for a moment. “Ah spose it was bout eight or nine months ago. Why Miss Pinkie even threw me a party.”

“Oh, I see,” said Rarity. “That must’ve been when I was in Canterlot with my little sister for a fashion show. Pinkie did mention throwing a party for a returning resident.”

“No problem whatsoever ma’am,” he said. “The winda washin’ business really wasn’t workin’ out fer me. None of them fancy folks wanted a simple earth pony touchin’ their expensive windows. So ah moved back home and immediately got this job as the groundskeeper.”

“Well that certain was lucky of you,” commented Rarity. “You look a little different. But I can’t really pinpoint what.”

“Yer probably noticin’ mah teeth,” he said giving a big smile. “While in Canterlot ah managed to get some dental work done!”

“Good for you, Hayseed,” said Rarity.

“Ah thought if mah teeth looked better, than the fancy unicorns wouldn’t mind me so much washin’ their windas,” he said. “But it din’t help.”

For a brief second he showed a little frown. But seemed to immediately buck up.

“Oh well,” he said. “Water under the bridge as they say!”

“That’s a good way of looking at it,” said Rarity.

“Yup,” he said. “Sides, this job aint so bad really. I get tah stay in the house located near the center of the park, and the pay is purty decent for a colt with simple needs.”

“I have to admit, Hayseed,” began Rarity. “I was in a bit of a downer earlier. But hearing you’re story, and how positive you’re being about it has really cheered me up.”

“Well that’s great tah hear, Miss Rarity,” he said. “Anytime you need somepony tah talk to and cheer ya up, ah’m yer colt.”

“That does sound splendid,” she said. “I suppose I should be getting back to my shop.”

“Maybe ah’ll stop by yer store one of these days,” he said. “Ah could use some new duds, and yer store is the best in all of Equestrira.”

“Why thank you,” she said with a little embarrassment in her voice. “You’re welcome there anytime. Good day Hayseed.”

“Have a great day, Miss Rarity,” he said, giving Rarity a little bow.

Rarity headed back to her shop. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulder at the moment. She was surprised by how insightful Hayseed had been. Though she has learned over the years to never judge a book by it’s cover.

Chapter 7: Seeking Information

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash arrived at Twilight’s library. Pinkie knocked enthusiastically on the door.

“Remember,” began Rainbow Dash. “No talking to Twilight about Bookworm.”

“Why?” asked Pinkie. “She’d most likely know if he’s single or not.”

“I already told you, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m not interested in Bookworm. So don‘t mention us meeting him. Got it?”

“Ok ok,” said Pinkie. “My lips are sealed.”

“Pinkie promise?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” declared Pinkie.

Suddenly Pinkie popped out of Twilight’s mailbox to yell “FOREVER!” and then disappearing. Rainbow Dash turned her head in all directions in confusion. In a split second Pinkie was standing right next to her; as if she had never moved.

“How…” she began. “How did you do that!?”

“Do what?” asked Pinkie.

“But…you, you just…” said Rainbow Dash in confusion. “Oh never mind!”

Twilight opened to the door to greet her visitors.

“Pinkie! Rainbow!” said Twilight. “Great to see you guys. “What brings you to the library?”

“Uh duh, our legs,” said Pinkie Pie. “I mean Rainbow dash can use her wings, but we both used our legs.”

“I think she meant why are we here, Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow Dash. “Pinkie was helping me with my stunts and timing. Now we’re taking a break and I came to check out a new Daring Do book.”

“You did?” said a confused Pinkie.

“Yes, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash with a harsh tone. “I did!”

Thankfully for Rainbow Dash, Pinkie caught on really quick.

“Well,” said Twilight. “Come on in.”

They entered the library and Rainbow Dash immediately went over to the section that had the Daring Do books. Pinkie Pie hung around Twilight.

“So, Twi,” said Pinkie. “Anything new with you?”

“Well, there is something,” said Twilight. “An old friend from my days at the academy is visiting town for a few days. His name is Bookworm.”

“Funny you should mention that,” said Pinkie. “Rainbow Dash and I ran into him a little bit ago!”

“Really?” said Twilight.

“Pinkie!” said Rainbow Dash. “You Pinkie promised you wouldn’t tell!”

“No!” said Pinkie. “I Pinkie promised that I wouldn’t bring up Bookworm to Twilight. But I was just asking Twilight if anything was new. She could have easily had something else going on besides that.”

Rainbow Dash was about to protest this, but she knew she couldn’t win. Besides, Pinkie actually made a good point. Twilight brought up Bookworm first.

“Why wouldn’t you want Pinkie bringing up Bookworm, Rainbow?” asked Twilight.

“No reason,” said Rainbow Dash. “We just didn’t meet under great conditions.”

“Dashy here flew right into him,” said Pinkie.

“Pinkie!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“What?” asked Pinkie. “You didn’t make me Pinkie promise not to tell her that part.”

“But…” Rainbow stumbled. “I…oh buck it!”

“Is he ok?” asked a concerned Twilight.

“Oh he’ll just fine,” said Pinkie. “He didn’t seem to mind Rainbow crashing into him. In fact he seemed rather excited to see her! By the way, is he single?”

“Oh sweet Celestia, Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow Dash with a face hoof.

“Actually,” began Twilight. “His mare friend just left him.”

“Aw,” said Pinkie. “That’s a shame. He seems like a really nice colt. Guess that means he’s back on the market, eh?”

“Well,” said Twilight. “Most books would say yes to that. Given that he’s no longer spoken for. Are you interested in him Pinkie?”

“Nah,” said Pinkie. “But Rainbow Dash here is! And he was definitely interested in her!”

“Please tell me this is just a horrible nightmare,” said Rainbow Dash. “Any minute now I’m gonna wake up on a cloud.”

“It’s ok, Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight. “If you want to go out with Bookworm, that’s fine with me.”

“I never said I wanted to go out with him,” said Rainbow Dash. “Why would I go out with some egghead!? Even if he did call me beautiful and that my body was really athletic!?”

“Excuse me?” asked Twilight.

“Nothing,” said Rainbow Dash. “I don’t have any interest in him. So there!”

“Somepony is in denial,” said Pinkie in an almost singing manner.

“Shut up Pinkie,” said  Rainbow Dash.

“Is this your first crush, Rainbow Dash?” asked Twilight.

“What? That’s so ridiculous,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’ve had plenty of crushes and plenty of colt friends!”

“Nope,” said Pinkie. “My Pinkie sense tells me that you’ve never even been on a date.”

“Curse your Pinkie sense,” said Rainbow Dash. “Hey, I’ve been too busy with training for the Wonderbolts and all that. I haven’t had time for silly dates.”

“Maybe you should talk with Rarity about this,” said Twilight. “She has way more experience with dating than I do. After all, Big Macintosh is only my second colt friend.”

“You should go with her and Fluttershy on one of their spa visits,” said Pinkie, bouncing about the library. “That way you’ll have plenty of privacy!”

“Great idea, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “I think tomorrow is their spa day. I’m sure they’d be fine with you going along.”

Rainbow Dash felt like she was going to pull all the hair out of her mane, this was driving her crazy. But she had to admit it (but she wouldn’t admit it out loud to them) that they both were right. Rarity was probably the best pony to talk about this sort of thing.

“Fine,” said Rainbow Dash with a huge sigh. “I’ll talk to her.”

“I bet Fluttershy would know some stuff too,” said Pinkie with a big grin. “She’s into girly stuff!”

“Whatever,” said Rainbow Dash. “Guess I’ll get over to Rarity’s shop and ask her. Not like I got anything better to do. Catch you later, Twi. See ya Pinkie.”

Rainbow Dash flew out as quick as she could, heading towards Rarity’s shop.

“She really needs to be more honest with herself,” said Pinkie.

“I know what you mean,” commented Twilight.

Rainbow Dash made her way to the other side of town in no time at all to the Carousel Boutique. She knocked loudly on the door. It took a moment, but Rarity soon came to the door.

“Alright alright,” said Rarity. “I’m coming. How may I…Oh Rainbow Dash? How may I be of assistance?”

“Well…” began Rainbow Dash. “I was wondering…if um…”

Rainbow dash started trailing off to where Rarity couldn’t make out what she was saying. She was starting to sound like Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry, darling,” said Rarity. “But I can’t make out what you’re saying.”

“I was gonna ask,” Said Rainbow dash with a sigh. “Can I join you and Fluttershy on one of your spa days?”

Rarity wasn’t sure if she even heard that right. Rainbow Dash never asked to go to the spa of her own free will. Usually she was forced to go or went because everypony else was going along.

“Did you just ask what I think you asked, dear?” said Rarity.

“Yes,” said Rainbow Dash. “I would like to join you and Fluttershy on one of your spa days. If that’s ok with you two.”

“Well I certainly have no problem with it,” said Rarity. “And I seriously doubt Fluttershy will raise any objections…or raise her voice to anything really.”

“Ok, great,” said Rainbow Dash. “So…um…when do you go?”

“Tomorrow is actually our scheduled spa day,” said Rarity. “You’re welcome to join us anytime you like.”

“Sure,” said Rainbow Dash. “That’s cool. Whatever. See you around Rarity.”

“See you tomorrow, Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash once again flew off as fast as she could. Rarity stood there perplexed.

“Well,” she began. “This certainly has been an eventful day.”

Chapter 8: Making Plans

Bookworm paid a visit to Twilight’s Library. Pinkie Pie was still there visiting.

“Greetings, Twilight,” said Bookworm. “I hope I’m not coming at a bad time.”

“Of course not, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “I’m not busy or anything. I believe you’ve already met Pinkie.”

“Oh yes,” he said. “Miss Pinkie. So good to see you again.”

“You too Mr. Bookworm,” said Pinkie Pie.

Bookworm looked around for a moment.

“Um,” he began. “Is…um…Miss Rainbow Dash here as well?”

“Oh, um, no, sorry,” said Twilight. “She had something important to tend to.”

“I see,” he said with a look and tone of disappointment.

Pinkie decided to chime in.

“Soooooooo,” she began. “You gotta thing for Rainbow Dash, eh Booky Wooky?”

“Booky Wooky?” he said with confusion.

“Well come on,” said Pinkie. “You didn’t answer my question! You like Dashy or not?”

“Well,” he began after gulping. “I…I’ve only met her the one time. But I do believe that I do have, as you put it, a thing for her.”

“AWESOME!” exclaimed Pinkie. “I know for a fact that she’s got a thing for you too!”

“Really!?” he said in absolute delight.

“Really really,” said Pinkie. “She even asked Twi here if you were single!”

“Pinkie!” exclaimed Twilight.

“What!?” asked Pinkie. “You said he was single! And if they’re both single and know each other are single then shouldn’t they both be aware of it!? Especially if both like each other!?”

“Well…” Twilight began.

But she wasn’t able to come up with a decent retort. So she turned her attention back to Bookworm.

“Are you ok with me pursuing her, Twilight?” asked Bookworm.

“Of course I am, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “Why would I mind.”

“Well,” he began. “We used to date, and Miss Dash is your friend. It seems only polite that I ask first.”

“It’s alright with me,” said Twilight. “But are you sure you’re ready to try a relationship so soon?”

“Under normal circumstances, no,” he said. “But…something happened when I first laid eyes on her. Her wonderful moderate cerise eyes.”

“Moderate cerise?” said Twilight.

“It’s a shade of reddish pink,” said Pinkie.

“I know that, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “It seemed very specific.”

“I don’t know what it is,” he said. “But she just comes off as the most beautiful filly I’ve ever laid eyes upon. She has such a jovial personality too. I suppose the alternate word would be feisty.”

“Sounds like our Rainbow Dash,” said Pinkie. “You should totally ask her out!”

“I don’t know,” said Bookworm.

“But you two already have something in common,” said Pinkie. “You write the Daring Do books and she reads the Daring Do books.”

“She has a good point, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “The worst that could happen is she says no.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” he said. “I’m in a bit of a vulnerable place right now.”

“Don’t think too much about it,” said Twilight. “I’ve learned many times that when you over think something, it will just drive you crazy. If she seems interested then take a chance. You yourself told me to not wonder about the ifs. Pass up the opportunity and you‘ll regret it forever.”

“Take a leap of faith,” said Pinkie. “You never know what’ll happen till you give it a hop, skip, and a jump!”

“You’re both right,” he said. “I can’t let the past keep me from the future. I must find Miss Rainbow Dash and ask her out on a date!”

“Good for you!” said Pinkie.

“Good luck, Bookworm,” said Twilight.

“Thank you very much, Twilight,” he said. “You as well Miss Pinky.”

“For the record,” said Pinkie. “Just call me Pinkie. Also Rainbow Dash will probably prefer not using miss as well.”

“Thanks for that tip,” he said. “Old habits can be very hard to break. Where would be the most likely place to find Rainbow Dash?”

“Either lounging on a cloud,” said Pinkie. “Or practicing flight maneuvers.”

“Great,” he said. “I’ll go look for her right now.”

“Now?” asked Twilight.

“No time like the present,” he said.

Bookworm ran out to go search for Rainbow Dash.

“I think they’ll make a cute couple,” said Pinkie.

Bookworm ran around any areas that had clouds, hoping Rainbow Dash would be lounging on one of them. Finally he noticed her rainbow tail peeking out of the bottom of a cloud. His eyes immediately lit up.

“Rainbow Dash,” he called out.” Rainbow Dash! I need to talk to you!”

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes and looked around in confusion.

“Rainbow Dash,” he called out again.

Rainbow Dash finally looked down and saw Bookworm staring up at her. She tried to hide herself in the could, but then her face peeked through the bottom.

“I’m so glad it’s you,” said Bookworm. “I’ve been looking all over Ponyville. Would you please come down here so that I can talk to you?”

“Ok,” Rainbow Dash said with a sigh.

She flew down to the ground so she could talk to Bookworm.

“Ok,” she began. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Rainbow Dash,” he began. “I know we’ve only just met, but I feel like we’ve had an instant connection. Maybe you don’t feel exactly the same way, but I would like to get to know you better. Would you go out with me sometime?”

