Chapters Rainbow Dash soared through the sky with great speed, pulling off various spins and twists. It seemed so graceful, despite the great speed that the moves were executed. Twilight Sparkle looked on in wonder as the cyan mare dashed around the clouds.
"It really is a relief to get out once and a while." Twilight admitted to herself without drawing her gaze away from Rainbow Dash. She had originally suggested that Twilight go outside more often and experience the world instead of reading about it. To an extent, Twilight agreed. Reading and studying was important to her, but she also understood the need to take a break here and there and experience the world for a change. At this, Twilight began to feel down.
Yeah, why would Dashie ever want to be with me? I'm just Twilight Sparkle, the book- obsessed outcast. Twilight shook her head quickly and tried to free herself from these thoughts. Don't be stupid, Twilight. Why are you always focusing on Dashie so much? Just stop it. Twilight was irritated now. She had been thinking about Rainbow more often than usual as of late. She decided that it would be best to walk off her frustrations. As much as she wanted to continue admiring Rainbow's flying prowess, she could not stop herself from thinking tormenting thoughts that would only make her more depressed. She loved Dash, but she doubted that the feeling was mutual, mainly due Dash's coolness, and Twilight's complete lack of coolness. Once again, Twilight had to shake these thoughts from her mind. She truly hated herself for thinking these thoughts. It was so childish.
But Twilight had an idea, she knew what would cheer her up; A good ol' dose of Pinkie Pie!
Yes, that would help. She grinned to herself.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Twilight trotted through Ponyville, trying her very best to keep her thoughts Rainbow Dash- free. But all attempts to stifle such thoughts failed miserably, which was to be expected. She caught sight of Sugarcube Corner, and immediately felt a weight lift from her. At least now she had Pinkie Pie to distract her from her woes. Twilight squirmed past a pony or two as she walked towards the little pink store. She prepared for a huge Pink embrace as she reached the entrance. As Twilight peered inside, she spotted who she was looking for. Pinkie was selling cupcakes and seemed a little less cheerful than usual. But that was before Pinkie's eyes moved over to meet Twilight's. Her smile began to grow wider and wider.
"Yep, here we go." Thought Twilight, amused. The smile continued to grow wider and wider, and eventually grew out of control. Twilight began to look worried. She would really have to brace herself for this one. Pinkie exploded into a shriek and zoomed over to Twilight, completely disregarding her customers, and swept the purple Unicorn into a bone- crushing hug.
"Twiliiiiiiight!!!" Pinkie screamed.
"Pinkiiiiieeeee" Twilight wheezed as she was being practically squeezed to death. To Twilight's immediate relief, Pinkie released her lethal grip and began to bounce around Twilight joyfully.
"I can't believe you finally came! I was so busy worrying that maybe you hated me and never wanted to talk to me again because you hadn't come in so long. I was so worried! I thought it might have been something I did." There was no stopping Pinkie now. Her words came tumbling out as if she hadn't talked in years.
"I thought that maybe it was that one time; when Dashie and I pulled that prank on you-" Oh great, thanks for bringing her up Pinkie. Twilight tried to focus on Pinkie's loud and fast- paced talking.
"-where I pulled your tail to distract you and then we... ohmygosh I can't believe we did that to you I'm so sorry Twilight can you ever forgive me??" Pinkie was kneeling before Twilight with a very stressed expression.
"No, no, that isn't it Pinkie," assured Twilight. "I decided that I would take a break from my studies and come and see you. I know I've been neglecting you these days. Well, come to think of it, I've been neglecting EVERYONE these days."
"Ohhhhh ohoh so it wasn't about that prank? Yesss. But still, Twilight I'm soo so sorry about that! It was Rainbow's idea, I Pinkie swear!" Pinkie Pie's face lit up suddenly. "I know how to make it up to you! Here!" Pinkie bounced over to the box of cupcakes on the counter and brought it over to Twilight. "There! Free cupcakes!" Pinkie clearly very impressed with herself for coming up with this idea. Twilight looked at the other customers that had come in for the cupcake sale; aside from the collective confusion from Pinkie's actions, Twilight noticed a few angry expressions.
"Pinkie, I really appreciate the gesture, but, well, I don't think your customers would really appreciate that." Pinkie's jaw dropped.
