Elements of Harmony, Jr.

by Ironhoof

Rating: everyone
Tags: Granny Smith, Sad, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Soarin, Romance, Big Macintosh
Length: 26420

This story takes place anywhere from a few months to a year of Frostfyre's birth in Motherhood is Magic. In this story, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle will have to face their own hardships on their way to motherhood. The question that stands now is, will they be able to handle it?

Thanks goes to celestail-lights (http://celestial-lights.deviantart.com/) for the cover art.

A/N: I would like apologize ahead of time if the time lines don't add up just right or some events are missing out of a story that were in other stories, it can be somewhat difficult and irritating to get them to line up perfectly AND have them flow with the story. And if you get confused about the age differences, it should be this: Frostfyre is three months older than AJ's kid, AJ's kid is three weeks older than FS's kid, FS's kid is a month older than RD's kid, RD's kid is two months older than PP's kid, and PP's kid is a month older than TS's kid.

Published 2012-04-03 12:24:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-06-27 22:58:29 UTC

Fluttershy and Big Mac's Li'l Critter

Fluttershy and Big Mac’s Li’l Critter

“Oh my, oh my, oh my! Where is he?” a butter-yellow pegasus thought as she glided through the Everfree Forest. The sun was starting to set, giving the forest an even creepier atmosphere than it normally had. Fluttershy was usually too scared to even look at the forest, let alone go in, but today she was looking for a missing rabbit, Hopsy.

“I do hope he’s okay.” she thought as she continued to glide across the forest floor. Hopsy has been missing all day, worrying the timid pony beyond her wits. All of a sudden, there was the sudden sound of rocks falling.

“Ahhh!” Fluttershy screamed in terror. She jumped into a bush, where she huddled in fright for a few moments. When she noticed there were no more noises, she cautioned a look outside her little bush. All Fluttershy saw were trees, bushes, and “a pile of rocks?” she thought to herself.

Just as she was about to go investigate, a small white form hopped out of a crevice near the pile. Seeing the little rabbit put a smile on Fluttershy’s face.

She leaned down to nuzzle her friend. “Oh Hopsy, I was afraid I’d lost you. Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked the bunny. Hopsy gave a little nod for an answer. Then he was swept up and placed on the pegasus’ back.

“Come on, let’s go home and get some rest.” Fluttershy said. Just as she was about to fly away, there came a groan from the rocks. The pony’s wings snapped to the side of her body as she huddled in fear. When she felt a small bump on her back, she opened her eyes and saw Hopsy bounce towards the rocks and tap on one of them.

Fluttershy got up and cautiously walked towards the rabbit. When she got near, there came another groan, making her give a small “eep!” But she looked towards where the rabbit was tapping and saw a cherry-red nose poking out.

After moving the fallen rocks, Fluttershy gasped. Lying on ground, covered in bruises, scratches and blood, was Big MacIntosh. While her heart was beating fast, she quickly set about to do a check up on the large stallion. A few moments later, the pegasus found out that Big Mac had a broken leg, four cracked ribs, a split in his skull, and a few large gashes on his body.

Fluttershy went about setting up a makeshift bed to lay Big Mac on so she could transport him easily to her house. The pegasus thought about taking him to the hospital, but it was too far away and he was too fragile for moving long distances.
It was about 10 at night when Fluttershy and Hopsy made it out of the forest with Big Mac in tow. They walked up to Fluttershy’s cottage, where her pet Angel was waiting impatiently. When she walked up, Angel had a scowl on his face and pointed at the moon, indicating how late the pegasus was.

“I know Angel and I’m sorry. Tomorrow I’ll make it up to you by making a big breakfast.” Fluttershy replied to her friend.

Seeming satisfied with the offer, Angel hopped off the door and opened it for his caretaker and company. Hopsy hopped after Angel, tired and wanting his bed. Fluttershy walked into the living room and made a more comfy place for Big Mac to lie until he either woke up or was well enough to be taken to the hospital. After rearranging pillows and blankets, the yellow pony carefully moved the red stallion. When she looked over him once more, Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush.

“Oh my, he’s so…muscular..” she thought as she placed splints and bandages on his wounds. She let out a sigh when she was finished and headed upstairs. Fluttershy smiled when she saw Angel Bunny asleep in the middle of her bed. The pegasus carefully scooted in under her blankets and fell asleep, worn out from the day’s events.

--

It was early morning the next day when Fluttershy woke up and went downstairs to keep her promise to Angel. On her way to the kitchen, she quickly checked on Big Mac. He was still unconscious but his breath was more stable and rhythmic.

“At least he appears to be healing.” she thought. Fluttershy then walked into the kitchen where she prepared a small bowl of salad and tea for herself. She used the leftover ingredients, along with some other things, and made a large of salad for
Angel. When she placed the bowl down for him, there was a rapid knock on the door. Fluttershy walked up and opened the door, where she saw a panting and frantic looking Applejack.

“Oh Applejack, I completely forgot to tell you-" the pegasus started telling her friend, before being interrupted.

“No time. Have ya seen mah brother?” the orange cowpony asked, her voiced filled with worry.

"He’s in my living room resting. I found him injured in the Everfree Forest while I was looking for one of my animals.”

“WHAT!?” Applejack ran in, making Fluttershy jump at the sudden movement. When Applejack saw her brother, her eyes went wide and tears started falling down her cheeks. “Big Mac!” She ran up and started looking over her brothers body, fear growing inside of her at the sight of his wounds. “Is….is he alright?” the farmpony asked her timid friend.

Fluttershy walked up, sitting next the Applejack. “His right back leg is broken, he has four cracked ribs, a split skull, and some gashes here and there. Those appear to be the worse of his injuries. I’m sorry Applejack.”

“It’s alright Fluttershy. Thank ya fer takin’ care of him. Ah need ta get back to the farm, can ya come git me when he wakes up?” Applejack asked her friend.

“Alright. I’ll make sure he recovers as well as possible.”

Fluttershy walked Applejack to her front door. They gave each other a hug, and then Applejack turned and walked back to her farm. After Fluttershy closed the door, she went about to do her daily chores around her house.

--

Evening came around. Fluttershy was reading a book in her kitchen while eating dinner. All of a sudden she heard a pained groan come from the living room. She dropped her book and rushed to the living room, where the pegasus saw Big Mac fidgeting about on his makeshift bed. His eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the light and looking around the room.
In a hoarse voice he asked, “Where…where am I?”

Fluttershy walked up with a glass of water. She set the glass down next the stallion and sat down. “Evening Big MacIntosh. You’re in my house.” she gently replied.

Big Mac quickly downed the water, coughing afterwards. “How did Ah get here?”

“I found you in the forest under a pile of rocks. You were seriously injured so I took here to my house. I would’ve taken you to the hospital, but it looked like it’d be dangerous.”

Big Mac tried to sit up, but cried in pain and fell back down. Fluttershy’s eyes became wide with worry. “Oh my gosh Big Mac are you okay?”

“Ah’m... Ah’m fine. Can ya tell me what’s wrong with me?”

“Well... your back right leg is broken, you have four cracked ribs, a split in your skull, and a few gashes on your body. Everything else seemed to be bruising and small cuts. I’m… I’m sorry.”

The large red stallion sighed. “It’s alright Fluttershy. Wish Ah could’ve at least caught the li’l varmint that was eatin’ our apples.”

“Is that why Hopsy was missing and I found you two in forest?” Fluttershy asked.

Big Mac had a confused look on his face. “Hopsy? Is that the name of the critter that’s been eatin’ our food?”

Fluttershy grinned sheepishly. “Yes. I’m sorry for all the trouble he’s caused.”

The red farmpony smiled. “It’s alright. At least ya’ll found me and been takin’ care of me. And Ah appreciate that.”

Fluttershy’s face became hot as she blushed. “Maybe… maybe we should go to bed. You need your rest.”

Big Mac simply smiled and nodded. After saying goodnight, he lied back down and fell asleep while Fluttershy went upstairs up to her own room. She got into bed and lied down, only she didn’t go to sleep right away. Fluttershy’s head was filled with thoughts of her and Big Mac together. The thoughts were making her blush even harder than before.

“Why am I thinking these things? He’s my friend’s brother, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t… I… want to though. I want to be with him. To hear him laugh and talk with him all day and help him out... oh what should I do? Maybe Rarity might know, I’ll ask her tomorrow while at the spa with her...”

--

“… and that’s pretty much it.” Fluttershy just finished telling her friend, Rarity, all that’s happened the past few days. They were soaking in an herbal bath, so they were both alone, and Fluttershy was thankful she could tell her friend without anypony listening.

Rarity thought for a moment, then gave her pegasus friend a wide grin. “Why, Fluttershy! You’ve fallen in love darling! I’m sure Big MacIntosh will be perfect for you!”

Fluttershy’s eyes became wide. “Umm... Will be?” she hesitantly asked her friend.

The white unicorn seemed to be confused by her friends own confusion, “Why yes dear. I thought you were telling me all this because you wanted to know if I approved of your relationship or not.”

“Well... I… umm, that is... I wanted to know what I should do. I mean should just help him? Or should I… should I try and start a relationship?”

“Well Fluttershy, if you like him, I think you should at least try.” Rarity gave her timid friend a wide smile.

The smile seemed to ease Fluttershy’s worry, as she gently smiled back. She promised herself that tonight she’d talk to Big Mac about her feelings.

--

That night, as Fluttershy was changing Big Mac’s bandages and seeing how his bones were healing, he noticed the blush on her face.

“Is everything alright there, Fluttershy?” the stallion asked.

The blush on her face reddened. “Well… I... um, I… well, n-not really.” she stammered.

Big Mac looked his caretaker in the eye. His own eyes were filled with concern for her.

“Well, what’s wrong darlin’?”

She was debating in her head if she should tell him or not. Well he is kind so I know he won’t do anything to hurt me. But if he doesn’t feel the same… I’d just be too embarrassed..And what would Applejack think? Would it be embarrassing? Oh what should I do…

The mare's thoughts were interrupted by Big Mac. “Fluttershy?”

The pegasus set her face in a determined and looked straight at Big Mac. “I… I have something to tell you..”

Big Mac was a little bit taken aback. Usually the yellow pony was quiet and never looked so determined. But he simply laid back and listened because he was curious about what she would say. Besides that, he couldn't exactly leave.

Fluttershy’s face became redder and hotter after realizing what she was doing.

“Well, um, I-I-I wanted t-to say that I… I l-like you..” she said softly.

Big Mac smiled. “Well Ah like you too Fluttershy.”

“N-no I don’t just l-like you. I… well I...” Deciding that she couldn’t tell Big Mac how she felt, she decided to show him instead.
Fluttershy leaned up and gently kissed Big Mac on the cheek, causing the large stallion to blush. Fluttershy simply laid there blushing, a small smile on her face from what she just did.

All Big MacIntosh could do was lay there, stunned and dumbfounded. This time it was his turn to stutter. “Fl-Flutter… shy?”

“I’m, umm, sorry..” Fluttershy apologized. Next it was her turn to become surprised, for Big Mac leaned back down and kissed Fluttershy. When he let go, they were both blushing like crazy.

"Ah love you.” Big Mac admitted, nuzzling his newfound love.

That night, Fluttershy and Big Mac spent the night together. They talked, laughed, and cuddled with each other, and the later it got the more personal they became. It wasn’t until about two the next morning they fell asleep together.

--

It was the afternoon when they both woke up. Fluttershy walked into the kitchen to fix her and her lover some brunch. As she passed a mirror she blushed, her normally brushed mane was tangled and sticking out in places, and she found a few places where Big Mac "kissed" her harder, causing slight bruising. The blush she had on her face went away when she saw the angry rabbit in her kitchen.

Angel was standing by his bowl, scowling at his caretaker that was late. He was suppose to be fed at seven or eight in the morning than help with taking care of the animals. Fluttershy apologized to him and fixed his breakfast, then went on to make hers and Big Mac’s.

"This is going to be amazing, I can feel it!" she thought to herself.

--

"Well howdy, you two. Glad ta see you're better there Big Mac." Applejack said to the approaching couple with a smile on her face. Winona was running around barking her head off in excitement. It's been about two weeks since Big Mac had woken up from his unconscious state, but it's only been a few days that he could walk without pain or discomfort.

Big Mac smiled at the dog and his sister while Fluttershy spoke. "Hi, Applejack. How's everything been?"

"Oh they've been alright fer the most part. Was a little bit difficult at first adjusting to Big MacIntosh not bein' here, but we knew he was in good hooves..along with some other things." Applejack said with a sly wink, making the pegasus blush. Just when Fluttershy was about to respond, a small yellow blur shot out of the house screaming its head off.

"Yer home, yer home! We missed ya'll so much!" little Apple Bloom said, hopping around the group.

Big Mac scooped up his little sister and nuzzled her. When he put her back down she started running around with Winona, all of a sudden Applejack caught her.

"Woah there li'l filly, ain't you suppose ta be helpin' Granny Smith?"

Everypony could see the excitement in Apple Bloom's eyes lessen as her ears drooped. "Yea...but Ah wanna spend time with Big Mac and Fluttershy!"

"And you will. After yer done helping Granny out." The orange pony put her sister down and started pushing her towards the door.

Fluttershy and her partner giggled. She then turned and kissed Big Mac on the cheek, breathing in his apple scent and smiling to herself. "Now remember not to overexert yourself or do anything too physically taxing for awhile."

The red stallion nuzzled her. "Ah know darlin'. Love you."

"Love you too." she said while waving goodbye to the Apple siblings and flying off towards town to pick up supplies for her animal friends.

Applejack playfully elbowed her brother in one of his good legs. "So what did ya'll do while you was 'recoverin'?"

"N-nonthin'. Nothin' at all. We would just talk and stuff." Big Mac's cheeks started to turn a brighter shade of red than his coat.

"Uh-huh. If'n you say so. Why don't you go in the house and get some rest lover boy."

--
One Month Later

Applejack walked down the stairs to the family's kitchen bleary eyed and worn out. It was early morning and she didn't really feel like getting up, but work needed to be done. What she saw in kitchen when she arrived took her by surprise. Big MacIntosh was sitting there, bags under his eyes and looking lost.

The farm pony walked up and sat next to her brother. "What's wrong there Big Mac?"

"Ah need yer help AJ. Fluttershy an' Ah have been datin' fer awhile and Ah think she's the one, so Ah was plannin' on propsin' to her but, well, Ah'm lost as to what Ah should do."

The younger Apple member put a comforting hoof on her brothers leg and looked him in the eye. "Well Ah figure it's right simple. Just go up an' ask her ta marry ya."

"But what about a proposin' gift? Like a ring or sumthin'?"

Applejack sat there and thought for a moment. Her eyes lit up at a thought. "Well, Ah know that there's a bracelet that she's been lookin' at, Ah think Sparkler has it at her store. It's a small silver thing with a flower design on it. Ah think that should work."

Big Mac seemed to perk up at this idea. He suddenly stood up and hugged his sister. Before he ran out the door, the stallion yelled out a thanks the surprised Applejack.

Ah hope she says yes, he thought as he ran down the road to Sparkler's jewelry store. When he got to the center of town, he suddenly stopped and realized he didn't have a clue where Sparkler's store is. He looked around to see if her could find it, instead he found two giggling mares sitting on a bench. Walking up, Big Mac noticed how weird the mint-green one was sitting.

As he approached, he cleared his throat, "Ehem, do either of you ladies know where Sparkler's jewelry store is?"

The cream colored mare with a pink/blue mane pointed at a store next to Rarity's boutique. "It's right over there sir. But if you don't mind me asking, why is a big farm stallion like you looking for a jewelry store?"

Big Mac blushed. "Well... it's so Ah can propose to mah marefriend."

Both of the ponies on the bench d'awwed together. As Big Mac thanked them and started walking away, the other mare spoke up, "Good luck! We hope she says yes!" She then turned to her partner and smiled. The cream colored mare smiled back, then her face got a puzzled expression as a question passed through her mind.

"Lyra, do you ever plan on proposing to me?"

"Oh well, um....uh.." The mint green unicorn was lost as to what to say. "Dammit! I hate it when she asks that..." she thought to herself. Then she got an idea, instead of answering, she just gave her own marefriend a big kiss. The unexpected action caught Bon Bon off guard and she completely forgot what she was asking. "Works every time." Lyra thought.

--

When Big Mac entered the store, it was empty of any pony aside from himself. The front room looked quite spacious even with the display cases of jewelry and catalogs. Big Mac walked up to the register and rang the bell next to it, from a side room a voice called out, "I'll be there in a minute!"

