Cloud Nine

by Professor Toast

Rating: teen
Tags: Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Rarity, Romance, Sex, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 19574

A Multiple Ship-Fic Starring Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity

-Cloud 9-

Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash have started to date recently, but so have Applejack and Rarity. Should the couples tell their friends about their relationships? And if so, how will the rest of the Mane Six react to hear that their friends are not only romantically interested in other mares, but are dating each other?

Actual Publish Dates
Ch.1: And So It Begins... - Feb. 2, 2012
Ch.2: Keeping Your Composure - Feb. 6, 2012
Ch.3: Setting the Stage - Feb. 12, 2012
Ch.4: Activate Stealth Mode - Feb. 20, 2012
Ch.5: Justice is Served - March 7, 2012
Ch.6: Introduce a Little Anarchy - April 4, 2012

Published 2012-02-02 22:28:13 UTC
Last updated 2012-07-22 07:49:41 UTC

And So It Begins...

On any normal day Rainbow Dash would love to be shooting through the clouds at high speeds, practicing new tricks, or even just enjoying a leisurely flight over the town. Today, however, was different. Rainbow was not flying with the same joy she usually had when she flew, today she was flying just to get away from it all. Soaring quickly through the skies over Ponyville, Rainbow's mind wandered to what a certain lavender unicorn had said just moments ago.

"Rainbow Dash, I don't even—"

That was all that Rainbow Dash had needed to hear. After months of wondering if she was crazy, months of torture, months of asking herself what the hay she was doing, not to mention the three times before when she chickened out, an extremely nervous Rainbow Dash had finally admitted the feelings she had for her friend Twilight Sparkle. With those five words Rainbow's worst fears had been realized. Dash shot through the nearest window in the Ponyville library, heading anywhere that would get her away from that place. Rainbow did not know where she was going, her instincts just told her that she needed to get far away.

Why can't it ever go right? It's just... it's just not fair! I'm the Rainbow Dash! But, I... I guess someone as smart as Twilight doesn't need me interrupting her life, she has much more important things to take care of than a relationship, she's the protege to the princess for Celestia's sake! Besides, her life is so slow and boring, and mine is so fast and exciting, it would never work. She doesn't need me and I don't need her.

Tears would have been streaking down Rainbow's cheeks under normal circumstances, but because of the high speeds, they dried up before they could even exit her bloodshot red eyes.

You know what, why is she so special? Dash shook her head bitterly. Stupid Twilight! I don't need her anyway, I'm Rainbow Dash! The fastest flyer in all of Equestria! Future Wonderbolt! I don't need some eggheaded unicorn slowing me down, I just need to speed up my life! In accordance with her thoughts, Rainbow's speed increased substantially.

However, a voice protested from the back of Rainbow's mind. No! Twilight is the best thing that's ever happened to you and you know it! How are you going to live without her? She is everything you've ever wanted, and you love her more than anything in the world, even flying. You know that you would give anything for her!

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes. "I know."

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash felt a pulse shoot throughout her body as she approached the sound barrier. Time itself seemed to stop and, for a brief moment, the entire world was quiet. Then it happened.

She had done it! The third ever sonic rainboom! A massive multi-colored ring appeared around her. Soaring gracefully though the air with a bright rainbow colored streak following her every move, Rainbow momentarily forgot what had happened with Twilight just moments ago.

This is amazing! Oh boy, I almost forgot how awesome this was!

Rainbow gave a valiant attempt at letting out a cheer, but could not be sure if anything had actually come out of her mouth. Flying faster than the speed of sound had its advantages, and is disadvantages.

She felt so free! It felt like electricity was shooting throughout her body, she felt so alive! While Rainbow Dash was thoroughly enjoying this moment, the sense of joy was short lived. Her mind turned back to what had happened at the library.

What is Twilight gonna think of me now? She's probably won't even be my friend anymore! Oh Celestia did I screw up! The whole group is at risk now, and that means the Elements of Harmony might split up! I put all of Equestria at risk because I'm so selfish! What am I gonna do!? Rainbow's mind suddenly snapped back to the situation at hand. What they hay, I shouldn't be below these clouds! For the love of Celestia, I was not paying attention at all! Okay, okay, be cool Rainbow, you're not going to crash, you just need to be cool. Alright RD, you got about ten seconds before you hit the ground, you can do this, just remember flight school. Wings out, Lean back, Pull up.

Rainbow Dash attempted step one: wings out, but her feathered limbs were met with so much air resistance that she could not fully extend them.

Okay, desperation time, lean back, pull up.

It was too late. Everything was in slow motion, and mere seconds seemed like hours. Rainbow Dash's mind was flooded with images of Twilight. Then just as suddenly as it began, she hit the ground. The world went black.

**********

"Wha... what the hay, where am I? Looks like a forest, the Everfree forest?" Rainbow said aloud.

Rainbow's forehooves shot up to her temples. "Ahhhhh, well that hurts. A lot."

Dash looked up. What the hay? For the love of Princess Celestia, that cloud is massive! It looks just like the one from when I destroyed Applejack's old barn! Looks like I made a pretty dang big crater in the ground too! Well, I hope I didn't hit Zecora's house!

Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head slowly, looking in all directions for anything that would give her a hint to where she was. The only thing she noticed was how incredibly silent the forest was. Suddenly, a strange noise interrupted the peace. Rainbow Dash turned her head to discover what the disruption was, but, even with her throbbing headache, she already had a pretty good idea what caused the disturbance.

Of course, Twilight. Wow. I... I can't take it! She looks amazing! And look at me, all cut up, dirty, worthless. Rainbow dipped her head in shame. How the hay did she even know where to teleport to? Ahh, whatever, it doesn't matter anyways. I don't even care anymore. A single tear streaked down Rainbow's cheek.

Twilight galloped over to Rainbow Dash, a serious look of concern on her face. "Oh my gosh! Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?"

Rainbow, however, could care less if Twilight was being courteous or not. "Me? I'm fine..." slurred Rainbow Dash, whose headache was preventing her from stringing together completely understandable sentences. "I've just had my heart broken and... and got in the worst crash of my life... How are you, Twilight?" Dash's forehooves shot back up to her head, massaging her temples. Rainbow squeezed her eyes closed tight, cringing at the pain.

"I'm, uhh, alright?" responded Twilight, who obviously did not catch Dash's hint at sarcasm.

Rainbow fought through her headache to make her point clear. "Oh that's nice! So, why exactly are you here again?"

"Rainbow Dash, calm down, you look really hurt. Besides, you didn't even let me finish before you stormed out of the library! I was going to tell you–"

"Tell me what?" screamed Rainbow Dash, who was now no longer facing the unicorn out of pure spite, "tell me that you think I'm crazy? Tell me that you don't want to be my friend anymore? Reject me?" Dash couldn’t even feel her headache anymore.

"No Rainbow, you left before I could finish. I was just shocked to hear it from you because... well because I was kinda thinking the same thing..." admitted Twilight, who was now sitting in the crater next to Rainbow Dash, blushing an extremely bright shade of red.

"Is this some kind of cruel joke?" Rainbow Dash sniffled angrily as she turned back towards Twilight. "Do you think that you can just play games with—"

That was all that Rainbow Dash could get out before Twilight made possibly the most daring move of her entire life. After a moment of shock, Rainbow Dash finally realized what was happening, Twilight was kissing her. Twilight was kissing her! It was the most incredible thing in the world, better than a sonic rainboom. Hay, it was better than all three sonic rainbooms put together! Out of pure instinct, Rainbow Dash returned the kiss. She had never felt so real, so alive! Dash wanted the experience to never end, but after what could have been a few seconds, minutes, hours, or even several days, the two mares broke apart.

"Well that was unexpected," Dash mumbled under her breath.

For a while, nothing else was said. The two ponies just contently smiled in a loving hug and stared deeply into each other's eyes.

Purple really is my favorite color.

After a long while, Twilight finally broke the silence. "So... what does this mean?" She was blushing furiously.

"I don't know," responded Dash neutrally, "I don't want to think about what it means right now, I just know that I'm happy at this moment, and that's all that matters, right? I think that we should just go with the flow, you know?"

"Actually, that sounds great for the time being, but right now I think that we need to get you to the hospital!" said Twilight, referring back to Rainbow's injuries.

"Nah, I'm good," protested Rainbow Dash as she slowly broke away from Twilight, "nothing's broken, just a little sore is all."

Twilight, who was very emotionally attached after the kiss, tried to prolong her time with Rainbow. "Well okay, but I have some books back at the library about dealing with and treating sore muscles, and we can also fix up your cuts and bruises."

"Oh yeah, sure! I bet that's not all you want to fix up back at the library!" Rainbow joked.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, dismissing the notion.

Rainbow Dash stood up, only to find that her body ached from her hooves to ears. Her knees wobbled before collapsing, sending her crashing to the ground.

"Actually, Twilight," whimpered Rainbow wearily, "that sounds like a pretty good idea right about now, and maybe a hot bath too?"

"A bath huh? Now look who's being suggestive!" responded Twilight with a smirk on her face as she bumped Rainbow with her flank.

"Oww!" said Rainbow in a joking tone, even though it did hurt quite a bit, "wow, I didn't know Twilight the book worm would say stuff like that!" Rainbow Dash smirked non-seriously.

"Rainbow Dash, at least wait until we are back at the library!" jokingly scolded Twilight, "but in all seriousness we should go before someone finds this."

"Yeah... that might turn out to be a problem..." Rainbow guiltily rubbed the back of her neck.

"Ready to go?" asked Twilight enthusiastically.

"Ready whenever you are Twi'!" Rainbow Dash assured.

Twilight just shook her head in disbelief as to the previous events. This is going to be interesting.

A purple flash appeared around the two ponies as they teleported away from the site of the crater. Rainbow found that she was standing outside of the large hollowed out tree that was the Ponyville library.

So this is what they mean when they say 'living in the moment!'

**********

Applejack shot straight out of bed, startled. The loud noise had echoed throughout the house, the windows were rattling violently and various objects were strewn across the floor, knocked off of counters or shelves in the room.

What the hay is goin' on out there?

Applejack poked her head out of the window and saw a rainbow streaking across the sky. That ain't no normal rainbow, it's as straight as can be. Plus, it ain't rained here for 'bout a week now. Applejack's slow response time may have been due to the grogginess of just waking up, but it suddenly hit her what the cause of the rainbow was. Rainbow Dash!

"Well would ya look at that!" announced Applejack, "looks like Rainbow did it again, another sonic rainboom!"

"Applejack, darling, come back to bed," groaned Rarity, who was just waking up from a deep sleep.

"How 'bout you get outta bed and see what Rainbow just pulled off, a third sonic rainboom!" Applejack called back.

"Applejack, however impressive our friend Rainbow Dash's trick may have been, the only thing I want to see is you back in this bed right now!" teased Rarity with a seductive look on her face as she motioned towards the bed with her hoof.

Applejack looked somewhat stunned at the unicorn's words and gestures, but quickly recovered into an amused state. "How could Ah say no to that face?"

Applejack jumped into Rarity's bed and planted a loving kiss on the lips of her fillyfriend. Spending long, sleepless nights together at Rarity's house was nothing new for the two mares, being as they had been seeing each other for nearly a month now. It had all started soon after cider season when the Flimflam brothers were run out of town. Considering they had more than enough cider to go around from the contest with the two 'entrepreneures', Pinkie Pie had decided to throw one of her famous impromptu parties which she called the "We-Kicked-Those-Meany-Pants-Flimflam-Brothers-Out-of-Ponyville-and-Now-We-Have-a-Bunch-of-Apple-Cider-So-Let's-Drink-A-Whole-Bunch-of-Apple-Cider Party." During this party, Applejack and Rarity may or may not have paid a visit to the Apple family cider cellar, where they stored the more matured cider. Some events transpired between the two of them that now felt like a distant memory, but they both remembered that they were, to say the least, heated. The next morning they awoke cuddling in the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse on the Apple family farm. At first, it was terribly awkward, but they eventually got together and talked about what had happened, and what they were going to do moving forward. Obviously the two ponies had feelings for one another, even if those feelings were purely physical. As Applejack said, they might as well 'give it a go and see what happens.'

After a couple of semi-secret dates, they ended up spending the night together, just like they had done the night of the party, except for they left out the part where they were they spent the night in a treehouse. That night was a moment of absolute euphoria and passion for both of them. After that night, they fell head-over-hoofs in love with each other, and had been spending almost every day together since.

Applejack was now on top of Rarity in a seductive pose, which left Rarity with a look of want in her eyes. Applejack was ready to claim her prize, but just as she nipped at Rarity's ear, she felt her stomach growl.