Rainbow Dash was in shock. She had never been asked out on a real date before. She struggled to come up with anything to say.

“Well?” asked Bookworm.

“I…” she began.” I would love to go out on a date with you, Bookworm.”

“Fantastic,” he exclaimed.

“But, I have plans tomorrow,” she said. “Would the day after be ok?”

“Absolutely,” he said. “I’m not going to make you change plans for me. Besides, that will give me time to prepare! I shall see you the day after tomorrow! How about a picnic?”

“Sounds great,” she said.

“Splendid,” he exclaimed. “Meet me at the park in the afternoon. Have a splendid day tomorrow, Rainbow Dash!”

Bookworm ran off in great excitement, not so much running as skipping with joy. Rainbow Dash blushed at this, but she did find it cute. She’d never seen a pony show this much joy for her, at least not in a romantic sense.

Chapter 9: Spa Day

Today was the day Rainbow Dash would join Rarity and Fluttershy on their weekly spa trip. She had a lot to talk about. In one day she had a colt fall head over heels for her at first sight and that same day he had asked her out on a date. As Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle had told her, Rarity and Fluttershy would probably know a ton of girly and romantic stuff. She arrived at the Carousel Boutique and reluctantly knocked on the door. Rarity immediately opened.

“Rainbow, darling,” exclaimed Rarity. “I’m so glad to see you! I hope you’re excited for our spa trip!”

“Oh yeah,” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. “Super thrilled.”

“Splendid,” said Rarity, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s sarcasm. “Fluttershy will meet us at the spa. She’s fully aware of your joining us.

Rarity and Rainbow dash arrived to the spa moments later, spotting Fluttershy at the front door.

“Hello, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy. “Um, I’m so glad you came to join us.”

“Yeah yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“Oh sweetie,” said Rarity. “One does not simply go to a spa to get it over with. Now let’s go in and get the best beautification Ponyville has to offer.”

The three friends entered the spa and were immediately greeted by the owners, twin earth ponies Lotus Blossom and Aloe. Both were surprised to see Rainbow Dash.

“So nice to see you both again Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy,” said Lotus Blossom.

“Rainbow Dash,” began Aloe. “Surprising to see you here. Did these two drag you along.”

“Au contraire, Aloe,” said Rarity. “Rainbow Dash asked me herself to come along on mine and Flusttershy’s spa trip. She will be having the usual treatment we both have.”

“Give me something in between what they normally have,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Not a problem,” said Lotus Blossom.

They were all taken to the massage tables first. While Rainbow Dash wasn’t super excited about the whole thing, the massage did feel fantastic. But she wasn’t going to admit to Rarity.

“So Rainbow Dash,” began Rarity. “I’m assuming you came here with me and Fluttershy for a reason?”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “There are some things I wanna talk to you guys about. Twi and Pinkie said you two would be the best informed. But can we talk somewhere alone?”

“Certainly, darling,” said Rarity. “We’ll head to the sauna.

All three went into the sauna, with crazy amounts of steam consuming the entire room. All let out sighs of euphoria.

“Alright then,” began Rarity. “No more beating around the bush, dear. What did you want to talk about?”

“Ok,” began Rainbow Dash, letting out a large sigh. “There’s a stallion who’s interested in me.”

“WHAT!?” exclaimed both Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Darling that’s wonderful,” exclaimed Rarity. “Is it somepony we know?”

“Kinda,” said Rainbow Dash. “It’s Twilight’s ex boyfriend, Bookworm.”

“Oh my,” said Fluttershy.

“This is good stuff,”  said Rarity. “How on earth did you end up meeting him?”

“I…kinda ran into him while doing some flying maneuvers,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Ran into him how exactly,” asked Rarity.

“I literally crashed into him,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Oh dear,” said Fluttershy. “Was he ok?”

“He was fine,” said Rainbow Dash. “But then he started saying romantic stuff to me.”

“Do go on,” said Rarity.

“He was calling me beautiful,” said Rainbow Dash. “Complimenting my eyes, my mane, even my coat.”

“Well Rainbow Dash, dear, you are an attractive young mare,” said Rarity. “Grant it, you could bother to work on your appearance a little more often.”

“Are you interested in him, Rainbow?” asked Fluttershy.

“He definitely has a charm to him,” said Rainbow Dash. “He’s a writer by profession. In fact, he’s the current author of the Daring Do books.”

“He’s Chester Buckingham?” asked Rarity.

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “And before you ask, it’s a pen name that’s been used for decades now.”

“Sounds like a good pairing,” said Rarity. “After all, the Daring Do series is your favorite.”

“But he’s an egghead,” said Rainbow Dash.

“So?” asked Flusttershy. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

“I just,” began Rainbow Dash. “I always figured I’d go out with an athlete. Particularly a fellow pegasus, or if I was lucky a Wonderbolt.”

“Love happens when it happens,” says Rarity. “One rarely gets to choose it. In fact, I sort of know what you’re going through.”

“You do?” said Rainbow Dash.

“Yes,” began Rarity. “You see…the other day I was walking about town, just to clear my mind and have some me time. While in the park I ran into Hayseed Turnip Truck. Not knowing he was back in town and the new groundskeeper of the park.”

“Oh yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “You and Sweetie Belle were at that fashion show in Canterlot when Pinkie threw him that party…are you telling me you got the hots for Hayseed Turnip Truck!?”

“Well I wouldn’t put it like that,” said Rarity. “But there is something different about him now.”

“You mean his teeth?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Cuz that’s pretty common these days.”

“Not his teeth,” said Rarity. “Although, they certainly look better. But no, it’s the fact that he never lets anything get him down. Sure he’s not the best groomed colt out there, but he works hard in whatever he does. I do recall having a fun time with him at that hoedown.”

“This from the mare who said she’d only go for a rich stallion,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I’ve had enough relationships to know that money isn’t everything,” said Rarity. “Most of the stallions I’ve gone out with are either self centered, chauvinistic, or have no interest in anything beyond physical desires. And I am simply not that kind of mare.”

“Guess we really have grown up,” said Rainbow Dash. “You got anything to say, Fluttershy?”

“Um…well,” began Fluttershy. “You should go by what your heart tells you. I know that sounds clichéd, but it’s true. I’ve met Bookworm a couple times, and he does seem like a really nice pony. I followed my heart and found me a nice stallion.”

“YOU DID?!” said both Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“Oh…um…I guess I forgot to tell you,” said Fluttershy with a little squeak. “We’ve been dating a couple months, so we didn’t want to announce things right away till we knew it was serious.”

“Well don’t leave us hanging, darling,” said Rarity. “Who’s the lucky stallion?”

“His name is…” Fluttershy began to say but her voice started to trail off.

“I didn’t quite hear that, Fluttershy,” said Rarity. “Say that again.”

“His name is…” Fluttershy began again, only to do the same.

“Oh sweet Celestia,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “We both just opened up to you about the colts we’re interested in, just say it already.”

“Snowflake,” said Fluttershy. “His name is Snowflake.”

“SNOWFLAKE?!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “That massive pegasus pony with the tiny wings!? How!? When!? Why!?”

“Well…um,” began Fluttershy. “After the whole hurricane event. He decided to talk to me alone later one and we started becoming fast friends. Turns out back in flight school he was much smaller and weaker, and he often got made fun of. And I remembered that he once tried to defend me from a group of bullies, and got hurt badly as a result. He soon learned he had a passion for weight lifting. And while he looks and sounds tough at times, he really is very gentle. He gets along great with my animals too.”

“Go figure,” said Rainbow Dash. “Never woulda guessed Snowflake of all ponies.”

“Just goes to show you,” said Fluttershy. “Never judge a book by it’s cover. To excuse the pun.”

“You’re right Fluttershy,” said Rainbow Dash. “You too Rarity. Although you should definitely see if Turnip Truck is interested.”

“You’re quite right, darling,” said Rarity. “We all need to learn to be bolder. Of course Fluttershy already has the upper hoof on that one. So good to hear you have somepony in your life.”

“Thank you,” said Fluttershy. “I do care for him a great deal.”

“Well that’s settled,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’ll give the egghead a shot. Course I already made a date with him tomorrow.”

“Really?” said Rarity. “Then why did you need our advice, sweetie?”

“Just to make sure I was making the right choice,” said Rainbow Dash. “Unlike you, I actually have little dating experience. In fact, I’ve never been on a date.”

“Surprising,” said Rarity. “I figured a popular athlete like yourself would have several colts wanting a date.”

“That’s part of the problem actually,” said Rainbow Dash. “Most stallions are intimidated by me being an athlete. Guess they think I’m gonna kick them around or something.”

“What sort of date are you going on with this Bookworm?” asked Rarity.

“He said a picnic in the park,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, fabulous,” said Rarity. “It’s an oldie, but a goodie nonetheless. There’s nothing to a date like that. The best thing to do is just converse with one another and be open about who you are. My guess is he’ll be providing the supplies for the whole thing.”

“Probably,” said Rainbow Dash. “Think it would be bad form to ask him for an autograph too?”

Chapter 10: Fluttershy and Snowflake

It was a few days after the Ponyville hurricane event that Fluttershy received a visit from somepony she never expected. It was Snowflake, the beefiest pony in all of Ponyville. Despite his massive size and tiny wings, he was actually a very good flyer.

“Oh,” said Fluttershy. “Hello, Snowflake…um…what brings you by?”

“Well,” began Snowflake, a bit nervous. “I wanted to say how great you did the other day with the hurricane and all.”

“Oh, thank you very much” said Fluttershy. “Although I already got a lot of thanks…including from you I think.”

“Yeah, I did,” he said. “I just wanted to see you again.”

“But why?” she asked.

“Well, you probably don’t remember,” he said. “But we were in flight camp together. I looked a lot different back then. I was a lot smaller and didn’t have a cutie mark. My mane was shaggier too.”

Fluttershy looked at him for a moment, and she did begin to remember.

“Oh yes,” she said. “I remember now…you defended me one day when some of the other ponies were picking on me. You ended up getting beaten up and seriously hurt…I’m really sorry about that.”

“No no,” he said. “Don’t be sorry. If not for that I wouldn’t have found my passion for lifting weights. Obviously that’s what my cutie mark is for. I overdid it some I admit, but I was determined to not be weak anymore.”

“I can understand that,” she said.

“And while I got aggressive and thought about causing harm to those who picked on me,” he said. “I never acted on it. I thought about how you always remained a kind hearted pony. My appearance eventually got ponies thinking I was some sort of brute.”

Snowflake got a sad look on his face. He then looked at himself in a mirror, letting out a sigh. Fluttershy’s favorite animal, Angel bunny, approached him and started nuzzling up against his leg.

“Oh my,” said Fluttershy. “Angel doesn’t do that often with strangers.”

“He’s a cute little guy,” said Snowflake, patting him on the head.

“So why did you come here,” she asked. “Just to tell me all of this?”

“Because,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if you’d talk to me otherwise. It wouldn’t be the first time somepony didn’t want to talk to me because of how I look. And I defended you in flight camp, because I always liked you.”

“Oh,” she said surprised, beginning to blush. “I see…why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“I was  shy,” he said. “Ironic I know. Also it wasn’t long after I got beat up that you ended up in Ponyville. I didn’t know about that at the time, and I was finishing up flight school…I’m sure a pretty filly like you gets asked out all the time. I know we haven’t really seen each other much…but I was hoping you’d like to get t know me better.”

Fluttershy went over to Snowflake and gave him a hug.

“That would be wonderful,” said Fluttershy.

It was a few weeks after casual get togethers and chitchats that Fluttershy and Snowflake decided to start going steady. But they didn’t want to announce anything to anypony till they knew it was something that was going to be long term. Snowflake, despite his large frame, was a very gentle stallion who had a great love for animals. He couldn’t communicate with them like Fluttershy could, but they still warmed up to him quickly. Once Angel showed he liked him a lot the other animals knew that he was somepony they could trust. It was a couple months into their relationship that both exchanged the words “I love you.” Even so they didn’t really tell anypony that they were together. It was the spa trip with Rainbow Dash and Rarity that Fluttershy told them about her relationship with Snowflake.

“I…um…I told Rarity and Rainbow Dash about our relationship during our weekly spa trip,” she said in her usual timid tone. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Fine with me,” he said. “I’ve actually told a couple friends myself.”

“You did,” she said surprised.

“Yeah,” he said. “But I told them not to tell anypony else about it. But I had to tell somepony. I’ve been super excited to be dating one of the sweetest, kindest, prettiest mares in all of Ponyville.”

“Aw,” she said with a bright blush. “You’re such a sweetie. I suppose we don’t have a reason to keep it a secret anymore. And I’m sure Pinkie Pie would love to throw us a party.”

“A party does sound nice,” he said.

Both gave each other little smiles and then a good, long kiss on the lips.

“I love you, Snowflake,” she said, hiding her face a little in her mane.

“I love you too, Fluttershy,” he said.

Chapter 11: Twilight and Big Mac's Romantic Dinner

Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh had their planned dinner at a nice restaurant, The Blue Bridle. Twilight wore a simple, but pretty, yellow dress. Big Mac groomed his mane a bit, even left his yoke at home, and was in a nice evening jacket.

“So, Apple Bloom tells me that Rainbow Dash is gonna be goin’ out with Bookworm,” said Big Mac.

“How did you know that?” asked Twilight.

“She gets her information from Spike,” he said.

“I should’ve figured,” said Twilight. “Yes it’s true. Rainbow Dash accidentally flew into him the other day while practicing her maneuvers. Apparently he fell for her at first sight. On the same day he asked her out and she ended up joining Rarity and Fluttershy on one of their spa trips to seek some more advice.”

“Oh yeah,” said Big Mac. “Ah spose Fluttershy could give some good advice. What with her and Snowflake datin.”

“Snowflake?” said Twilight. “That big pegasus with the tiny wings?”

“Eeyup,” he said. “The vary same. They’ve been datin a good while now. But they din’t want to announce anything till they new it was serious.”