The red stallion decided to look around while waiting. He marveled at all the beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Every single item, even those that were suppose to be of an identical design, seemed to have its own uniqueness about it, as if they had their own personality and story. As Big Mac bent down to look closer at a necklace, he noticed a small, pale-purple unicorn filly looking at him.

He smiled and bent down to address the filly. "Why hello there, what's yer name?"

The small pony merely looked up at him, gawking at the size of the stallion. When she opened her mouth to answer, another voice called out.

"Dinky! Don't bother the nice pony. Come and help your sister please."

The small unicorn smiled at Big Mac, then ran off behind the counter as a light purple unicorn walked up to the stallion. "Hello my name's Sparkler. I'm sorry if my sister was bothering you."

Big Mac gently smiled at the her. "Naw, she wasn't any trouble. I'm Big MacIntosh, or Big Mac fer short."

"Well than Big MacIntosh, what can I help you with today?"

"My sister told me ya'll got a silver bracelet with a flower design on it, and Ah was wonderin' if I could see it."

Sparkler sat and thought for a moment. "Hmm, sounds familiar. Let me look in the back and see." As she got up to go in the back, she noticed Dinky looking at them from behind a display case. "Dinky, please behave yourself and try not to be a bother."

As the older unicorn walked away, the smaller one got up on top of the case so she could see eye to eye with Big Mac. "Your Apple Bloom's brother, aren't you?"

"Eeyup. How'd ya know?" Big Mac asked curiously.

"She talks about her family all the time. Although she never said you were HUGE!" Dinky opened her little arms to emphasize her point.

The stallion chuckled at the filly's antics. Just then Sparkler came back out, levitating a small box next to her head. She placed the box on the counter and opened it, revealing the silver bracelet. It had a flower and vines etched on the surface, the petals were made out of white gold, the center of the flower was a golden sapphire, and the leaves were inlaid with green metal.

"Is this what you were looking for?" she asked.

"Eeyup. How much fer it?"

Sparkler had a concerned look on her face. "Well there's a slight problem. Another pony already purchased it, I'm just holding on to it for them. Sorry Big Mac."

Big Mac's shoulders drooped as he started to frown. Then he got an idea. "How much did the other pony pay fer it?"

"Umm, 40 bits. Why?"

"What if Ah pay 80 bits fer it?"

Sparkler looked taken aback. "Why that's quite an offer! But I must know why before I can consider any offer."

"Because Ah want it so Ah can propose to my marefriend."

The light purple unicorn thought for a minute. "What's your marefriend look like?"

"Uhh, butter-yellow pegasus with light pink mane and blue eyes. Why?" the confused stallion said

The jeweler smiled warmly. "Then you can take it Big Mac, don't worry about paying it."

The red stallion was beyond surprised. Nopony ever gave away something so valuable. "Well that's mighty fine of ya miss, but why are you all of a sudden willing to give it away?"

"Don't worry about it. Trust me." Sparkler levitated the box in front of him.

"Well thank you then." Big Mac took the box and put it in a hidden pocket in his yolk. He waved goodbye to the jeweler and her sister before heading back to the farm. "Now Ah need to figure out how Ah'm gonna do this." he thought.

Dinky looked at her sister, a curious expression on her face. "Why did you give him the bracelet? That pegasus lady from earlier already paid for it."

"Didn't you hear his description sis? His marefriend is the pegasus from earlier." Sparkler explained to her little sister. After scratching Dinky's little blonde mane, Sparkler started walking towards the side room again. "Now, let's finish emptying these boxes so we can go get some muffins with mom."

The smaller unicorn gasped excitedly and hopped off the counter, running after her older sister.

--

Fluttershy was laying on her couch reading a book she borrowed from Twilight. Her tail was lazily swishing back and forth, her eyes moving from left to right as her imagination turned the words into a picture. She was so into her book that the pegasus squeaked in surprise when there came a knocking at her door. She put her book down and walked to the door. What she saw put a big smile on her face.

"Oh Big MacIntosh! What are you doing here?" the pegasus asked while hugging her coltfriend.

Big Mac hugged her back and nuzzled her cheek. "Ah came by ta see if you were busy tonight."

"No I don't think so. Why?"

"How would you like ta go on a date with me then? Ah know this nice hill near the eastern field that we could lay down at."

Fluttershy gasped in delight. "Oh how wonderful! Do I need to bring anything?"

"Nope, just yerself." he said with a smile.

After setting up a time and a plan, they kissed each other goodbye. Big Mac headed back towards the farm to prepare while Fluttershy tried to read her book. Only she couldn't concentrate, her mind was filled with thoughts of what could happen that night.

Sweet Apple Acres; 7 o'clock dusk

"Are we almost there?" a butter-yellow pegasus asked, her vision covered by a strip of cloth.

Her coltfriend chuckled at the sight. "Almost sweetheart. Just a few more steps."

When they reached the hill, Big Mac took the blindfold off. Fluttershy's heart skipped a beat at the sight: there on top of the hill was a plaid blanket spread out, two plates, two glasses and a basket of food on it, behind the setup was the most gorgeous sundown either of them has ever seen.

Fluttershy leaned against the stallion, nuzzling his shoulder. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. They both walked up to the picnic and took their respective places. Content with just each others company, both ponies just lied there eating and staring at the sunset. When the sun disappeared and night started to take over, both ponies only sighed in happiness.

"Y'know Fluttershy, this has ta be the best moment in mah life." Big Mac said, wrapping one of his legs around Fluttershy's own.

The pegasus pony leaned her head against his shoulder. "This was the most amazing thing ever. Thank you Big Mac."

"Well then Ah guess it's a good thing it ain't quite over yet." he chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

The red farm pony walked up to the basket. He reached in with his snout and pulled out a small box in his mouth. Walking over to his marefriend, Big Mac lied back down next to her and placed the box in front of her. At first Fluttershy was confused, until Big Mac told her to open it. When she did, the pegasus almost passed out with excitement and happiness.

"Fluttershy, will you marry me?" Big Mac whispered in her ear.

"Y-y-y...." Fluttershy was speechless. At first the stallion thought she would've said no, until she tackled him and started smothering him in kisses. When they both got up for air, Fluttershy leaned over to Big Mac's ear and whispered yes. After that the ponies decided to have some 'personal time'. They cleared the blanket and snuggled under it, just in case a pony happened to fly by on a late night outing or something. Which was probably a smart thing, for up in one of the apple trees surrounding the area, a pair of magenta eyes were watching the couple.

--

The next day Fluttershy and Big Mac woke up early. Big Mac looked up at the sky, it was gloomy and the clouds were grey, a sign that a storm might be on its way, so Big Mac decided to walk his fiancee home. When they reached Fluttershy's cottage, they kissed eachother goodbye and planned on meeting up the next day to plan the wedding.

By the time Big Mac got back home, it was still rather early but Applejack was awake and getting breakfast ready. After breakfast each pony went about their tasks for the day; Apple Bloom was helping Granny Smith around the house, Applejack was getting things ready for apple sales that day and Big Mac was taking apart old crates in the barn. The Apple family's guest, a sand-yellow earth stallion with a cutie mark consisting of a blank paper with a rose compass on it, decided to help him. The red stallion didn't mind, but he wasn't exactly keen on the guest either, which was why he was glad when the stallion left with his sister.

In town center

"Applejack! Applejack!", a cyan blur shot out of the sky towards the apple cart and its proprietors, screaming over the wind and rain "You'll never guess what I saw last night! Wait..why are you two out here trying to sell apples in the storm?"

The orange farm pony sighed at her friend, already frustrated with what's happened so far. "What do you want Rainbow!?" Applejack shouted over the wind. Rainbow led Applejack away from the cart, so the stallion with her wouldn't hear.

"Guess what I saw last night!"

"How bout we don't play games an' you just tell me!"

Rainbow Dash looked a little upset that Applejack didn't want to guess, but decided to tell her friend instead of just flying off. "I saw Big Mac and Fluttershy last night! I think he proposed to her!"

Applejack, not quite hearing correctly, said what she thought she heard for clarification, "He dozed into her! Well that wasn't very nice of 'im, or were they playin' around?"

Rainbow facehoofed. "No! He PROPOSED TO HER!!" she shouted louder, hoping Applejack would hear over the wind.

"Oh. Well that's wonderful! Ah'm sure they'll be happy together! Wait why were you spyin' on mah brother and Fluttershy?!"

"Never mind that! I'm going to tell the others!" Just as Rainbow was about to fly off, she felt a tug at her tail and saw Applejack had it in her teeth.

"Oh no you don't! Ya'll are gonna let them tell us when they feel ready, ya hear?"

The rainbow maned pegasus pouted. "Fine!" she said before shooting off to her own home. When Applejack turned around and started walking back to the cart, a strong gust come from nowhere and blew her hat off. Applejack merely sighed and walked back to the cart to pack up and go home.

--

The next day Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity were waiting in Fluttershy's cottage. Their timid friend had asked them to meet her there for a surprise. Applejack would've been there, but she had some things to take care of. Just when the three friends were getting a little bit uncomfortable, the butter-yellow pegasus descended down her stairs. Her usually calm and nervous features were replaced by excitement and sheer happiness.

"Hey Fluttershy, what did you call us for?" Twilight asked her friend.

Instead of giving an answer, Fluttershy just showed the three ponies in her living room her engagement bracelet. "Big Mac and I are getting married!" she said, practically screaming from excitement.

"Oh my, darling that is just wonderful news!" Rarity said, running up and hugging her friend.

"Congratulations Fluttershy." Twilight said, walking up and joining in the hug. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie soon ran up and joined the other three. After they broke apart, each pony took a seat on one of the couches. Pinkie Pie was the first to speak.

"So when's the wedding huh huh huh!?!", than all of a sudden the pink pony gasped, "Oh I know! I'll throw you the most awesomest, super fantastic, most spectacular party ever!!!"

Twilight put a hoof on her energetic friend, "Hold on there Pinkie. We don't even know what Fluttershy and Big Mac are planning for the wedding."

"Oh that's alright Twilight." the animal loving pegasus calmly said, "We actually don't know any details yet. Which is part of reason I asked you ladies to come buy. I was wondering if Pinkie could help set up the wedding itself and reception along with the food, while Rainbow makes sure the skies are clear. I was also wondering if Rarity could make my dress and if you could help me plan the whole thing Twilight. That is, if none of you mind."

All of the ponies eyes became glossy and starry. At the same time they all answered "Of course we would!"

"There was also one more thing I wanted to ask you ladies, including Applejack." Fluttershy added.

"And what would that be dear?" the white unicorn asked.

"Would you five mind being my mares of honors?"

Down at Sweet Apples Acres

"Huh? What was that?"

"Somethin' wrong Quest?" Applejack asked, slightly upset that her coltfriend stopped suddenly.

The traveling stallion looked out the window. "I thought I heard screaming from somewhere."

"Well, we could go find out where it came from. Or we could get back to business." the orange cow pony said seductively, kissing her lover on the lips.

"Hehe. You sure do know my weakness don't you?"

The two ponies slid back under the covers of Applejack's bed, getting back to their 'business'.

--
4 months later, Wedding day

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!"

Fluttershy was pacing back and forth in Applejack's room, which was today being used as her waiting room. She was extremely nervous and couldn't stay still for even a moment, any and every scenario that could happen going through her head. Rarity was in there with her, trying to comfort her while getting her son, Frostfyre, in his suit.

"Calm down Fluttershy, everything is going to go fine. You know Twilight, she'll make sure everything goes perfect. Now hold still young man while mommy combs your hair."

Instead of complying to his mother's order, the young colt jumped off from where he was sitting and ran to Fluttershy, hiding behind her tail. The dress maker huffed in frustration, not wanting to chase after the trouble making pegasus. She tried using her magic to levitate him to her, but he moved out of the way so all that happened is Fluttershy's tail lifted off the ground. Fluttershy smiled, then turned around and lied on the ground, setting her eye level equal to Frostfyre's. "Now Frostfyre, today is a special day for your Aunt Fluttershy and I would appreciate it if you listened to your mother. Can you do that for me, please?"

The small, red pegasus seemed to contemplate what his elder said, then smiled and nodded in agreement. As if determined to show Fluttershy that he'll keep his promise, Frostfyre trotted up to Rarity and sat in front of her. Rarity stared, stunned for a moment that her son was actually staying still and not asleep. She started brushing his hair and getting his suit ready with her magic. "Thank you darling, he can be quite the handful at times." After the white unicorn was done, she set her son on the ground, "Now go find Auntie Sweetie Belle or Aunt Twilight, alright?"

The small pegasus smiled and ran off. Rarity turned to her friend. "Now than dear, let's get you ready."

--

It was getting near starting time and every pony in Ponyville was anxiously waiting. There were even some unexpected guests like Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ-Pon3 and her marefriend Octavia, Princess Celestia and Luna, and Photo Finish with her entourage. Although every pony was talking among themselves, all eyes were glancing forward at the altar. There a large red stallion, a baby dragon and a stallion with a cream caramel coat and caramel brown mane were waiting for things to start while talking with each other.

"So how you feeling Big Mac?" Spike, the little purple dragon asked.

"Yea. You nervous or anything?" Caramel added.

Big Mac just sat there, staring at the path his fiancee would walk. He was nervous, extremely nervous. But he didn't show it. "Nope, Ah'm fine. Just wished we could get this over with."

As if his wish came true, the ceremony music started. All the ponies took their seats while the groom, best colts and bride's maids stood by the altar where Mayor Mare was getting ready. After a few moments, all heads turned as Fluttershy walked down the aisle with Rarity by her side. Frostfyre attempted to go join his mother, as was his habit, but Luna and Celestia held him between them, Luna giving him a reassuring smile.

When Fluttershy reached her place and Rarity took her own, Mayor Mare cleared her throat to begin the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are all gathered here on this bright and happy day to witness the union of Big MacIntosh Apple and Fluttershy. Now before we start, is there any pony that thinks these two shouldn't be together?"

There was stark silence. No pony answered, partly because they all thought they were perfect for each other, but also because of the five mares up front glaring at the crowd. The mayor continued.

"Very well then. Big MacIntosh, do you take this mare to be your wife?"

"Ah do."

"And Fluttershy, do you take this stallion to be your husband?"

"I do!" she squeaked.

"Than by the power granted to me by the Princesses Celestia and Luna, I now pronounce you two husband and wife. You may kiss each other now." Just as the mayor finished this sentence, she stepped back. It was a good move for as soon as the words left her mouth, the stallion and mare embraced each other. Every pony in the crowd let out 'awwws'. Some couples like Octavia and Vinyl or Lyra and Bon Bon hugged and kissed, while other ponies hugged one another. After a few moments, Vinyl walked up to her DJ table and put on a record. "Let's get this party started everypony!" she said through her mic, turning her equipment on and blaring dance music.

--

"Oh my that all just wonderful." a butter-yellow pegasus said while her new husband walked them up to their new room in the Apple Family house. It was late, probably about 11 at night.

"It sure was darlin'." Big Mac laid her on the bed. He then scooted in next to her and snuggled with her. "Ah love you Fluttershy." he said, kissing her.

Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Big Mac. "I love you too. But you know, the party doesn't have to end now.."

The red stallion raised an eyebrow. But before he could ask, Fluttershy got on top of him and kissed him furiously. Even though he was tired, Big Mac could feel ecstasy and adrenaline run through his body. After kissing for a few minutes, the new couple slid under the sheets.

10 months later

"Nopony panic! I'm here!" a white pony with a medical cap and hospital equipment came bursting through the door to the Apple residence. "Now what's the emergency?"

Twilight was the first to speak up. "Oh Nurse Redheart. Thank Celestia you arrived. Our friend went into labor a few hours ago and we didn't know what to do."

"Well where is she!?"

Applejack, who was watching her own son Apple Cobbler play with Frostfyre, pointed up the stairs. "Up there, third door down."

Before any pony could say or do anything else, the nurse zipped up the stairs with her equipment. When she opened up the door to Big Mac and Fluttershy's room, they could hear their friend screaming. "GET THIS DAMN THING OUT OF ME! YOU DID THIS TO ME YOU-" before they could hear anything else the door closed, muffling any noise.