"He he," laughed Applejack awkwardly, "Ah just killed the mood, didn't Ah?"

Rarity grinned. "I'm afraid so, darling, but that's quite alright, I am absolutely famished anyway and I can tell that you are too, sweetie."

Applejack's cheeks turned a bright shade of red as she quickly crawled off Rarity and retreated to her side of the bed.

"Ya well least it ain't as bad as the time Twi' almost caught us at the library because somepony couldn't wait 'till we got back to their house!" retorted Applejack.

"Oh Applejack, darling! You know how absolutely wild you can drive me some days, I just can't hope to contain myself!" Rarity fell back into Applejack's forelegs.

Applejack rolled her eyes."Alright Little Miss Dramatic, that's enough. Now let's go get somethin' to eat before Ah starve to death."

"Okay missy, how 'bout we go get some apple pie, or apple strudel, what they hay, how about just plain ole apples!" mocked Rarity in a terrible country accent as she tried, ineffectively, to contain her giggling.

"Ha ha very funny, now let's go, princess, before Ah have to drag you down there myself," commented Applejack sarcastically.

"Ooooo, I don't think I would be opposed to that!" responded Rarity who soon discovered that a pillow had been thrown at her head.

"Oh alright, but do let me have my fun!" she chuckled as she bumped her fillyfriend playfully.

Applejack could not help but smile, "How the hay do Ah put up with ya, Rarity?" the earth pony asked light heartedly but also semi-seriously.

"Well for one there is my amazing personality, dashing good looks, how amazingly talented I am, the fact that I am one of the rising stars in the fashion world, not to mention—"

"Jeez Rarity, Ah didn't ask for you to write no book, but Ah do love ya... but mostly for your body."

"Applejack!" screamed Rarity.

"What? Ah'm only kiddin'. Are you the only one who can have a little fun?" responded the earth pony playfully.

All Rarity could do is smile, and all Applejack could do was smile back. To Applejack, it felt like her and Rarity had been made for each other. Despite their differences, which there sure were a lot of, she felt like their love was meant to be, and would last forever. If anything, their differences made their relationship stronger, not weaker as would be expected.

"Rarity?" asked Applejack with a sense of sincerity in her voice.

"Yes, Darling?" responded Rarity.

Darling. Applejack loved when Rarity called her that, it made her feel special. Even though she commonly used the word before they were seeing each other, and she had probably called everypony in the town darling at some point, Applejack still felt butterflies in her stomach every time Rarity used the word. Maybe it was all in her imagination, but it was like Rarity was saying an entirely different word when she called her darling.

"How the hay did Ah fall in love with a pony that Ah ain't got a thing in common with?" asked Applejack half joking, half sincerely.

"Well you know what they say darling, opposites attract. Plus, I think that we balance each other out. You keep me from being so, as you would say, 'prettied up' and I keep you from being that scruffy little farm pony that you want so much to be." Rarity deduced.

"Well there ain't nothin' wrong with a little honest work, even if ya do get a little 'scruffy'!" retorted Applejack.

"Yes and there also is not a thing wrong with being a little 'prettied up' either," noted Rarity.

"We are good for each other ain't we, Rarity?" asked the earth pony rhetorically.

"Yes we are, Applejack, yes we are," the other pony responded with a smile.

"Ah love ya, Rar’," Applejack announced.

"I love you too," repeated Rarity.

The two ponies shared a kiss. It was not a long kiss, nor was there really anything special about it, but for both of them, every kiss seemed like the first kiss. It felt so real, and it felt so right. For two mares, the spark they experienced every time they kissed was just another sign of how in love they were.

"And Ah always will," Applejack whispered as she planted a quick, smaller kiss on Rarity's lips.

Rarity leaned in, nuzzling her body against Applejack, who gladly returned the loving gesture.

As the two ponies embraced each other, Applejack's stomach violently gurgled again. "Hehe,"Appleajck giggled awkwardly.

"Well Applejack, how about we go actually get some food, otherwise you might starve to death!" joked Rarity.

"Ah know the perfect place for breakfast!" replied Applejack enthusiastically, ignoring Rarity's comments.

"Umm, Applejack..." hesitated Rarity.

"Yeah?"

"It's one in the afternoon..." continued Rarity.

"Oh well then how does lunch to ya?" asked an unfazed Applejack

Rarity smiled. "Lunch sounds absolutely great, Darling!"

The two mares slowly trotted out of Rarity's boutique, heading in the direction of the restaurant that Applejack had in mind with an obvious pep in their step. Both ponies were very much enjoying their stay on cloud nine, and not even Princess Celestia herself could kick them off.

Keeping Your Composure

Im petty sure this is the greatest day of my life! Rainbow grinned ecstatically from ear to ear. I'm also pretty sure this is the most bubbles I've seen in one place at a time! Did Twilight use some magic soap, because this is getting out of hoof! Dash closed her eyes, taking full advantage of her hot bubble bath. Even though the bath was an absolutely amazing experience, it was not the reason that she was in such a peppy mood.

Rainbow was so extremely happy because in the other room sat Twilight Sparkle, the pony who Rainbow had been secretly infatuated with for the past few months. Twilight simply being present in the other room normally would have been nothing special, but after the events that had just occurred, it was the greatest thing that could have possibly happened.

Yep, this definitely is the greatest day of my life! Twilight loves me. Twilight loves me! Twilight Sparkle, protégé to the princess, element of magic, unicorn extraordinaire, loves me back! This is so crazy! Rainbow's whole body radiated as she was overcome with a feeling of pure euphoria.

Dash could not control herself, letting out a subtle "squee!"

Someone who happened to notice the "squee" was that same 'unicorn extraordinaire' that Rainbow was so infatuated with, Twilight Sparkle. The door of the bathroom creaked open just before Dash made the incredibly cute, yet terribly embarrassing noise.

"Is Fluttershy in here? Because that can't be the rough and tough Rainbow Dash making such a cute noise!"

Rainbow blushed as she aggressively sputtered, "yeah well why don't you get over here and I can show you just how 'cute' I can be!"

Twilight smirked slightly. "However much I might like to, I interrupted your bath because I think that we need to talk about some things, Dash."

Rainbow Dash looked terribly concerned. "Like what kinda things?"

"Things that involve what just happened, where we stand as of right now, and where we are going to take our relationship if we even decide to have a relationship at all!" justified Twilight.

"Ohh... but I thought you said that we were just gonna go with the flow. Ya know, just live life," Rainbow Dash objected with a glum look on her face.

"Well yes, I did say that, but I was on an emotional high, as I'm sure you were too. Now that I think about it, I don't know how the hay I got the courage to kiss you in the first place," explained Twilight with a slight blush, "but now that we've both calmed down, I think we can have an honest discussion about where we stand right now."

Rainbow Dash nodded her head subtly, acknowledging Twilight's point, "Alright Twi', I'm all ears, Shoot."

"Actually why don't you get out of the bath and then we can talk, because there is no way that I can take you seriously when you have a bubble mustache!" Twilight grinned.

Rainbow Dash looked down at her snout, taking notice of the bubbles for the first time. They did make her look quite ridiculous, actually. She smiled slightly as she shook her head, flinging the bubbles away.

"Okay, I'll be out in a minute." Dash responded in a neutral tone.

Twilight turned away from Rainbow Dash, calling back over her shoulder. "I'll be in the kitchen."

As Twilight closed the door, Rainbow Dash's hooves began shivering. Oh Celestia, what am i going to do? I can't do this, i just can't! What if she doesn't really like me? What if that kiss was just in the heat of the moment? What if she thought she liked me but just needed to relieve some sexual tension? What if I'm a bad kisser and turned her off?

The 'what ifs' we're racing through Rainbow's mind at light speed. The prospect of Twilight not actually having feelings for her after that kiss was absolutely mind boggling, and also extremely scary. It's like Princess Celestia gave me the greatest thing in the whole world, only to take it away and make it worse! Why are you doing this to me, Twilight, why!?

Dash took a deep breath. Calm down RD, it’s normal for a pony have questions. She was perfectly happy when she walked out of here and there is no reason to think that anything is—

Rainbow's thought process was interrupted by a loud thumping at the door. She snapped her head around to face the source of the noise as a familiar voice leaked through from the other side. "Rainbow Dash, are you coming? It's been almost ten minutes now. Are you okay in there?"

Rainbow Dash scrambled to get out of the tub, nearly tripping as she stepped over the edge. "Umm... ya, sorry... lost track of time... I'll be out in a second."

Well, here we go.

Rainbow quickly dried her coat and tail with one of Twilight's towels. She wrapped a fresh towel around her head to dry her mane, not to mention that the softness of the towel comforted Rainbow Dash quite some bit, and stepped out of the bathroom.

Dash's eyes darted around the room as if she was paranoid, but in reality this was just nervousness. I have to get out. I have to go! No! No you can't! You have to stay, for Twilight! Rainbow resisted the urge to dart out the front door.

Dash hesitantly made her way into the kitchen, where Twilight was, hard at work preparing some kind of drink.

"Lemonade?" asked Twilight with a smile.

"Umm ya sure that sounds great," responded an unflinching Rainbow Dash, who had not really even heard the question.

Twilight magically poured two glasses of the drink out of the pitcher she had just prepared moments ago. She put a straw in each of them and placed one in front of Rainbow Dash and the other on the opposite side of the table for herself.

"How was your bath?" inquired Twilight.

Rainbow directed her gaze to the floor. "Oh it was all right."

"All right?" protested Twilight, "When I went in there it looked like it was the greatest thing you have ever experienced!"

"Ya it was pretty good, I guess..." mumbled Rainbow Dash as if she was afraid to look Twilight in the eyes.

Twilight's face revealed a confused look. "Rainbow, are you okay, is it something that I said?"

"Well... no, actually, forget about it it's nothing..." stammered Dash who now looked up at Twilight, only to look away again when she saw that Twilight was looking directly at her.

"Rainbow, right now we need to be honest with each other. Now please, is there something that I need to know?" Twilight clearly vocalized.

"Well... no, there's really not anything that—"

"Rainbow."

Twilight stated this while staring directly into Rainbow’s eyes. Dash understood Twilight's message loud and clear; she was not playing games anymore. Rainbow knew that any lie she could conjure up would be utterly useless against Twilight right now. There was only one way out, the truth, the entire truth.

"Promise you won't get mad?" cringed Rainbow Dash.

Twilight did not break eye contact. "Promise."

"Pinkie promise?" Rainbow responded seriously.

Twilight smiled slightly as she performed the ritual, "Pinkie promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"Okay, umm well..." Rainbow hesitated, "when you came in the bathroom, you sounded like you were more or less 'letting me down,' and I don't know if I can handle that anymore."

"Rainbow Dash I..."

"Twilight, please let me finish," interrupted Dash as she looked Twilight straight in the eye.

Twilight opened her mouth to protest but saw the serious look in Rainbow Dash's eyes and instead just nodded her head and let Dash continue.

"I've had my heart broken before," continued Rainbow Dash, "now I know that you probably think that this sounds 'girly' or 'sappy' or whatever, and I'm not real proud of it either, but to tell the truth, I felt worthless. I could barely make it thought the day, it took me nearly a whole year to get over it, but that's behind me now. Is that why I try to always be 'tough' and not show my emotions? Maybe. Sure, most of my edginess is natural, but maybe a lot of it came from that moment a few years back. I know all of you probably think of me as Tom-colt Rainbow Dash, never crying, never scared, ready to take on any challenge and whatever else you could think of, but I have feelings too! Sure I'm not into all that sappy girly stuff that ponies like Rarity like, but I sure as hay have feelings!" Rainbow let out a long sigh, "the point is that I... I love you Twilight, I really can't say exactly why, but I know that I really do. I was just so scared when you came into the bathroom and told me that we needed to have an 'honest discussion' because it brought up those old memories. I know it sounds really lame and not like me at all, but that's the truth."

Rainbow Dash looked up at Twilight for only a moment longer before gazing back down at the ground. Well, that's all I could do. I put it all out there. I wonder how this is gonna end up, probably with me flying home I'm tears. Dash let out a barely audible sigh.

Twilight was left completely speechless for a few moments, but eventually responded. "Rainbow, I... I had no idea," stammered Twilight, "but that's not what I meant when I said that we needed to talk."

"It's not?" asked Rainbow with somber surprise as she looked back up at Twilight with heavy eyes.

"No!" responded Twilight loudly, "I don't want to end this, I just want us to take it a little slower, that's all!"

"What?" sniffled an obviously confused Dash.