“Makes sense,” said Twilight. “Plus Pinkie Pie would want to throw a huge party.”

“Eeyup,” he said. “Aint that the truth.”

“I didn’t know you knew Snowflake,” she said.

“Ah know him through Ace,” he said. “Ace is big inta sports and Snowflake has helped him tone up some. While many think he got that way through magical means, Snowflake says he got his muscles through years and years of weight tranin. Though since datin’ Fluttershy he’s been cuttin’ back. He don’t want to get so big he can’t barely move.”

“That’s good,” she said. “Although I’m sure part of him backing off from weight lifting so it’ll be easier to sleep with her.”

This remark got Big Macintosh blushing so bright that even a casual looker would notice.

“Ah…um,” he fumbled a bit. “Ah spose that’s one reason tah cut back.”

“I know I wouldn’t want you too muscular,” she said with a sly smile. “I like you nice and limber.”

“Well, ah,” he fumbled again almost choking a little on his drink. “Ah like the build you have too.”

“All that apple bucking has certainly improved my physique,” she said.

Big Macintosh couldn’t deny that. She had become a lot more toned since helping out at Sweet Apple Acres. The hard work also seemed to make her a bit more amorous, which he wasn’t gonna totally complain about. Grant it, too much good loving could make him a bit exhausted to work in the morning. But there was no way he’d say this to Twilight. He figured she’d learn some of her special skills from the many books in her library.

“I realize I haven’t been around the farm lately,” she said. “I’ve been making sure Bookworm is doing ok.”

“Ah understand,” he said. “Ya’ll gotta be able to look after a friend. The farm is doin’ just fine. It’s lookin’ tah be a really good harvest.”

“That’s great to hear,” she said. “I’m so lucky to have an understanding colt friend.”

“Ah knew a long time ago ah wasn’t gonna be one of those possessive colt friends,” he said. “Ah know you love me and yer a good filly.”

“I love you so much, Big Macintosh,” she said, leaning in to give him a kiss.

“Ah love you too, Twilight Sparkle,” he said, with a small but proud smile on his face.

“Maybe we can go back to my place for some dessert,” said Twilight.

“Sounds good tah me,” said Big Mac. “What kinda dessert do ya have?”

“What do you think,” she said with a very seductive look.

“Oh,” said Big Mac, understanding perfectly what she meant. “Well, it certainly has been a little while.”

“One week, three days, ten hours, and eight minutes,” she said.

“That’s impressive,” he said.

“I don’t like being without you,” she said.

“Ah know the feelin,” he said. “Wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t fer the distance.”

“Yeah…” she said. “I wish we were closer to each other.”

“We could be,” he said.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Why don’t yah move in with me,” he said.

Twilight’s eyes widened with shock.

“Are you serious?” she asked.

“Eeyup,” he said. “We’ve been together long enough fer me tah know ah don’t want nopony else.”

“But,” she began. “Shouldn’t be married or at least engaged before living together?”

“Ah suppose ya’ll got a point,” he said.

“Glad to hear you agree,” she said.

“So will you marry me, Twilight Sparkle,” he said.

“Are you serious?” she asked.

Looking at the intensity in Big Mac’s eyes, Twilight could tell that he indeed was very serious. Twilight didn’t expect things to be moving this fast. Sure she had heard of couples getting married much sooner than them. Her own parents dated a mere four months before getting engaged, and an additional four months before getting married.

“Well?” he asked.

“You really want to marry me?” she asked.

“Twilight,” he began. “Ah’ve wanted to marry you since before we even started datin. Ah wouldn’t go so far tah say since the moment ah laid eyes on ya, but once we started datin ah knew it was only you ah wanted tah be with fer the rest of mah life. Ah kept dealyin though cuz ah didn’t want tah feel like ah was pressurin you so early on. But ah can’t wait any longer. So yes, ah want tah marry you. Ah want to spend all mah days with you. Ah want tah have children with you.”

Twilight was in a little shock, though not in a bad way. In a way it reminded her of the day Big Mac first said he loved her. So passionate and confident in how he said every word. She never really ever imagined any colt saying these things to her. Six months she and Big Mac had been dating, and it never really occurred to her that they would possibly get married, and even have a family! She then noticed that Big Mac was still looking at her, waiting for an answer.

“Big Macintosh,” she began. “I can’t imagine myself with any other pony. Of course I’ll marry you!”

They both leaned in for a deep, passionate kiss. After pulling away, Twilight had more to say.

“But let’s not announce it right away,” she said. “Let’s get some things planned out first before Pinkie decides to throw a gigantic party. Plus we should prepare for a wedding during one of the slower seasons at the farm.”

“Sounds like a good idea tah me,” he said. “Long as ah get to be with you, that’s all that matters.”

They shared another kiss, Big Mac paid for their dinner, and they went back to Twilight’s library to have their own celebration.

Chapter 12: Rainbow Dash's First Date

Rainbow Dash woke up in a cloud like she always did, letting out a big yawn. After rubbing her eyes, she noticed a note beside her.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Meet me at the center of the park at Noontime.

Yours truly, Bookworm

Rainbow Dash knew she had about an hour to prepare herself for her date. She wanted to make sure she looked nice. She decided to go to Rarity for some help.

“So glad you decided to come to me, darling,” exclaimed Rarity. “We’ll have you looking date worthy in no time!”

“Just don’t take too long, Rarity,” said Rainbow Dash. “I gotta be at the park in an hour. And don’t make me up too much, it’s just a picnic.”

“Not a problem, deary,” said Rarity. “So the park you say? The one that Hayseed is the groundskeeper of?”

“We only have one park,” said Rainbow Dash. “So duh. If you want to talk to Hayseed, just do it already. Just don’t bug me and Bookworm.”

“I wouldn’t think of it,” said Rarity. “This is a big day for you after all. It’s your very first date! But don’t be nervous, just be yourself. That’s what he likes about you.”

“Yeah yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “Are we done yet?”

“Almost,” said Rarity. “Just a few more touches…and…voila! Take a look, darling!”

Rarity spun Rainbow Dash around to show her what she’d done. Rainbow went wide eyed in amazement. She’d made her hair much neater and put it into a nice ponytail.

“Rarity,” began Rainbow Dash. “I’m amazed! I…I look like a real mare!”

“You are a mare, silly,” said Rarity. “You’ve never been terrible looking. And there’s nothing wrong with sprucing yourself up every once in a while.”

“Yeah, I guess,” said Rainbow Dash. “I better get going or I’m gonna be late.”

“Oh yes,” said Rarity. “I suppose I’ll come along too. Not like there’s much going on right now.”

“Whatever you say, Rare,” said Rainbow Dash. “You don’t need to make up excuses to go see Turnip Truck.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Rarity. “I just want to enjoy the scenery.”

“Riiiiight,” said Rainbow Dash with a  sarcastic tone. “The scenery being Hayseed.”

“Rainbow Dash!” exclaimed Rarity, blushing brightly. “No need to be so crude!”

Rainbow Dash and Rarity arrive at the park. Rainbow Dash checked the map at the front of the park to figure out the exact point of the park center was.

“Enjoy your date, dear,” said Rarity. “I’ll just walk about.”

“Uh huh,” said Rainbow Dash. “Whatever, Rare.”

Rainbow Dash headed to the middle of the park. The only thing she was a rope tied to a fixture in the ground. Arching an eyebrow, she then looked up to notice a hot air balloon. She figured Bookworm had something to do with this and decided to take a look. She flew up and sure enough, there was Bookworm in a sizeable basket with a blanket spread out and picnic foods.

“Good afternoon, Rainbow Dash,” said Bookworm. “You are looking quite lovely.”

“Heh, thanks,” said Rainbow Dash, blushing brightly. “You don’t look too bad yourself. Gotta say, I didn’t expect this kinda setup.”

“Well, I figured I’d get creative,” he said. “Since I’m unable to actually fly or sit on the clouds, I rented the biggest balloon in town so we’d have enough room for our picnic. A lot easier than using a magic spell. Those can be tiresome.”

Rainbow Dash had to admit she was impressed with Bookworm’s creativity. It never occurred to her how much effort he’d put into their first date. The spread of food looked really good too.

“Wow, Books” she said. “Looks like a great meal you got here.”

“Books?” he questioned. “Hmm, nopony ever gave me nickname like that.”

“Huh, weird,” she said, eating a sandwich. “Seemed pretty obvious to me. If you don’t like it, it’s cool.”

“Oh no,” he said. “I like it very much. I didn’t have many positive nicknames during my early days of school.”

“I see,” she said. “I guess being the smart pony in class didn’t make you very popular?”

“Not really,” he said. “And it wasn’t just being smart. I used to have a bad stutter too. The only way to really cope at the time was to avoid using contractions. But once my family moved to Manehattan I found a new therapist who was able to help me work through that as well. It became easier to make new friends. Still, most didn’t really ever give me a nickname. I’m sure you were popular in your school days.”

“Hardly,” said Rainbow Dash. “Most of the kids made fun of me because I was a bit too enthusiastic with flying. I crashed all the time. So I got the oh so clever nickname of Rainbow Crash.”

“Oh my,” he said. “I never would’ve guessed.”

“Yeah,” she said. “On the plus side, I met my best friend Fluttershy. She’s a soft spoken pony, but is really sweet. She’s never been a strong flyer. But she eventually learned she could communicate with animals on a certain level.”

“Fascinating,” he said. “If I recall correctly, Twilight told me that you had a hand at all of your friends getting their cutie marks.”

“I guess in a way,” she said. “I pulled of a sonic rainboom, and it spread all over Equestria. My friends saw it and as a result found out their special talents and earned their cutie marks. So we learned that even before meeting each other, we were bonded together.”

“A rainbow all over Equestria,” he said. “Interesting…I recall seeing one when I was just a little colt. It caused several books in a library to fall and I managed to figure out where they all went almost instantly. That’s when I got my cutie mark. Could that have been your rainbow?”

“Um, gee, I guess so,” she said. “I mean, it did go all over Equestria. It could have impacted more ponies than I thought.”

“Either way,” he started. “If Twilight hadn’t passed her exams, she never would’ve become the student of Princess Celestia. I would’ve never met her. Then I eventually met you.”

“Gotta lot of confidence,” she said. “I can’t have been the first filly you’ve fallen for.”

“Well no,” he said, beginning to frown. “I did have a mare friend for a few years. It all felt very right…but I soon found out she was only with me because of my success in writing.”

“Oh man,” she said. “That’s awful. I can’t believe somepony could be such a bitch!”

Rainbow Dash felt a bit embarrassed by what she said.

“Sorry for my language,” she said.

“Quite alright,” he said. “It’s nice to see a pony with such spirit! Even Daring Do is known to let out a curse.”

“Heh, true,” she said. “So how did you manage to become the new Chester Buckingham?”

“Now that is a story,” he said. “I had just graduated and was looking for work as a writer. But most people weren’t interested in what I was writing. Then one day I received a letter from Pegasus Publishing. I figured they were interested in publishing one of my stories. Turns out though one of the editors thought I would be more suited for something much different. That editor was, at the time, the current Chester Buckingham. He said he wasn’t able to concentrate on Daring Do like he wanted because of his extra duties. He felt my style was perfect for Daring Do. I admit I wasn’t totally excited at first, even though I did love the series. But at the time I needed the income. As time went on I got more passionate about each story and was glad to work on them. And I was eventually able to publish some of my own works.”

“Guess you’ve made some good money with your work,” she said.

“Yes, I am able to live comfortably,” he said. “But I never got into writing for the money. I wanted to be able to create my own stories and ideas. And while I’ve mainly done Daring Do, at least the stories and settings were my own. And I did manage to introduce some new characters.”

“Oh totally,” said Rainbow Dash. “Like the Pirates of the North Marelantic! Who were first introduced in Daring Do and the Cabana Getaway!”

“You read that one?” he said.

“I’ve read them all,” she said. “It’s a hilarious story! Sure it’s not your typical Daring Do story, but it ended with an action filled adventure!”

“Glad to hear somepony enjoyed it,” he said. “Most critics panned it.”

“Critics are blowhards,” she said. “As long as you like it and the readers like it, that’s what really matters.”

“Good point,” he said. “Fans did often give positive feedback.”

“See,” she said. “So don’t worry about what a bunch of blowhards said. They’re probably just jealous that they weren’t able to make it as an actual writer.”

“Could be,” he said. “But at least most of my work has had positive feedback. So what are your dreams Rainbow Dash?”

“It’s no real secret,” she said. “One day I’m gonna be a member of the Wonderbolts!”

“Fantastic,” he said. “They’re the greatest flyers in all of Equestrai! I’m certain you could become a member.”

“Thanks,” she said. “Although I didn’t exactly give a great example yesterday when I flew into you.”

“True,” he said with a laugh. “But accidents happen. And even the Wonderbolts have to practice to get their maneuvers right.”

“Yeah,” she said. “Good point.”

“So,” he said trying to think of things to talk about. “What’s your family like?”

“They're ok, I guess," she started. "Dad's an athlete like me; guess I get it from him. I definitely get his rainbow mane. So it's not as rare as you might think. He's done a lot of competitions and stuff, won various ribbons and trophies. He slowed down on it though once he and mom got together."

"Did your father coach you as a filly," he asked.

"Oh you bet he did," she exclaimed. "Best coach anypony could ever have! It certainly made flight camp a bit more of a breeze because I already knew some of the basics. Flight camp is how I met Fluttershy."

"The timid one," he asked.

"Bingo," she said. "She's always been that way. But she's a great friend to have and of my friends I've known her the longest."

"So that would make her your best friend," he pointed out.

“Yeah, I guess it does” she said. “So, what about your family?”

“I have good parents for the most part,” he said. “I’m their only child. Both are the bookish types like me. Both are teachers; mother teaches literature and father teaches music. They always wanted to make sure I had a good education and exposed me to as much as they could. Mother was always warmer to me, which I suppose is normal for a mother. Father did his best to connect with me, we sometimes didn‘t always get along. But that‘s greatly improved as I‘ve gotten older.”