The ponies in the living room quickly became bored. Apple Cobbler was asleep in Pinkie's cotton tail, Pinkie herself talking about pranks with Rainbow Dash, Twilight was reading a book, Rarity was grooming her son, Granny Smith was sitting in her rocking chair and knitting, and Apple Bloom was playing with Sweetie Belle, Spike and Scootaloo, with Applejack having to intervene once in awhile because what they were planning was too dangerous or risky. Every once in awhile the ponies could hear Fluttershy screaming or insulting Big Mac. Their favorites so far have been: "DON'T TELL ME TO KEEP CALM YOU APPLE BUCKING BRUTE!", "I SWEAR TO CELESTIA THAT IF YOU LEAVE THIS ROOM I'M GOING TO RIP YOUR MANHOOD OFF AND FEED IT TO MY ANIMALS!"(a remark that made Celestia herself appear and ask what was going on), and their absolute favorite so far is "TELL ME TO KEEP CALM AND BREATH ONE MORE TIME AND I'M GOING TO POP YOUR HEAD LIKE A PIMPLE!".

After what seemed like ages, an extremely tired and beat up looking Big Mac walked down the stairs. All eyes were on him, he smiled at the group and in a weak voice said, "She did it. We got a li'l filly. Ya'll can come see her if ya want." With that he walked back up the stairs. All the ponies followed him into the room where Fluttershy was laying propped up in bed.

The pegasus herself looked like a mess. Her hair was either sticking out or clinging to her sweat-laden fur, she had bags under her eyes and her voice was hoarse. In her arms was a small earth pony filly; its coat was a light shade of pink and its mane was a mixture of Big Mac's mane and Fluttershy's coat, it had the most beautiful orange eyes any pony ever saw.

Apple Bloom hopped up on the bed, with permission from Big Mac, and Applejack placed Apple Cobbler on the bed with her. "Say hello to yer knew cousin little guy." Applejack whispered in her son's ear. The small colt carefully walked up to examine the new bundle. When the baby saw her older cousin, she giggled and swatted at his nose, making him jump back with a squeak.

"So what's her name?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy and Big Mac smiled. "We decided to call her Apple Tart." the weary pegasus replied.

All the ponies sighed in either contentment or happiness. Then Nurse Redheart approached them, "You should probably get some rest dear. Since this isn't the hospital I can't exactly tell you all to leave, but it would be nice to at least be quiet please." Then the nurse left and headed back towards the hospital.

"We should probably go too girls. We'll be back tomorrow, promise." Twilight said to Applejack as the small group left.

Applejack picked up her son and placed him on her back. She then turned to the new family, tears forming in the edges of her eyes. "Congratulations you two. Ah'm gonna go an' feed this li'l guy then put him down for another nap. If ya'll need anything, just come and get me."

Big Mac walked up and hugged his family. "Thank you guys, fer everythin'. Ah'm proud ta have ya'll fer a family."

After Granny, Apple Bloom, Applejack and Apple Cobbler left, Big Mac turned around and crawled into bed with his wife and daughter. Before falling asleep, he kissed them both on the forehead and whispered "Ah love you two, so much."

Soarin' Rainbows

Soarin’ Rainbows

“Thanks for the books, Twilight!” a cyan pegasus shouted behind her while leaving the town library.

A purple unicorn walked out to wave goodbye to her friend. “No problem, Rainbow. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying them.” Twilight Sparkle replied.

It was a windy day in Ponyville. So just as Rainbow Dash prepared to fly off to her cloud home, a gust of wind blew a piece of paper onto her face.

“GAH!” Rainbow exclaimed, flailing her hooves while hovering in the air. “What was that?”

The rainbow maned pegasus grabbed the paper and read it over, the expression on her face changing from confusion to excitement. All of a sudden she bolted into the air, screaming at the top of her lungs. Her screaming attracted a small group of ponies, two of which where her friends, with looks of confusion.

“Rainbow, is everything alright?” Twilight asked her friend.

Rainbow Dash landed in front of her and Applejack, waving the flyer in their faces.

“Alright? I’m more than alright! The Wonderbolts are performing just outside of Ponyville! And it’s FREE!!” The weather-pony looked like she would almost pass out from excitement.

Applejack and Twilight grabbed their flighty friend and sat her down on a bench.”Hold on now sugarcube. Take a couple breaths before ya’ll black out.”

The pegasus tried to do what her friend said, but merely sat there shivering with her eyes closed. All of a sudden an angry voice snapped her eyes open. Rainbow Dash knew she was in for it.

“RAINBOW DASH!” Twilight yelled, levitating her slightly damaged books from the ground. “I understand your excitement, but please treat other people’s things with care.” The weather pony blushed in embarrassment.

“Sorry Twilight. Hey do you and the others wanna come with me to the show?” Rainbow asked, wanting to spend some time with her friends aside from just the dangerous adventures.

Twilight was the first to answer. “Sure Rainbow. I don’t think I’m doing anything this weekend.” Applejack didn’t look as sure or happy.

“Ah don’t know Rainbow. Ah would love to, but there are apples that need ta be harvested and fields ta plow and sow.”

The cyan pegasus’ ears drooped. Then, she got an idea that might work. Rainbow leaned in close to Applejack’s ear and whispered, “You know AJ, since the event is free, you could probably set up an apple stand to get more money.” At the sound of this, the orange mare’s eyes widened. Rainbow decided to go on, “It would mean even more ponies would want to buy Sweet Apple Acre products. And even better, there’s the chance the Wonderbolts would want to try some, and who knows what would happen if they liked it.”

Rainbow Dash sat back down, a devious smile on her face. Applejack’s face looked blank, her mind working through what her friend had just told her. Then a big smile crossed her face. “Well alright. Ah’ll go too then.” At this, Rainbow hopped up into the air in joy.

“All right! I’m gonna go tell the others too. See you guys this weekend!” With that, Rainbow dashed off towards Fluttershy’s cottage, leaving her trademark rainbow trail behind her.

Rainbow was up bright and early Saturday morning, excitement making her shake. She quickly got up and cleaned herself up, then, the rainbow maned mare flew off towards Ponyville outskirts on the road leading to Canterlot. When she got there, Rainbow could see some ponies were already setting up stands, tables, banners, and the like. In the background, a large stadium could be seen, with blue blurs zipping about, no doubt the Wonderbolts practicing for the show.

“Hey, Rainbow, over here!” a voice called. Looking around, Rainbow Dash saw Applejack standing at her apple booth waving the pegasus over.

“Hey, Applejack. Glad to see you’re here!” Rainbow said, landing in front of the booth.

The orange farm pony chuckled. “Well after what you told me, Ah wouldn’t have missed the opportunity.” Rainbow was about to say something in response, when all of a sudden a loud voice screamed at the two ponies.

“RAINBOW DASH! APPLEJACK!” Looking around wildly, the two ponies didn’t see the hot air balloon descending upon them. When it was a few feet off the ground, a pink blur shot out and wrapped Rainbow and Applejack in an unexpected, crushing, hug. When Pinkie Pie let go, and the mares got their breath back, they noticed the rest of their friends hop out of the balloon.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack zipped over to the others, with Pinkie bouncing behind them. “You guys made it!” Rainbow exclaimed, wrapping the remaining ponies in a hug.

Twilight giggled at her friends excitement. “Of course Rainbow.” she said, “Why wouldn’t we show up?”

The pegasus scratched the back of her head. “I dunno. Usually you have studying to do, Fluttershy has her animals, and I’m pretty sure Rarity has dresses to work on.”

At the sound of her name, Rarity spoke up. “Well, I do have things I could work on…” she started, but a look from Applejack and Twilight made her change her mind, “But why miss the opportunity of spending time with friends?”

Rainbow merely smiled. When she was about to say something else, crackling could be heard through the speakers around the area, then a voice sounded through.

“Would all spectators please take their seats at the stadium. The show is about to start!”

Soon, all the ponies that were just standing around started rushing towards the large structure, sweeping Twilight and the others with them. Before they got too far, Applejack yelled back “Hey Big Mac, can ya watch the stand?!?”

“Eeyup!” the stallion shouted back.

“Well, that was rather, um, fun?” a white unicorn asked her friends as they made their way back from the show.

A cyan blur stopped right next to Rarity. “Fun? It was the most awesomely, amazingly, coolest thing ever!” Rainbow Dash shouted, lifting Rarity off the ground into an unexpected, gripping hug. At the sound of wheezing, Rainbow looked and noticed she was slightly choking her friend. “Heh, sorry…” she said, putting the dress maker down.

Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing behind them while stuffing her face with a variety of goods, stopped all of a sudden. “Hey, isn’t that one of the performers?” she asked, pointing a hoof at a stallion with a baby blue coat and navy blue mane.

Rainbow’s eyes became as wide as plates. “Oh my god it’s Soarin’!! What I wouldn’t give to meet him.”

“So why not go say hi?” asked Fluttershy, who’s been quiet throughout the day.

“Well, um, I… I don’t know… I mean what if he doesn’t want to be bothered or something?” their cyan friend asked, unsure as to what to do.

Applejack trotted up to her friend. “It’s real simple sugar, ya just go up, introduce yerself, and take it from there.”

Rainbow Dash gulped. “We-well… if you say so.”

Rainbow took in a deep breath, and started to trot over to the relaxing Wonderbolt. Upon hearing her hoofsteps, Soarin’ opened one of his eyes.

“H-hey-hey there.” Rainbow said, trying not to sound nervous. “I-I’m Rainbow Dash.”

Unexpectedly, Soarin’ shot up and started shaking Rainbow’s hoof wildly. “Well, hey! I remember you, you saved me at the Best Young Flyer Competition AND saved my pie at the gala!”

“Yea, heh, that was me. So… what are you up to?”

“Oh I’m just relaxing a little bit. Waitin’ for Spitfire to come back.”

As if by the magic of her name, a golden-yellow mare with an orange, windswept mane landed lightly by the two ponies.

Rainbow Dash could feel her heartbeat go into overdrive.

“Oh my gosh! It’s Spitfire!” the cyan pegasus shrieked.

The Wonderbolts captain looked over to Rainbow Dash, smiling when she recognized her. “Hey kid, I remember you. How ya been?”

Rainbow couldn’t say anything; she merely hovered in place with a huge smile plastered on her face. Spitfire started giggling at the display. “I take it you’re doing well then.” Then she turned to her friend and handed some papers from her saddlebags. “Here ya go Soarin’. Everything’s set and done, as of right now you’re no longer a Wonderbolts. It’s a shame that you’re retiring so early, oh well, I hope the best for you.” Spitfire gave him a hug then flew off to help the others pack up.

The weather pony looked confused, “Wait, you’re retiring, er, retired? But why?”

Soarin’ looked at her and smiled. “Well it was fun and all, but I’ve gotten to a point where I’d like to settle down and enjoy some freedom. You know what I mean?”

“Well, do you have a place to stay?”

The ex-Wonderbolt sat there and thought, he didn’t really have a permanent place. After he told Rainbow, she got another smile. “Well, if you want I can show you around Ponyville and maybe help you think about staying here?” she asked, half-hoping he’d say yes.

“It’s a date then. I’ll meet you at the town center around 8 o’clock.” Soarin’ said with a wink before flying off to his tent. For the rest of the day, Rainbow Dash felt like she was in a hazy dream, and she was lovin’ it.

“It’s 8:15, where is he?” Rainbow thought to herself. She was sitting on a bench in town center waiting for Soarin’, surprised she wasn’t late showing up like usual. “I swear to Celestia if he doesn’t show up…” Rainbow’s thoughts were interrupted by a tapping on her shoulder. Turning around she saw the baby blue stallion smiling at her.

“Sorry I’m late, had a little bit more to pack up than I thought. So, shall we start?” Soarin’ asked, walking up to Rainbow Dash. The mare simply nodded, and together the two pegasi took a leisurely stroll around Ponyville. Normally it’d make sense to show a pony the town during the day, but Soarin’ figured it’d be easier at night since there would be a lower risk of ponies surrounding him for autographs and photos.

“And that’s Sugarcube Corner where you’ll find the best baked goods in Equestria. Although I wouldn’t tell Applejack that, she might take offence and insist her apple pies are better.” Rainbow finished explaining on their last stop.

Soarin’ sat down and thought for a minute. “Applejack… Is that the orange mare I bought a pie from at the gala?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded her head. At the confirmation, the stallion’s eyes lit up, “Oh man! I dunno, the pie I had tasted amazing. Guess I’ll have to try Sugarcube Corner’s goods tomorrow morning.”

“So you’re staying?” Rainbow asked, her eyes lighting up.

Soarin’, deciding to flirt a little bit, looked at one of his hooves with a careless expression. “I don’t know. Maybe if a certain mare were to let me take her on a real date, I might.” When he looked at Rainbow, Soarin’ saw her ears droop a little bit.

“Oh… And who would that mare be?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Heh, I meant you.”

“Right, I knew that…”

“Of course you did. So how about we meet here say… next week? That way I have time to get a place and move in.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit back up and she almost tackled the ex-Wonderbolt. “I would love to!”

The stallion wrapped his assailant in a tight hug before letting go. “See ya around Rainbow.” he said with a sly wink before flying off.

“Awww, those two make a great couple.” Pinkie Pie said to herself before leaving her window and going back to bed. “Guess I got some new parties to plan for Soarin’ and Dashie.”

A Week Later

Ding… Ding

Rainbow Dash opened the door, the bell hanging above alerting anypony in the shop she was there. As she approached the counter, her vision was suddenly filled with pink, a set of blue eyes staring at her.

“HI DASHIIIEEE!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Uh, hey, Pinkie Pie. Good to see you, but would you mind getting off?”

“Sure!”

As soon as Rainbow got up and dusted herself off, she noticed Pinkie’s smiling even bigger than usual.

“Umm, Pinkie?”

“Yes, Dashie?” she responded, batting her eyelashes.

“Why do you seem more, umm, excited than usual?” Rainbow asked curiously.

Her pink friend held one of her hoofs up to her mouth as she giggled. “Why ‘cause of your date! I’m so happy for you and Soarin’!” the party mare explained.

Rainbow Dash became flustered. “Wha-wh-what date?” Rainbow asked. All of a sudden she zipped up snout-to-snout with Pinkie. “How’d you find out about that?!?”

Pinkie coyly smiled as she walked back behind the counter. “I have my ways.” she simply said.

Before the pegasus could respond, another walked in with a smile on his face. “Mornin’ everypony!” Soarin’ said.

The pink pony waved a hoof at the new guest. “Heya, Soarin’! Come to pick up your order for you and Dashie?” she asked.

Puzzled, the stallion answered, “Yea… How’d you know about that?”

Again, Pinkie Pie simply giggled before placing the package on the counter and ringing up the cost. After Soarin’ paid, he and Rainbow walked outside and prepared to fly off for their date.

“So, how did she know that the package was for our date?” he asked Rainbow.

The mare merely rolled her eyes. “Who knows? That’s Pinkie for ya.”

“So in other words, don’t try to figure how she works or why she says the things she says?”

“Yea, pretty much.”

“Ok then, Dashie”

Rainbow’s cheeks turned a bright red at the sound of Soarin’ using the name Pinkie uses for her. She then took a look around her, and noticed that they were flying at cloud level over the Everfree Forest.

“Hey, where we going anyways?” she asked her partner.

“You’ll see. We’re almost there.” Soarin’ replied.

After a few more minutes of travel, the two ponies alighted on a cloud. From their vantage point, they could see miles of forest with Ponyville and Canterlot an equal distance away on either side of them.

Soarin’ placed the package down and opened it. Inside it contained a small lunch for each of them. Soarin’s was a dandelion sandwich with two apples and some apple juice; Rainbow’s was an apple and orange salad with toast and grape juice. So the two simply laid on the cloud, eating and talking like an actual date. After they were done, they snuggled up and rested, deciding to look at the scenery. When some time had passed, Rainbow decided to ask some questions that’ve been on her mind.

“Hey, Soarin’”

“Hmm?”

"Why did you decide to leave the Wonderbolts?”

“For a few reasons. The two big ones where the fact that I was getting tired of always traveling around and never being able to stay in one place for more than a few days. Another is the popularity; it gets pretty annoying and tiresome when everywhere you go fans are herding around you asking for pictures and autographs. But there was also a personal issue.”

“Would it be alright if I asked what it was?”

The baby blue stallion chuckled a little bit. Then his eyes became slightly hazy, remembering what happened only a few months ago.

“It was between me and Spitfire.”

“Wait, you two dated?”