"It's just that I think that we rushed into this pretty fast," explained Twilight, "I may have been the cause of that in the first place but that is beyond the point. I want what's best for both of us, and I just the best thing that we can do is take it slower. I think that I might love you, but statistics show that the best relationships are the ones that..."

Twilight could not finish her speech as was interrupted suddenly by Rainbow Dash, who had leaped over the table, tackled her to the ground, and started passionately kissing her. The towel on Dash's head had fallen off, and her wet mane made her look even more stunning than she had appeared before.

Oh boy, this is twice as good as the first time!

Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle were no longer two ponies, they were seamlessly entwined with each other and now only existed as one being. The world melted away from Rainbow Dash. There was nothing but her and Twilight, and it felt so right. Then suddenly, the seamlessly entwined being once again became two ponies when Dash broke the kiss.

Rainbow gasped for breath. "Twilight?"

It took Twilight some time to recover from the unexpected moment of passion, but she eventually responded. "Yes Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash then leaned her head next to Twilight's ear and whispered seven words, seven words that Twilight Sparkle would never forget. "I don't like to take things slowly."

"I think I can live with that," Twilight whispered back as she brought Rainbow into another kiss.

*********

Rarity and Applejack trotted slowly down the streets of Ponyville, participating in what appeared casual chatter. To the causal passerby, if they even took notice, it would appear that this was nothing more than just two good friends out enjoying a beautiful day and, for the most part, they would be right. What that passerby probably would not figure out for themselves is that the two 'good friends' were more than just friends, they were secret lovers and had been in a serious and committed relationship for quite some time now.

Rarity was currently in the middle of one of her meaningless rants. "All I am saying is that I can hardly hope to understand how you can eat so many apples! I mean, you live on an apple farm darling! We go out to eat for the first time in Celestia knows how long, and you order an apple salad!"

Why are ya so dang cute when ya do this, Rar'? Everypony else hates it! What the hay is wrong with me?

"Ah like apples, they taste good," retorted Applejack clearly and concisely.

"I know you like apples, Darling, but do you not ever get sick of them?" asked Rarity over dramatically.

Applejack shrugged. "Umm... nope! Ah guess it's just in mah blood!"

"I'm sorry, but with all due respect, and I mean with all due respect, you are so boring!" exclaimed Rarity.

Applejack just shook her head and smiled as she cracked back, "well little miss know it all, if Ah'm so boring, why ain't you left me yet?"

"Haven't I told you before? It's because you are so good in the bedroom!" joked Rarity.

"Okay, but why do ya actually love me?" asked an honest Applejack.

With this statement, Applejack added a slightly awkward feel to the whole situation, but both ponies seemed to ignore it more or less.

"Well why don't we go inside and I will show you how much I love you," teased Rarity as she pointed to the door of the boutique, where the her and Applejack had just arrived. She fluttered her eyes.

"No Rarity, Ah want to hear why you love me," commanded a stubbornly serious Applejack.

Rarity looked her fillyfriend right in the eyes, unflinching. "I love you because you are nothing like me. I love you because you compliment me perfectly. I love you because you put up with me. I love they mane looks when you wear your hat. I love your athletic body. I love you because you make me feel safe. I love your stupid little country accent. I love—"

Rarity may have very well gone on all night is she was not cut off by the surprising feeling of Applejack's lips meeting her own. To Applejack, it felt exactly the same way it did every time when they kissed, like it was the very first time. She attempted to send kiss even deeper, but Rarity hesitated.

"Applejack!" shouted Rarity under her breath as she pulled her lips away from Applejack's, "at least wait until we are inside, someone might see us!"

"Ah don't care," inhaled a lustful and out of breath Applejack.

Applejack pushed her hoof against the door of the boutique, causing it to creek open. Applejack leaned in close to Rarity's muzzle, teasing her with the idea of a kiss. Rarity closed her eyes and pleasurably waited for the inevitable, but the expected kiss never came. Rarity opened her eyes.

"Is everything alright, Applejack?" whispered Rarity.

Applejack was speechless. She did not need to say a word, however, as her facial expression told the whole story. Her eyes were no longer fixated on Rarity, but instead stared in horror at something on the other side of the room. Rarity was probably not completely sure what had caught Applejack's attention but, more than likely, she had a pretty good idea.

"Umm, hi there Sweetie Belle," Applejack stammered awkwardly.

Oh Celestia.

Sweetie Belle stood in motionless shock. Well, least we ain't been caught red hoofed, or scarred Sweetie for life. Oh wait.

Applejack and Rarity scrambled to break away from each other and regain what composure they had left. For a while, not a word was spoken between the three ponies, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Well Rar' this one is for you, cause I sure as hay ain't sayin' anythin' else!

Rarity finally did break the silence. "Umm Sweetie Belle, why are you out of school so early?"

"It's three-thirty, Miss Cheerilee lets us out at three every day," stated Sweetie, who still looked absolutely stunned.

"Oh that's right! Silly me! Silly Rarity!" awkwardly laughed Rarity.

Silence.

"Sweetie Belle, are you okay? Exactly what did you see?" asked Rarity as she again broke the awkward silence.

Sweetie Belle gazed into the distance as she told her older sister what she had seen. "Well, I came home and was just wondering where you were. I saw that you weren't home so I figured that you must be over at Sweet Apple Acres because you've been spending so much time with Applejack."

Sweetie Bell suddenly became the oldest pony in the room as the two 'older' mares blushed like two fillies who had been confronted about 'liking colts,' or, in this particular case, 'liking mares.'

"So I decided I would go get Scoot and meet up with Applebloom at the clubhouse, and maybe I would see you there too. Then right when I was about to leave, you and Applejack opened the door. It looked like you had tripped when you were outside or something because you were both up on two hooves and Applejack had you wrapped in her arms. I almost thought you were kissing somepony for a second, but then I saw Applejack and figured that you must have just fell or something."

We're sunk. Well, maybe not. She ain't exactly sure what was happenin', but she's got a pretty dang good idea. Maybe we should jus' tell 'er now and get it over with. Hay, we should probably tell everypony! It's only a matter o' time before they find out anyway!

"That... that is exactly what happened Sweetie! And thank you Applejack for catching me!" emphasized Rarity, whose face bore terribly a false smile.

"Rar'," Applejack began to protest, "Ah think that we need to tell—"

Applejack could not finish her point, as she was interrupted by an apple being shoved into her mouth. "What the hay!? That's my move! Where the hay did she even get... Ah don't even... well I guess Ah do like apples. Ahh what the hay, let's see where this goes." Applejack slowly chewed the apple, letting Rarity continue.

Rarity put on a cheesy smile and tried to salvage the situation, "Sweetie, didn't you say that you were going to get Scootaloo and head over to Applebloom's?" Rarity asked rhetorically.

"Well yes, but—"

"Right! Now come on Sweetie, you don't want to be late!" urged Rarity strongly as she frantically motioned towards Sweetie with her hoof.

Sweetie Belle, although somewhat reluctantly, complied to her sisters requests. "Umm… ok sis, if you say so."

Sweetie Belle trotted off in the direction of Scootaloo's house in a somewhat hurried state. Rarity was sure to send her sister off properly. "Have fun, Sweetie, and be careful! Don’t bother rushing home! Stay as long as you would like!” Sweetie Belle faded from sight.

Not bad, but now that Ah think 'bout it, we really do need to tell everypony

Rarity quickly slammed the door shut. "Well, that was a close call!"

Applejack shot her a dirty look.

"What!?"

Applejack looked Rarity right in the eyes. "You know Ah don't like liars, Rar'."

Rarity defended her actions. "Oh be reasonable Applejack, you know we couldn't let Sweetie know about us! How would she react?"

Applejack made sure that Rarity got the message. "We've been puttin' on this show for almost month now, and Ah've had 'bout enough of it. Ah'm the element of honesty Rarity, and Ah just can't take lyin' to our friends and family anymore, we need to come out."

"Applejack, do you know how crazy that sounds?" responded Rarity viciously, "how would our friends even react! What if they reject us? And what about your family! What are Granny Smith and Big Macintosh going to think? How are Sweetie and Applebloom going to respond?"

"Ah don't care anymore Rar', Ah'm sick of livin' two different lives! They'll all figure it out eventually, so we might as well tell 'em now," snapped Applejack with a threatening inclination in her voice.

At this moment, Rarity realized just how serious the whole situation was. She let out a long exasperated sigh. "Okay Applejack, there's no sense arguing with you, you are the only one I know that is just as stubborn as me, and if you are anything like me at all, you will not budge," half-joked Rarity, "but I want to tell our friends first to, as you could say, 'test the waters,' then we can move to family."

"Do ya want to tell 'em individually, or have somethin' like a big get together and tell 'em all at once?" Applejack asked.

Rarity's eyes lit up. "Actually, what you said sounds like a marvelous idea! More or less a 'coming out' party! I like it!"

"Fair enough," responded Applejack sharply, "but we gotta do it sometime soon, okay?"

"Alright," said Rarity who leaned in to embrace her Applejack in a hug.

Applejack let out an almost unnecessarily long sigh, attempting to flush the anger from her body, the hug from her fillyfriend also helped quite a bit too.

"I love you, Applejack," whispered Rarity lovingly.

How can Ah stay mad at that?

"Ah love you too, Rarity," Applejack replied genuinely as few the two ponies just stood completely still without saying a word, locked in a loving embrace.

Sweet Celestia, we should do this more often! How long's it been exactly? A minute? An hour? What the hay, Ah like it? Applejack let the moment continue for a few more precious moments. Ah guess Ah gotta make all the decisions 'round here!

"If they are really our friends, they'll accept us for who we are," reassured Applejack, effectively ending the silence.

"I sure hope so, Applejack," responded Rarity as she planted Applejack a quick but loving kiss on her partner's snout, "I sure hope so."

Setting the Stage

Rainbow Dash's eyelids fluttered slowly as her mind reached a state of semi-consciousness. Her clouded brain eventually made the decision to keep her large magenta eyes open, well, half way open. As she brought her forehooves up to said eyes and cleared them of their fogginess, she remembered something incredibly important, there was somepony in the bed with her last night.

"Twilight?"

Complete silence resonated throughout the entire room.

"Twilight!?" Rainbow called out much louder, but the results were the same as the first time, absolute silence.

Where the hay is Twilight? Where would she... Rainbow yawed, where would she have gone? At least she's not gone for good! Rainbow giggled as her mind wandered back to the previous night.

"Rainbow," whispered Twilight, "I want us to make a promise to each other."

The two mares, huddled together under the safety of Twilight's sheets, we're in their own world. Outside distractions were completely eliminated from their minds. To Rainbow, there was nothing else in the world except for Twilight and herself.

I can't wait to see where she is going with this! thought Rainbow.

Rainbow played along. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about commitment Rainbow," responded Twilight seriously.

"Okay Twi' I'll hear you out, but only because you're so cute when your serious!" joked Rainbow Dash.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "All i want is for us to always be honest with each other."

"I can't disagree with that!" Rainbow responded.

"Secondly..."

"Oh Celestia, there's more!" grumbled Rainbow over dramatically.

Twilight shot her a look that said 'are you kidding me?'

Dash gave Twilight a playful punch. "I'm just joking! Jeez Twilight! Lighten up!"

Twilight smiled, shaking her head. "Secondly, I want us to never hold back any feelings about our relationship."

"But isn't that the same thing as being honest?" Rainbow asked.

"Well technically yes, but I figured that the more specific that we are the better. Statistics do show that—"

Rainbow, who had momentarily returned to the real world, chucked to herself. Maybe one day she'll learn to lay off the 'statistics!' Well, unless she likes being kissed, so maybe I'll be hearing even more of them! I guess I'll have to live with kissing Twilight, and I'm not opposed to that! Maybe I do love statistics." Dash's mind turned back to the night before.

Rainbow giggled. “How many times do I have to kiss you before you learn?”

"Right... Sorry," blushed Twilight "and thirdly I think that we need to love each other unconditionally, however tough it may get."

"But doesn't that kinda fall in the same category as the two previous—"

Now Rainbow Dash was interrupted by a deep kiss from Twilight. If magic has a taste, it's this! Dash thought.

Twilight giggled as she broke the kiss. "Now look who's being the egghead!"

Rainbow Dash smiled as the memory slowly faded away and Twilight's bedroom began materializing around her. The mere thought of being in a relationship with Twilight Sparkle sent a warm feeling pulsing throughout Rainbow's entire body.

While curling up into a ball, Rainbow Dash let out another "squee!"

She blushed. I'm turning into Fluttershy!