“That’s good,” she said. “Are they happy with what you do for a living?”

“Sure,” he said. “They never guessed it would be the profession I’d go into. But they’re glad to see that it makes me happy and that I make a decent living from it.”

“Great,” she said. “I gotta say, this is going a lot better than I expected. I’ve never been on a date before.”

“Really?” he asked. “I find that hard to believe. A pretty filly like you.”

“Well it’s true,” she said blushing. “I guess it’s because of being an athlete. Stallions must think I’m some tuff mare who’s unapproachable or something. It bugged me early on I admit, but I got used to it as time went on.”

“Surprising,” he said. “I was amazed you even said yes.”

“Well, after all the flattering things you said to me,” she said. “It’d be kinda rude to say no. And I am having a good time.”

“Glad to hear,” he said.

Rainbow Dash really was surprised by how well this was all going. She never thought she’d be charmed by an egghead. And the effort put into the date was impressive. And she had to admit that he wasn’t a bad looking colt. Once they were done eating, Rainbow Dash decided to give Bookworm a pegasus eye view of Ponyville. He stayed in the balloon while she wrapped the rope around herself. Their date lasted till sunset. Bookworm used the balloon to escort Rainbow Dash back to her house in the sky.

“That was an awesome day,” she said. “Thanks for taking me out, Books.”

“Not a problem,” he said. “I hope we can do this again soon, Dash.”

“Totally,” she said.

Both smiled at each other. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help herself and decided to lean in and give Bookworm a kiss. While surprised, Bookworm wasn’t going to make her stop. Once done Rainbow dash gave him another smile.

“So when are you free again?” she asked.

“I’d say anytime this week really,” he said.

“How about we just meet up sometime tomorrow,” she said. “See where it goes?”

“Sounds wonderful,” he said. “Goodnight Rainbow Dash.”

“Goodnight, Bookworm,” she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek before going into her house.

Bookworm let out a big sigh of happiness, before remembering he needed to get the balloon back to the rental store. It had been the best day he’d had in a very long time. Inside her room, Rainbow Dash was so excited that she had trouble getting to sleep right away. She hadn’t felt this much warmth and happiness since making her friends. But she didn’t want to act too crazy with all this; she had a reputation after all as a super cool pony. She’d be sure to be cool and casual about all this as possible.

Chapter 13: Rarity Meets Hayseed Again

Once Rainbow Dash went off to find her date, Rarity decided to take a walk around the park and hope she’d run into Hayseed Turnip Truck. She couldn’t put her hoof on it, but there was something about him that seemed different. Could it be his chipper attitude towards everything? Despite not really making it in Canterlot, he didn’t seem upset by it. Rarity thought about how if she ended up in Canterlot, only having to come back she’d be devastated. She finally spotted Hayseed tending to some flowers.

“Good day, Hayseed Turnip Truck,” said Rarity.

“Why hello there, Miss Rarity,” said Hayseed. “What brings yah to the park today?”

“Seemed like too nice a day to not enjoy the scenery,” she said.

“Certainly is a nice day,” he said.

“And you’re taking great care of all the plants here in the park,” she said.

“Why thank you,” he said. “Ah do mah best to make sure they all get plenty of water and sunshine. It’s a bit tough what with not havin’ any other pony to help me out, so ah have tah get up pretty early to check on everything.”

“That does sound tiring,” she said. “I don’t do this kind of labor often.”

“Now ah wouldn’t say that,” he said. “Ah can’t imagine makin’ those dresses and accessories all by yerself is easy. Even with yer magic.”

“That is true,” she said. “These days I’ve even got my little sister, Sweetie Belle, helping me out best she can.”

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot about yer sister,” he said. “How’s the little filly doin?”

“As sweet as ever,” she said. “Still trying to earn her cutie mark. She has a couple little friends who are also trying to get their’s as well. Calling themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“Aint that cute,” he said. “Ah remember when ah got my cutie mark. Being a Turnip Truck it’s no surprise my cutie mark ended up bein’ turnips. Though ah never really figured out what it meant. So ah decided to try out different jobs, see which suited me the best. Ah moved to Canterlot to try out various odd jobs.”

“So being a window washer wasn’t your first job in Canterlot?” she asked.

“Far from it,” he said. “It was probably my fifth overall job at the time when runnin’ into yah. After that ha was a janitor for a while, then a taxi driver, and a whole heap of other jobs. Nothin’ was really all that satisfyin’ and the residents weren’t really bein’ very nice. One day, while walkin’ through the royal gardens ah discovered ah really liked plants and wanted to do some of my own gardenin. But ah decided to move back home, make the park in Ponyville look just as nice as the one in Canterlot.”

“That’s very noble of you, Hayseed,” she said.

“Thank yah kindly, Miss Rarity,” he said.

“You really can just call me Rarity,” she said.

“Alright,” he said. “So how come a fancy mare like yerself aint livin’ in Canterlot?”

“Family reasons,” she said. “My parents need my help with looking after my little sister. Besides I’ve managed to build up a good reputation all over Equestria.”

“Bet knowin’ the princess has helped with that,” he commented.

“Yes that has certainly helped,” she said.

“But ya’ll coulda gotten a good reputation on yer own too,” he said. “Yer the best clothes maker in all of Equestria.”

“Thank you,” she said, blushing. “I wouldn’t say the best.”

“Ah would,” he said with a confident smile.

Rarity was a little embarrassed by Hayseed’s statement, but she had to admit she was enjoying the compliments.

“I must say, you’ve done a splendid job with the park,” she said.

“Thank you kindly,” he said. “Means a lot comin’ from someone as sophisticated as you.”

Rarity blushed brightly again, her whole body was most likely red at this point. She tried not to let it show.

“Hayseed,” she said.

“Yes, Rarity?” he asked.

“Would you like to go out with me sometime?” she asked.

This was the first time Rarity had ever asked a stallion out herself. But she no longer felt like beating around the bush. She was feeling something with Hayseed, and she hoped he felt the same.

“That’s mighty forward of you, Rarity,” he said.

“I know,” she said. “But, I feel as though we had a connection the last time we ran into each other. I don’t know if you felt the same, but I knew I didn’t want to drag things out for a long time.”

“Why would you want to go out with some country bumpkin like me?” he asked. “You could have any stallion yah want.”

“You are not some country bumpkin, Hayseed,” she said. “You are kind and hardworking. I’m sorry if I’ve ever treated you poorly in the past. I used to be a little ashamed of being from Ponyville. But thanks to my friends I know that it’s one of the grandest places a pony can be. I’ll understand if you say no, but I knew I had to ask.

There was a pause that seemed to last forever in Rarity’s mind. She wasn’t sure how he’d respond to all this. She hadn’t felt this nervous who knows how long.

“Ah’d love to take you out, Rarity,” said Hayseed. “It would be an honor.”

“You would,” she said in great surprise. “Wonderful!”

“Ah hear the Blue Bridal is a nice restaurant,” he said. “That sound good to you?”

“Sounds marvelous,” she exclaimed. “When are you free?”

“How bout tonight?” he asked. “Ah’m usually done around sunset.”

“Sounds good to me,” she said.

“It’ll give you time to make yerself pretty,” he said kissing her front hoof, causing her to blush once more. “See you tonight.”

“See you then,” she said with a bit of a fumble in her voice.

Rarity galloped back to the Carousel Boutique as fast as she could to get herself looking as lovely as possible. Sweetie Belle was already there working on some designs for Rarity. She noticed immediately that her sister was in high spirits.

“What are you so happy about, sis?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I have date tonight,” said Rarity. “With a wonderful young stallion!”

“Oh wow,” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “That’s awesome!”

“I need your help, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “I want to look my very best and will need an extra hoof.”

“No problem,” said Sweetie Belle.

Chapter 14: Rarity's Date

“Alright, Sweetie Belle, listen very very carefully,” said Rarity. “This is a very important evening for me. I need your help getting ready. You must do as I say, word for word. No trying to add any special touches and such. Word for word, do you hear me?”

“Yes,” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “I understood the first time you told me, sis! I get this is important. It’s been who knows how long since you went out on a date. I’m really surprised you’re going out with Hayseed Turnip Truck of all ponies.”

“I don’t see the big deal,” said Rarity. “He’s a heard working stallion with a good heart. Celestia knows I could use a good stallion in my life for once. I’ve had a good few disappointments in my life.”

“I don’t even recall you ever going out on dates,” commented Sweetie Belle.

“I don’t tell you everything, dear,” said Rarity.

Sweetie Belle spent nearly three hours helping Rarity get ready for her date. And Sweetie Belle did everything Rarity said without trying to add something to it. In the end Rarity chose a beautiful, but not super fancy, purple dress. Sweetie bell went wide eyed when she saw her big sister glammed up.

“Wow, Rarity,” she said. “You look amazing!”

“Thank you, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “I do hope Hayseed likes it.”

“Anypony would be crazy not to,” said Sweetie Belle.

Rarity gave herself another quick look in the mirror and smiled. She did look good.

“Are you meeting him at the restaurant,” said Sweetie Belle. “Or is he picking you up here?”

“Oh dear,” said Rarity. “I don’t think we ever actually talked about that! Oh this is disastrous! If I go to the restaurant now he may end up coming here and missing me or vice versa!”

“Calm down, sis,” said Sweetie Belle. “It’ll be alright.”

Rarity wasn’t sure what she was going to do. Then she suddenly heard a knock at the door. She went to see who it was. And there he was, Hayseed Turnip Truck, with his hair combed, in a nice brown suit jacket.

“Hayseed,” said Rarity. “I didn’t expect you to show up here.”

“Well ah realized we never said if we were gonna meet at the Blue Bridle or if ah was gonna pick you up at yer house,” said Hayseed. “Ah’m a little early but ah didn’t want you thinkin’ ah skipped out on you.”

Rarity was impressed by Hayseed’s early arrival. Not to mention the fact that he had the same thought she had.

“You sure do look pretty,” he commented with a bit of awe in his voice.

“Thank you very much,” she said blushing. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

And he really didn’t look bad. She had never really seen him in a suit before. He cleaned up quite nicely.

“Thank ya very much,” he said. “You mind leavin’ early?”

“Not at all,” said Rarity. “Sweetie Belle, do you have any plans for the evening?”

“Another sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Splendid,” said Rarity. “Let’s head out, Hayseed.”

Thankfully the Blue Bridal didn’t require a reservation. It was a nice place, sure, but not one of those black tie types where only the cream of the crop went. This was Ponyville after all.

“You enjoying your food,” he asked.

“It’s quite good,” she said.

After a few moments of silence, Rarity decided to break it with some simple conversation.

“So, Hayseed,” she said. “When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?”

“Well, work keeps me pretty busy,” he said. “But ah get in a good book when ah’m able.”

“I know the feeling,” she said. “Certain parts of the year are busier than others.”

“Ah heard you got to make dresses for Sapphire Shores,” he said.

“Oh yes, I did,” she said. “That was quite wonderful! The circumstances making her outfits led to some complications. But overall it turned out well.”

“Good to hear,” he said. “Ah once had a job washin’ her windows for her summer home in Canterlot.”

“Oh really,” she said. “Did you ever get to talk to her yourself?”

“Well she said ah did an ok job on her windows,” he said. “Other than that she never seemed to notice I was there. But she ah’m sure she was busy. She’s gotta lot to do what with her concerts and such.”

“Yes I’m sure she does,” she said.

Rarity could tell despite his cheerful tone, Hayseed had a look in his eyes that he was well aware that Sapphire Shores was snubbing him because of status in life. He could probably tell that with any high society pony. He wasn’t as naïve as she thought.

“I hope I didn’t upset you that day we met in Canterlot,” she said.

“Whatdya mean?” he asked.

“I wasn’t very polite to you when those socialites unicorns were around,” she said. “I just didn’t want you to think I was snubbing you.”

“Ah never really thought about it,” he said. “Seemed only natural you’d become popular with them fancy ponies. Yer the fanciest pony ah know.”

“You’ve met Sapphire Shores,” she said. “I don’t think it gets any fancier than that.”

“Naw, she’s fancy sure,” he said, which caused Rarity to blush. “But yer twenty times fancier. You remember where you came from and don’t let anypony make you feel ashamed of it. You coulda moved to Canterlot anytime you wanted to, but you wanna be able to help out with yer little sister. Ah thought movin’ to Canterlot would allow me to help mah family out and maybe even get to settle down there. But try as ah might, nopony would have anything to do with me. Ah actually got my teeth fixed thinking that would make a difference. But even with a change on the outside, ah could never change who ah am on the inside.”

Rarity had never seen this side of Hayseed. Thinking about it thought, she’d never really seen this side of any stallion she went out with. He was actually interested in what she had to say and not just constantly talk about himself. This date was going a lot better than she could ever imagine. Once they were done eating, they went for a walk around Ponyville, even making a little stroll around the park. Hayseed then walked Rarity back to the Carousel Boutique.

“I had a lovely time, Hayseed,” said Rarity.

“It was a very nice time,” said Hayseed. “Want to do it again soon?”

“Very much,” said Rarity with great enthusiasm. “I’m not really sure when I’m free.”

“Me neither,” said Hayseed. “But thankfully it’s a small town and we can keep in touch easily. Just stop by the park anytime yer free and we can just sit and talk if ya like.”

“Sounds like a splendid idea,” she said.

Hay seed kissed Rarity on her front hoof, causing her to blush brightly. She’d met few stallions who still kissed so formally.

“Goodnight, Rarity,” he said.

“Goodnight, Hayseed,” she said.

Rarity went into her store and through her window saw Hayseed trot back to the park. She decide to write a letter to Princess Celestia.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I’ve learned that social class will not always factor into how one gets treated. Sometimes, even a pony of a humble background can be as noble as any prince or knight.

Sincerely, Rarity

She decided to give the letter to Spike in the morning. She figured with a day this perfect she should end it with a good night's sleep.

Chapter 16: Confronting Rainbow Dash

Bookworm went back to his hotel room, packed his bags, and headed to the train station. Rainbow Dash noticed him while perched on a cloud, and flew down to talk to him.