“Yep. It started out alright, everything seemed perfect. But then I guess when you date a co-worker who’s also your boss, things do tend to go downhill. We were dating for only five months when the arguments, and the fights, and other such things started happening. After a few weeks of that we called it quits and decided one of us will have to quit the Wonderbolts, otherwise things might’ve gotten ugly. Since Spitfire is the captain, I decided I should be the one. And here we are now.”

Rainbow’s ears drooped as she stared at her hooves. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Soarin’ nuzzled her. “It’s alright. We’re still good friends. Guess we just weren’t meant to be more than that.”

“Do you like me?”

The stallion looked a little confused at the random question. But when he stared into Rainbow’s magenta eyes, he couldn’t help but smile at her.

“If I didn’t, do you think we’d be here?” he asked, draping a wing over her.

Rainbow Dash started blushing again. “So… Are we a couple?”

“Heh, if you want.”

Even thought it wasn’t the answer she was looking for, Rainbow couldn’t help but smile and nuzzle her new coltfriend.

“So where are you living?” she asked.

“Down in Ponyville. Next to an interesting couple I might add.”

“Really? How so?”

“Well, it’s an earth pony and unicorn couple, but nothing odd about that. It’s that every time they’re talking, I always hear a different voice from one while the other voice is the same. And a few times I’ve noticed the unicorn trying to walk on her hind legs and sitting on their couch weird like.”

“Huh, that is kind of weird. So what would you say to spending the night at my house?” Dash asked, gently batting her eyes.

The next thing she new, Soarin’ was in the air with a grin plastered on his face. “Race you there!” he shouted as he started speeding off towards the tower of clouds in the distance.

”Heh, that’s fine. I hope he doesn’t get too exhausted before tonight.” the mare thought to herself as she bolted after Soarin’.

One Month Later

“You’re pregnant.” the doctor put bluntly.

“What!?!” Rainbow and Soarin’ asked at the same time.

The doctor rolled his eyes and sighed, needing to tend to more patients. “You. Are. Pregnant.” he repeats.

“How long have I been pregnant?!” Rainbow asked.

“A month. Now do you mind? I have patients that need me. Any other questions and a nurse can probably answer them.” With that, the doctor gets up from behind his desk and walks out the room, mumbling to himself.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ sit there, looking at each other. They were both lost and confused as to what to do now.

“I know, let’s go to Twilight. She may have some books to help us.” the cyan pegasus said.

Soarin’ nodded in agreement, and with that both pegasus left the hospital and headed towards the library. It was a few weeks into the winter season so it was really cold, windy, and rainy out, slowing down the pegasus some on what should’ve been a short trip. When they finally arrived, instead of knocking, they burst through the door and slam it shut. The sudden noise caused Twilight to lose focus and drop some books she was levitating.

“Rainbow, Soarin’, can I help you with something?” the purple mare asked, levitating the books back onto the tables.
Rainbow started blushing a little bit while her coltfriend looked around uneasy. “Umm, yea. Do you have any books on pregnancy?” the cyan mare asked.

“Well sure, but what for?” Twilight asked, levitating the books off the shelves and placing them in front of the couple. From the weird looks she got from them, she figured it out. “Eeeee!” she exclaimed, “You’re pregnant aren’t you!?”

Her pegasus friend nodded, placing the books in their saddlebags. The next thing she knew, Rainbow was swept up into a hug from Twilight. After returning the hug back and making sure they had everything, Rainbow and Soarin’ headed back to Soarin’s home. On the way there, the stallion notices something down an alleyway and took off towards it, followed by his marefriend.

“Hey Soarin’, what’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked when she caught up.

The baby blue pegasus scanned the area. “I thought I saw something scurry back here…”

“Hmm, well I don’t see anything. C’mon, let’s head home.”

Just as they turned around, there was a loud clattering sound as a trash can got knocked over. Turning around, Rainbow thought she noticed a blur of orange rush into a small cardboard box. Cautiously walking forward, the rainbow maned mare peered into it, gasping at what she saw.

“Scootaloo!”

The small filly wearily smiled at her idol. “Hey, Rainbow Dash.” she shyly said.

“What’re you doing here? It’s cold and rainy; you’ll get sick if you’re not careful.” Rainbow chastised, sweeping the small pony into her arms to warm her up.

“I know…” Scootaloo weakly said, obviously tired and hungry.

Rainbow unlatched her coat and placed Scootaloo on her back. She then lightly place the coat back on, making sure it kept the filly warm while her head was still able to poke out.

“Let’s get you home. Where do you live?”

When Scootaloo didn’t answer, Soarin’ knew something was up. Walking up to the shivering child, he looked her right in the eye with a caring expression.

“You’re an orphan, aren’t you?” he quietly said.

Scootaloo slowly nodded, tears starting to run down her face. Rainbow turned her head, her own eyes filled with sadness.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know. How long have you been an orphan?” she asked.

The orange pony sniffled and wiped her face; taking a deep breath she explained it all. “My parents abandoned me after I was born, to my understanding they didn’t even take me out of the hospital. So the staff just dropped me off at an orphanage. It was alright for a time, until I could walk and talk, then it was like I wasn’t even there. I left the orphanage two years ago and have been living on the streets since.”

Soarin’ nuzzled the little pony. “Poor kid. C’mon, we’ll take you to our house.”

“R-really?” Scootaloo asked. She couldn’t believe that an ex-Wonderbolt was offering to let her live with him and her idol.

“You bet, squirt.” Rainbow responded. Soon, the little family left the alley way and headed home.

When they got there, the first thing that happened was Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a bath to wash the muck and cold off her. Then they sat down to a nice dinner, where Soarin’ and Rainbow got to know the filly a little better. After words, they tucked her in and went to bed themselves, talking about the day’s events.

“Wow, I feel so bad that I never noticed Scootaloo was an orphan…” Rainbow sadly said, her eyes starting to brim with tears.

Soarin’ nuzzled his marefriend and brushed her mane with his hoof. “It’s alright, there’s no way you could’ve known.”

“Yes there was!” the mare exclaimed, sitting up in bed, “All the times she watched me practiced, always hanging out with her friends at their houses. It was so clear.”

Soarin’ sat up so he could see her eye-to-eye. Smiling he asked, “So why don’t we adopt her?”

Rainbow’s eyes lit up. “Yea. Let’s do it! Tomorrow we’ll go down to Town Hall and adopt Scootaloo!”

The stallion chuckled. “You go do that. I have some things I have to do tomorrow.” Then he kissed Rainbow good night and laid back down. Rainbow did the same; only sleep didn’t come as easily to her, so she laid back thinking about the only thing she could: the baby.

--

“Well there you go Rainbow. You and Soarin’ are now guardians of Scootaloo.” Mayor Mare said, handing the signed and processed adoption papers.

Grabbing the papers and thanking the mayor, Rainbow Dash then headed outside and flew towards Twilight’s house to drop off the books.

“Scootaloo’s gonna be so happy! Maybe Pinkie will throw a party for everypony…” the pegasus started thinking on the way to library.

“Thanks, Sparkler. She’ll love it!” Soarin’ yelled back into the jewelry shop he and Scootaloo were leaving.

Making sure his gift was safe and his saddlebags were secure, the stallion lifted up Scootaloo and the two took off towards home.

“Hey Soarin’?” the filly asked.

“Yea?”

“Why’d you buy that gift for Rainbow Dash?”

Soarin’ chuckled. “You’ll see later tonight kiddo. It’s a surprise for her, just like we got one for you.”

Scootaloo gasped. “Really?!? What is it?”

“If I told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?” he asked, winking at the child.

Scootaloo tightened her grip on his neck, smiling to herself at all the thoughts that the surprise could be.

Later that day

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Rainbow opened up her door and smiled at the ponies waiting outside. “Hey everypony, glad to see you made it!” she said.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom ran in excitedly, looking to catch up with their friend, followed by Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

“Well of course we’d come sugar. Y’all said it was a special occasion.” Applejack said, heading towards the food table to grab a drink.

“And Sweetie Belle hasn’t seen Scootaloo since school got out for their winter break. It’d be good for them to hang out for a bit.” Rarity replied.

Fluttershy simply smiled at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow, a little bit puzzled, nudged the yellow pegasus. “Fluttershy, is everything alright? I know you’re quiet but this is ridiculous.” she asked, worried about her friend.

The shy pony hid behind her mane, prompting Rarity to sidle up next to her and explain. “I’m afraid the poor dear got a sore throat. So she doesn’t want to talk and risk making it worse.”

“I’m sorry about that ‘Shy. Would you like some tea or something?” the cyan pegasus asked.

Her yellow friend simply nodded. With that Rainbow zipped out the room and came back with a steaming cup of tea and a kettle that contained the rest of it.

“Here ya go. Just let me know if you want more. Have fun you two!” Rainbow said, going to the door to welcome more ponies.

Every pony at the party seemed to be having a blast. Pinkie and the kids were playing games, Rarity was talking with some ponies about fashion and getting orders done, Applejack, leaning on some unknown stallion, was talking to some ponies with Fluttershy simply listening and nodding her head once in awhile, and Twilight appeared to be boring somepony with her science-y stuff. When everyone in the room seemed to quiet down and started getting tired, Rainbow Dash and
Soarin’ decided to make their announcements.

Standing up, Soarin’ cleared his throat. “Attention, everypony! Dash and I have some announcements to make!”

When all eyes were upon the couple, they smiled at one another and announced in unison, “We’re having a baby!”

At first the room was dead silent, except for Spike munching on snacks. Then everypony erupted into applause and cheer. After they all quieted down again, Rainbow pulled out some papers and called Scootaloo over. Excited, the orange filly ran up and hopped on to Rainbow’s back. To her disappointment, the cyan mare put her down and sat in front of her.

“Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash said while staring at the small pony, “I know you’re life has been hard. You’ve been alone and fighting for your whole life. Well that ends today. Because as of this morning, Soarin’ and I adopted you!”
After hearing the last sentence, Scootaloo sat there frozen, tears falling down her face. All of a sudden she leaped up and hugged Rainbow Dash. Her hug was returned by the mare and Soarin’ while all the ponies in the room awww’d and applauded.

“Now there’s just one more thing left.” Soarin’ said mischievously.

When Rainbow Dash and the other ponies looked at him in confusion, the pegasus winked at Scootaloo. Getting the hint, the small filly ran out of the room and came back with the box that they purchased earlier. Thanking his daughter, Soarin’ took the box and faced Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow,” he whispered sweetly, “Will you marry me?” And with that, Soarin’ opened the box to reveal a pair of diamond engagement earrings.

“I...I, uh…” the mare stuttered. Truthfully, she was shocked. Worried, Soarin’ gave her a sympathetic look. When the tears started falling down her face, Rainbow Dash took a big breath and looked the stallion in the eyes.

“Yes.” she simply said, choosing to tackle her fiancé in a hug.

Then every living thing in the house exploded with laughter, cries of joy, and hollering.

Five Months Later

”Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I can’t believe it’s really happening!”

Rainbow Dash was pacing about in her bedroom, her five friends trying to calm her down.

Fluttershy, Rainbow’s oldest and longest friend, spoke up first, “It’s alright, Rainbow Dash. Just take a few deep breaths and try to relax.”

“She’s right you know. Plus all this worrying will put stress lines on your face, and you don’t want that now do you?” Rarity asked while adding the final touches to Rainbow’s wedding dress.

“I think,” Twilight started to say, placing a calming on hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder, “what Rarity was trying to say is that you should calm down and not worry about so much. You have the five of us. And besides, you love Soarin’, don’t you?”

All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash stopped, spun around, and glared at Twilight.

“Of course I love him!” she yelled. Noticing all of her friends were staring at her and Twilight looked hurt, Rainbow Dash sighed a little bit. “I’m sorry, Twilight. I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

The purple mare simply walked and gave her friend a hug, followed by the other four ponies.

Meanwhile, outside in the town square, there were ponies rushing about making sure everything was perfect.

Everypony, except for Soarin’, who stood rooted in place next to the fountain. Big Mac, Spike, and Scootaloo where trying to relax him, but to no avail.

“C’mon dad! We need to get you ready by the altar!” the orange filly said, tugging at Soarin’s tuxedo sleeve.

Big Mac was behind the baby blue pegasus, trying to push him. Spike hopped onto Soarin’s back, trying to at least get his wings to loosen up.

“She’s right-ugh- ya know.” the red stallion said. Figuring he was all out of options, Big Mac told the children to step aside. He was going to buck the stubborn pegasus. Rearing up on his hind legs, the massive stallion took aim. Right when he was about to buck Soarin’, trumpets sounded through the town, alerting the residents that the wedding was starting. As if by magic, the pegasus responded and shot off towards Town Hall. The unexpected disappearance caused Big Mac to buck the air and fall flat on his stomach. With a single motion, he quickly recovered from the fall, took the kids, and ran off after Soarin’.

It was noisy and crammed full of ponies inside the building. It seemed almost like everypony from Ponyville, Canterlot, and Cloudsdale attended. Of course to make things easy the chairs were separated into sections: The Wonderbolts, friends, family, and the Princesses in the front rows; Ponyville residents behind them; Cloudsdale residents up in the balconies; and Canterlot residents in the remaining seats. Mayor Mare was up front, seeing as how she was the one performing the ceremony.

When every pony was in and seated, the mayor called for silence. Then, looking at where an organ was sitting, she nodded. The pony behind the instrument got the queue and started playing. All eyes turned to the back. When the doors opened, in walked Rainbow Dash in her wedding dress, followed by her friends. When they made their way up to the altar,
Rainbow stood next to Soarin’ while Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity stood behind her.

The mayor cleared her throat. “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Rainbow Dash and Soarin’. Now before I begin, is there anypony who thinks these two should not be together?”

At first the entire room was silent. Scootaloo peered over the heads of the ponies, giving any who looked at her a daring
glare as if to say “Try to stop this, and I will end you.” Seeing as no pony came forward, Mayor Mare started again, only to be stopped by one pony.

“Wait!”

Everypony in the audience looked around with confusion. Why would any pony stop these two, they were perfect for each other. That’s when Spitfire stood up. Soarin’ let out a little groan.

“Spitfire? Why would you try to stop us from getting married? You’re still not upset about us breaking up are you?” Soarin’ asked, slightly confused and slightly upset.

The fire maned mare sighed and looked at her hooves. “No, Soarin’. I’m not trying to stop anything. I just wanted to apologize about everything that has happened between us and that I miss you on the Wonderbolts. And also… To congratulate you. It seems like you found the perfect mare and I hope you guys have a wonderful marriage.”

When she looked up, her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Take care of him, Rainbow.” Spitfire said.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her idol. “I will.” she promised.

When Spitfire sat back down, Mayor Mare continued.

“Soarin’, do you take Rainbow Dash to be your mare?”

“I do.”

“And Rainbow Dash, do you take Soarin’ to be your stallion?”

“I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me by Celestia and Luna, you are hereby husband and wife. You may kiss now.”

That’s exactly what they did. Soarin’ and Rainbow Dash embraced each other, flying up in to the air and rolling about. When they landed and broke it off, dance music started playing, prompting every pony to start partying.

Five Months Later

“Are we late?! Did we miss it!?!” a disheveled Rarity asked.

“Nah. She just went inta the room a few moments ago.” Applejack said while rocking her son.

With a relieved sigh the white unicorn walked in, followed by a humming Sweetie Belle and stumbling Frostfyre, who was just learning how to walk. As Rarity took her seat, Sweetie Belle walked over and started talking with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom; Frostfyre walked over to play with his own friends, Apple Cobbler and Apple Tart.

After about two hours of waiting, Soarin’ walked into the waiting room. He looked like he just flown through a few storms.

His eyes were bloodshot, mane and tail were messy, and his wings hung limp at his sides. When he saw the ponies waiting, he wearily smiled at them.

“Hey everypony. When did you guys get here?” he asked.

“Mmm, about two hours ago.” Twilight responded.

Fluttershy, who had been entertaining the younger ponies, glided over to Soarin’.

“Is she done yet? Is the baby born?” she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of happiness and pride for her friend.

The stallion simply sighed as he walked over to get a cup of coffee. “No. Doc says it’ll be about another two to three hours before the baby’s born. Darn thing’s being stubborn.” he said.

Applejack chuckled. “Wonder where the foal gets it from.” she said smugly.

“Most likely from her mother…” Soarin’ teasingly said. Sitting down with Scootaloo, he noticed the shocked expression on every ponies face. “What? Oh that’s right… Dash and I forgot to tell you that we’re having a filly.”

Scootaloo started jumping around, her buzzing wings giving her some lift. “Oh boy I get a little sister to play with!”