Rainbow was half expecting for Twilight to walk in at that very moment and start to make fun of her again for being so, as Pinkie would say, "mushy gushy" but, somewhat to her relief but also partially to her disappointment, Twilight did not enter the room.

I wonder if Twilight is downstairs. Rainbow's stomach growled. Or if she has something to eat. Dash slowly climbed out of Twilight’s crescent moon covered bed, slowly making her way towards the stairs that led to lower part of the library, the living room, and the kitchen.

As she stepped down the stairs, she was met with a familiar voice. "Hi-ya Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash could not move a muscle. How could I be so stupid! Obviously Spike is home, he lives here for Celestia's sake! At least he's not sleeping at the foot of Twilight's bed anymore! What the hay am I gonna say to him anyway? 'Hi Spike, I just got done sleeping with Twilight, we're dating now, do you have anything to eat?' Rainbow just stood there awkwardly, refusing to make eye contact with Spike.

"How was your guys' sleepover?" Spike inquired innocently, "it sounded like you two were up all night last night!"

Rainbow looked away, rubbing the back of her neck with her forehoof. "Oh yeah haha... we sure were! Yep, it sure was quite the sleepover!"

Well, either he knows and isn't saying anything, or he doesn't know at all. He probably has no idea, but who knows, he isn't much younger than me, even if he technically is still a baby.

Rainbow Dash still refused to make eye contact. "Umm, do you know where Twilight is?"

"Sure do! Twilight told me to stay here in case you woke up and to tell you that she went over to the market to get stuff for dinner," responded Spike, who trying to be as helpful as possible.

Rainbow Dash's nearly jumped through the roof. "Dinner!? What time is it!?"

"Umm... just about 5:00," answered Spike.

New record...

Spike seemed surprised with Rainbow's response. "Were you sleeping this whole time?"

"Uh yeah, just got up actually," responded Rainbow who, for the life of her, could still not force her eyes to look at those of Spike.

"What exactly were you two doing all night? Because it sounded like you two didn't go to bed last night," Spike asked nonchalantly .

Rainbow Dash, once again, was frozen solid. She was blushing such a hot shade of red that, up close, it may be hard distinguishing between her and Big Macintosh. All she could do was look at the floor and hope to Celestia that the little dragon did not take notice.

"Oh well, we uhh..." stuttered Rainbow Dash, but she was interrupted when the wooden front door of the library glowed a shade of purple. The door made a sharp, high pitched noise as its hinges extended, revealing Twilight Sparkle.

Saved by bell.

"Hello Spike, Rainbow," Twilight closed the door behind her. "Spike, will you take these things into the kitchen and fix us up something to eat?"

"Sure thing Twilight," agreed Spike as Twilight levitated the bag of groceries she had gotten at the market into his outstretched arms.

With the heavy bag in his arms, Spike had to lean back while walking to keep himself from falling over or dropping the groceries. As he exited the room, Twilight walked up close to Rainbow Dash and nuzzled against her.

Twilight smirked. "Finally decide to wake up?"

"Yeah well you know how much I like to sleep! If there were a 'Best Young Sleepers Competition,’ I would be the champ!" retorted Dash as she bumped Twilight.

"I guess it's understandable, because we did stay awake until Princess Celestia brought the sun up!" blushed Twilight with an apologetic smile.

Dash may or may not have stuck her chest out slightly. "I told you I could stay up all night just talking to you, and I'm a mare of my word!"

"Well it was more than just talking," reminded Twilight playfully as she walked in close to Rainbow, stopping when Dash's mouth and her own were nearly touching.

The two ponies, their breathing slowed, both waited for the other to take the initiative. Your move Twilight.

However, before either could make any type of romantic advance, they were interrupted by a voice from the other room.

"Any requests ladies?" Spike yelled out.

Spike may not have been physically in the room, but the two mares instinctively jumped away from each other, with hot red blushes on their faces, as if he was.

"No Spike, just whatever you want to make would be nice," Twilight called out quickly.

"Alrighty, Twilight!" he called back.

"Does he know?" Rainbow whispered as she pointed a hoof in the general direction of the kitchen.

Twilight shook her head. "No, he only knows that we had a sleepover, nothing more. He's just a baby in dragon years anyway, so I doubt he would be suspicious, especially since we are both mares."

"I guess it'll just have to be our little secret," teased Rainbow Dash under her breath as she started to nibble on Twilight's ear.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said in a hushed tone, "what if Spike comes back in?"

Dash backed away from Twilight. "Okay! I'm sorry, but come tonight, you're all mine!" she added jokingly.

"Oh! That reminds me!" Twilight said excitedly, "I ran into Rarity and Applejack at the market today and they invited me to a little 'Elements of Harmony' sleepover party at Rarity's house!"

"And I'm invited too?"

"Of course you're invited, you are the element of loyalty, aren't you?" Twilight asked rhetorically.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened with obvious concern. "Wait... did you tell them, that I... that I stayed here last night?"

"Well no, I did tell them you were here, but considering that it is so late in the day, I doubt that they would have any hunch what we spent the night together," reasoned Twilight.

"I've pretty much been here for a whole day," Rainbow stated simply.

At this point, Twilight was just trying to convince Rainbow Dash that there was no issue. "Yes that is true, but if they do suspect anything, I doubt that they will confront us about it." Twilight's attempts, however, did not help much.

Rainbow frowned. "But what if they do?"

"Then we'll have to tell them the truth Rainbow," stressed Twilight in a serious tone, "and I know that they will accept us for who we are. Why are you so worried about it anyway? Are you scared?"

Dash's natural cockiness took over. "Scared? Me? Pshhh! I'm Rainbow Dash! Who cares what somepony thinks! No matter what happens, I'll still have you, and that's all that matters!"

"I love you Rainbow Dash," smiled Twilight as she gave her new fillyfriend a kiss on the cheek, "now come one, let’s go help Spike with dinner!"

Rainbow Dash hesitated. What will they think of me? Will they even want to be my friends anymore? Rainbow did not handle rejection well, evident by the massive crater in the Everfree Forest that was a result of her most recent 'rejection.' What of our relationship splits the group up? What if the group splits our relationship up? I hope to Celestia that we can just keep it a secret, otherwise, its going to get really messy, really fast!

Dash, feeling her stomach gurgle, realized that she had not had a thing to eat all day. She would have to deal with coming out later, but right now, it was nearly time for a long delayed meal. Thank Celestia for that!

**********

"Are ya ready to go yet?" asked Applejack anxiously.

"Hold on darling, I'm just finishing up my mane," Rarity responded.

Ah can't believe that she has to get so prettied up just to even go outside!

Applejack and Rarity had been hard at work recently, preparing for the sleepover they had arranged for what some ponies would call their 'coming out party'. The day before, Rarity and Applejack had agreed that they wanted an intimate and light hearted setting, so the decision had been made to host a sleepover at Carousel Boutique, but it was not agreed upon without some controversy.

"Well Rarity, what if one of them don't like it?" Applejack asked skeptically.

"What exactly do you mean?" responded Rarity.

"Ah mean what happens when one of our friends don't like that we're together? That'll ruin the whole dang night!"

Rarity gestured at her fillyfriend with her forehoof. "Applejack, that works to our advantage!"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Please tell me how that'll help us."

"Because if somepony doesn't like us being a couple, it is less likely that they will speak up at all. Nopony will want to ruin the night for everypony else! Plus, if everypony else is okay with it, the pony who opposes us might begin to warm up to the idea," explained Rarity.

Applejack nodded her head. "Okay, but in the end, it don't mean nothin' what anypony else thinks, 'cause we sure ain't changin' a thing!"

Back in the present, Applejack was quickly growing impatient. "Rarity, ya know we're only goin' over to Twi's house, right?"

"Of course! But I have a reputation, Applejack! I have to be looking my best at all times, who knows when I'll find..." said Rarity as her voice trailed off.

"When ya find what?" asked Applejack with a smug look on her face, as if she already knew what Rarity was going to say.

Rarity smiled. "I was going to say in case I found the stallion of my dreams, but I guess I've already found the stallion of my dreams, even if that 'stallion' is just a little tom-colt mare!"

"And this little tom-colt mare thinks your mane looks just fine, so can we go now?"

"I suppose you are right Applejack, but regardless, I still have a reputation to uphold in this town!" voiced Rarity with pride.

"Ughhhh!"

"Don't worry darling, I'm finished.” Rarity covered her mouth and giggled. "Now hurry up Applejack, or we'll be late."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "I'm ready Rarity, just let me go find my hat..."

"Oh well in that case, let me style my tail because—"

"Nope! Already got it!" said Applejack as she raced back from the other room.

Rarity grinned. "I'm only kidding, Applejack. You know, sometimes you make it much too easy to play jokes on you."

"Ya, whatever," mumbled Applejack with a subtle blush.

The two ponies exited Rarity's shop and started in the direction of the Ponyville public library. "Ya know, Rar', it's a little late to be tellin' Twi' 'bout this party."

"Oh, I highly doubt that Twilight has any conflicting plans," justified Rarity, "besides, we don't even know if Rainbow is going to attend or not, so this whole idea might have to be postponed anyway."

Applejack scoffed. "Well, ya never know with Fluttershy. She may be a real nice pony, but she can be such a doormat!"

"Oh you are telling me!" Rarity agreed, "hopefully Rainbow Dash was at home at some point, or there is no way Fluttershy told her!"

"Speakin' of stayin' home all the time, where has Twi' been lately?"

This time, Rarity was the one who scoffed. "Oh you know Twilight! Probably doing some big thing for the princess! Either that or she suddenly found out how interesting the history of paper is, or something along those lines."

Applejack giggled. "Yep, that would be our Twi'!"

As the two mares entered the town market, Rarity eyes lit up as she noticed something. "Oooo! Applejack, look! There's Twilight right there!"

"Thank you for the apples, Big Macintosh!" acknowledged Twilight as she turned away from the apple stand.

"Eyup!" responded Big Mac in typical fashion.

Rarity called to her friend. "Twilight! Yoo-hoo! Over here!"

"Oh hello girls, nice seeing you two here! What's going on?" asked Twilight as she trotted over to the pair.

"Oh nothin' much Twi', we were just headed over to your house actually," responded Applejack.

"And what would bring you two to do that?" inquired Twilight.

"Well, Applejack and I have actually organized a sleepover between the six of us, and what would an Elements of Harmony sleepover be without the element of magic?" responded an enthusiastic Rarity.

"We woulda let ya know sooner, but we ain't seen much of ya around lately, figured ya must have some big project from the princess or somethin' like that," Applejack chimed in.

"Yes, lots of studying!" Twilight responded quickly. Applejack sensed a hint of dishonesty, but dismissed it.

"So can we count you in darling?" asked Rarity invitingly.

"Most definitely!" Twilight responded even faster than before.

"Wonderful!" responded Rarity, "be over at the boutique around eight and we'll start the fun!"

"Oh it's tonight?" Twilight responded.

"Ya see Rarity," criticized Applejack as she turned towards Rarity, "Ah told ya we shoulda told her before five o'clock the night before!"

"Girls, don't worry," Twilight interrupted reassuringly, "I'll be there, I was actually surprised that there was a sleepover in the first place, especially considering you two are the ones planning it!"

"Twilight, darling, it's nothing, really. Despite out differences, you could say that Applejack and I have really come together in the name of a good time for everypony." Rarity smiled at her companion.

Twilight, oblivious to the inclination in Rarity's voice, chimed in. "Well it's nice to see you two getting along so well!"

"Alright Twi', we'll see ya tonight, but we gotta go see if we can find Rainbow, cause we ain't seen her the last few days either," stammered Applejack, who was really just looking for an excuse to leave and scold Rarity for her previous actions. Inside, she was fuming.

"Actually, Rainbow Dash is over at my house right now, I can invite her for you if you want..." informed Twilight as her voice trailed off slightly.

"That sounds like an absolutely wonderful idea Twilight!" responded Rarity for Applejack, “whatever were you two doing over there?"

“Oh… umm… Rainbow came over for… uhh… to check out a Daring Doo book! Yeah, she just loves those Daring Doo books!” stuttered Twilight.

”Oh, uhh, well that sounds like quite the time!” Rarity cringed.

"See you girls then, can't wait!" rushed Twilight awkwardly as she turned back in the direction of the library.

Rarity and Applejack watched as Twilight quickly trotted off. When Twilight was out of earshot, rarity turned towards Applejack. “Well, what was that about?”

Applejack, completely ignoring Rarity’s question, unleashed her feelings about the previous situation. "What do ya think you're doin'!?" Ya almost gave us away right there!"