“Hey bookie,” said Rainbow Dash. “What’s with the suitcases?”

“I have to head back to Manehattan,” said Bookworm. “My publisher insisted so I can show him some of my new material.”

“Oh,” said Rainbow Dash with a disappointed look. “I see. Well, when do you think you’ll be back?”

“I’m not sure if I’m coming back, Rainbow Dash,” said Bookworm.

“What,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “But…why!?”

“Rainbow Dash…” began Bookworm, but clearly struggling. “How do you feel about me?”

“You’re an awesome colt,” she said. “I have a great time hanging out with you.”

“But am I more than just that,” he asked. “Am I just some friend? Or do you think of me in a more romantic sense?”

“Why would you ask that,” she asked. “We’ve been out on dates, we’ve made out constantly. Are you upset that we haven’t gone any further?”

“I don’t care about that aspect,” he said. “But, you’ve given me no guarantee that you really care for me, or you’re just using me for a good time.”

“What,” she exclaimed. “How the hell can you say that!?”

“You’ve never even said how you really feel about me, Dash,” he exclaimed. “Oh sure you say I’m a cool colt, but not whether you have any feelings for me in the romantic sense. I’ve been involved with fillies who do plenty of making out, but they never wanted an actual relationship.”

“Why should I have to say how I really feel,” she asked. “Shouldn’t it be obvious!?”

“You just don’t want to admit your feelings because you won’t think you’re cool,” he exclaimed.

“Then you do know,” she exclaimed.

“Knowing and hearing aren’t the same thing, Rainbow Dash,” he exclaimed.

“You’re one to talk,” she yelled. “Sure, you’ve called me beautiful and said all the romantic junk. But I aint ever hear you say anything about how you really feel!”

“So you want to know how I feel,” he yelled.

“Damn straight I do,” she yelled back.

“You really sure,” he kept yelling.

“Just bucking say it already,” she screamed as loud as she could.

“Fine,” he yelled. “I love you Rainbow Dash! More than I ever thought I could love somepony! You’re who I think about before I go to bed, and when I wake up!  You‘re who I want to spend every moment of my life with! How‘s that for how I really feel!?”

Rainbow Dash went totally wide eyed from this remark. Her heart start beating like mad, which shocked her considering she wasn’t even flying. Nopony had ever confessed feelings like this before; she couldn’t recall a pony ever even saying they liked her, let alone loved her! She shook her head a moment, regained her composure, and commented.

“Well, that’s cool,” she said, trying to act as if it was just a casual conversation.

“That’s cool…That’s cool!?” he exclaimed. “I just bared my heart to you, and you say that’s cool!? That’s it! I can’t take this anymore! I can’t stay here, if all I get is ‘That’s cool!’”

“But…” Rainbow Dash began to say.

“No,” Bookworm interrupted. “Goodbye Rainbow Dash. I’m going home.”

Bookworm continued to walk towards the train station, his head and ears now slumped. Rainbow Dash was beginning to tear up some, but her pride wouldn’t let him see it. Instead she decided to just yell back at him.

“Fine! Go on,” she yelled. “Who needs ya!? I can find plenty of stallions! I’m the top flyer in Equestria after all! Plenty of colts would love to go out with me! You’re just some silly egghead!”

Bookworm ignored her remarks; he knew they were lies, but they still hurt. But he wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of knowing the hurt by responding back to them. Instead, he just kept on walking to the train station.

Rainbow Dash starting hitting herself on the head with her hooves, ran off to nearby cloud, and started crying her eyes out. She couldn’t believe how stupid she had just been. Pinkie Pie was hopping about, when she heard her pegasus friend crying.

“Rainbow Dash,” yelled Pinkie Pie. “What’s going on!? Why are you crying!?”

Rainbow Dash wiped away some of her tears, sniffled some, and flew down to talk to Pinkie Pie.

“I bucked up big time, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash, trying to hold back her tears.

“What happened,” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Bookworm….Bookworm told me loved me,” said Rainbow Dash, still sniffling some. “But all I said was ‘that’s cool’ and he stormed off. He’s going back to Manehattan and says he’s not coming back!”

“Oh no,” gasped Pinkie Pie. “That’s super awful! Poor Bookworm!”

“What,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “What do you mean, Poor Bookworm!?”

“He told you how he felt and all you said was ‘that’s cool,’” said Pinkie Pie. Nopony wants to hear that! I thought you loved him too?”

“Whatever gave you that idea,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Common sense, duh,” said Pinkie Pie. “You’re always so happy when talking about him. And I can tell when you’re just thinking about him based on how you smile. It’s your special Bookworm smile!”

“Oh man you’re right,” cried Rainbow Dash. “I tried being so cool around him, like I didn’t care! And now he’s gone!”

“So go after him,” said Pinkie.

“After everything I said,” said Rainbow Dash. “No way! I can’t! I just can’t!”

“But Rainbow…” began Pinkie Pie.

But Pinkie didn’t get to finish her sentence, as Rainbow Dash sped off as fast as she could to get back to her house. She didn’t want to see any other pony at the moment.

“Oh no, Rainbow Dash is sad now,” said Pinkie Pie. “I should get some help…but I don’t think she’d want me telling anypony about what happened…but we didn’t make a pinkie promise…but then again, these are circumstances where a pinkie promise is probably self explanatory…I guess I should just let her be for a while…I need to learn to just let ponies have some space and let them sort things out on their own. I’m sure she’ll be back on her hooves in no time!”

Despite her own pep talk, Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but sense Rainbow Dash’s depression wasn’t going to last a mere few days. But she also knew that Rainbow Dash would prefer some space right now. It was hugely conflicting for the Element of Laughter, because she wanted to make sure everypony was happy and smiling. She let out a big sigh, then began frowning. It wasn’t the kind of sadness, that would deflate her mane and tail, but she still felt bad she couldn’t help her good friend at the moment.

Just then, Twilight Sparkle was walking by, when she noticed Pinkie Pie in a bit of a funk.

“What’s wrong, Pinkie,” asked Twilight.

“Oh, Twilight, I don’t think I  can really say,” said Pinkie. “Let’s just say I have a friend who messed up big time, and now thinks she can’t fix it make it better and she won’t let me help her feel better. And now I’m feeling really sad for not being able to help, and I just wish I had some way of feeling happy again!”

Twilight didn’t quite get everything Pinkie was saying; but it was clear she was sad. She knew a way to cheer her up, but it meant having to reveal the big news about her and Big Macintosh. But Twilight couldn’t stand to see Pinkie sad.

“What if I told you that a party is needed,” Twilight asked Pinkie.

“A party for what,” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Big Macintosh and I are engaged,” said Twilight. “We hadn’t told everypony yet to just have some time for each other. But I think now is a good time to celebrate. What do you think?”

Pinkie Pie began to grin hugely, eyes twinkling, and jumping highly in the air cheering loudly.

“Yahoo,” yelled Pinkie Pie. “Oh my gosh an engagement part! I haven’t gotten to throw one of those in like forever! I’m so happy for you Twilight! I’ll start preparing right now and sending out invitations to everypony in Ponyville!”

“Before you go, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “Let’s throw the party when Big Mac and I have an actual date set for the wedding. But you can still prepare for everything.”

“Okie dokie lokie,” said Pinkie Pie. “We can have a pre engagement party that will lead up to the actual engagement part! The pre engagement can just be something small with some friends and family! And then we can have the actual engagement party with ever pony in Ponyville!”

“I suppose that works,” said Twilight.

“Great,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, who then sped off in a pink blur.

Twilight was now alone.

“Big Macintosh isn’t going to be super excited about this,” thought Twilight. “But I couldn’t stand to see Pinkie sad like that. And I’m sure Rainbow Dash will explain eventually how she messed things up with Bookworm.”

Chapter 17: Pre Engagement Party!

HAPPY PRE ENGAGEMENT TO TWILIGHT & BIG MACINTOSH PARTY!!!!

Pinkie Pie had gone all out decorating Twilight’s library; streamers, balloons, and every other party decoration you could imagine. The banner she put up was white with violet and red lettering and tons of glitter on it. Pinkie did as Twilight said, and had only invited immediate friends and family. This included the mane six, Spike, the Apple Family, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Twilight’s parents, her brother Shining Armor, and his wife Princess Cadence; and even Princess Celestia and Luna were able to show up. Rarity had also brought along Hayseed Turnip Truck, but only after Twilight said it was alright.

Of course, Pinkie had a song:

HAPPY PRE ENGAGENT

TO OUR DEAR TWIMAC!

WE HOPE YOU’RE SUPER HAPPY

AND THAT’S A TOTAL FACT!

AND WE HOPE YOU BOTH LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER HAVING MANY HEALTHY OFFSPRING AND BE SUPER DUPER UPER SCHMUPER HAPPY FOREVER!!!!

After taking a few breaths, Pinkie was back to hopping about and making sure everypony was having fun.

“Sorry if the song felt rushed, Twilight,” said Pinkie Pie. “Just like the last party, I didn’t really have a lot of time to come up with something.”

“That’s ok, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “It was very sweet nevertheless.”

“Eeyup,” commented Big Macintosh.

“Great,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I hope I didn’t invite too many ponies.”

“Of course not,” said Twilight. “Compared to most of your parties, this is certainly small. Besides, my friend and family and future family, what could be better?”

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh with a warm smile.

It just occurred to Twilight that she hadn’t yet introduced Big Macintosh to her parents, or even her big brother. She motioned Macintosh to follow her.

“Mom, dad, Shining Armor, Cadence,” addressed Twilight. “I would like you all to meet my fiancé…”

“Macintosh Chelmsford Apple,” Big Mac introduced himself. “But everypony calls me Big Macintosh, or Mac fer short.”

“I can certainly see how you got that nickname,” said Twilight’s dad. “Pleasure to meet you, Big Macintosh. I’m Perseus Sparkle, though many call me Percy. This is my wife Andromeda Twilight Velvet.”

“I’m sure Twilie’s told you about me,” said her brother. “I’m Shining Armor, and this is my wife Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”

“But you can call me Cadence,” she said.

“Twilight’s told me bout ya’ll,” said Big Mac. “Hope yer not too disappointed in her marryin a simple farm pony.”

“What matters to us is Twilight’s happiness,” said Perseus. “You seem like a fine young stallion.”

“Quite handsome too,” commented Andromeda.

“Thank ya kindly, ma’am,” said Big Mac with a  little blush.

“Do you plan on having children soon,” Andromeda asked Bluntly.

“Um…well…we hadn’t talked about that yet, ma’am,” said Big Macintosh.

“Well I hope you think about it soon,” said Andromeda. “I’ve been asking Shiny when he’s going to give me grandfoals as well.”

“Cadence and I don’t exactly have the time right now, mom,” commented Shining Armor.

“Excuses excuses,” said Andromeda.

Shining Armor gave himself a face hoof. On the other side of the library, Rainbow Dash was just sitting slumped and drinking some punch. Pinkie Pie went to go check on her depressed friend.

“Still feeling down, Dashy,” asked Pinkie Pie.

“What? Oh nah,” lied Rainbow Dash. “What do I need to be down for?”

“Because your colt friend dumped you,” Pinkie said bluntly.

“He did not dump me,” snapped Rainbow Dash. “We weren’t even officially dating!”

“Sure looked like you were dating to me,” said Pinkie. “You were always walking super close to each other, smiling at each other, nuzzleing and kissing…”

“Just drop it, Pinks,” said Rainbow Dash in harsh tone.

Pinkie Pie was taken aback a little by the tone in Rainbow Dash’s voice; she’d never heard her speak that way. But she knew that she was just upset right now.

“Ok, Rainbow Dash,” said Pinkie with a frown. “I’m sorry, I won’t bug you anymore. Take all the time you need.”

“I’m sorry too, Pinkie,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m glad you’re looking out for me, but I just need a little time.”

“Sure thing,” said Pinkie.

Pinkie went to talk to Fluttershy.

“I hope Rainbow Dash will be alright,” said Pinkie Pie. “I hate seeing my friends depressed.”

“I know you do, Pinkie,” said Fluttershy. “Breakups can be rough for sure. But Rainbow Dash is a strong filly; she’ll bounce back from it for sure.”

“Yeah,” said Pinkie with a sigh.

“Let’s think about the celebration at hand,” said Fluttershy. “One of our best friends in the whole world is getting married.”

“Yeah, that is something for sure,” said Pinkie. “You and Snowflake ever think about getting married?”

“Oh…um…well…sure I guess,” said Fluttershy.

“How come he isn’t here, by the way,” asked Pinkie.

“Oh…he pulled his wings yesterday while working out,” said Fluttershy. “He’s cut back more on it, but still likes to do some lifting once a week. But he overdid it this time around. Poor thing can barely move. When a pegasus pulls a wing, it can be as bad as having a stiff neck.”

“Oh wow,” said Pinkie. “Hope he’ll be ok.”

“Oh, he will,” said Fluttershy. “Angel is looking after him. The two of them get along quite well.”

Meanwhile, on another side of the library, Applejack was conversing with Rarity and Hayseed Turnip Truck.

“So, Hayseed, how’s work at the park goin,” asked Applejack.

“Things are goin real swell, Applejack,” said Hayseed. “Thank ya fer askin. Rarity here has even been helpin out some when she’s able.”

“Rarity workin in the dirt,” said Applejack with a slight chuckle. “Now that I gotta see.”

“I’m learning to try a lot of new things,” said Rarity. “And I’m quite happy I did. Hayseed has shown me the fun in landscaping.”

“She sure is a swell gal,” said Hayseed with a proud smile. “Ah know it aint always easy fer her, but she does her very best.”

Applejack took a moment to really look at this unusual couple. As odd as it was, there was definitely something there that seemed to work. You could tell they were really in love. This brought a big smile to Applejack’s face.

“What are you smiling about,” asked Rarity with suspicion.

“Nothin,” said Applejack. “It’s just really nice to see a young couple in love.”