“Hehe, that’s right squirt.” Soarin’ replied, picking up his daughter and rubbing her mane.

So everypony sat waiting some more in the hospital. Each one feeling their own mixture of emotions. Anxiety, happiness, worry, these were just a few of the feelings. After what seemed like ages, Nurse Redheart walked in, looking much worse than Soarin’ did.

“The baby has been born. It’s a healthy young pegasus filly.” she announced. She suppressed a yawn before ushering Soarin’ and Scootaloo in first. The others would have to wait a little bit longer before they could see their friend and her child.

“Hey Soarin’, Hey Scoots.” Rainbow Dash greeted her family.

“Hey mom.”

“Hey, honey, how ya feeling?” Soarin’ asked.

Rainbow chuckled a little bit. “Like I just got done flying for a few days straight. C’mon over here you guys, say hello to the newest addition to our family.”

Soarin’ walked over, helping Scootaloo get on the bed. When they were gathered around, Rainbow Dash moved aside some of the cloth in her arms to reveal a sleeping filly. She had an ice-blue coat, when she opened her eyes; she revealed a set of beautiful sky-blue eyes. Her mane was interesting though; it was blue, but it was seven different shades of blue in a rainbow like pattern.

“Aww, she looks so cute!” Pinkie cooed.

“Gah!” Soarin’ exclaimed, jumping over the bed in surprise. Somehow, Pinkie Pie ended up right next to him. “Pinkie, how in Celestia’s name did you get in here?” he asked.

“By the door like everypony else.” she replied as if it was obvious.

“I know that. I mean the nurse only let family in, how did you get in?”

“Oh, well the nurse let the rest of us come back here, look, here comes everypony else!” The pink mare pointed at the door, and sure enough Twilight and the rest of the group walked through.

“Hey Rainbow. How you holding up?” the purple unicorn asked.

The cyan mare smiled at her friends. “I’m doing alright, though I hope I never have to go through it again.”

“So what’d ya name her?” Applejack asked.

“I named her Glide… Unless Soarin’ has a problem with that?” At this, the mare looked at her husband, who nuzzled her.

“It’s a lovely name.” he said.

Just as the every pony was getting comfortable and talking, a nurse walked in.

“Sorry to disturb you all, but visiting hours are over and the baby needs to be taken to our pediatrician for checkup.” she said.

With resentfulness, all the ponies but Soarin’ and Scootaloo got up. When they’ve said their goodbyes, they left and the nurse took the baby from Rainbow Dash. After she closed the door, the cyan mare looked at her family with some curiosity.

“What?” Soarin’ asked.

“Well, aren’t you two gonna go home where the comfortable beds are?” Rainbow asked.

“Well I thought we were going to keep you company.” the stallion smugly argued back.

“Fine, fine. Hey, Scoots come here. You’re gonna sleep in the bed with me, your father can sleep on the cold, hard ground.” Rainbow Dash shot her husband an ‘I win.’ look.

“That’s fine. As long as my two ponies are happy, I’m happy.” he said. And with that, he kissed his wife and daughter goodnight and sprawled on the small couch in the room, immediately falling asleep. Rainbow and Scootaloo following suit.

Applejack's Little Apple

Applejack’s Little Apple

It was a bright, sunny day in Ponyville. Everypony was out relaxing and enjoying the day. However, as much as she wanted to kick back, there was one pony down at Sweet Apple Acres hard at work.

Applejack was doing what she normally does every day: going around her orchard and bucking apple trees to get the delicious fruit to fall into the awaiting buckets beneath them, while simultaneously picking up and discarding the bad apples into different buckets. Today though, she was working harder and faster, for although the sun was out and the day was warm, winter has almost arrived to Ponyville. Because of this, the farm pony was attempting to harvest as many apples as possible so the family won’t hurt for food during the cold season.

The orange mare was about to buck another tree when she heard a voice shouting her name excitedly.

“Applejack! Applejack!”

It was Apple Bloom, Applejack’s little sister. Apple Bloom was running towards her sister, a big smile on her face. When the little yellow pony reached to where Applejack was standing, she started jumping up and down, her saddlebags smacking against her small flanks.

“Guess what? Guess what!?!”

“Now hold on there ya silly filly. What’s got ya so excited?” Applejack asked her.

Apple Bloom reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a piece of paper, apparently the source of her happiness. From the contents on the paper, it appeared to be a math test Apple Bloom took. And at the top, circled, was a grade.

Applejack grinned at her little sister. “Ya got a B+ on yer math test? Well congratulations Apple Bloom!”

Apple Bloom put her paper back into her saddlebags. For most ponies, a B+ wasn’t usually something to get excited over, but for Apple Bloom it was seeing as how math was her worst subject and usually failed in that area of academics. She then asked her sister “Have you seen Big Mac? I wanna show him too!”

“Last I checked, he was goin’ through the vegetables ta see if they’re ready ta be harvested. If’n he ain’t there, he’s probably gettin’ rid of some old stumps down in the southern edge of the orchard.”

“Ok, thanks Applejack!” Apple Bloom started turning around and running off before her older sister called after her.

“Yer welcome. And after you show Big Mac, maybe you could tell Granny Smith an’ perhaps she’ll make ya an apple pie for a job well done!”

But the little mare was too far away to hear or respond. The cowpony simply stared after her sister, smiling and chuckling to herself. Applejack turned around and went back to apple bucking.

--

The next morning, Applejack woke up a little bit later than usual.

After all, it was a Saturday. Her sister didn’t need to be at school and her older brother, Big Mac, was making breakfast, so why shouldn’t she sleep in a little late? Speaking of breakfast, she could start to smell the warm and inviting aroma of pancakes, eggs and oats. So Applejack woke up, brushed her teeth, braided her mane and tail like usual, picked up her signature hat and headed down stairs.

When she got to the kitchen, she saw her brother at the stove cooking and their grandmother asleep in a chair in the corner as usual.

“Mornin’ everypony.” Applejack said with a cheery tone.

“Mornin’” Big Mac replied with his usual calm tone.

At the sound of voices, Granny Smith’s eyes popped open and looked about the room with a slightly bewildered look, as if she was expecting something dangerous. Upon noticing two of her grandkids, the old green mare smiled. “Mornin’ Applejack dear…” Granny Smith started mumbling as she went back to sleep.

Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle. She then looked around and noticed one pony missing. The cowpony turned to her brother, “Apple Bloom not up yet?” she asked.

“Nnope.”

As if by magic, the small yellow pony came trudging down the stairs yawning. When Apple Bloom entered the kitchen, she smiled at her family. “Morning everypony.” she tiredly said.

Applejack looked at her sister with concern. “You alright there sugarcube? You don’t look so hot.”

“I’m fine, just didn’t sleep well because I had a tummy ache. I think I ate too much pie last night.” Apple Bloom replied.

Again, Granny Smith’s eyes popped open.

“Tummy ache? Who’s got a tummy ache?!” Granny asked.

The yellow filly looked at her grandmother with a slightly confused look. She could never understand her granny’s way of thinking. “Ah do Granny. But it’s alright, it’ll go away.” Apple Bloom said.

Then with unexpected energy, Granny Smith scooped up Apple Bloom and placed her in a chair at the table. She then grabbed a glass, a jug of apple juice, and some honey and mixed it together. When Granny thought the concoction was ready, the old mare placed the glass in front of Apple Bloom. “Drink that deary; it’ll make ya feel all better.”

“Umm, alright then.” Apple Bloom picked up the glass in her teeth and gulped down the drink. She then started coughing from the thickness of the honey and the sweetness of the drink. But it did what it was suppose to do. “Hey, yer right Ah do feel better!”

At this comment, the four ponies in the room laughed. Just then Big Mac spoke up.

“Breakfast is ready.”

The large, red stallion placed all the food on the table while Applejack got the drinks. When the table was placed and the family was about to eat, there was a knock at the door.

Applejack, a little upset that she had to wait longer to eat, got up and started walking to the door while Winona, her dog, started barking her head off.

“Now who the hay could that be this early in tha mornin’?” Applejack thought to herself. Sure it was later than her family was usually up, but it was still earlier than when most of Ponyville got up. When she almost reached the door, the knocking turned into pounding. “Hold on, hold on Ah’m a comin’!” the famer shouted towards the door.

When she reached the door, Applejack opened it and asked, in as nice a tone as she could, “How may I help….you?”

Applejack almost didn’t say the last word. She was standing at the doorway, her eyes showing a mixture of confusion and fear. Standing in front of her was an earth pony stallion, maybe half a head shorter than Big Mac, panting and looking about as if expecting something or somepony to jump out and attack him. His body was a sand-yellow, except for the areas that contained bruises, cuts and splotches of blood, his earth-brown mane was in a tangled mess and the pony was shaking.

“Help….me..” the stallion croaked out, before passing out in front of Applejack.

--

The stallion shifted about, feeling like he was being watched. After a few moments, he decided to open up his eyes a little bit. When he did though, he became worried. Staring back on him was Apple Bloom’s golden-orange eyes, her face a few inches from his own. His eyes dilated as he let out a scream, causing the small pony on him to jump off as the stallion jumped from the couch he was laying on. Then the stallion sat huddled in a corner, pointing one hoof at the curious, and now somewhat sad, Apple Bloom.

“Y-y-you st-stay away from m-me.” he said in a frightened voice.

Apple Bloom sat down, her eyes becoming wet from tear buildup. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean ta frighten ya. I was just making sure you was okay, honest!”

All of a sudden Applejack walked in, wondering what was going on in the living room.

“What in tarnation is all the commotion about Apple Bloom?” the orange mare asked her sister.

Apple Bloom turned to her sister. “Ah think ah frightened him when he woke up..”

Applejack turned to the stallion, who was still cowering in the corner, looking at him. “Well at least Granny got ‘im patched up” Applejack thought. She then put on a warm smile and pointed towards the couch he was laying on a moment ago.

“Why don’t you take a seat and we can have this mess fixed up lickety-split.”

The earth pony slowly made his way to the couch, still keeping an eye on the two ponies sitting down. When he was comfortable, he looked back at the two and smiled awkwardly.

“Now that we’re all settled in and comfortable. Why don’t we start with introductions? Ah’m Applejack, ‘n’ this here’s mah sister, Apple Bloom.”

“Howdy!” the smaller pony said with a smile.

“I’m, uhh, I’m Quest.” the stallion answered hesitantly.

The orange mare smiled again at him and chuckled a little bit. “Quest? That’s kind of a funny name.”

“No funnier than Applejack…” Quest mumbled under his breath.

Applejack’s eyes narrowed, “What was that?” she asked.

Quest’s face blushed and he quickly answered. “Nothing. I didn’t say anything.”

“That’s what I thought. Now I’m sure you got a whole heap of questions, but I want my question answered first. Why did you show up at my door beaten and bruised askin fer help?”

Quest shifted where he laid. He looked at his front legs, one of which was bandaged, and seemed to be asking himself if he should tell them the truth. After deciding, he looked up at the two country ponies and sighed. “I guess I should tell you. After all you did help me, it’s the least I could do.”

He took in a large breath, and then slowly started explaining. “I’m a traveling pony, as shown by my cutie mark (a blank piece of paper with a rose compass in the middle). But traveling abroad isn’t always easy. Sometimes you run into hardships or problems that aren’t as easy as you think to overcome. A few weeks ago I was in Hoofington thinking of where I could travel to next, when I overheard some ponies talk about Canterlot. After getting some information and spending my last night there, I headed towards Canterlot. When I reached the Everfree Forest, I remembered I was told to not stray from the path. But being somewhat arrogant and stubborn, I thought I knew better and decided to take a shortcut. At the start everything was okay and I couldn’t see why anypony would be afraid of the area, but then I started understanding their fear around nightfall. I was setting up camp and went into my tent to grab something, when I heard howling and noticed a bush rustling off to the side. All of a sudden a group of timber wolves jumped out and started growling at me while approaching. I did the only thing I could think of, I ran as fast as I could. Of course they chased me, but luck seemed to be on my side that night as every twist and turn I took slowed down the wolves. But I made the mistake of not paying attention and I ended up falling down a somewhat deep crevice in the ground. I looked up and saw the wolves staring at me and howling, waiting to see if I would make the mistake of climbing up. After waiting for a while, they decided to leave, that’s when I passed out. I woke up yesterday morning and cautiously climbed out. After getting my bearings, I looked around and saw your apple trees in the distance, so I started running for here. And that’s how I ended up here.”

Applejack and Apple Bloom just stared at Quest, a look of amazement and worry on their faces. Finally Applejack spoke up, “Well, that’s quite a tale there partner. I take it that you’re gonna stay here for awhile and rest up?”

Quest stretched his legs and yawned. “No no. I should probably get going. I wouldn’t want to be in your family’s way or anything. Thank you for helping me out though.” he answered while smiling. He got up and started heading towards the door. But Applejack stood in his way. “Umm excuse me, but I should really get going. Again, thank you for helping me.” He went to get around the farm pony, but she stood in his way still.

“Sorry, but no can do Quest. As much as you would like to go and have your own adventures, ya’ll can’t leave yet.” Applejack simply said.

The stallion gave her a questioning look.

“Ya can’t leave for a few reasons. One, because you ain’t got nothin’ and I sure as sugar ain’t gonna let you go back into the forest to grab yer stuff. Two, because ya haven’t healed all the way an’ three, because winter’s gonna be startin’ in a few days so the pegasus are gettin’ ready for a snow fall.”

Quest looked at the floor and sighed, obviously saddened by the fact he can’t leave. Applejack helped him back to the couch and put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. The traveling stallion looked at her and she smiled again at him.

“Thanks Applejack. I promise I’ll try not to get in the way and I’ll help out as much as I can.” Quest said, smiling back.

“No problem partner. If’n you need anything, don’t hesitate ta call me or mah brother Big Mac. Come along Apple Bloom; let’s let Quest here rest up.” Applejack started heading out the room and back to the orchard. Apple Bloom waved to Quest than chased her older sister outside to help.

--

Quest was lying in his bed in the guest room of the Apple family’s house. It’s been a month since he stumbled upon the Apple family’s farm, injured and asking for help. They gladly took him in and healed him right up. Quest would’ve left after he was healed up, but Applejack insisted that he stay for the winter season. He couldn’t say no to Applejack, he respected her too much and felt obliged to stay and help. His thoughts started straying to other things Applejack related. Quest blushed as he realized what he was thinking about. He tried to think of other things, but couldn’t. Every thought led to Applejack and how much he liked her.

“Am I…am I starting to develop feelings for her?” Quest thought. ”No that can’t be. It wouldn’t work. She’s a down to earth farm girl who cares about her family and friends. I’m just a simple pony who travels everywhere. Besides, she doesn’t like me like that….but..could she….?” Quest tossed and turned some more in his bed while thinking. After a few hours though, he finally fell asleep.

The next morning Quest woke up with the sun, a habit he developed with the Apples. He walked out of his room and into the kitchen where Applejack, Apple Bloom and Big Mac were sitting around the table eating and chatting. Granny Smith had fallen asleep in her rocking chair in the corner.

When the sand-yellow stallion walked in, Apple Bloom looked up from her plate and smiled widely at him. “Mornin’ Quest!” she said in an excited tone.

“Hey there small fry.” Quest said, calling Apple Bloom by her nickname that he gave her. He took a seat between her and Big Mac while Applejack was getting him food. Quest looked at the stove where she was. He started blushing when he noticed that he was staring at Applejack’s flanks. Apparently Big Mac noticed too and cleared his throat, snapping Quest back to attention.

Applejack set Quest’s plate down in front of him then took her place back at the table, sitting across from him. This morning’s meal was rather simple, a plate of pancakes with apple syrup, coffee, and apple juice. Quest took a few bites from his pancakes before looking at Applejack and asking, “So what’s the plan today?”

The orange cowpony seemed to think this over for a few moments, and then responded. “Well, we got some apple crates that Big Mac’s gonna be taken apart fer spare wood, Apple Bloom’s gonna help Granny clean up the house, and there’s not a whole lotta snow so Ah’m gonna see about maybe selling some apples today in Ponyville. So feel free ta help any of us.”

“Hmm, I think I’ll help Big Mac with the crates. Then when you’re ready to head into town, I’ll tag along and help. If that’s alright.” Quest said before taking a drink of his coffee.

Applejack smiled at him. “Sounds good ta me. We’ll get started after breakfast.”

--

It’s been an hour since breakfast, and as far as Quest could tell, things going alright. Every once in awhile the red stallion would look at him, as if thinking of starting small talk, but then would quickly look away and continue working. After about the fifth or sixth time, he looked at Big Mac.