"Relax, darling, Twilight does not have the least clue. Besides, we are coming out tonight anyway, so what if it is a few hours early?" responded Rarity playfully.

"Ah don't even..." muttered Applejack under her breath.

"What was that, darling?" asked Rarity with a smug smile on her face.

"Nothin'," responded a stubborn Applejack.

Rarity’s face revealed a grin as the couple slowly meandered their way back to Rarity's boutique, anxiously awaiting the night that was soon to come.

"Now come on, Darling, we have to finish our preparations," vainly joked Rarity.

Ah still don't know how the hay I put up with you.

**********

"Black clothes?"

"Check!"

"Grappling hook and rope?"

"Check!"

"Flashlight?"

"Check!"

"Super-speedy getaway car?"

Scootaloo looked over at her scooter. It had recently been painted black and had a wagon hinged on the back that was the same color.

"Uhhh... check!"

"Alright, everypony ready?" asked a Sweetie Belle.

"Ah'm ready!" announced Applebloom.

"I was born ready!" Scootaloo responded with confidence.

The three came together and shouted a typical variation of their signature phrase.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SUPER SPYS!"

Activate Stealth Mode!

"Pinkie Pie! Fluttershy! Please, do come in!" Rarity smiled as the two ponies filed past her.

It was just past eight, and the six Elements of Harmony were beginning to assemble at Carousel Boutique. This being a party hosted by Rarity, there was an obvious absence of the lavish decorations that one would expect to find at a typical Pinkie Pie party. Nevertheless, the boutique retained a welcoming atmosphere. The reds, oranges, and yellows of the crackling fire seemed to spread across the the entire room, providing the cozy feel to the room, and the numerous blankets and pillows spread across the floor only added to the warming appeal of the sleepover. While Applejack had complained it was too 'fluffy,' Rarity had argued that it was the perfect atmosphere to give their announcement.

Pinkie Pie was ecstatic. "Hi Rarity! Oh my gosh I'm so excited for this sleepover! When you came and told me about it yesterday, I was like, oh my gosh this is going to be absolutely awesome! Did you know I didn't sleep last night? I was way too excited because I'm usually the one throwing the parties and the I hear Rarity is throwing one! No way! So I brought a whole bunch of sweets from the bakery for us, but then I needed to know how many ponies were coming! But then I remembered that you said it was only for the six of us! How amazingly-awesome! A super-secret friendship party! So I said to myself, 'Pinkie—"

"How interesting, Pinkie! Why don't you go tell Applejack," interrupted Rarity as she pointed to the kitchen of the boutique, "I'm sure she would love to hear all about it!"

Pinkie threw the pastries she brought into the air, which, of course, all happened to land perfectly on the counter near the door, and bounced her way over to the kitchen in expected Pinkie Pie fashion. "Oh okay! Applejack!? Are you in here!? Have you heard about this super-amazing party!?"

"Umm... hi Rarity," whispered Fluttershy.

Rarity placed a hoof on the shoulder of her timid friend. "Fluttershy, nice to see you! Please, do make yourself at home!"

"Umm... okay Rarity, thank you for the invitation," murmured Fluttershy.

I wonder what on earth had her so worried! Well, come to think about it, it's probably nothing, just Fluttershy being Fluttershy. Rarity shrugged.

"Now we just need Twi' and Rainbow to get here so we can start the party!" Applejack hollered over Pinkie Pie's rambling in the other room.

"We told them nine, didn't we?" Rarity called back, "they must just be running a little late."

**********

Twilight Sparkle's eyes opened slowly. As she blinked to rid them of their fogginess, she noticed that she had a pair of blue forelegs wrapped around her. Twilight felt butterflies in her stomach as she once again realized that she was in love. She smiled as she looked up at a lightly snoring Rainbow Dash. I could get used to this.

Twilight’s eyes wandered around the room lazily, really not giving anything a focused look. As her gaze eventually made its way over the clock on the wall, she did a double take. "Rainbow! Rainbow, wake up! We're going to be late for the sleepover!"

"Wha... what?" mumbled Rainbow Dash, "What are you talking about Twi'?"

"Rairty's sleepover? Ring a bell?" yelled a frantic Twilight as shook Rainbow's hooves off of her and climbed out from under she sheets.

"Don't worry, that's not until nine! We still got—" lazily murmured Rainbow Dash. She cut herself off when she saw what the clock on the wall read, "oh."

Twilight frantically began packing her saddle bags for the night to come. "Well don't just lay there! Let's get going, we're already ten minutes late!"

Rainbow Dash reluctantly rose up out of the bed. "Can't we just stay in bed all day?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. How the hay did I know this was going to happen?

"We've been doing that a lot lately, Rainbow. And on that note, how the hay could you even be sleeping, you slept literally all day!"

"Equestria's best young sleeper, remember?" joked Rainbow as she rolled onto her belly and smiled at Twilight.

Twilight could not help but smile. "Alright well how about you try and be Equestria's best... uhh... Equestria's best get-the-hay-out-of-bed-and-get-ready-to-go-to-Rarity's-sleepover... uhh... pony!"

Rainbow let out a long yawn and stretched her legs out prior to leaping into the air. Dash extended her wings and performed a small loop above Twilight's bed before landing gracefully on the floor of the small room.

"Showoff..." muttered Twilight.

"What was that, Twilight?" responded Dash with a smirk.

Twilight quickly changed the subject. "Oh nothing, are you all ready to go?"

Rainbow Dash vigorously shook her mane before running a hoof through it, attempting to straighten it out somewhat. "Now I am," smiled Rainbow.

Twilight rolled her eyes as she followed Rainbow Dash down the steps towards the exit of the library. A purple cloud of magic opened the front door and the two ponies started their relatively short journey to Rarity's home. Although Princess Celestia had already lowered the sun and Princess Luna's night had taken over, the two ponies had no problem finding their way along the well illuminated streets of Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash was the first to bring up the ominously looming issue. "What if they confront us about it, Twilight? What are we going to do?" she voiced with concern.

Twilight remained frank. "We'll just have to tell them the truth, Rainbow. We're going to have to tell them at some point or another. If it comes up, I'll handle it, if that makes you feel any better."

"Honestly Twi', I would really like if you deal with it because if they asked me, I'd probably lie, and when it comes to our relationship, I'm a worse liar than Applejack!" said a nervous Rainbow Dash semi-jokingly. "But let's hope to Celestia that it doesn't come up tonight!"

As these words exited Dash's mouth, the couple arrived at the entrance to Rarity's shop. Twilight reached her hoof up to the door to knock, but before she could make contact with the door, she was greeted by nopony other than Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie threw her forehooves into the air. "Yay! Twilight and Rainbow Dash are here! It's time to get this party going! Look! I brought cake! Did you know I already ate a whole cake, all by myself? I just couldn't wait! I was so excited, sorry! But don't you worry your silly little heads, because Auntie Pinkie Pie brought plenty cake for everyone!"

"It's gonna be one of those crazy Pinkie nights, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash mumbled to Twilight, barely opening her mouth, keeping her eyes fixated on Pinkie, who had since turned away to announce their arrival to the rest of the group.

Twilight nodded. "Should make for quite an interesting time."

The night had officially begun.

**********

Meanwhile, outside of the boutique, two school fillies, dressed from head to hooves in black, were stealthy making their way around corners, into bushes, and past wandering ponies. A third filly, also completely dressed in black, rode her scooter and attached wagon behind one of the bushes outside of Rarity's boutique, hiding it from view. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had put their plan of attack in motion. Scootaloo waved her hoof at her friends from behind the bush, beckoning them to join her. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom simultaneously looked to their left, then right, then left again, before bolting across the road to regroup with their friend.

"Now I know Applejack and my sister are up to something, and we’re going to find out what it is!" said Sweetie Belle condensed in a whisper.

"Oh yeah we are!" responded Scootaloo, "did you remember to leave your window open?"

"Yes, I did, but we have to be sure that they don't know we're here, otherwise Rarity will get mad," Sweetie Belle stated nervously.

"Oh stop worrying and help me get up this rope!" mumbled Scootaloo as she twirled a grappling hook with her teeth before tossing it into the window of Sweetie's room. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, activate stealth mode!" she announced with confidence.

**********

Inside the boutique, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Applejack were dancing sporadically around the room in an impromptu conga line, which circled Fluttershy and Rarity, who were sprawled out on the floor, hesitant to join the dancing.

"Come on Fluttershy!" yelled Pinkie Pie, "You only live once! Whooooooo!"

**********

Upstairs, Applebloom and Scootaloo stood in Sweetie Belle's room, waiting for the resident of said room to make her way into the room.

"Umm, guys? A little help here?" Sweetie Belle winced as she struggled to climb the final few feet of the rope.

Applebloom and Scootaloo each grabbed one of Sweetie's forehooves and tugged back so hard that it sent her flying into the wall on the opposite side of the room.

"Are you okay Sweetie Belle?" asked a concerned pair of ponies in unison.

Sweetie Belle's eyes rolled around in her head. "Yeah, I'm fine, just a little dizzy is all."

"Alright, now what do we do?" asked Scootaloo as she turned her head to Applebloom.

"Well, the music seems pretty loud, so Ah say we just wait up here until it stops and we can hear what's goin' on," suggested Applebloom.

"And if I know my sister, she's sure to spill the beans to her friends!" insisted Sweetie with confidence.

Scootaloo looked terribly disappointed. "So we just wait?"

"Don't worry Scoot, it won't be long," reassured Applebloom

The trio exited the room, dropping to their bellies and scooting across the floor one-by-one using their back hooves. Keeping completely silent, the three ponies stopped at the top of the staircase leading to the upper part of the boutique. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had begun their attempt at earning their cutie marks in espionage.

**********

Downstairs, the ambiance of the room had reached a state of calm, well, as calm as a room that had Pinkie Pie in it could be. The music had been turned to a comfortably low setting, setting the stage for conversation between the six friends.

This appears to be the moment that we've been waiting for. Well, here goes absolutely everything.

"So ladies, have you heard that Lyra and Bonbon are engaged?" inquired Rarity as her eyes lit up with false excitement.

The fact that Lyra and Bonbon were engaged was old news, as the event happened nearly a month ago. The subject had become somewhat of a minor taboo amongst the citizens of Ponyville, but Rarity and Applejack had established earlier that it could be a useful tool in the gradual progression to their announcement.

Applejack, who realized exactly what Rarity was doing, played along. "Well Ah heard that they are havin' a big public weddin' with both of their families. What do ya girls think 'bout that?"

The silence was gut-wrenching. The four remaining ponies seemed to be completely stunned that the question was even asked, as if they already knew what was coming next. Fluttershy was trying to hide in her own mane, Rainbow Dash was looking down at her hooves, Twilight was frozen solid, and even the usually perky Pinkie Pie was surprisingly silent, looking off into the distance.

Then much to the surprise of everypony, Fluttershy was the first to break the silence. "Umm... well... I think it's nice that they are happy..." Her voice trailed off.

"Ya, I think it's... it's nice," stammered Rainbow awkwardly as she gave a quick glance towards Twilight, which went unnoticed by the others.

Twilight was stumped. "Umm... it sure is different. I'm actually surprised that they are so open about it, them both being mares and such..."

Pinkie Pie, for the first time in as long as anypony could remember, remained completely silent. Pinkie just sat there with a neutral expression on her face, which was quit the contrast from her usual signature grin.

"Well uhh... I uhh... I think the cookies must be done by now! Applejack! Would you be ever so kind to come help me in the kitchen?" stressed Rarity.

Applejack instantly jumped at the opportunity. "Yep! Sure! Ah'd love to!"

Rarity and Applejack hurried into the kitchen. "We'll be right back ladies!"

When they reached the kitchen, Rarity and Applejack almost immediately began a heated, yet relatively silent, discussion about what had just transpired moments ago.

"We can't possibly tell them now Applejack!" Rarity whispered.

"Ah don't care!" Applejack retorted, "Ah don't care how hard it is or nothin' like that, they have the right to know! And we have to tell 'em tonight!"

"Did you see them in there, Applejack?" fumed Rarity "Did you see how quiet it got when I brought up Lyra and Bonbon? It’s like they already knew that we were going to come out! Pinkie Pie, the craziest pony anypony has ever met, the pony who never stops talking, she was dead silent Applejack!"

"Ah know, Rarity, Ah know about Pinkie, Ah know what just happened!" Applejack whispered furiously, "Ah was in there ya know! If we don't tell 'em now, when are we gonna tell 'em? Are we gonna just keep a secret forever?"

"I... I just don't know any more Applejack," muttered Rarity in a whisper as she looked at the ground and shook her head, "I just don't know."