Both Rarity and Hayseed blushed at this remark, as neither had yet to exchange those words with each other.

“Well, I hadn’t really thought about it,” said Rarity, still blushing. “I mean, I guess I do love Hayseed very much…”

Rarity’s body turned almost completely red at what she just said, and she began fumbling with her words.

“You really mean that,” asked Hayseed, now wide eyed in shock.

“Well…I…uh…” fumbled Rarity.

“Cuz ah love you too, Rarity,” Hayseed said with a big smile.

“I…I…yes I do love you, Hayseed,” Rarity said with a soft smile, tearing up a little as well. “I love you very much.”

The two embraced in a passionate kiss, which then caused Applejack to blush.

“Jeez, you two,” said Applejack. “Get a room or somethin. Don’t be makin out in public.”

“That does sound like a good idea,” said Rarity with an amorous look.

“Sure does,” said Hayseed, also with that look.

The two giggled a moment, and ran off, though Applejack didn’t really see where.

“Everpony around me is nuts,” said Applejack, giving herself a face hoof.

After a little while, the party came to an end. Twilight and Big Macintosh were the only two left in the library.

“You know, Spike is having another sleepover with the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” said Twilight.

“Is he now,” said Big Mac.

“Race you to my room,” said Twilight with a sly smile.

As they ran to her room and opened the door, Twilight let out a huge scream.

“What’s the matter,” asked a concerned Big Macintosh, before seeing the site for himself.

“Oh, Twilight darling,” said an embarrassed Rarity. “This is room, isn’t it? I completely forgot!”

“Get out,” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs. “Get out now! Do that in your own home! Or his! Doesn’t matter, just never again in my own home! Out!”

Rarity and Hayseed ran out of the library as fast as they could; Rarity’s mane was still pretty messy. Back inside, Twilight destroyed her bedding with her magic.

“Was that really necessary,” asked Big Mac. “You coulda just washed em.”

“No way,” exclaimed Twilight. “I’m going to need totally new bedding. Nopony should ever have to walk in on that. That’s almost as bad as walking in on your parents.”

A shocked look came to Big Mac’s eyes; a look that said he knew all too well what that experience was like.

“What‘s with that look,” asked Twilight.

“Um…nothin…” said Big Mac.

Chapter 18: Meeting with the Agent

Back in Manehattan, Bookworm had a meeting with his publisher, Deal Maker, about his new book. Deal Maker was an earth pony, with dark brown fur, a white mane and tale, and his cutie mark was a contract. He was almost always smoking a cigar, and wearing a red tie.

“So this is your new story, kid,” asked Deal Maker, arching an eyebrow at his client.

“Yes, it is Mr. Maker,” said Bookworm.

“I told you a million times, kid, just call me Deal Maker or DM for short,” said the publisher. Anyway, I noticed this aint a Daring Do story.”

“Um, yeah,” began Bookworm. “I got inspiration for something else and decided to try something more original.”

“Even using your given name,” noticed Deal Maker, taking a puff of his cigar. “I will say, using your initials is a nice touch.”

“Oh thank you,” said Bookworm. “A special…um friend, gave me that idea.”

“Well it aint the usual thing we do with you,” said Deal Maker. “But what the hay, sometimes it’s good to change it up!”

“So we’re going to publish it,” asked Bookworm in surprise.

“Sure thing, kiddo,” said Deal Maker enthusiastically. “Romantic crud like this is always in style! Now don’t get me wrong, I aint sayin it’s a bad read, just sayin romance stuff aint exactly my cup of tea if you catch my drift.”

“Oh, yes, I totally understand Mr.,” Bookworm began to say, before Deal Maker gave him a sharp look. “Um, I mean Deal Maker. But you know, inspiration hit me…”

“I totally understand, kid,” said Deal Maker. “I think this book is gonna be a major hit! Who knows, maybe some big wig movie colt will think to make it into some sort of moving picture!”

“Sounds cool,” said Bookworm with little enthusiasm.

“What’s the matter with you, kid,” asked Deal Maker. “You look like you been dragged through the streets by a herd of manticores.”

“Just been having some troubles,” said Bookworm.

“Girl troubles,” asked Deal Maker, raising an eyebrow.

“Hit the nail on the head, DM,” said.

“Broads,” commented Deal Maker. “They’re a whole mess of troubles for sure! Did you know I’ve been married three times?”

“I had no idea,” said a stunned Bookworm.

“Damn skippy I have,” said Deal Maker. “Suppose it’s true about third time being the charm, as number three has been my longest by far. Also the one that produced some foals for me.”

“Oh, that’s good,” said Bookworm. “Is that why you’re other marriages didn’t work? Not being able to have kids?”

“Nah,” said Deal Maker. “It was various reason with the others. Either they were gold diggers or they weren’t nearly as kind hearted as they appeared. But number three is a real winner! Sweetest thing you ever did see! So what’s your special filly like?”

“Oh, she’s wonderful,” said Bookworm. “She’s feisty, full of life, loyal to a fault.”

“And I bet she aint to bad on the eyes either,” said Deal Maker with a sly grin.

“She’s absolutely beautiful,” said Bookworm. “And I have the best time with her.”

“So what’s the problem,” asked Deal Maker.

“She won’t be honest with her real feelings,” said Bookworm.

“Ah, she’s one of those,” commented Bookworm. “She doesn’t think it’s quote unquote ‘cool’ to be expressing your feelings. Am I right?”

“You’re really good at this,” said Bookworm.

“You been in this business as long as I have, kid, you gotta be able to pick up on things,” said Deal Maker. “I’ve met all kinds of ponies in my travels, good and bad. Do you think you’ll ever see this special filly again?”

“I don’t know,” said Bookworm morosely. “I just don’t know. I hope I do.”

“Time heals all wounds, kid,” said Deal Maker. “Now lets start getting this book here to print! We’ll get a press conference set up, have a special premiere party, all that good stuff.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” said Bookworm. “Thanks, DM. You’re a good agent…and a good friend to have.”

“Don’t get all mushy with me, kid,” said Deal Maker. “But you aint too bad yourself. You’re definitely one of my better clients. I wouldn’t give all them the opportunity I’m giving you today. I’ve never had a problem with you getting stuff in on time. Must be that studious nature of yours.”

“Suppose so,” said Bookworm.

“I’ll say it again, kid, this book is gonna be huge,” said Deal Maker with a confident smile.

Chapter 19: The Book

It had been nearly a month since Bookworm had left Ponyville and headed back to Manehattan. Rainbow Dash had been depressed the entire time, but she wouldn’t let anypony know; not that her friends couldn’t tell. As she walked down Ponyville, she noticed a display in the window of the local book store. A book, written by Bookworm in his real name! The title read “Love At First Crash,“ while the author credit said B.F. Scholar, so Rainbow Dash was certain it was Bookworm who had written it. She ran into the store to have a closer look. She opened cover the to read the synopsis in the dust jacket:

Poindexter was your everyday unicorn scholar, who never thought he’d be lucky at love. Then one day, a pegasus athlete named Air Slicer literally crashes into him while practicing a maneuver for her future aspirations to join the Wonderbolts. From there a romance begins to blossom. But it won’t be easy, as ponies from their own social circles try to convince them that neither are right for each other. Not helping, is Air Slicer is all about her cool image, and isn’t always completely honest with Poindexter about how she really feels. Will these two live happily ever after, or will peer pressure and egos stand in their way?

Rainbow Dash was shocked; this was her and Bookworm’s relationship in print! She bought a copy immediately and took it home to read. While there were plenty of made up plot points, such as peer group pressure, this was definitely about them. How they met, their first date, and Air Slicer’s unwillingness to admit her true feelings to Poindexter; all these paralleled Rainbow Dash’s relationship with Bookworm. She had managed to finish the book in one sitting, not an easy feat considering Rainbow Dash is almost always on the news. This story, unlike hers, had a significantly happier outcome. Rainbow Dash began to tear up like crazy, partly from the happy outcome, but mostly from how stupid she felt for pushing Bookworm away. She knew she needed to finally talk to somepony about what was going on. She decided Twilight would be the best choice, seeing as how they had both dated Bookworm. She flew as fast as she could to Twilight’s library and knocked rapidly on the door.

“I’m coming, one moment,” yelled Twilight from inside the library. “What’s with all the commotion!?”

Twilight opened the door, and saw Rainbow Dash panting crazily.

“Rainbow Dash? Are you ok,” asked Twilight.

“Need…to…talk…now,” panted Rainbow Dash.

Twilight invited Rainbow Dash in and gave her some tea to help calm her down some.

“So what’s going on,” asked Twilight.

“Bookworm has a new book out,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I know,” said Twilight. “He told me about it.”

“Did he tell you what it was about,” asked a panicked Rainbow Dash.

“No,” said Twilight. “But he sent me my own copy and I’ve read it.”

“Ah crud,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Then you know the book is about me and him?”

“Oh yeah, I guess it is,” said Twilight. “So what?”

“So what!? So what,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Everypony is gonna know it’s about me!”

“Is that seriously your concern, Rainbow Dash,” asked Twilight.

“Of course it is, Twi,” said Rainbow Dash. “What else would it be!?”

“Maybe the fact that this story has a happier outcome than what’s been going on with you and Bookworm,” said Twilight.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” lied Rainbow Dash.

“I know all about what happened with you and Bookworm,” said Twilight. “He’s come to me on various occasions to talk about your relationship.”

“Why would he do that,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“Everypony needs a friend to talk to,” said Twilight. “And I’m his only real friend in Ponyville. He was hoping you’d eventually tell him how you feel.”

“AHRG! Why is everypony talking about feelings,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in frustration. “Isn’t the fact that I’m with him proof enough that I care about him!?”

“No, Rainbow, it isn’t,” said Twilight. “Ponies like to hear that their special somepony say they care for them deeply. Simply going out on dates isn’t enough.”

“But…but…it’s not cool,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Would you knock it off with that cool stuff,” exclaimed Twilight. “Cool people fall in love too you know! And guess what!? They also admit their love for somepony! Some would even say love is the coolest thing in the world!”

“Wow, Twi, I’ve never seen you get so intense,” said a shocked Rainbow Dash.

“I’m just so sick of you never seeming to learn,” said Twilight. “You’re a good friend, and I love you like the rest of our friends. But it’s so frustrating when you seem to keep going back on reset on what you think isn’t cool! Remember how you used to think books weren’t cool?”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash.

“And then you found some books you enjoyed,” pointed out Twilight.

“You got a point there,” said Rainbow Dash.

“And now you’ve found a pony you enjoy,” said Twilight. “And you’re just letting him slip away. Do you really want that?”

“No…I don’t,” said Rainbow Dash with a somber look. “Bookworm has been the second best thing to happen to me, next to meeting you guys. I don’t even think joining the Wonderbolts would top meeting him.”

“Of course it wouldn’t,” said Twilight. “Because fame and glory are things that can easily fade away. But love, real love, can stay with you forever. But you still have to put effort into it.”

“You’re right, Twi. I’ve been such an idiot,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I’m not going to disagree with you on that, Dash,” said Twilight with a smile. “Now go get him.”

“Do you think he’ll take me back,” asked a skeptical Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow, he wrote an entire book for you,” said Twilight. “In fact, did you even read the dedication?”

“There’s a dedication,” said a confused Rainbow Dash.

Twilight showed Rainbow Dash her copy of Bookworm’s new novel. And there was indeed a dedication:

Dedicated to Rainbow Dash, future Wonderbolt, and the greatest filly I’ve ever met.

“GAH! I’ve been so bucking stupid,” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“So stop sulking and get to Manehattan,” exclaimed Twilight. “Get the train station as fast as you can.”

“Forget that stupid train,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “A future Wonderbolt doesn’t need some stupid train!”

Rainbow Dash bolted out of the library in a flash, causing books and papers to fly all over the place. Rainbow Dash was going faster than she’d ever gone before. Nothing was going to stop her from seeing Bookworm again. Without even realizing it, Rainbow Dash actually caused a Sonic Rainboom to emerge. She had never caused a Sonic Rainboom to flash out while flying horizontally, and had no idea what this might do to things in its path.

“Oh crap,” she yelled.

Chapter 20: The Rainboom Kaboom

Rainbow Dash rushed after her runaway Sonic Rainboom. She had never caused one to form horizontally, so she had no idea what she could do to stop it. She didn’t have long to think before the Rainboom hit something serious like a town; the only idea she could come up with was to make another Rainboom going in the opposite direction. She sped off in the opposite direction, managing to make another Sonic Rainboom. She then curved around, with a rainbow trail behind her, flew through the hole of the first Rainboom, and connected to the end of her trail. The two Rainbooms then collided, with Rainbow Dash caught in the middle.

“This was a very bad idea,” said Rainbow Dash.

A huge explosion of colors erupted, zapping Rainbow Dash multiple times. She began to lose consciousness and began falling to the ground. Her entire life was flashing before her in rapid succession: her first summer at flight camp, meeting Fluttershy, moving to Ponyville, meeting her other friends and their various adventures together, winning the Best Young Flyer award, and finally meeting Bookworm. She didn’t think she’d ever see any of them again, especially Bookworm; this filled her with the most sadness. Then, everything went black.

“Rainbow Dash,” came a distant voice.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t make it out at first, but slowly the voice became more clear.

“Rainbow Dash,” she heard Twilight Sparkle shout. “What happened!?”

Rainbow Dash did her best call back, but could feel the words not being able to come out. She wasn’t sure what happened next, there was still only darkness, but she felt her body being moved. She heard unfamiliar voices spouting out what sounded like medical terms. She put it together that she was now in a hospital. She’d bucked up good this time; landing in the hospital again!

“Is she gonna be ok, doc” she heard Applejack ask the doctor.

“When can you remove those bandages from her eyes,” she heard Rarity ask.

This caused Rainbow to start stirring in her bed; pulling herself up and shouting.

“Bandages,” shouted Rainbow Dash. “What happened!? Am I blind!? Where’s the doc!? Where’s Bookworm!?”

“Rainbow,” exclaimed Twilight. “Oh thank Celestia you’re ok!”