“Is everything alright, Big Mac?” the stallion asked his slightly larger friend.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied, in his typical manner.

“Now be honest. Is there something I’ve done or said? Cause you’ve been looking at me like you’re expecting me to do something weird.”

Instead of answering Quest’s question, Big Mac asked his own. Which would’ve been fine were it not one so unexpected and somewhat personal.

“Ya’ll like mah sister, don’t ya?” the red stallion simply asked.

Quest looked slightly dumbstruck. “Wh…what?”

“Ah said-“

“I heard what you said. It’s just….well..”

Big Mac got up and walked towards Quest. He sat down in front of him when he was a few hoof beats away. “Now be honest. Ah ain’t gonna pummel ya or nothin’. All Ah’m lookin’ for is an answer.”

“Well… yea. I do.” Quest finally admitted. He looked towards the stallion in front of him, kind of expecting a glare. But true to his word, Big Mac simply looked at him. In fact, Big Mac even looked like he had a small smile.

Big Mac then said something Quest wasn’t expecting. “She likes you too, ya know.”

“R-really?” Quest asked, a slight blush forming on his face.

“Eeyup.”

Just when Quest about to say something else, Applejack poked her head through the door to the barn from the house. “Hey there, fellas. Ah’m goin’ ta Ponyville ta try an’ sell some apples. Yer welcome ta come with if ya want, Quest.” The orange face that was just there disappeared.

Quest got up and was about to go through to door to meet up with Applejack, when a large red hoof caught him on the shoulder. “Listen Quest. Ah respect ya and Ah’m grateful fer all ya’ve done. Ah’m not sure if Ah feel comfortable lettin’ some stallion try an’ get with mah sister, but if’n it makes her happy, than Ah’m willin’ ta put up with it. But listen here cause Ah’m only gonna tell ya once, if ya’ll do anything to mah sister to make her cry or sad or worse, Ah promise Ah’m gonna hunt ya down an’ make a new blanket from yer hide. Got that?”

Quest gulped, eyes dilated from fear. “I p-p-promise Big Mac, I won’t do anything to make Applejack upset.” the stallion finally managed to say.

Big Mac sat back down, a smile spreading on his face again. “Well alright then. Have fun sellin’ apples.” He turned around and went back to taking apart the old crates.

--

“Well that went just downright horrible.” Applejack sighed.

Applejack and Quest were walking back the Sweet Apple Acres from Ponyville. Applejack was hoping to sell some apples so her family could have some extra money to help fix up their home and barn.

Quest looked at his crush and felt heartbroken. He hated seeing Applejack sad or upset. “I’m sorry Applejack.” he said, hoping it might help cheer her up a little bit.

“It’s alright. Just guess today wasn’t a good day ta sell apples...”

Although both ponies hate to admit it, today did go by rather horribly. First, on the way to Ponyville, one of the cart’s wheels broke and got stuck in some mud, meaning Quest had to lug the crates on his back the rest of the way. Then, it started raining and the wind blew wildly, causing some of the apples to wash or blow away, along with Applejack’s hat. In fact, the only good thing that came of this day was Rainbow Dash stopping by while on weather duty and talking to Applejack for a bit.

“There’s got to be a way to cheer her up. Think man, think!” Quest thought to himself. Then the idea hit him like a buck to the head. Quest stopped in the middle of the road, making Applejack turn around and stare at him questioningly.

“Something wrong, sugarcube?” she asked him.

“No, nothing. I just remembered that I wanted to stop by the library and look for some books to read while I’m staying with you guys. You don’t mind, do you?”

Applejack thought for a moment. Normally that wouldn’t have worked because there’s usually lots of crates to carry back. But with today’s profits being either lost in mud or blown away, it wasn’t a big deal.

“Sure thing, Quest. Just please be back before a worse storm hits.”

“No problem, Applejack!”

With that, the stallion turned around and galloped back to the small town. He felt bad for lying to the mare, but he wanted to surprise her.

--

It was midnight and Applejack was sitting at the kitchen table. Bags were under eyes and a worried expression was on her face. It’s been 8 hours since Quest went back to Ponyville to get some books and he hasn’t returned.

“Ah know Twilight likes ta talk to ponies about books. But there’s no way in Equestria she could keep Quest this long. Where is that darn pony?” Applejack thought. As if by magic, the kitchen door was opened up and in walked a tired and muddy Quest.

Applejack flew from where she was sitting and tackled him, knocking him over and causing whatever was in his mouth to be dropped.

“I was worried ya’ll was hurt Quest. Where have you been!” the farmpony asked her friend.

Quest chuckled a little bit. He was too busy admiring the ponies emerald eyes and feeling her heartbeat against him to answer right away. But when he did, he had a huge grin on his face.

“I thought I’d bring you a gift to cheer you up.”

Quest than got up and picked up the object that fell. When Applejack saw it, she gasped, tears were falling down her face.

“Mah hat!! Where did ya find it?!” Applejack took the muddy object from Quest and put it on the kitchen counter, intending to clean it up later.

“I had to look all over Ponyville for it. It wasn’t easy with the wind blowing it around everywhere. But I finally managed to grab it out of a gutter. Sorry about all the mud and grime, it wasn’t easy to carry in the wind.” Quest blushed sheepishly.

Applejack ran up and gave the muddy stallion a huge hug. It was probably one of the nicest things any ponies have done for her. When they were done hugging, Applejack looked at her friend in the eye and asked why he did it.

“Well, because when I saw how upset you were at losing it, it hurt me. So I decided on the way here that I’d look for it, which is why I made that excuse. But I also did it because I..I love you Applejack..” Quest said rather quietly.

It was the cowpony’s turn to blush. “You what?”

“I love you, Applejack.” Quest said a little more confidently.

Applejack was stunned. She never thought of anypony ever having feelings for her. And although she did like Quest, she didn’t know if she could admit it herself. “W-why, since when?” she asked him.

Quest looked into her eyes. “Those beautiful emerald eyes.” he thought.

“A few weeks after I started helping around the farm. I just thought you were most beautiful pony I’ve ever seen. And your kindness and willingness to help out anypony got me, too.” Quest blushed as he said this.

All of a sudden, Applejack leaned up and kissed Quest. The unexpected motion caused Quest’s eyes to widen and both ponies to blush. After a few moments, they broke apart for air.

“Ah love you too Quest.” Applejack said softly. She then started towards the stairs, making her tail suggestively brush against the stallions chin and cheek as she walked away. Before she started up the stairs, she turned and winked at Quest, causing his mouth to drop open and slightly drool. Applejack giggled and started up the stairs, shouting back down “You comin’ or what?” After Quest’s brain registered the question, he darted up after the orange mare and jumped into bed with her, where they both enjoyed the night in each other’s brace.

--

It was late morning when Quest woke up. He looked around, still not used to sleeping in Applejack's bedroom after three weeks. Quest turned to the side he thought Applejack would be sleeping to give her a morning kiss, but she wasn’t there. Tumbling out of bed, the stallion slowly walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith where sitting.

“Hey everypony. Have you seen Applejack?” Quest asked.

“Eeyup. She’s in the bathroom. Sounds sick to me.” Big Mac calmly replied.

At that moment, Applejack walked in. Eyes were bloodshot, she looked terrible. Her mane and tail were frazzled and she walked as if she’s been hit in the head a few times. When she noticed the ponies around the table, she managed to give them a weak smile.

“Mornin’ ya’ll.”

Granny Smith then spoke up. “Get yer flank over here missy so I can checks ya out an’ make sure you’re alright.”

“Ah’m doin fine Granny. Just had an upset stomach is all.”

Granny wasn’t buying it. “Now Applejack, don’t lie ta me. Ah taught ya’ll better than that. Now sit here so I can see what’s wrong.”

The cowpony sat down in the seat Granny Smith indicated. The wizened old mare walked up and started checking her granddaughter. First Granny put her hoof against Applejack’s forehead; she then grabbed her wrist to check her pulse.
Granny ended the check up by putting an ear to Applejack’s chest, it was then the old green mare smiled. She stood up and knowingly said “Well, ya ain’t sick that’s fer sure.”

Applejack looked unsure. “Well if Ah ain’t sick, than what’s wrong?”

Granny Smith warmly smiled at her eldest granddaughter. “Yer pregnant.” she simply said.

Everypony in the room was quiet. First they looked at Applejack, then at Granny. Big Mac finally spoke up.

“Are you sure Granny? Ah ain’t doubtin’ ya, it’s just that maybe you made a mistake or somthin’?”

Granny frowned at her grandson. “Of course Ah’m sure. So far Applejack’s got the signs. Mornin’ sickness, headache and sore wrists.”

“Ah don’t have a head-“Applejack’s sentence was interrupted by the predicted headache. And boy did it ache. “Now Ah know what Rarity went through.” the orange mare thought, remembering one of her friend’s pregnancy.

At that moment, Quest felt a pair of eyes burrowing in the side of his head. He cautioned a looked to his right and flinched. For Big Mac was sitting there, glaring at the stallion that impregnated his sister.

The only pony that seemed happy was little Apple Bloom. “Oh boy Ah’m gonna have a li’l nephew ta play with just like Sweetie Belle!” the yellow filly said while jumping around the kitchen.

--

It’s been a few months since Quest first joined the Apples. It was mid-spring and Quest would’ve been gone by now, but he couldn’t leave. He stayed for two reasons: to help Applejack and his child, and out of fear of Big Mac’s promise to hunt him and skin him.

Normally he would be working on the farm, taking of Applejack’s chores while she was out. However, Quest and his marefriend were at the hospital today. The doctor wanted to check Applejack every two to three months, this was their third visit and Applejack was seven months into her pregnancy. For the most part, nothing exciting ever happened. Applejack usually woke up sick, so Quest ended up doing her chores. Big Mac would do his own chores, but not without keeping an eye on Quest in case he were to upset Applejack.

“Well, it looks like everything’s coming along fine. Are there any questions or concerns you two have?” the doctor asked Applejack and Quest.

Applejack smiled to herself while holding her stomach. “Nope. Thank ya, doctor. Hopefully the next time we see ya is when Ah’m gettin’ this li’l feller outta me.” Applejack chuckled.

The doctor smiled at the young couple. “Very well. Take care, you two, and don’t forget that I’m always available if you ponies have any questions or concerns.”

“Thank you, doctor.” Quest said, letting Applejack lean against him as they walked out of the hospital.

--

(Flash Forward 2 ½ months)

It was midnight and everything was peaceful in Ponyville.

Quest was asleep in bed with Applejack, whom he assumed was asleep as well. That was, until he felt a kick to his back, which caused him to fall to the floor. While still recovering, an orange blur shot pass him and heard a voice calling back “Sorry, sugarcube. It’s an emergency!”

The stallion was about to lie back down in the remade bed when he heard a shriek pierce the house. Quest, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom left their rooms and darted down the stairs, slowly followed by Granny Smith who could only move so fast. Just as the four of them reached the living room, Applejack blasted open the door to the bathroom, the look on her face filled with excitement and surprise.

“We need ta get to tha hospital!” she screamed. After a moment of stillness, the house was filled with ponies running everywhere. Big Mac hitched himself to a cart that Apple Bloom was filling with blankets and pillows so that their sister was comfortable on her way to the hospital. Granny Smith was helping Applejack to the cart while calming her down and reassuring her granddaughter. Quest just stood there, shocked and dumbfounded as to what he should do.

“Are ya comin’, Quest?” Apple Bloom shouted from the cart as Big Mac started for the town.

Quest started to panic. “Uhh…uhh, no I don’t think so. I think I’ll stay here and keep an eye on the house!” he shouted back.

--

It’s been 2 hours since Applejack was rushed to the hospital. She was tired, sore, and worn out from everything that’s been happening.

"Alright, Applejack, you're doing good. Just keep pushing," the doctor who was performing the delivery said.

Along with the farm pony and the doctor, there were nurses keeping an eye on her to make sure nothing went wrong. Applejack’s family was also in the room with her. Granny Smith was laying in a corner watching as tears of happiness fell down her cheeks; Apple Bloom was lying against the old mare’s side. The little filly passed out a few minutes after settling down. Big Mac was standing next his sister’s bed, also crying. But unlike Granny, the red stallion was crying because Applejack was crushing his hoof that she held in her own hoof.

The stallion looked at the doctor. “Doc, are we almost done yet?” he asked, trying not to cry out loud from the pain.

“Almost. You just need to push one or two more times, Applejack, and you’re finished.”

The orange mare took in a deep breath and started pushing again. The doctor told her to do it one more time so she did. This time though, Applejack cried out from the pain and squeezed her brother’s hoof even harder. Right when she did, Big Mac cried out as well, making all the ponies look at him in surprise and waking up his youngest sister.

“And here we are. A young baby colt.” the doctor said gently, lifting up and showing Applejack her crying baby.

Applejack grasped and held her new foal close to her and admired him. Big Mac limped towards Granny and Apple Bloom, glad that Applejack had something else to hold on to. When he reached them, the large stallion turned around and smiled at Applejack.

A unicorn nurse walked up next to Applejack’s bed, floating a clipboard and pen next to her. Cheerily she asked, “So have you thought of a name?”
The cowpony cradled her son. She warmly smiled and said “Cobbler, Ah’ll call him Apple Cobbler.” The name seemed to fit the child. His coat was an amber, the wisps of hair that would become his mane and tail seem to be a caramel color, and his eyes were a yellow-green.

The nurse smiled, wrote down the name, and walked away, leaving the remaining nurses to put everything away. One nurse came and took the new member of the apple family to be examined while other nurses transferred Applejack and her family to a room.

It’s been 5 hours since Applejack went through her ordeal. Although she was tired, she was content to just sit in her bed and cradle her son. At the sound of the door opening, the ponies in the room turned and looked to see who it was.

Through the door came Applejack friends: Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Rarity’s newborn, a three month old pegasus named Frostfyre, was asleep on her back. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle rushed in behind them, wanting to see the new baby and their friend Apple Bloom.

Applejack smiled at her friends. “Hey, everypony. Glad ta see ya.”

Rarity was the first to speak, “Of course, darling. Why wouldn’t we come to see our friend and her new wittle baby?” The white unicorn said the last part in a silly voice, making Apple Cobbler give her a weird look. “Yes, well then.” Rarity chuckled slightly while blushing.

Fluttershy was standing next to Big Mac when she spoke, “Oh yes, Applejack. We wanted to make sure you were doing alright, seeing as how we haven’t seen you since before winter started.”

“Actually I wanted to ask you about that, Applejack. Usually you come to Ponyville a few days after Winter Wrap-up to see how everypony’s doing. But this year nopony saw you since the event.” Twilight said, giving her friend a concerned look.

Before Applejack could explain herself, their cyan friend, Rainbow Dash spoke. “Yea. And who was that pony you were with the day that storm started?”

“Alright, alright, everypony calm down and Ah’ll tell ya the whole story.” Applejack promised her friends. Once they all sat down and were looking at her, the cowpony started telling her tale of the past months, starting with when Quest showed up.

After she was done, Applejack laid back, smiling to herself as the memories replayed themselves in her head. She looked down at her now sleeping foal and nuzzled him gently.

“Awww” five ponies could be heard saying. Then a pink one jumped up, her eyes wide with excitement at an idea she had.

“Oh my gosh, Applejack! We need to throw you a party ASAP!!!” Pinkie Pie said.

Their orange friend chuckled to herself. “That’s alright, Pinkie. It can wait fer a li’l while longer.”
Just when Pinkie was about to argue, a nurse poked her head through the door. “I’m sorry to bother you all. Visiting hours are over though and I’m going to have to ask all non-family members to leave.”

After this bit of news, the five ponies let out a communal sigh that they have to leave their friend. But before they left, they each said their own goodbyes, with Pinkie promising ‘the best party ever!’ and Fluttershy offering to watch over Apple Cobbler should Applejack ever need it. When the last of their friends left, Big Mac closed the door and turned off the lights, shrouding the room in peaceful darkness. He went and laid down in a corner with Granny Smith, letting Apple Bloom lay on top of him like a bed. Even though Applejack was tired, she stayed up for a little bit; feeling her son’s small heartbeat, listening to her family’s breathing, but mostly thinking. Thinking about where Quest was and why hasn’t he shown up? Surely he would want to see his own kid and his marefriend wouldn’t he?
“Ah’ll ask him tomorrow.” Applejack thought before finally closing her eyes and going to sleep.