Applejack had realized what she had done and quickly tried to make amends. She nuzzled up against Rarity to comfort her. "It's okay Rar', it's gonna be fine, alright?"

"Okay Applejack," smiled Rarity, even though it appeared that she was on the verge of tears, "I'm so scared Applejack, I'm just so scared.”

Applejack planted a small but loving kiss on Rarity's snout. "I’m scared too, Rarity, but come on, we have'ta do this, we have'ta be strong."

**********

Not a sound was made in the living room. The once warm and friendly atmosphere had quickly transformed into cold, emotionless silence. If they did not know better, the four ponies would have said that the fireplace on the opposite side of the room had dimmed substantially. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

When she saw that Fluttershy and Pinkie were not looking, Rainbow turned towards Twilight and mouthed the words, 'do they know?'

Twilight just shrugged her shoulders.

As Rarity and Applejack proceeded back into the other room, the gawky feeling still loomed overhead. None of the ponies had moved an inch since they left. Rainbow would have been relieved that the other two ponies were back if not for that fact that she believed that they were about to reveal her and twilight’s secret.

"So how is everypony?" asked Rarity, seeking to break the apparent tension.

"Are the cookies done!?" asked an excited Pinkie who had seemed, for the moment anyway, to have returned to her usual happy-go-lucky state.

"Uhh... not yet actually," responded Rarity, who knew that there were not actually cookies in the oven, but could not risk blowing her cover.

Pinkie Pie, once again, sat completely emotionless which, to the other ponies, was nearly the equivalent of Pinkie bawling her eyes out. The incredibly uncomfortable silence had returned, but this time Applejack was the first to speak up.

"Ok, Ah've had about enough of this," Applejack stated simply, "Me and Rarity have somethin' that everypony needs to hear, and ya'll might not like it."

Rainbow Dash's heart was beating at a million miles an hour. Sweat was dripping from her brow, and Rainbow Dash had to do everything in her power to not fly out of Rarity's boutique as fast as she could.

How could they possibly know? There is no way! Even if they do know, why the hay would they tell everypony? They threw a party so they could make fun of us! Wait, is this some kind of intervention? No! No way! I have to go! I have to go right now...

At that moment, Rainbow felt Twilight's hoof slightly touch her own. She felt a sense of calm waft over her entire body.No. No I can't go. Twilight is here for me. She loves me, and I love her. She'd never let me down, how could I do that to her. There's nothing that we can't get through together. Dash bit down hard on her lip and prepared for the worst.

Applejack was interrupted by Rarity. "Applejack, wait we—"

"Ah sick of waitin' Rarity, they need to know!" Applejack nearly screamed.

Rarity hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath, allowing herself to regain some of her composure. "Okay Applejack, go ahead, tell them."

Applejack's chest rose as she took a deep breath herself. "Me and Rar' have something to tell everypony. Now Ah know that you might not like it, but ya have the right to know," she paused for what seemed like a good hour, but in reality was only a few seconds, "ya could say that we, uhh... discovered somethin' pretty important and, well I guess there's no easy to say it, so here it goes. Uhh—"

Applejack stopped suddenly as all six of the Elements of Harmony turned their heads simultaneously in startled fashion at the loud noise on the other side of the room. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had just crashed down the stairs, were disoriented momentarily, but the trio somewhat regained their composure and tried to salvage the situation as best they could.

Applebloom cringed. "Uhh... hi there sis'."

Applejack and Rarity's mouths, in unison, opened wide in absolute shock. The music had, of course, been turned off somehow and the room was dead silent. Sweetie Belle tried to take advantage of the situation by sneaking back upstairs, but this caused a reaction from her sister.

"Sweetie Belle!" yelled Rarity, "You get back down here until we are done talking to you!"

Sweetie Belle's shoulders and head slumped as she slowly made her way back down the stairs. She sniffled as a single tear ran down her cheek.

"What the hay are ya three doin', spyin' on us?" asked Applejack menacingly.

The three ponies looked at the floor and shook their heads somberly in acknowledgment. The awkward silence that had been the theme of the night hung overhead once again.

Applejack was still furious, but regained enough of her composure to make a rational decision. "Alright, well, Applebloom, Ah'm takin' ya home."

"And Sweetie," followed Rarity, "Go up to your room and go to bed right this instant!"

Sweetie Belle slowly trotted up the stairs in silence. Her eyes were beat red and sniffles could be heard as she made the long journey up the stairs.

Rainbow Dash then spoke up. "C'mon Scoot, I'll take you home." Rainbow Dash bumped her on the shoulder, motioning towards the door.

"Okay," sniffled Scootaloo as she followed behind Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow tucked Scootaloo under a protective wing. "I'll be right back."

Applejack was unforgiving. "Ah don't think Ah'm comin' back tonight, sorry, I got some other things to deal with."

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and their younger companions slowly trotted through the door of the boutique, leaving the other four ponies in an utterly shocked silence.

"Well, that was super-dooper awkward!" exclaimed Pinkie.

Justice is Served

The title of this chapter is dedicated to Fox-Sama, who may or may not want to still throw me off a cliff! :)

Also, congratulations to YOitzGEEZUS, who posted the 69th comment on the story!

**********

"Twilight," whispered Rainbow Dash, "Twilight, wake up."

"Hmmm... uhh, oh Clelestia, is it morning already?" mumbled Twilight, her eyes still sealed shut.

Rainbow Dash leaned in close. "Shhhhhh! It's just me, we need to talk, but we have to be quiet!"

Twilight's once sleepy eyes instinctively sprung open at the realization that Rainbow Dash needed her. "What is it Rainbow?"

The couple, along with Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, were spread about the cozy main room of Rarity's boutique. The boutique was completely dark except for the glowing red embers of the warming fire that once was. These embers were a stern reminder of what the night had once been, and what it had become. Each pony was individually wrapped up blankets, sleeping bags, pillows or any other comfortable object they could find spread across the floor of the room.

Rainbow Dash was wide awake because, compared to the clouds she normally slept on, the accommodations were extremely uncomfortable, well, that is what she planned to use as an excuse. "Can't sleep. I'm too used to clouds."

"Rainbow, you might as well stop lying, we both know that a couple of uncomfortable blankets won't keep 'Equestria's Best Young Sleeper' awake. Now it's... uhh..." Twilight rolled over to take a look at the clock, which was only visible because of the moonlight that shined through the window on the opposite side of the room, "4:30 in the morning, so why don't you tell me what is really bothering you so we can both get back to bed."

Well, I guess we might as well get right to it. “Twilight, they know! They know about—“

"Shhhhh!" interrupted Twilight, "you're going to wake everypony up!"

Rainbow directed her gaze towards Rarity, the fashionista was wearing a blindfold, snoring quite loudly and drooling. Dash could not help but chuckle slightly.

"Right sorry," Rainbow whispered, whose mind had quickly returned to the situation at hand, "they know about us Twilight! They were gonna come right out and say it, in front of all our friends!"

"Now Rainbow Dash, we cannot assume that—"

"Didn't you hear Applejack?" Rainbow interjected, "she knows! She has to know! She brought up Lyra and Bonbon! She went in and talked to Rarity, and then said that they discovered something! What else could they have discovered?"

Twilight let out a long exhale. "Okay, maybe they do know, but what difference will it make? They’re still our friends, and even if they are against us, we still have each other, and nopony can take that away!"

Twilight Sparkle nestled her head into the body of her fillyfriend, giving her a loving nuzzle. Rainbow was caught somewhat off guard. Amongst the commotion of the night, she nearly forgot that Twilight's relationship was more than just an idea.

After a brief delay, Rainbow returned the gesture."I know you'll always be here for me, Twi', but why would Applejack and Rarity feel the need to tell everypony, wouldn't you think that would be something that they would let us do?"

"I think you are the one becoming the egghead, Rainbow!" joked Twilight, "because you are really over thinking this! I don't think that is what they were talking about anyway, but if you want, we can talk to Rarity and Applejack about it sometime tomorrow," she said with a more serious tone.

Rainbow sighed. "Alright, but that would mean that we’re officially coming out, there is no going back."

"Well if they already know, like you said, then it doesn't matter anyway, but if they don't know, like I think, then we will be giving away our secret," reasoned Twilight, "but we are going to have to come out at one point or another, so I say we just talk to them about it anyway, just to be safe. But I'm going to let you decide, Rainbow, whatever you think is best."

"I... I just don't know,” groaned an emotionally drained Rainbow Dash, "I can't decide! Not tonight!"

Twilight had already closed her eyes, wishing to be unconscious. "Well, why don't you sleep on it. You can make a decision tomorrow."

Rainbow let out another long sigh. "Okay, Twilight, good night, I love you." Rainbow's head crashed back down on the pillow.

"I love you too..." responded Twilight, who was already enjoying the relief of sleep.

Twilight Sparkle may have been fast asleep, but Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide open. What the hay am I gonna do?

**********

"Well, Ah gotta do some work 'round here at sometime! I can't be spendin' all mah time with ya."

The early morning sun was shining down brightly upon Sweet Apple Acres. For being autumn, it was a surprisingly warm day. There was not a cloud in the sky, and Applejack's brow was dripping with sweat. She kicked a large tree, and apples of all different colors rained down to the ground below.

"Why don't I help you with your chores?" asked Rarity with a cheesy grin.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Let's be honest Rar', you are 'bout as usefully on a farm as Ah am in a beauty salon, but ya can follow me 'round and we can talk while Ah finish up this stuff if ya want."

Rarity's eyes lit up. "Alright! What do you have left?"

"Ah just gotta finish buckin' the last of these late bloomin' apples, then Ah'll be done," Applejack stated as she threw her back legs forcefully into one of the trees.

"So what did you do with Applebloom?" asked Rarity casually.

"Grounded 'er," said Applejack as she bucked another tree, "Sweetie Belle?"

"Also grounded," Rarity responded, "and I'm sure Scootaloo's parents did the same, but even if they decided against it, we most certainly will not be seeing the Cutie Mark Crusaders for some time."

"Well, Ah guess justice is served," responded Applejack neutrally, who seemed to be preoccupied with her chores.

"I have to admit, I'm not necessarily mad at them for interrupting us as I should be, because that whole situation was very, well, very awkward," cringed Rarity.

Applejack frowned. "Even if it was real 'awkward,' it don't mean that we shouldn't tell 'em. Don't forget 'bout it, we gotta do it again sometime soon."

"Umm, Applejack...” hesitated Rarity.

Applejack let out a long exasperated sigh, "yes Rarity?" she asked with a forced smile.

"Well, I was doing some thinking," continued Rarity, "and I think that we definitely should not tell our friends all at once."

"Ya don't think?" Applejack retorted sarcastically.

Rarity stomped her forehoof. "Stop it Applejack, I'm serious!"

Applejack's face quickly changed as she suddenly grew serious, "okay Rar', what do ya think then?"

"Well I think that we should take our planned intimate setting, and make it even more, well, intimate," Rarity responded.

"Umm... is that suppos'd to be somethin', uhh... suggestive?" Applejack asked with a confused look on her face.

"No, no, no, no, no, darling," responded Rarity," I was talking about telling each of them individually! But that doesn't mean that I wouldn't be up for some of that later." Rarity approached Applejack.

Applejack stuttered, "well, Ah uhh..."

Rarity giggled. "You're so cute when nervous," she whispered into Applejack's ear.

Applejack was now on the offensive. "Oh yeah?"

Applejack lunged at Rarity, tackling her to the ground below. Applejack found herself in what was becoming a reoccurring position on top of her partner. The tall grass of the farm brushed against their coats, and nearly obscured them from view. A sudden gust of wind blew her hat off of the top of her head and onto the face of Rarity, who brushed it off instinctively.

"Ya don't like my hat?" joked Applejack.

Rarity smirked. "I love your hat, it's just that it was in the way of this."

Rarity then took the initiative by pressing her lips against those of the Applejack, locking the two in a passionate kiss. Rarity, completely lost in the moment, forgot about the context of their situation, and how risky it was to be intimate with each other in the open.

Rarity, however, was eventually able to create a rational thought. Remember what happened at the library a few weeks ago, Rarity! Oh Celestia! "Wait, Applejack, what if someone sees us?"

Applejack, who was breathing heavily, forced her back to the ground and continued kissing her, "Ah don't care," Applejack muttered between kisses.

"Applejack? Applejack? You out here?"

Although Big Macintosh was not visible, Applejack and Rarity still stopped momentarily, frozen in each other’s hooves. The two ponies quickly scrambled up to their feet, both with bright red streaks spread across their cheeks.