Twilight rushed to Rainbow Dash and gave her a big hug. The rest of her friends joined in.

"We were so worried about you," exclaimed Twilight.

"We thought you'd never wake up," cried Fluttershy.

"It was super duper scary," said Pinkie Pie.

"So glad you're alright, darling," said Rarity.

"Good to see you awake, sugar cube," said Applejack.

“Yeah yeah, glad to see you guys too,” said Rainbow Dash. “But answer my questions. What’s going on? Am I blind now!? Oh please tell me I’m not blind! My career with the Woderbolts is over before it ever even began!”

“Calm down now, Rainbow Dash,” said Applejack. “The doctors say you aint blind. They just had to cover yer eyes up after yer accident.”

“Oh right, the accident,” said Rainbow Dash. “Hope my double Rainboom didn’t cause too much damage to Equestria.”

“That’s the crazy part,” began Twilight. “If you hadn’t done what you did, several ponies could have been seriously injured.”

“It was super duper crazy,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “We’d never seen anything like that before ever! It was bigger than any Sonic Rainboom, it was more like some sort of Rainboom Kaboom! And you were caught in the middle of the whole thing!”

“Yeah, I remember that much,” said Rainbow Dash. "How long was I out?"

“Almost two weeks,” said Twilight. “You were zapped with rainbow energy, There hasn’t been a recorded incident like this in centuries. Most ponies would’ve died from that much exposure.”

“Yeah, ok cool, whatever,” said Rainbow Dash. “Where’s Bookworm!?”

“Oh, right, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “He’s still in the waiting area.”

“Then what are you waiting for,” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Get him in here! Now!”

“Alright, Rainbow,” said Twilight.

Rainbow Dash heard Twilight run off, followed by what was clearly two sets of hooves.

“Bookie? Is that you,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I’m here, Rainbow Dash,” she heard Bookworm say. “Are you alright?”

“I am now,” said Rainbow Dash. “I was trying to come see you, when I cause this major buck up.”

“Yeah, Twilight mentioned you were coming to see me,” said Bookworm.

“Yeah, I need to talk to you,” said Rainbow Dash. “Alone! So everypony get out!”

“Well, ya’ll heard her,” said Applejack. “Let’s git now.”

Rainbow Dash listened to the various hoof steps going out of her room.

“You too, Pinkie Pie,” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“Drats,” she heard Pinkie Pie exclaim.

“So what did you want to talk about,” asked Bookworm.

“First come closer,” said Rainbow Dash.

She heard Bookworm get closer to her bed.

“Up to my face,” she demanded.

She could clearly tell he was closer now.

“So what did you want to talk…” Bookworm began to say, before Rainbow Dash pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

“I love you Bookworm,” said Rainbow Dash after pulling away. “More than anything in this stupid world. Nothing will ever compare to the day I met you, not even joining the Wonderbolts.”

“Rainbow Dash,” Bookworm said with great shock. “I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“I came close to dying, Bookie,” she said. “The last thing I thought about before hitting the ground was never getting to see you again. It was the worst feeling I ever had. I don’t ever want that feeling again. So whaddya say we get hitched?”

“You’re asking me to marry you,” he asked in shock. “Isn’t that my job?”

“Well fine,” she exclaimed. “You ask me then.”

“Um…ok,” he said. “Rainbow Dash…will you marry me?”

“You betcha, Bookie,” declared Rainbow Dash.

She grabbed at him again and gave him another passionate kiss. At this point though, it was clear she was getting more amorous. Bookworm tried to stop her at first, but quickly gave in.

Meanwhile, the rest of Rainbow Dash’s friends were out in the waiting area.

“What could be taking them so long,” asked Twilight. “I’m going to go check on them.”

The others waited behind, while Twilight went to Rainbow Dash’s room. About a second later, everypony in the hospital hear a very audible scream. Twilight came back to the waiting area, here pupils as small as pin needles.

“What on earth happened, sugar cube,” asked Applejack.

“I will never open a door without knocking again,” said Twilight in a monotone voice, while walking out of the hospital.

“What the hay was that about,” asked Applejack.

“Well duh,” said Pinkie Pie. “She obviously walked in on Rainbow Dash and Bookworm bumping uglies. I know that look anywhere.”

“She acted as though this happened to her more than once though,” said Applejack.

“It has,” said Pinkie. “She walked in on Rarity and Hayseed too.”

“How could you know that,” asked Rarity in shock.

“My Pinkie sense is never ever wrong,” said Pinkie with a proud smile.

Chapter 21: Side Effects

A few days after Rainbow Dash’s “romantic encounter” with Bookworm at the hospital, the doctor said it was finally time to remove her bandages.

“Not sure how long it will take for your eyes to readjust, Miss Dash,” said Dr. Stable. “But examinations show no real damage was done to your eyes.”

“I just hope I can get back to flying, doc,” said Rainbow Dash.

“No worries there,” said Dr. Stable. “Your wings had very little damage, surprisingly.”

Dr. Stable finally got the bandages of Rainbow Dash’s face, and everypony in the room gasped.

“What,” asked Rainbow Dash. “Something on my face?”

“Rainbow, your eyes,” exclaimed Bookworm.

“What about them,” asked Rainbow Dash.

Dr. Stable handed Rainbow Dash a mirror, so she could see what all the fuss was about. She was just as shocked as the rest of the room. At first her eyes appeared to be their normal moderate cerise. But, then they began to slowly morph into different colors. Mostly solid colors, but there they would sometimes be multiple colors at once.

“What the hay is going on, doc,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “What’s up with my eyes!?”

“I have no idea,” said Dr. Stable. “In all my years of medicine…I have never come across a phenomenon like this.”

“Is this gonna be permanent,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I’m sorry, but I really can’t say,” said Dr. Stable.

“Is it affecting your vision any,” asked Twilight.

“Well…no,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m seeing just as fine as I used to. But is so weird!”

“Looks really cool to me,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

“I guess your Rainboom Kaboom caused this,” said Twilight.

“I knew that name would catch on,” said Pinkie Pie with a proud smile.

“The overload of rainbow energy must have somehow remained in your body,” said Twilight. “It would appear that your eyes now rainbows.”

“That’s crazy,” said Rainbow Dash. “Is that all that’s happened to me? My eyes can now change color on their own?”

“Did you expect to have super powers or something,” said Twilight.

“That woulda been so cool,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Just seems like something so simple, considering everything that happened,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Be grateful yah lived through it, sugar cube,” said Applejack.

“Yeah, you’re right,” said Rainbow Dash. “Anyway, when can I get out of here, doc?”

“You can leave today,” said Dr. Stable.

“Fantastic,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “We need to throw a party! A RAINBOW DASH IS ENGAGED TO BOOKWORM PART! Or RAINBOW DASH SURVIVED THE RAINBOOM KABOOM AND NOW HAS RAINBOW EYES PARTY! Or…”

“Pinkie,” interrupted Rainbow Dash. “Right now, I just want to be able to relax. Not to mention spend some more quality time with my fiancée. Besides, don’t you have an engagement party to throw for Twilight and Big Macintosh?”

“Oh, that’s right,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “And no more excuses, Twilight! It’s about time I threw a proper celebration for you and Big Mac!”

“Alright,” sighed Twilight. “You have been patient, Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie began jumping around in great excitement.

“Well I don’t know about the rest of you,” said Rainbow Dash. “But I need a decent meal right about now.”

Everypony joined in laughter, and they all prepared to leave the hospital. Rainbow Dash and Bookworm left together.

“By the way, Bookie,” began Rainbow Dash. “I managed to read your book before all this.”

“Oh really,” said Bookworm with some nervousness. “And…um…what did you think?”

“You’re a really talented writer, Bookie,” said Rainbow Dash with a proud smile. “Hope this book takes off and you can start writing more in your own name.”

Bookworm smiled with confidence, getting a little misty eyed in the process. He gave Rainbow Dash a passionate kiss.

“So after we eat, I need to get back into training,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m a gonna be a future Wonderbolt after all.”

“Oh good,” said Bookworm with a blush. “You did see my dedication.”

“Sure did,” said Rainbow Dash, giving him another kiss. “And you’re the best colt I ever met.”

Another week past, and Pinkie threw a huge engagement party for Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh. This time the entire town was in on the celebration. She had also managed to convince Rainbow Dash to make it a double celebration by letting everypony know she and Bookworm were also engaged. With things finally settled down enough, Rainbow Dash got back into training. While still able to fly, her wings were still a bit too stiff from her accident for anything complex maneuvers, let alone going fast. As usual, Pinkie Pie watched in on her stunts, but also joining them was Bookworm.

“Don’t overdo it, Dashy,” said Bookworm. “We don’t need you in the hospital again so soon.”

“Relax, Bookie,” said Rainbow Dash. “I know my wings a one hundred and ten percent again. I’m just gonna start off with some standard moves. Pinkie can assure you it’s nothing too dangerous.”

“She’s right-a-roonie,” said Pinkie Pie, with a very enthusiastic grin. “The only rotationally dangerous standard move is where she works on her top speed. You remember that one I’m sure; after all, it’s how you two met.”

Rainbow Dash did a little face hoof at that comment.

“You should probably make sure you’re higher up with that one,” said Bookworm.

“That was the plan this time around,” said Rainbow Dash, with a bit of annoyance in her tone.

Rainbow Dash got into her usual preparation stance. Pinkie Pie prepared the clock.

“Ready…” began Pinkie Pie. “Set…Go!”

Rainbow Dash flew off and began doing some spins and barrel rolls. But something was very different this time around. As she gained more speed,  light began to engulf her body, and then multi colored streaks flew out and covered the sky. Pinkie Pie and Bookworm stood there with their eyes widened and mouths gaped opened. Rainbow Dash slowed herself down, the light and color streaks fading away, and landed back on the ground next to Pinkie Pie and Bookworm. There was a moment of silence, before Pinkie broke the silence by hopping around in excitement.

“Wow oh wow oh wow! That was so super fantastic incredible,” cheered Pinkie Pie. “I didn’t even know you could do that!”

“I’ve never done anything like that before,” said a stunned Rainbow Dash.

“Clearly rainbow eyes weren’t the only side effect of your Rainboom Kaboom,” said Bookworm.

“With a trick like that, you’re guaranteed to become a Wonderbolt,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “It would be the greatest show ever!”

“You’re right, Pinkie Pie,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “There’s no way they’d pass up something like this!”

“But we need to do this right,” said Bookworm. “You can’t just go in there, light shows and everything. You need to learn to focus this new ability, so you can control it and really make it something spectacular.”

“Looks like I found myself a manager,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Who me? I can’t,” said Bookworm.

“Sure you can,” said Rainbow Dash. “You’re one of the smartest ponies I know. And I woudla never thought of practicing this new move if not for you! And you deal with agents and stuff all the time!”

“Well, if you really think I can do it, I will,” exclaimed Bookworm.

The two then embraced in a passionate kiss, with Pinkie Pie jumping around in excitement.

“So what do I get to do,” asked Pinkie Pie. “After all, I said you’d get to join the Wonderbolts for sure with that move and all!”

“You can be my promoter,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Sounds good to me,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Now lets put our hooves in!”

They all put their hooves in, ready to give a cheer.

“On three, future Wonderbolt,” instructed Pinkie Pie. “One, two, three…”

“Future Wonderbolt,” they all proclaimed.

Chapter 22: Celebrations Abound!

Rainbow Dash finally managed to secure an audition with the Wonderbolts, the greatest flyers in all of Equestria. Bookworm spent a little over a month negotiating deals with the Wonderbolt’s manager to give his fiancé a chance to show them what she’s got. Bookworm learned everything about deal making from his literary agent, Deal Maker. Rainbow Dash, Bookworm, and Pinkie Pie made a trip to Canterlot so the cerulean mare could show off her newly acquired skills. There to judge her skills were the Wonderbolts best known members, Soarin and Spitfire.

“Under normal circumstances, you’d have enroll in the Wonderbolt Academy before getting to audition,” said Spitfire. “But our manager tells us you got some impressive skills, and we’d be crazy to wait. So you better impress us.”

“I think I can keep that promise,” said Rainbow Dash with a confident smile.

Rainbow Dash took her position.

“Ready,” began Spitfire. “Set! Go!”

Rainbow Dash flew off, starting off with some standard maneuvers.

“Nothing I haven’t seen before,” scoffed Spitfire.

“Just keep watching,” said Pinkie Pie with an enthusiastic smile.

Rainbow Dash started picking up speed, and her body began to glow. Again, streaks of rainbow came out of her body and engulfed the sky. She did some flips and spins, as the colors danced around. To top it all off, Rainbow Dash flew upwards, took a nose dive while maximizing her velocity to make her signature Sonic Rainboom. But this was unlike anything she’d done before. She didn’t make one Sonic Rainboom, she made three! Spitfire and Soarin’s jaws were practically on the ground in amazement. Rainbow Dash slowed herself down and landed in front of Spitfire and Soarin, the light around her disappearing bursting like confetti.

“So, whaddya think,” Rainbow Dash asked with a winning smile.

There was a moment of silence from the star Wonderbolts; finally Spitfire spoke.

“When can you start,” asked Spitfire.

“You serious,” asked Rainbow Dash in sincere surprise.

“Of course I am,” exclaimed Spitfire. “That was the most amazing site I’ve ever seen! Moves like that will guarantee packed seats at every show! So, when can you start?”

“There are some things I need to take care of first,” said Rainbow Dash.

“What takes higher priority over joining the Wonderbolts,” asked Spitfire.

“Seeing one of my best friends get married,” said Rainbow Dash. “Plus, there’s my own wedding.”

“Congrats,” said Spitfire. “Who’s the lucky stallion?”

“That would be me,” said Bookworm. “B.F. Scholar.”

“Didn’t you write ‘Love At First Crash,’” asked Spitfire.

“And several entries in the Daring Do series,” chimed in Rainbow Dash.

“No way,” exclaimed both Spitfire and Soarin in awe.

“Big way,” said Rainbow Dash, kissing her fiancée on the cheek.