--

Applejack woke up next morning in a panic. She was having a dream about her son, and instinctively slightly tightened her grip on where he should’ve been. But instead what she felt was nothing. She sat right up in bed and looked around the room, but all she saw were white walls and her siblings asleep in a corner. All of a sudden the door opened and Granny Smith walked in with Apple Cobbler giggling on her back. The farm pony released all the tension she had and smiled.

“Sorry fer worryin’ you deary. But he woke up hungry and you needed yer rest so Ah figured Ah’d go an’ find some food fer him.” Granny spoke gently while giving Applejack back her son.

Applejack rocked her foal back and forth. “It’s all right, Granny. Ah know he’s safe with you. And thank ya fer doin’ that.”

At the sound of voices, Big Mac woke up, whose stirring in turn woke up Apple Bloom. “What’s goin’ on?” the filly asked wearily.

Granny Smith walked up and nuzzled her granddaughter. “Nothin’, child. What say you to goin’ an’ getting’ some breakfast?” the old mare asked.

Apple Bloom merely smiled and ran out of the room, calling for her grandmother to follow. Granny walked after her, chuckling to herself.

Instead of going with the rest of his family, Big Mac walked up to his sister’s bed. “How ya feelin’, AJ?” he asked.

“Ah’m fine, Big Mac, thanks.”

“Alright. Well Ah’m gonna go an’ fix up the house so it’s ready fer ya’ll when ya get there.”

“Thank ya kindly. But maybe ya should relax fer a bit. A lot has happened the past few days.”

The large farm stallion only smiled as he walked out the door, closing the door behind him.

--

It was the afternoon when Applejack, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and their friends walked up the road to Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom and the other Crusaders were running around chasing each other. Applejack was talking to her friends while Apple Cobbler and Frostfyre kept cooing and laughing at one another, apparently having their own conversation. When they reached the farm though, they all heard some crashing coming from the inside. Panicking, Applejack asked Twilight to watch Apple Cobbler while she ran inside. Granny Smith stayed behind to make sure Apple Bloom didn’t follow.

When she ran inside, Applejack stood in the living room slightly confused. “Ah could’ve sworn Ah heard something breaking..” she said to herself. Just then the door to the guest room, Quest’s old bedroom, splintered open to let a small dresser fly out and crash on the wall next to Applejack. The orange pony turned and stared into the bedroom, seeing a furious Big Mac snorting and staring off into oblivion. Applejack ran up to her brother, concerned.

“Woah there Mac, what’s wrong?” she asked.

Big Mac snorted again, then slowly, not attempting to hide the anger in his voice, said “He. Left. Us.”

“What’re you talkin’ about?”

This time the stallion yelled, causing his sister to flinch. “HE ABANDONED US!”

“N-n-now Ah’m sure Quest had a good reason.” Applejack didn’t like the idea of her lover just leaving her.

Big Mac, with his voice shaking, told her to read a note he left on the bed. The cowpony walked up and found the paper lying on a pillow. After scanning it, tears started falling down her cheeks. She read the note again, hoping that this was all a nightmare:

Dear Applejack,
If you’re reading this note then I am already gone, I left after you did. Just to be clear, I want you to know that I am deeply sorry for doing this, but it’s who I am. As a child I could never stay still for too long, guess that feeling never left. Don’t come looking for me, for you won’t find me. I already feel horrible for leaving you and our child but I promise that one day I will be back. When that day comes I can only hope that you will still welcome me with your love and affection. Should our child ever ask of me, simply tell him/her the truth; show them this note if you think that it will help. I’ll miss you and will be thinking about you every day until the day I get to see you again. As I said when I first confessed my love to you, you are the most beautiful mare I’ve ever met. Until the day when my travels take me back to Ponyville and I get to see you again, farewell.

With all my Love,
Quest

“Ah….ah can’t….he…but…” Applejack couldn’t finish her sentence. It felt as if somepony had taken her heart and smashed it under their hooves. All she could do now was lie down on the floor and cry. Applejack cried and cried, creating a small puddle under her head. She cried until she felt a very soft, very small nudge. The orange mare looked up and saw what made her heart melt. Apple Cobbler was sitting in front of his mother, tears starting to fall down his cheek simply because tears were falling down hers. Applejack sat up and scooped her son up in her arms. Sitting back on her haunches, she cradled the colt while smiling at him, tears still streaming down her face. She looked around the room and noticed she was alone. That didn’t matter now; she wanted to be alone with her son.

“Ah promise Ah’ll always be here fer ya. Nothin’ is gonna take me away. Ah love you li’l guy.” Applejack whispered to her son.

She set him in the bed and climbed up into it. After the mare got comfortable, she cuddled with the small pony, who was starting to fall asleep. Applejack breathed in sharply, holding back another sob. She then kissed Apple Cobbler gently and nuzzled him, falling asleep shortly after he did.

It was late at night when the door to the room Applejack and her son were sleeping in opened. A large form quietly walked up to the bed, making sure not to wake the sleeping mare and her son. When he reached the bed, Big Mac pulled a blanket from his back and laid it over them. Tears were streaming down his face; it hurt him to see his sister in so much pain. As he walked back to his room, the stallion looked back one more time at the two sleeping forms. “You better not show yer face around here, Quest. If Ah see even a hair that belongs to ya, I’m gonna get ya and make you feel ten times the pain you made Applejack feel today.” Big Mac uttered this threat under his breath, feeling some of his earlier anger coming back. Instead of going back to his room, the stallion laid down in front of the bedroom door, keeping guard should he hear any weird noises or feel something amiss. After a few moments, Big Mac eye’s gently closed and he fell asleep.

Pinkie's Surprise Party

Pinkie’s Surprise Party

“Twilight.” a small voice whispers.

“…zzz…”

“… Twilight.” the voice said a little louder.

“ZzZz… Zz”

“TWILIGHT!!!”

“Woah! I’m up, I’m up! Now what did you want… Pinkie Pie?”

The purple unicorn turned and looked towards the window. There, Pinkie was hanging through, a bright smile plastered across her face. Twilight sat down and rubbed one of her eyes, irritated that she was woken up.

“What do you want Pinkie? It’s…” the purple unicorn looked at the clock, “It’s 4:45 in the morning. The sun isn’t even up yet.”

“Oh I know but there’s a new pony in town AND he owns the NEW party store and I was wondering if you’d come with me to the GRAND OPENING!!” the party pony said in a breath, hopping through Twilight’s window and bouncing around her.

Twilight gave a weary smile, slightly amused at her friend’s boundless energy. “Sure Pinkie, I’d love to go. When is it?”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes shimmered with excitement. “It starts at 10!” she replied.

One of the purple unicorn’s eyes twitched. “So why did you wake me up now?”

“Because I figured that way we’re guaranteed the first spots in line!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, raising her hoofs for emphasis, which in turn caused confetti to pop out.

“… Sure, why not?” Twilight rhetorically asked. She got up and prodded her assistant, Spike. “Spike, wake up, I need to go and I need you to do your chores when you get up.”

The small purple dragon grumbled in his sleep and turned away. Twilight rolled her eyes and decided to leave a note for him. After words, the two mares left the library and headed to where Pinkie said the new shop was.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh I’m so excited!!!”

The pink party pony was bouncing around, occasionally stopping to shoot her party canon or to make the sleeping Twilight dance. It was about 9:57 in the morning and there was already a small group of ponies in front of the shop. Most were fillies and colts that dragged their parents along, causing Pinkie and Twilight to stick out among them. Soon, all the ponies turned towards the town clock and counted down.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…”

“ONE!!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

As if on cue, slots in front of the store opened up to allow trumpets through. Then, the sound of a speaker turned on as a mauve colored stallion with a purple, curly mane walked out to greet the crowd.

“Welcome everpony, to the grand opening of…” the stallion’s horn glowed a deep purple as his magic grabbed a piece of cloth, “THE SURPRISE PARTY STORE!” he shouted. The second he said the name, the trumpets blared and confetti showered the group, causing Twilight to jump up in surprise and be caught by a gleaming Pinkie Pie. Soon, the crowd of ponies were trampling over each other, trying to get inside the building.

Next thing the purple mare knew, she was flopping on her friend’s back as Pinkie started galloping around the store, ‘oohing’ and ‘awwing’ at everything. Eventually, the unicorn managed to get off her friend’s back. When she did though, she regretted it. Twilight landed on her stomach, and just as she was trying to get back on her hooves, a small group of colts ran over her. She simply let out a weary sigh and walked over to a bench to lie on.

Meanwhile, the energetic party pony was zipping around, looking for new party supplies to try out. Pinkie already had a basket full of party poppers, streamers, hats, and a few recipes she wanted to try.

“Oh my gosh! That’s the BIGGEST cake I’ve ever seen!” she said, stopping to look at a towering cake covered in pranking devices.

“As impressive as it is, it’s a shame to say it’s a fake.” a voice said behind the mare. When Pinkie Pie turned around, she saw the stallion from earlier. He gave her a cheery smile and held out a hoof, “Hello, my name’s Surprise, owner and manager of this store. And you, my zippy mare, are?”

Pinkie Pie giggled and held out her hoof. “My name’s Pinkie Pie. I’m known as the party pony of Ponyville… OH MY GOSH I ALMOST FORGOT!” she screamed.

Surprise gave her a quizzical look. “Forgot what?”

“You’re a new pony in town! That means you need a PARTY!!” she exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling.

The stallion gave a chuckle. “Very well then,” he agreed, “we can use my backroom to hold it, just let me know if you need anything.” Surprise gave Pinkie Pie a wink before disappearing in a magical flash of confetti, streamers, and a pop.

Pinkie Pie just stared at where the unicorn was a few seconds ago. “Does he… have a crush on me?” she thought. Suddenly, she felt her face become flushed. ”TWILIGHT!” the mare ran, calling her friend’s name.

“Well I think it’s sweet if he does like you Pinkie. After all, what’s wrong with having a coltfriend?” Rarity asked, putting the spoon she was using for her tea down. Twilight called their fashion friend for advice, seeing as how she had more knowledge on the subject of dating.

The party pony took a gulp of her drink, thinking of how to respond. After letting out a burp, she thought of one. “Well there’s nothing wrong with it, I guess. It’s just that no pony has ever seen to have a crush on me.”

Twilight looked up from the book she was reading. “Hasn’t there every been any colts you’ve liked Pinkie?”

“Not colts exactly…” Pinkie’s cheeks became red from blushing.

Rarity’s cheeks puffed out as she was trying not to spit her drink out. After gulping it back down, the white unicorn cleared her throat. “Well, have you ever at least dated anypony, mare or colt?”

Pinkie Pie thought for a moment. “Mmm yea, yea there was a colt I did go on a date with when I was younger.”

“What happened after your guys’ date?” Twilight asked, sitting in between her friends.

“After we got back to the farm, my dad chased him off. It was actually kind of funny.” Pinkie giggled at the memory.

Rarity walked around the table and sat on Pinkie’s other side. “Do you think this stallion’s cute?” she asked her friend. Pinkie Pie nodded. “So then, why not just go on a date with him? Just you two on a little outing.” Pinkie looked at her hooves, the wheels in her head turning as she thought about it.

“What about his party?” she asked. The look on her face showed the disappointment of not throwing a party.

“Rarity put a hoof to her chin. “How about your guys’ date is the party? Just not as… vivacious.”

The pink party pony of Ponyville seemed to like the idea. She grabbed both her friends in a tight hug. “Thank you thank you thank you!” she said. Then, in a blink of an eye, she was out the door and headed towards the party store.

Surprise was in the backroom of his store, checking inventory and moving items around. As he was humming to himself, his left ear flicked. The stallion’s eyes snapped forward and started looking around. A playful grin started to spread across his face when he saw the big three display presents in a corner.

“And here I thought everypony left…” when Surprised looked at the right package, his tail involuntarily snapped. His horn glowed as his magic encased the top of the display, “so what do you think you’re doing in there?” He lifted up the lid and looked in, expecting to see a pony hiding. But what he saw were all the small the items the display holds. “I could’ve sworn…”

“HI SURPRISE!”

The unicorn snapped around, shocked at the voice. He soon came snout to snout with Pinkie. When he saw who it was, he immediately relaxed.

“Hi there Pinkie. What can I help you with?” he asked, leading them to a bench they could lay on.

“What were you doing looking in the box?” she retorted.

“Oh well, umm, I could’ve sworn there was some pony hiding in there. See I have like this ‘special sense’ that tells me when certain things are gonna happen.”

Pinkie’s eyes lit up at the mention of this. She started jumping around the bench Surprise was laying on. “Oh my gosh I know EXACTLY what you mean!”

“You do?” Surprise asked quizzically.

The pink mare stopped in front of the unicorn and started nodding her head vigorously. “Yeah. I call it my Pinkie Sense!”

Surprise busted into laughter at the coincidence of everything, before he remembered his question from earlier. “So, Pinkie, why are you here? I mean it’s late after all and I figured everypony would be home or out with friends.”

“Well… umm… there was something I wanted to ask you.” Pinkie replied, a blush forming on her face.

The stallion got down from the bench and sat down in front of Pinkie Pie. He lifted her chin up and gently rubbed his snout against her own. “So ask.”

“I was wondering, if maybe, perhaps… umm… ifyouwouldliketogoonadatewithmesometime?” Pinkie asked, the last part coming out quickly and in one breath. She was about to let out a sigh of relief for asking, but remembered she still needed an answer.

“Sure, any particular time and place?” the unicorn asked, giving the mare a sweet smile.

“Oh, umm… How about at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow for lunch?”

Surprise nuzzled the pink pony in front of him and whispered an ‘I’d love to’ in her ear. Pinkie’s previous calm demeanor gave way to the biggest smile imaginable and she started zipping around the room. When she was about to leave to go tell her friends, she quickly turned and gave Surprise a devious smile.

“By the way, I was in the middle box.” she said with a wink before leaving. The unicorn gave her a curious look before opening the middle display box. Inside, there was an imprint of what looked like a pony curled up and was hiding. Surprise gave a little chuckle before closing the two boxes and finishing up his work.

Ding-Ding

“Hello? Pinkie Pie?”

Surprise looked around the front room of Sugarcube Corner. He breathed in the aromas of the building and sighed contently. He walked up to the counter and leaned to the side, seeing if he could look past the doors to the kitchen. When he noticed the bell, he rang it. Suddenly, there came a crashing sound from the kitchen and Pinkie rolled out, covered in flour. As soon as Pinkie opened her eyes, they became wide with realization.

“Surprise! Oh my gosh I totally got lost and forgot our date! I’m so sorry!” Pinkie said. She quickly got up and started brushing the flour off herself. Surprise simply snickered and levitated a towel over to the mare. After Pinkie got all cleaned up, she sat Surprise down and quickly left to the kitchen. She came back carrying a try with two drinks and some oatmeal cookies. After Pinkie sat down, the two ponies smiled at each other. Soon, though, there was awkwardness in the air as one pony would look at the other then quickly look somewhere else.

Eventually, Surprise cleared his throat. “So then, Pinkie, interesting place to pick for a date. Is this your store or something?”

“Hmm? Oh, well, kinda. The Cakes own the bakery; when I moved to Ponyville, they took me in and allowed me to work here and live here as well.” Pinkie replied, taking a sip of her drink. She let loose a little burp, causing some confetti and a popping noise to come out her mouth. When Surprise started giggling, Pinkie blushed a little bit. “Sorry. I know I can be weird sometimes.” she said.

“Hehe. I don’t think you’re weird. I actually think it’s cute. I’ve never met another pony that can do even a quarter of the things you can do. Makes me wonder how you do it.”

This time it was Pinkie’s turn to laugh. “Oh, well that’s my little secret. So what about you, what made you decide to open up a store?”

“Well when I was younger, I was a, different, unicorn.”

The pink mare looked puzzled. “Different? How so?”