Was I right or what!

"Ya Macintosh, Ah'm over here," called out Applejack.

"Are you done with your chores yet?" they heard Big Mac call back.

"Uhh... ya, just finishin' up!" called Applejack back as she looked over at Rarity and smiled a cheesy smile.

"Alrighty, lunch is ready when you're done," they heard his voice call out as it faded away.

Applejack looked at Rarity and blushed, "uhh, maybe we should be more careful."

"You don't say?" playfully mocked Rarity.

Applejack's blush got brighter. "So what were ya sayin' about a more intimate setting?"

Okay Applejack, I'll forget about what just happened if you really want me to... for now "That we should tell each of them individually darling."

"Oh, umm... who do ya think we should tell first?" inquired Applejack, who was still attempting to avoid talking about what had just happened.

"Applejack, are you going to be okay?" asked Rarity genuinely.

"Ah'm fine!" retorted Applejack defensively, "it's just... Ah don't know..."

"Your brother?" Rarity finished for her.

Applejack let out a long sigh as she brought her gaze up from the ground and into the air. "Ta be honest? Ah'm terrified. Ah know him, Granny Smith, and Applebloom will still love me, but Ah'm scared that they won't accept you, or that they won't look at me the same anymore."

Rarity rested a comforting hoof on her partner's back. "Applejack, you know I support you one-hundred percent. If you want to tell them now or wait until later, Im fine with whatever decision you decide to make, but we do have to tell them at some point in the near future."

Applejack nuzzled up against Rarity seeking a source of strength. "Ah know Rar', Ah'm just so scared."

Well, this is most certainly new! Nope, this has most certainly never happened before! It's like I'm the tough earth pony and she's the dainty unicorn! I think I like this! I feel like I have a purpose! Okay, I think that's enough. No! I have to stay steady, for Applejack! As long as she needs me, I'll be here, no matter how sweaty she is!

"It's going to be okay Applejack," reassured Rarity, "we are going to get through this together, we both just have to stay strong."

Applejack, whose eyes were puffy and red, looked up at her partner "Thank ya Rarity. Now, who do ya think we should tell first?" nearly laughed Applejack.

Rarity smirked. "Oh I have somepony in mind..."

**********

"Twilight, let's go!"

Twilight trotted down the staircase. "Alright I'm set, are you all ready to go Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Am I ready? I've been waiting here for twenty minutes because somepony had to finish studying.

"Relax." Twilight gestured at Rainbow. "I told you to come back over at 1:00, you were here at least 10 minutes early!"

"I just got anxious, okay?" retorted a defensive Rainbow Dash, "I just want to get it over with!"

Twilight remained optimistic. "Calm done Rainbow, it's nothing that important, just telling Pinkie that we want to throw a party, nothing more."

Rainbow Dash looked terribly confused. "Wait, we don't have to tell Pinkie Pie?"

"No!" Twilight hesitated, "well, we don't have to tell her today, we just have to get her to plan our, uhh... I guess you could call it our 'coming out' party. You should stop worrying so much you know, but if you don’t want to do this, we don’t have to."

"Me? Worry? Pshhhhh! I'm not the least bit worried, just a little anxious is all, but not worried or nervous! There's a difference!" scoffed Rainbow Dash, “besides, if we don’t do it ourselves, Rarity and Applejack will do it for us, so we might as well get it over with!

Twilight's face revealed a sense of disbelief. "You’re not worried! Ha! You were awake at 4:30 last night telling me how worried you were!"

"I wasn't worried! I was, uhh... uhh.." Rainbow hesitated, trying to find any type of excuse.

Twilight smiled smugly. "Oh no, please do go on."

"I was, uhh... I was just letting you know, uhh... letting you know that our friends knew about us, and, umm... yeah..." Rainbow rubbed her hoof along the back of her neck.

"Are you really that bad of a liar, Rainbow?" asked Twilight jokingly, "because that was pretty terrible!"

Rainbow’s face revealed a cheesy smile. "Yeah, well, I try my best!"

Twilight, once again, rolled her eyes. "How in Celestia's name do I even put up with you?"

"Because I'm the Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow suggested scarcastically.

"Well in that case, I think we need to stop seeing each other," Twilight declared.

Rainbow Dash was in complete shock. "Wha... what?"

"I'm joking, Rainbow," clarified Twilight with a warm smile, "jeez, you need to calm down!"

"Okay, maybe I am a little nervous," Rainbow admitted.

"Thank you!" exclaimed Twilight sarcastically.

"So can we go already?" Rainbow changed the subject. "Because you said we were supposed to go at 1:00, and it’s 1:02."

Twilight eyes widened. “Well why didn’t you say so! Let’s get going! We can’t be off schedule!”

As Twilight slowly trotted past Rainbow Dash towards the front door of the library, she stopped and planted a small, loving kiss on Dash's snout. A warm pulse shot throughout Rainbow's body as a result of the unexpected sign of affection. Most of this energy ended up in her cheeks, evident by the streaks of red under each eye.

Twilight casually strolled out of the library. "Are you coming Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash, still joyfully surprised from Twilight's previous gesture, vigorously shook her head to regain her composure. "Yep, let's... let's go!"

Dash trotted up to Twilight, giving her a playful bump before darting past her. "C'mon, Twi'! I'll race you there!"

"Don't you know, Rainbow?" Twilight inquired, "I retired after I beat you in the running of the leaves!"

This time, it was Rainbow Dash who rolled her eyes. "We both know that was all luck, you would never beat me in a real race!"

"I guess we'll never know then." Twilight smiled. "We'll just have to say that I'm the champion!"

"Oh come on!" Rainbow pleaded, "just a quick race, we won't even count it officially!"

"Well... no! Sorry!" Twilight teased, "besides, I could just teleport there and win easily!"

“But that’s cheating, and I know you wouldn’t cheat, because that means I win by forfeit!” Twilight and Rainbow Dash rounded a corner, bringing Sugarcube Corner into view. "Please please please please Twilight! I'll even give you a head start!"

"Hmm... let me think about it," Twilight contemplated as she continued walking to Sugarcube corner, "I don't know Rainbow, I don't want to embarrass you."

Rainbow Dash, now hovering above Twilight, pointed at Sugarcube Corner, which was just feet in front of them. "Well it's too late now!"

Twilight smiled. "Well, okay, let's race! 123 go!" She darted forward the few remaining feet and reached her hoof out, lightly touching the door of the bakery. "Well look at that! Looks like I'm 2-0!"

"Haha very funny, Twilight." Rainbow Dash lightly landed on the ground. "You know, I think I liked you better when you were a shy little bookworm!"

Rainbow Dash bumped Twilight playfully as she reached up and knocked on the door of Sugarcube corner three times. The couple waited for a few seconds before being greeted, surprisingly, by Rarity.

What the hay is she doing here!? thought Rainbow, this is not going to end well!

While Rainbow Dash may have been incredibly shocked, Twilight remained calm and finally broke the silence. "Umm, hi there Rarity!"

"Oh hello, Twilight!" responded Rarity as she broke eye contact with Rainbow Dash.

"What brings you here?" asked Twilight, attempting to be polite.

"Umm, well, Applejack and I came to see Pinkie Pie." Rarity hesitated. "So, uhh... what brings you two here?"

"Same thing actually!" responded Twilight, trying to be casual about the whole situation.

Rarity's quickly realized what was happening. "Oh I am sorry, Twilight! How could I be so rude! Please do come in!"

Twilight walked around the frozen Rainbow Dash and entered the bakery. "Are you coming, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash could not move a muscle. It's over! They know! How could they not know! I was right! They are here to tell Pinkie Pie! They might have already told Fluttershy! I need to leave! I need to—

Dash's thought pattern was cut off by Twilight tugging at her forehoof. "Rainbow, would you like to join us?"

When Rainbow Dash looked up from the floor and into the eyes of Twilight, she saw something she would not soon forget. Twilight did not have to say anything, her look alone was enough.

Twilight's eyes stared right at Rainbow Dash. She was not begging for Rainbow to stay, she was demanding it. For Dash, it was like Twilight had paralyzed her without using magic or words, only using her gaze. Rainbow knew that leaving was not only the wrong choice, but might have actually been impossible.

Rainbow Dash did not break eye contact with Twilight for a second. "Yeah, sorry, I was just zoning out."

Once the ponies were 'comfortable' inside, Twilight addressed the other ponies present. "Hello Applejack, Mrs. Cake."

Applejack seemed nervous. "Hi there Twi', how's it go?"

"I'm okay," muttered Twilight, who was focused on the obvious issue at hand, "so, exactly where is Pinkie Pie?"

"I was just about to ask the same," chimed in Rarity.

Mrs. Cake's eyes lit up, like she had suddenly remembered something of great importance. "Oh yes! She's up in her room!"

"Well ladies, shall we?" Twilight announced.

The other three ponies looked extremely uncomfortable, as if they all wanted to be as far away from Pinkie Pie as possible.

Rainbow was the first to acknowledge Twilight. "Yep! Let's go!"

What the hay are we doing!

Twilight led the way up the staircase, the other three ponies trailing behind her. When they finally reached the closed door to Pinkie's room, she pounded on it four times.

"Pinkie Pie, are you in here?" hollered Twilight.

All three ponies heard the distinct sound of Pinkie's signature giggle coming from the other side of the bedroom door. "She's in there, let's go," reassured Twilight.

Twilight magically turned the knob on the door, revealing the interior of Pinkie's room. Twilight's jaw, in synchronized unison with the other three ponies', hit the floor. In the bed of the room was Fluttershy, who had just noticed the four new ponies in the room. He face was redder than the streak in Rainbow Dash's hair.

Pinkie Pie's head poked up quickly from under the covers.

"Well this is super-dooper awkward!"

Introduce a Little Anarchy

"Fluttershy, really, it's okay! Please come out, we just want to talk!"

However convincing Rarity may have been, it was not going to get Fluttershy to come out under the covers of the bed. In respect to her own timid nature, Fluttershy had simply 'buried her head in the sand' instead of coming out and facing the problem directly. Pinkie Pie, not surprisingly, was relatively open about the whole situation.

As she had justified earlier, "oh we'll I would have told everypony, but Fluttershy made me Pinkie swear that I wouldn't, and I couldn't afford losing Fluttershy as a friend," she took a deep breath, "foreeeeeveeeerrrrrrrr!" Pinkie flailed her forelegs above her head.

"C'mon now, Sugarcube," Applejack persuaded, "we don't think no different of ya, just come on out."

Fluttershy momentarily poked her head out from under the covers, only to release a nervous "squeak" before retreating to the comfort of the bed.

Pinkie Pie was grinning from ear to ear. "Oh Fluttershy, you silly goose!" Pinkie, somehow, some way, managed to roll up her sleeves. "Girls, allow me!"

In one simultaneous motion, she jumped onto the bed and under the covers next to Flutershy. There was some indecipherable whispering between the two ponies, but eventually, they emerged from under the covers of the bed. After some time, Fluttershy emerged. Blushing furiously, she refused to look anypony in the eye.

**********

Meanwhile, just outside the door of Pinkie's bedroom stood Twilight and Rainbow Dash, who had let themselves out just moments before.

"I was so wrong! They weren't gonna say anything about us, they were gonna out Pinkie and Fluttershy!"

Twilight smirked. "You don't say?"

However, Rainbow Dash was too excited to catch Twilight's sarcasm. "I know, right? This is great now we don't have to reveal our secret!"

"Rainbow, we are still going to tell everypony."

Rainbow's mouth hung open in amazement. "Wha... what? Why would we do that?"

"Umm... because we are going to have to tell them sometime, and this is probably the best possible situation we could hope for." explained Twilight.

Rainbow Dash was truly amazed. "But we weren't going to tell them before we thought they knew about us, so why would we tell them now?"

"Like I said before, we have to tell them sometime, and this is probably the best thing that we could've asked for," Twilight explained.

"And why is that?"

"Well think about it, Rainbow," Twilight began, "if Pinkie and Fluttershy are... uhh... like us, then they will obviously accept us being a couple!"

"Well what about Rarity and Applejack?" Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"I'm sure they will be okay with our relationship. Besides, if they aren't, with Pinkie and Fluttershy, we would still out number four to two, or two to one if you want to get technical about it."

"Ya, well everypony knows how much you like to 'get technical about it!'" Dash playfully punched Twilight.

Twilight smiled. "Now stop trying to distract me, we need to deal with this situation!"

Rainbow Dash smirked."And exactly how do you plan to do that now, Miss Smartypants?"