Naturally, this meant Pinkie Pie had to throw a:

RAINBOW DASH GOT INTO THE WONDERBOLTS PARTY!

Celebration was all around for Rainbow Dash and her friends. She finally landed her dream of joining the Wonderbolts and she was engaged, Rarity was happier than ever with Hayseed, and Fluttershy and Snowflake were still going very strong, and the two were also talking about future marriage plans. Of course, the party was thrown at Twilight’s library.

“Here’s to Rainbow Dash becoming a Wonderbolt,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, raising a glass.

“To Rainbow Dash,” said the other girls.

“Thanks you guys,” said Rainbow Dash. “Things have taken a crazy awesome turn for us, eh?”

“We’ve come pretty far, Dash” said Twilight.

“You said it, Twi,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Hard to believe,” said Rarity.

“I’m glad we’ve all been there for each other,” said Fluttershy.

“Now if only ah could find somepony,” said Applejack.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, anything is possible,” said Twilight. “I never imagined I would ever have friends, let alone somepony to marry.”

“I knew I’d be a Wonderbolt,” said Rainbow Dash with a cocky tone. “Didn’t expect it to happen so soon, though. I definitely never thought I’d be in a committed relationship; with an egghead no less.”

The girls all laughed at Rainbow’s comment.

“I’m sure you’re all surprised about my relationship with Hayseed,” commented Rarity.

“I wouldn’t call it as surprising as my relationship with Snowflake,” said Fluttershy. “At least, most consider it surprising.”

“It’s very surprising,” said Rainbow Dash. “But, what matters is that you’re happy.”

Meanwhile, in another part of the library, Big Macintosh was talking to Ace and Caramel about his upcoming marriage.

“Can’t believe you’re takin the vows, bro,” said Ace.

“Yer the one who said all fillies talk about is wantin to get married,” said Big Mac.

“Yeah, sure,” said Ace. “But that doesn’t mean you gotta give into the pressure of being tied down by one mare.”

“Again, I’d like to point out that you’re married,” said Caramel. “And if Lilly heard you saying this stuff, she’d tan your silly hide.”

“Whatever, bro,” said Ace.

“Nothin wrong with admittin yer true feelins, Ace,” said Big Mac. “Don’t make you any less of a stallion.”

“He’s just putting on a show,” said Caramel. “He and Lilly are practically joined at the flank.”

“Fine fine, you’re right,” said Ace with an annoyed look. “I love Lilly a lot.”

“Feels good to say it out loud, don’t it,” asked Big Mac.

“It does, actually,” said Ace.

“It’s the end of an era, fellas,” said Caramel.

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh. “And ah wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“So are you gonna stay at Sweet Apple Acres,” asked Ace.

“Nope,” said Big Macintosh. “Ah’m gonna live here with Twilight. But ah’ll still work up at the farm. It’ll mean havin to get up a bit earlier, but ah feel Twilight and me need our privacy.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Ace.

Three weeks later, it was time for Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh’s wedding. Instead of a big, extravagant wedding at the Canterlot castle, Twilight and Big Mac decided to have their wedding at Sweet Apple Acres. Specifically, they decided to hold the ceremony in front of the tree where Big Macintosh first taught Twilight how to apple buck. Rarity, with all her fabulousity, was able to convert the orchard into a lavish wedding venue. Fluttershy organized her birds to sing music. Applejack and Granny Smith fixed the main meals, while Pinkie Pie and the Cakes made the wedding cake. Naturally, Princess Celestia was to marry the happy couple. The Cutie Mark Crusaders acted as flower fillies, while Spike acted as the ring bearer.

Shining Armor was chosen to be Twilight’s colt of honor, and Big Macintosh naturally chose Applejack to be his best mare. Of course, Twilight’s parents were there, and her other relatives. Many members of the Apple Family, and several other distant relatives were present as well; a family well over ten times as big as Twilight’s family. Twilight’s father, Perseus, went to go check on his daughter to see if she was ready. Rarity used the farm house to get the wedding party ready, as it had the most space on the farm.

“Twilight, honey,” Perseus said, knocking on the door of the farm house. “Are you ready?”

Rarity popped her head out of the barn door to address Perseus.

“The blushing bride is close to being done,” said Rarity. “I don’t mean to brag, but I do believe this is my finest work.”

Rarity and Applejack opened the barn doors to reveal Twilight in her wedding dress. Perseus didn’t see any reason to argue Rarity’s claim that this was her best work. Twilight looked more incredible than anypony could ever imagine. The dress flowed and hugged in all the right places, her mane and makeup perfectly sculpted. Perseus began to tear up.

“Are you alright, dad,” asked Twilight.

“I just can’t believe how beautiful you look, honey,” said Perseus with a proud smile.

Twilight blushed and walked over to her dad to give him a hug.

“We should get going now,” said Twilight.

The wedding ceremony started, with Fluttershy orchestrating her animals in perfect harmony. The Cutie Mark Crusaders hopped along, spreading flower peddles on the ground. Next came Spike, carrying the rings for the bride and groom. Then came the groomscolts and birdesmares; Caramel, Bookworm, Snowflake, and Hayseed were made grooms colts for the occasion. Applejack stood next to her brother, who was looking a bit nervous.

“Doin ok there, big brother,” asked Applejack.

“E…eeyup,” stuttered Big Macintosh. “Spose it’s normal fer me to be nervous.”

“Course it is,” said Applejack. “But once you see yer blushin bride, all those fears will melt away.

At that moment, Big Macintosh saw Twilight being walked down the aisle by her father. Applejack was indeed correct, any nervousness Macintosh had was now gone. He knew there was no reason to be scared; this was the greatest day of his life. A smile grew across his face, as Twilight got closer to him. She finally made it to the front, with her father giving her away and sitting down with his own beloved wife; both of them were starting to tear up.

“We are gathered here today,” began Celestia. “To witness the marriage of these two wonderful ponies. In front of everypony today, they are showing their ever lasting commitment to one another. Now, do you Macintosh Chelmsford Apple, take Twilight Monoceros Sparkle to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death do you part?”

“Eeyup…ah mean, ah do,” said Big Mac with a bit of a blush.

“And do you,” continued Celestia. “Twilight Monoceros Sparkle, take Macintosh Chelmsford Apple to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death do you part?”

“I do,” said Twilight, starting to tear up.

“Then by the power vested in me,” continued Celestia. “I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!”

Twilight and Big Macintosh leaned in to give a deep, passionate kiss to one another.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” proclaimed Celestia. “It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. Macintosh Apple!”

The entire wedding party broke into a huge cheer.

“Time to parrrrrtaaaaay,” proclaimed Pinkie Pie.

And so the newlyweds and wedding party celebrated, with music by Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ Pon3. There wasn’t one frowny face amongst the guests, everypony was in total joy of the happy new couple. Things eventually slowed down a bit for Twilight and Big Macintosh to share a slower dance with one another.

“Can you believe we’ve come this far,” asked Twilight.

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh. “Ah knew there was no other pony fer me in this whole wide world of ours.”

“Glad to see you had such confidence in us,” said Twilight. “I was a little nervous when heading towards the aisle. But, as soon as I saw you, I knew everything was right with the world.”

“Ah know whatcha mean,” said Big Macintosh. “Ah can’t think of anything else that could make this a more perfect moment.”

“What if I told you I was pregnant,” asked Twilight.

“Well, ah guess that would be mighty fine,” said Big Macintosh, before realizing. “You…you mean, yer…?”

Twilight gave him a nod, and Big Mac’s smile grew. He then embraced his new wife even tighter, and continued to dance, both smiling and shedding tears of joy. Truly, all was right with the world.

THE ENDOf this story anyway. The TwiMacVerse will continue with future installments.

Chapter 15: Relationship Status

Over the next few weeks, Rarity’s relationship with Hayseed Turnip Truck grew stronger and stronger. It was the happiest she’d ever been in quite some time. Hayseed was always very respectful to her, and never pressured into do anything she’d be uncomfortable with. It wasn’t too long before Rarity was telling her friends about their relationship. The ones that weren’t aware that is. Pinkie Pie had figured it out due to her Pinkie sense, Sweetie Belle had been helping Rarity get ready for all her dates so it was easy for her to figure it out, and Twilight was the first pony Rarity told.

“You and Hayseed Turnip Truck,” exclaimed a shocked Applejack.

“For about a month now, yes,” said Rarity with a proud smile.

“Whoda ever thunk it,” said Applejack. “The prissiest pony in Ponyville going with the biggest bumpkin in Ponyville.”

“Hold your tongue, Applejack,” said Rarity. “I’ll have you know, that Hayseed is quite the gentlecolt. He’s caring, honest, compliments me constantly. Not to mention, you shouldn't say such things about a cousin.”

"A distant cousin," commented Applejack.

"Still family," said Rarity.

“So have you boned him yet,” asked Rainbow Dash casually.

“Rainbow Dash! So crude,” said Rarity.

Rainbow dash gave a sly smile and arched an eyebrow.

“But…you wouldn’t be incorrect,” said Rarity, blushing brightly.

“Never woulda figured you havin extramarital affairs,” said Applejack.

“Hayseed wasn’t my first, for your information,” said Rarity. “I’ve had a couple others before. But those were also serious relationships.”

“So how is he,” Rainbow Dash asked casually.

“I never,” said Rarity.

“What? We’re all friends here,” said Rainbow Dash. “We’ve all been open about that kinda stuff. I know that Fluttershy is no virgin, Pinkie Pie’s had at least one fling in her life. We know Twilight and Big Mac are making the beast with two backs.”

“Ah did not just hear that,” said Applejack with a face hoof.

“As for yours truly…”  began Rainbow Dash.

“You’re as pure as winter snow,” interrupted Applejack.

“How the hell would you know,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Filly’s intuition,” said Applejack. “We can smell our own.”

“You too,” said a shocked Rainbow Dash.

“Is it really that shockin,” asked Applejack. “Ah spend most of my time on a farm. The only colt is Big Macintosh, and ah sure as hay aint attracted to mah brother! So yes, ah am a virgin.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” said Rarity. “Thought I wouldn’t have minded Hayseed being my first.”

“That good, eh,” asked Rainbow dash with a grin.

“What is wrong with you,” asked Applejack.

“She wouldn’t be wrong about that either,” said Rarity, blushing again.

Rainbow dash burst out laughing.

“Maybe it’s because he’s a work pony,” said Rarity. “His stamina is amazing! I don’t know how Twilight keeps up with Macintosh.”

“Anyway,” interrupted Applejack. “Ah figured you and Bookworm woulda already gone fer a role in the hay.”

“Like I’m giving it up that easily,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m playing it cool, being aloof, acting like I don’t care.

“Why on earth would you do that,” asked Rarity.

“Because stallions dig that sorta thing,” said Rainbow Dash. “Yup, things are going fantastically.”

Meanwhile, at Twilight’s Library, Bookworm was paying Twilight a visit.

“Things are going horribly,” exclaimed Bookworm.

“Rainbow Dash not as wonderful as you thought,” asked Twilight.

“Oh no, of course not. She’s wonderful,” said Bookworm. “But she’s driving me crazy with her attitude!”

“What do you mean,” she asked.

“She acts as if I’m not important to her,” he said. “I tell her how I feel, and she’s all ‘yeah, that’s cool, whatever.’ I don’t know what I have to do to have her just be honest with me! I know she cares for me, I can sense it. But it’s not the same as actually hearing it from the one you’re with. The only plus is that she’s an amazing kisser! To bad that’s all I’ve gotten from her.”

“Oh…I see,” said Twilight, blushing.

“I’m sorry for that,” said Bookworm in an embarrassed tone. “That of course isn’t what matters in a relationship. But…damn it, I’m still a colt! I have my needs and urges! I don’t mean to be so candid with you, Twilight. But, I couldn’t think of anypony else to talk to about this.”

“I understand, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “But…are you certain you want to keep pursuing Rainbow Dash?”

“More than anything,” exclaimed Bookworm. “I have no doubt in my mind that she’s the one for me. She’s all I can think about right now! Everyday I’m consumed with thoughts of her. At least it hasn’t stopped my writing. Although it’s nothing Daring Do related. My publisher won’t be happy about that.”

“Maybe they’ll like what you have written,” said Twilight.

“It’s just some sappy romantic stuff,” said Bookworm.

“Hey, plenty of ponies love a good romance story,” said Twilight.

“You might have a point,” said Bookworm. “Would be nice to publish something under my own name for a change. Then again, Bookworm Scholar isn’t exactly a great sounding author name.”

“Why not go by B.F. Scholar,” suggested Twilight.

“That’s not a terrible idea,” said Bookworm. “But that still won’t help me in my current situation. And my publisher will want me to return to Manehattan to pitch this idea.”

“What’s wrong with that,” asked Twilight.

“Because I don’t think there will be much point in coming back,” said Bookworm morosely. “I do care greatly for Rainbow Dash, but if she’s not going to return the affections I shouldn’t torture myself.”

“Well, I don’t totally blame you,” said Twilight. “Rainbow Dash is one of my best friends, and I’d hate to see her sad. But, I see your side as well…But I think you should give her another chance to express her feelings to you. In fact, I bet letting her know you’re heading back to Manehattan would give her the push to say how she feels.”

“That’s yet another good idea,” said Bookworm. “I knew there was a reason I talked to you! You are a great friend, Twilight!”

“Oh it’s nothing,” said Twilight. “I just hope you can also come to my wedding when a date is set.”

“Oh that’s right,” exclaimed bookworm. “I almost forgot, what with talking about my own issues! How silly of me.”

“It’s no big deal, Bookworm,” said Twilight. “I’ve only told a handful of ponies about it. Even made them pinkie promise. Mac and I aren’t quite ready for an engagement party. Granny Smith found out without either of us saying a thing. She is a remarkable mare.”

“Nothing will stop me from showing up to that event,” said Bookworm. “I should go find Rainbow Dash now. Talk to you again soon.

Bookworm and Twilight gave each other a hug, and Bookworm ran out.