Surprise got up and sat next to Pinkie. He then proceeded to clear the plate that had the cookies on it, then his horn started to glow. The center of the plate started to glow and swirl, soon there was an image on it. It took Pinkie a few seconds to realize that the image was Surprise as a young colt. Surprise then proceeded to tell his story:

“Well, most young unicorns are usually interested in getting to learn how to use magic. I wasn’t, I spent most of my time making ponies smile or laugh. I’d go around and tell funny stories, throw small parties for ponies, and do other things along those lines. It was while I was trying to make filly smile that I found out I was different. She lost her pet puppy, and I trying to make her smile, I was telling her stories about how he alright and still happy. Well that wasn’t working, but I noticed a hat a few hoof steps away and remembered hearing about ‘magic tricks’ some earth ponies can do. So I levitated the hat over and concentrated on trying to make the filly happy. Soon, there was a small bark and a squeal, and when I opened my eyes, the filly’s puppy’s head poked out of the hat and the young pony was hopping around with excitement. I was so overcome with happiness for the two that I wanted a way to show them, suddenly my horn glowed and from it shot out confetti, streamers, balloons, treats, and even music. That’s when I got my cutie mark and realize my magic has the ability to make any pony happy in anyway, whether they lost something or just need a small pick me up, my magic never fails.”

When Surprise finished his story, his magic faded and the plate returned to normal. He noticed Pinkie was starting to have tears go down her face. The stallion nudged his date, and when she looked at him, he closed one his nostrils and sharply blew out, making confetti and streamers fly out. The sight made Pinkie Pie laugh, so hard that she fell off her chair and on to the ground. Suddenly, the mare got an idea.

“Hey, Surprise.”

“Yea?”

“Wanna go prank somepony?”

“Hmm, sure!”

Pinkie and Surprise were hiding in a bush, waiting for their unsuspecting victim. Pinkie had a devious smile that also showed excitement. Surprise was a little uneasy. He’s pulled pranks before, but they were usually harmless and in good fun. The unicorn decided to voice his opinion.

“Hey, Pinkie, are you sure this is a good prank. I don’t think your friend would appreciate it.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be funny. If things look like they’ll get out of hand, just run back to your store.” The pink pony gave her nervous coltfriend a reassuring nuzzle. Looking back from their hiding spot, she made a slight gasp. “Here she comes! This is gonna be awesome!”

“Applejack I don’t think you should be apple buckin’”

“And why not Quest? Ah can still do it just like Big Mac can.”

“Well I just worry. After all, you are, well, you know.”

“Ah do know. And it ain’t gonna stop me from doin’ mah chores. Now, y’all are welcome ta help if you want.”

Soon, the orange mare and the pony she was talking to came into view. Pinkie couldn’t stop snickering while putting the small container of glue into her saddlebags. Applejack and the unknown stallion exchanged conversation a little bit, and then the farm pony bucked the tree and gave the stallion a smug look. The smug look soon turned into one of confusion, as the some of the apples in the tree didn’t fall into the buckets. Again, Applejack kicked the tree, and again the apples didn’t fall, they didn’t even move.

Pinkie Pie couldn’t contain it anymore. Her snickering soon turned into exploding laughter. Surprise on the other hoof, was starting to panic when he saw Applejack’s emerald eyes look in their direction and she snorted.

“PINKIE PIE!!” the mare shouted, charging at the bush. The party pony let out a gasp, grabbed her date’s tail, and shot off towards Ponyville. The stallion that was with Applejack was left in the dust, a look of surprise at how fast his marefriend could run. Surprise, whose eyes have been closed so far, decided to open them, and regretted it. Applejack was half a pony length away, a look of anger and annoyance on her face. “WHEN AH GET MY HOOVES ON Y’ALL, AH’M GONNA… AH’M GONNA… WELL I DON’T KNOW YET BUT AH’M GONNA DO SOMETHIN’ FIERCE!” Applejack roared.

Surprise started to panic. Suddenly, he got an idea. He closed his eyes while concentrating on his teleportation spell; it was difficult while they were moving and bouncing. But with a stroke of luck, it worked. Soon he and Pinkie disappeared in a puff of multicolored smoke and balloons. The sudden teleportation caused Applejack to run head first into Carrot Top’s stand and send her carrots flying everywhere. The farm pony was left lying there, sheepishly smiling at an upset Carrot Top.

“Wooo! That was fun, wasn’t it?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, hopping around an exhausted Surprise. After catching his breath, the unicorn started laughing himself.

“You know, that was probably the most fun I’ve had in years! Thank you for such a wonderful date!” The stallion grabbed the bubbly mare and gave her a big hug. “I never would’ve thought of something like gluing apples to their branches.”

Pinkie wrapped her hooves around Surprise’s neck and returned the hug. “Told you it was gonna be fun! Although, you teleporting us to your shop was pretty cool!”

When the two ponies released each other, the awkward silence settled again. Surprise was rubbing his front hooves together nervously while Pinkie was looking around, taking occasional glances at the stallion. Surprise was the one to break the silence.

“Well then, I guess I’ll see you around?” he asked. The pink mare gave him a nod. Then, the two ponies gave each other one last hug before Pinkie Pie headed back home.

It was the next day, around noon, when Surprise decided to pay Pinkie Pie a visit at Sugarcube Corner. He had his saddles packed, planning for the two to go on a picnic. Today was the day he decided to establish his relationship with the party mare. When the unicorn entered the shop, he saw Mrs. Cake at the counter. When she noticed Surprise, she gave him a warm welcome.

“Why hello, Surprise. Can I help you?”

“Hello, Mrs. Cake, I was wondering if Pinkie was around?”

Mrs. Cake’s trademark smile went down slightly. “Oh, I’m sorry. Rainbow Dash came by earlier and Pinkie went with her.”

“Oh, alright then. I guess I’ll come back tomorrow…” Surprise replied, disappointed. He turned to leave and head back to his shop. Just as he reached, Mrs. Cake called out to the stallion.

“Oh! I almost forgot! Pinkie wanted me to give you this cupcake she baked for when you came by today.” Mrs. Cake left the room, only to return momentarily with a single cupcake on a plate. She placed the plate on the table next to Surprise, then left to work in the kitchen.

The unicorn sat down and stared at the baked treat. The dough of it matched his coat color, while the frosting matched Pinkie’s coat color. But what caught his attention was what was written. In rose red frosting, the words “I ♥ You” were there. Surprise’s heart started beating faster, excitement overflowing inside him. He was snapped to attention from Mrs. Cake.

“Is everything alright dearie?” she asked while re-stocking the displays.

Surprise gave her a smile and carefully levitated the cupcake. “Everything’s perfect, Mrs. Cake. Thank you.” With that, the unicorn left the store and started bouncing back to his own. That night, Surprise couldn’t sleep. He was thinking about Pinkie Pie and the cupcake.

She likes me. She really does. This is the most wonderful thing in my life! I just hope she wants to be my marefriend… Darn it! I’m being silly, why wouldn’t she want to if she loves me? There’s no possible way she’d hurt me. It’s decided, tomorrow, I’ll ask Pinkie to be my marefriend and nothing will stop me!

The next morning, Surprise got up bright and early, determined to ask Pinkie his question. He ran all the way through Ponyville, much to the annoyance of the shoppers. When he saw Sugarcube Corner, he ran faster. Soon, the stallion busted through the door. His determination faded away to shyness when he noticed the look from Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and the few ponies eating inside the bakery.

“Umm, sorry for barging in, but… I was wondering if Pinkie Pie was here?” the mauve stallion asked.

The Cakes shook their heads. “Sorry, Surprise. She left with her friends for a breakfast picnic.” Mr. Cake replied.

The unicorn’s eye twitched. He calmed down after a little bit, thanked the Cakes, and then left for the park.

“I’m sorry, Applejack. I promise to make up for the prank from a few days ago.” Pinkie Pie apologized. Applejack had tied her up and was now getting the apology she demanded.

The farm pony gave a curt nod. “Apology accepted, Pinkie. But Ah think as part of yer punishment, y’all can stay tied up fer a little while longer.”

Their other friends giggled at the two mare’s antics. Suddenly, they all looked in the direction from which they heard a voice calling.

“Pinkie Pie!” Surprise called. Soon he found the six mares. When he approached, though, he only saw five. Almost instantly, he felt an impact to his side as he was tackled by a pink blur. The next thing he knew, Surprise was being cuddled by Pinkie. Applejack on the other hoof was baffled. When she looked back to where she had Pinkie tied up, Fluttershy was there instead. The yellow pegasus gave the farm pony a smile while blushing, causing Applejack to lay down and sigh in defeat.

“Ohhh, Surprise! I’ve missed you!” Pinkie said, rubbing her nose against his. Surprise blushed at the gesture.

“I’ve missed you too Pinkie.” Surprise replied, nuzzling her back. Soon, he remembered his promise. “Hey, Pinkie Pie, I have a question.”

“Mmhmm?” she asked.

“Would you… would be my marefriend?” the stallion asked. The five mares off to the side could be heard giggling and ‘awwwing’. Pinkie, otherwise, got off Surprise and sat there staring him right in the eyes. She appeared speechless for once. Surprise sat back up and waved a hoof in front of her. “Umm, Pinkie? Are you alright?”

The party pony seemed to say something, but it was too low to be heard. Surprise leaned forward to hear better. “I’m sorry, what was that?” he asked. This time, instead of giving an answer, the pink mare jumped forward and planted a kiss on Surprise’s lips. When she broke the connection, she leaned forward and whispered a ‘yes’ in his ear. Then, she asked her own question: “Would you like to spend time together tonight, at your place?” Surprise nodded vigorously. They made their plans and gave each other a final kiss before they parted.

Surprise spent the day rearranging his room, making sure there was enough space for him and his new marefriend. That one thought kept running through his head and making his heart skip a beat. He had so many plans for tonight that he had no idea what was going to happen. When night finally came, he waited for Pinkie. She bounced towards his shop with the basket of food like she planned.

The new couple made their way up to Surprise’s room. The area was lit with candles and had the romantic ambiance that the stallion thought would be appropriate. Pinkie placed the basket on the rug, then proceeded to snuggle up on Surprise. Eventually, the two ponies started getting sleepy. Surprise offered Pinkie Pie to stay the night, to which she accepted. When the couple got comfortable in his bed, they started telling jokes and exchanging kisses. Finally, they fell asleep, holding one another and nuzzling each other.

The next morning, Surprise woke up and snickered. Usually the first thing he saw was one of his walls or his ceiling. This time, his view was taken up by an adorable, sleeping pink pony. Sadly his view time was ended, for his snickering woke up Pinkie Pie. The mare smiled at her coltfriend and nuzzled him.

“Morning!” she said.

“Morning, Pinkie” Surprise responded. “Is there anything you wanted for breakfast?”

Pinkie sat up and thought for a moment. “Mmmm, how about something from Sugarcube Corner?”

“Sounds good. Let’s go.” Surprise said. After they left the shop and Surprise locked it, they nuzzled one another and wrapped their tails around each other’s. Soon, they made their way towards the bakery, happily skipping together.

1 month later

“Thank you! Hope you have a fun party young lady!” Surprise said, rubbing a small unicorn filly’s head. The filly and her mother left the store, and just as Surprise was about to go restock some displays, his marefriend bounced through the door. “Hey, sweetie, what’s up?” he asked, nuzzling Pinkie.

The normally perky mare seemed a little uneasy today. “Hey, Surprise. I was wondering if I could talk to you real quick, alone?”

“Uhh, alright. Hey, Starshine, could you look after the shop for a few minutes?” the stallion asked a mare that was helping a few customers. She gave a quick nod then went back to helping. Surprise and Pinkie headed up the stairs in the backroom to the stallion’s bedroom. When they reached the room, the pink mare jumped onto the bed and patted the place next to her.

Surprise jumped up and lied down next to her. They shared a small moment together, nuzzling and kissing each other. When the unicorn looked into Pinkie’s eyes, he knew something was different.

“Pinkie Pie, what’s wrong?”

“Surprise… I’m pregnant.” the mare replied.

The stallion was speechless. Pinkie on the other hoof started to have tears roll down her cheeks. Soon, both ponies were crying, but they were tears of joy.

“Oh this is wonderful! When did you find out?” Surprise asked.

Pinkie rested her head against his shoulders. “Well, a few days ago, I wasn’t feeling that good. Twilight came by to pick up some treats, and when she noticed me getting sick. So she took me to the doctors, and that’s when we found out I was pregnant. I waited until today to tell you because I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”

“Oh, Pinkie.” Surprise kissed her forehead. “No matter what, I’ll love you. This is just… unexpected. But wonderful nonetheless.”

The party pony looked up at her coltfriend and rubbed their noses together. “Thank you, Surprise. I love you too. I guess I should probably get going, the Cakes need my help and you need to go back to running your store.”

“Aww, but I wanted to spend some time with you.” Surprise replied jokingly while walking Pinkie outside the store.

“Maybe tonight honey.” the mare said with a flirtatious tone. They gave each other one last kiss before Pinkie trotted back towards Sugarcube Corner and Surprise went back into his store.

10 months later

“Thanks for coming to this picnic girls.” Twilight said, levitating a sandwich from a plate. It was a nice day in Ponyville, so the unicorn thought it’d be nice to go an afternoon picnic with her friends. Unfortunately, four of her friends had their attention split with their children. Frostfyre, Rarity’s son, had just learned to walk and she was now trying to teach him to speak; Applejack and Fluttershy’s children were just trying to learn how to walk, and Rainbow Dash’s daughter was still crawling around and needed almost all of RD’s attention.

Pinkie Pie, although she didn’t have her child yet, wasn’t as talkative or hyper as her usual self. Actually, she looked like she was in pain. She was holding her stomach and her eyes were scrunched up.

Twilight sat down next to her friend and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Pinkie, are you alright?”

The pink mare shook her head vigorously. “I think I need to go to the hospital. I’ll go get Surprise then head over there.”

“I think you need to go straight to the hospital. Don’t worry, I’ll go get surprise. Would you guys mind watching Glide?” Rainbow asked. When they nodded, she took off towards the stallion’s shop. The other four ponies immediately grabbed their children and then rushed Pinkie Pie towards the hospital.

1 ½ hours later

Surprise and Rainbow Dash bursted through the hospital door. The pegasus flew over to her friends and daughter, picking her up and playing with her while the stallion ran up to Nurse Redheart’s counter.

“Where’s is she? Which room is Pinkie Pie in? What’s wrong with her?” he asked in one breath. After the nurse’s brain processed what he asked, she grabbed the clipboard that had Pinkie’s information on it and read it off to Surprise.

“She’s in the birthing room; she went into labor about an hour ago. I’m assuming you’re her coltfriend?” Redheart asked. When Surprise vigorously nodded his head, the nurse led him to the room where Pinkie was giving birth.

When Surprise entered the room, the first thing he noticed was his marefriend lying on the hospital bed, panting and sweating from the effort. The unicorn walked up and grabbed her hoof. The two smiled at one another and Surprise leaned forward and gave Pinkie a kiss. “You can do this, sweetheart.” he whispered.

The mare nodded, and when the doctor urged her to continue pushing, Pinkie clenched her teeth and started pushing again. After a few moments, the sound of crying could be heard in the room. Pinkie and Surprise looked at the doctor, who was now holding a small, purple unicorn.

“It’s a colt. Congratulations you two.” he said, handing the foal to Pinkie. When Surprise looked over, he noticed a small pair of forest green eyes staring back at him. The colt then started laughing, his curly, light purple mane bouncing slightly. Soon, a nurse came by and asked if they decided on a name for the foal. Pinkie looked a little puzzled, she didn’t think of any. Surprise nuzzled the baby and asked, “What about Cheerie Pie?”

“That’s a beautiful name.” Pinkie replied, kissing her son. The nurse wrote the name down while another came by to take the foal to be examined. Soon, Pinkie Pie and Surprise were relocated to another room.

It was around evening time when the couple’s friends came into the room. Pinkie and Surprise themselves were lying on the bed, playing with their new son. Pinkie looked up and welcomed the group.

“How are you guys doing?” Fluttershy asked, looking over and smiling at Cheerie.

“I’m alright. A little tired, but happy with the way things turned out.” Pinkie replied while leaning against Surprise. At that moment, the Cakes walked in, making Pinkie remember what her and her stallion were talking about. “Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Cake, there was something I wanted to tell you.”

“And what was that deary?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“I’ve decided to move in with Surprise. But I also wanted to keep working at the bakery, so I wanted to know if you guys wouldn’t mind.”

Mr. Cake walked up and placed a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. “Of course that’s fine. We just want you to be happy Pinkie, we love you like our daughter.” That statement brought tears to the pink pony’s eyes as her and the Cakes shared a group hug. Sadly, they had to get back to the bakery and put their own children to bed. Just then, a nurse walked into the room and shooed their friends out. Again, the couple was left alone with their now sleeping son. Pinkie let out a yawn and cuddled closer Surprise.

“Goodnight, Surprise.” the party pony said.

“Goodnight, sweetheart.” the unicorn said, giving Pinkie a kiss before falling asleep.