How the hay does she know about Miss Smartypants? No, no its just a coincidence. Or is it? I'll have to ask her. Or should I? Would that be weird, especially if she knew, because that would mean she's been sneaking around the library. Maybe I shouldn't ask her about it. But I did say that we should always be honest with each other. Maybe—

"Umm, Twilight," interrupted Rainbow Dash, "you okay?"

"Sorry!" Twilight blushed. "Just being, uhh... as you would say, an 'egghead.'"

"And you were going to say?" Rainbow asked.

"Right! Uhh... well why don't we just go right in there and tell them?" Twilight clarified.

Rainbow was warming up to the idea. "Well if you think that's what's best, I guess I'm okay with it." she shrugged.

"I'll tell you what, we'll see what Fluttershy and Pinkie do, then after they are done, we'll go from there," suggested Twilight.

Rainbow suddenly became alert. "Okay, that should be very interesting! How do you even think Fluttershy and Pinkie got together in the first place? They are total opposites!"

"Well, you know what they say, opposites attract!" Twilight suggested. "We should get back in there, Rainbow, otherwise they might get suspicious."

Rainbow scoffed. "What's it matter anyway? We're going to tell them when we go back in there. Maybe we should stay out here and wait for them to find us. Actually, how about we start making out and make noises until they come out here and catch us in the act, that would take the pressure off of us, and it would sure make Fluttershy feel better about the whole thing!"

Twilight was skeptical. "I like your enthusiasm, Rainbow, but that doesn't make much sense. I mean, what if—"

Rainbow Dash cut her off. "Nothing makes sense anymore, Twilight. I'm dating the mare of my dreams. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, Fluttershy for Celestia's sake, were in Pinkie's bed doing who knows what! At this point, if we found out Applejack and Rarity were dating, I wouldn't be surprised at all! C'mon Twilight, let's be wild!"

Twilight noticed that Rainbow Dash had suddenly put her plan into motion, taking Twilight into a deep kiss. What they hay is she doing!? A minute ago, she was cheering that she didn't have to tell anypony our secret, and now she wants them to catch us in the act! As Twilight's mind wandered, she instinctively started kissing Rainbow back.

Rainbow Dash momentarily broke the kiss. "Now that's more like it!"

"No! Rainbow! Stop!" Twilight pushed Rainbow away. "What the hay are you doing! This is definitely not the way we should come out!"

"Oh come on, Twilight! Why don't we stir the pot up a little bit? What's it gonna hurt?"

"Umm quite a lot, actually," responded Twilight, "How awkward was it when we walked in on Pinkie and Fluttershy? Rarity and Applejack, not to mention Fluttershy herself, are probably all scared for life!"

Dash rolled her eyes. "You are way over exaggerating it! They aren't scarred for life, they're all fine. Well, okay, maybe Fluttershy is scarred for life, but she would probably feel a lot better if she knew that we are just like her and Pinkie!"

"Oh I'm not disagreeing with that, I'm just saying that having them catch us in the act is probably not the answer," Twilight explained.

"I know it's not the smartest way of doing it," Rainbow began, "but it is the most fun way! Plus, it gives me an excuse to kiss you!"

Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a small kiss on the nose. "If you want to do it your way, then let's get in there and get it over with. Unless you want to do my way, then—"

"That's okay," interrupted Twilight, "let's not make this any more awkward than it's going to be."

"You are no fun!" joked Rainbow.

Twilight motioned towards the door of Pinkie's bedroom with her head. "Come on, they're probably wondering what we've been doing out here of so long."

**********

The door to Pinkie Pie's bedroom creaked open, revealing Twilight andRainbow Dash following closely behind. "Hello ladies. Sorry about that, we didn't miss anything important did we?" asked Twilight.

"No, darling, you hardly missed anything at all," responded Rarity, who did not look away from Pinkie's bed.

"We had Fluttershy out before, but she jumped right back in there when we asked 'er questions 'bout her and Pinkie," Applejack chimed in, who also did not look at Twilight or Rainbow.

Rarity continued. "Pinkie Pie is trying to coax her out again."

"So, that's all we missed while we were gone?" Twilight asked.

Applejack suddenly had a realization. "Now why exactly did ya let yourselves out again?"

"Umm... we were... uhh," Twilight took a deep breath, "the truth is that—"

Rainbow Dash cut her off. "That it was just to awkward! I'm sorry. We just needed a moment."

"Oh it's quite alright, ladies," Rarity replied, "you didn't miss anything else."

Twilight shot Rainbow Dash a dirty look as she silently mouthed, 'what the hay?'

Rainbow's eyes widened as she held up her hoof. 'Wait a minute,' she mouthed back.

Pinkie's voice called out from underneath the covers of the bed. "Boy, are you being stubborn! Aren't you Fluttershy?"

"Fluttershy, why don't you come out," Twilight urged, "there's nothing wrong with... uh... liking other mares. If that's who you are, it's nothing you should be ashamed of."

Rarity's head snapped around. "Umm... yes! Twilight is right, Fluttershy, we wouldn't dream thinking of you any differently just because you are... uhh... you know... the way you are." Rarity continued to stare at Twilight, still shocked by her previous statement.

"See, silly!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, "they're still your friends, and I still love you more than all the cupcakes in the world! There's nothing to be scared of, just do what I do and laugh about it!"

Fluttershy timidly poked her head out from underneath the covers, taking in her surrounding as if she was emerging from a carriage that had traveled to the most remote part of Equestria.

"Now when she comes out, take it easy on 'er," Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash, "'cause we hardly did nothin' last time and she jumped right back under them covers."

Take it easy? Oh don't worry Applejack, we'll be taking it real easy when Twilight drops another bomb on the group, as if this whole situation isn't crazy enough.

"Alright," responded an unflinching Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy, with the help of Pinkie Pie, slowly emerged from the bed

Wow, I don't think us coming out is going to help Fluttershy at all! Hay, it might even make it worse, she already looks like she's going to pass out!

"So Pinkie, Fluttershy," began Rarity, "would you be ever so kind to inform the rest of the group what you two have been up to lately." Rarity smirked.

Fluttershy darted back towards the bed, but was restrained by Pinkie Pie. "Come on Fluttershy, remember what we talked about, everything is gonna be fine!" Pinkie's face revealed one of her signature grins.

As Fluttershy looked up at her partner, her timid, shaking eyes suddenly became steady as a rock. She stared Pinkie Pie directly in the eyes, unflinching.

Rainbow Dash smiled subtly. They really do love each other, just as much as I love Twilight. I wonder how they even ended up together, they don't have much in common at all. But I guess that is how me and Twilight are, we don't have much in common either. How did Twilight put it? Opposites attract, or something like that? I guess you could call Twilight my opposite, and you could call Pinkie Pie Fluttershy's opposite. But then that would mean... no! No way! No way Applejack and Rarity could be together! Maybe that's why they brought up Lyra and Bonbon! Could it be? Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up as here smile grew wider by the second.

"Me and Pinkie Pie..." mumbled Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy," Rarity noted, "what was that?"

Pinkie Pie placed a hoof on her shoulder. "You can do this, Fluttershy. Be strong," she said softly.

Fluttershy took a deep breath. "Me and Pinkie Pie have been, umm... seeing each other for a while now."

"Well we know that! Details, darling, details!" urged Rarity.

Oh I am so right! No way Rarity would would be that accepting of them right away if she wasn't involved mares herself! Look at Applejack for Celestia's sake, she's just smiling! Look! Look at that! She just smirked at Rarity! No way they don't have something going on!

Pinkie Pie, probably to the relief of Fluttershy jumped at the opportunity to talk about their relationship. "This is probably gonna surprise everypony, but Fluttershy was actually the one who started this whole thing!"

Rarity looked incredibly intrigued. "Really? Please, dear, do go on!"

Pinkie grinned. "Oh, okay! Well, I never really thought about if I would love stallions or if I would love mares, I just figured that I like everypony, so what's the difference between loving stallions or mares, right? Then one day, probably like two months ago, Fluttershy comes up to me and asks 'hey Pinkie Pie, do you want to kiss and be fillyfriends and stuff?' Well, maybe that's not exactly what she said, but you get the point, right? And I was like, 'hay yes! That sounds awesome! Let's start right now!' So we started kissing and even since, we've been doing the same thing almost every day! Ever from the start, I loved my little Flutter-poo, isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?" Pinkie Pie squeezed Fluttershy's cheeks together, causing her to blush a deep shade of red.

"Fluttershy, is this true?" Rarity asked in apparent amazement.

Fluttershy just nodded her head in agreement, still refusing to make eye contact with anypony.

"As long as we are on the subject..."

Oh no way! No way! No way she is really gonna do this!

"I have a little announcement of my own." Rarity cleared her throat. "Applejack?"

"All yours Rar'," Applejack responded.

Rarity cleared her throat again. "Well, over the past couple of months..."

I knew it! I knew it all along! Well, maybe I just figured it out, but I knew it!

"Applejack and I have been, umm... well, seeing each other just like Pinkie and Fluttershy have been."

Twilight's jaw hit the floor. She just stood there, speechless, in a stunned silence.

Rainbow smirked. I got an idea.

Pinkie Pie was ecstatic. "Really!? That is awesome! So... how did it happen!"

"I'll leave out most of the details," Rarity began, "but when we kicked the, oh for Celestia's sake what were their names? Oh yes! When those nastily deceptive Flimflam brothers left town and we had that extravagant party—"

"Thank you very much!" Pinkie gave a bow.

Rarity continued. "Applejack and I had quite the interesting night. The point is that we fell for each other and have been going steady ever since. Anything else Applejack?"

"Nah, Ah think ya 'bout covered it, Rar'," responded Applejack.

Rarity looked over her shoulder. "Rainbow, Twilight, do you two have anything to say?"

Rainbow looked at Twilight, who reminded silent, obviously still shocked from what had just occurred. This is going to be good.

"I just can't believe this! I can't believe four of my friends are... uhh... interested in other mares! That's just crazy!" Rainbow Dash responded.

"Now what's that supos' ta mean?" asked a hostile Applejack.

"I think Twilight's reaction gives a pretty good explanation!" Rainbow retorted.

Applejack was fuming. "So ya mean ya don't accept us?"

"I don't know, let's see what Twilight has to say!" Rainbow nearly yelled. "Twilight! Twiiiiilight!" Twilight did not move a muscle. "Here, I got an idea."

Rainbow walked the short distance to Twilight and began kissing her. However, this was no subtle peck on the cheek, it was a full-on make out session. Rainbow Dash felt as Twilight snapped back into reality and started kissing her back.

This is the best kiss ever!

Rainbow pushed her full weight into the kiss, causing the couple to fall to the floor of the bedroom, but this did not yield their progress in the least. The two ponies continued passionately kissing each other, completely disregarding the other ponies in the room. It was only when Rainbow's kisses deviated from Twilight's lips and began down her neck that Dash remembered where they were. She stopped dead in her tracks. Rainbow Dash scrambled to her hooves, with Twilight following closely behind. Both mares were blushing furiously.

That might have been a little over the top."

Three of the four ponies on the other side of the room stood with their mouths hanging wide open, with the exception being Fluttershy, who had curled up into a ball on the floor.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof. "Whoops."

Rarity was the first to speak up. "Well, that was certainly unexpected."

Applejack and Pinkie Pie simply shook their heads.

Twilight blushed even deeper. "Agreed."

Pinkie Pie started giggling furiously. The giggling eventually sent her to the floor, rolling around and breathing heavily between laughs. The giggling became contagious. Rainbow was the next one who ended up rolling on the floor, followed by Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and eventually the contagious laughter even overtook Fluttershy, who may have been laughing harder and anypony else.

When the laughter eventually died down, Rainbow turned to Twilight. "See, Twi', I told you a little anarchy wasn't a bad thing!"

Twilight didn't say a word, she just raised her foreleg and 'booped' Rainbow Dash on the nose, causing Dash to erupt in roaring laughter, which eventually spread to everypony else.

With the huge amount of laughing going on, everypony in the room felt as if a huge weight was being lifted lifted from their shoulders, as if there was nothing to worry about. All six ponies were thoroughly enjoying their stay on cloud nine, and they knew that none of them would have to leave anytime soon.

**********

Did somebody say sequel?

Author's Afterword and Thank You

I don't really have much of an afterword, but it makes it sound more official, right?

Thank you to all my readers.

Thank you to my persistent Brony friends who got me interested in MLP.

Thank you to Hasbro, The Hub, Lauren Faust, the team at Studio B, and everyone else who helped create Friendship is Magic.

Thank you to Fez from That 70's Show.

Thank you to Knighty and the rest of the team here for creating this great site.

I'll see you in the sequel.