"No way! The customers would understand, wouldn't they?" Pinkie turned around to face them as she put on a sad face. This just served to frustrate the customers more. Pinkie's ears drooped. "Sorry Twilight, I guess I should really sell these. But I'm only selling them because you don't want them. You don't want them right?" She moved her face up to Twilight, searching her eyes deeply.
"I'd rather the customers have them, Pinkie." Twilight grinned, closing her eyes.
"Aaaaallllrighty then." Pinkie bounced off with the cupcake box under her arm and popped it up onto the counter. Twilight laughed.
"I'll see you again soon Pinkie, I really need to get back to my studies. Good to see you again!." Pinkie's eyes widened.
"You're leaving already??" Pinkie looked as if she would start bawling her eyes out at any given moment.
"Yes, I know, but I really just dropped by to say hello. Still, I could come back later today if you'd like." This seemed to cheer up Pinkie considerably as she waved Twilight out the door. Twilight sighed and trotted back in the direction of the library. She was usually eager to resume her studies, but this time it was not the case. She liked being with Pinkie Pie, her presence distracted Twilight from all of the troubles in her life. It was like being in a comforting pink bubble.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
To her disappointment, Twilight found an empty sky above the library. She was half hoping that Dash wouldn't be there, but she felt disappointed nonetheless. The only sorrow that came from seeing that beautiful cyan Pegasus was due to the fact that she was almost certain that Rainbow would never feel the same way about somepony like Twilight. This, in turn, made things very complicated for the Unicorn.
Twilight opened the library door, paused for a moment to contemplate that thought, and closed it behind her sulkily.
Twilight Sparkle the Unicorn, was sitting by the fireplace reading a considerably thick book. She was only a very small portion of the way through it, before she felt sleep begin to creep up on her. Twilight yawned and closed the heavy book after making a mental note of the page number. 204. She thought. This is going to take up far too much of my time reading this. I may just have to skim over the words.
Twilight had a set reading schedule, and followed it as best she could. But this particular book: 'The Intricacies of Esoteric Magic', was wearing her out much more than she had expected. According to her schedule, she was supposed to read for another 25 minutes, but she simply didn't have it in her.
Twilight yawned as she was about to ascend the stairs to the floor above. Before even a foot was placed on the first step, she heard a knock at the door. Hmm, who would be coming here at this hour? She thought. Emergency book? She trotted drowsily over to the door. It was 1am in the moring, so she was within her rights to be confused. She opened the door only for her heart to lurch.
"R..rainbow?" Twilight asked to the figure in surprise.
"Um, hey Twi," The pegasus stood in the doorway looking rather uncomfortable. "Maybe I should come back tomorrow, you look pretty tired."
"Oh no, it's fine Dash, what is it?" Twilight was excited. Why else would Dashie come here so late at night?
"Well," Rainbow began, "I was just wondering, if you wanted to... maybe have lunch with me tomorrow? It's my day off from training and I just thought 'why not', you know?" Rainbow was avoiding eye contact at this point. But Twilight on the other hoof was reaching a boiling point of excitement. Now just play it cool Twilight, for god's sake. You don't need to do anything stupid now.
"I'd love to Dash." Twilight smiled at the pegasus. "Like you said, I should really go outside more, and I can't think of a better excuse to do so." Rainbow returned the smile, blushing slightly. Her confidence seemed to have returned.
"Awesome, how does half- past 12 at Sunflower Cafè sound?"
Twilight nodded. "Sounds good to me." And with that, Rainbow jumped up and flew away. As Twilight shut the door behind her, she could not hold back any longer. The threw herself onto her back and gave a quiet little squeal. This is technically a date! She thought before her ears began to droop. I'd doubt that's what Rainbow meant though. It's probably just as friends. Well, it's OBVIOUSLY just as friends. She didn't ask me out on a date, just asked me out for lunch. But just saying those words gave Twilight a warm, fuzzy feeling in her stomach.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Rainbow Dash flew across the night sky, closing her eyes as the cool night air hugged her face. I can't believe it. She thought. I'm finally having lunch with Twilight! Rainbow felt very content after the meeting with the pony she most loved. This was mostly due to the fact that she took it so well. She really seemed to want to. Rainbow thought. Maybe she actually...likes me. This filled the Pegasus with confidence. She was almost sure that Twilight at least liked her back. Twilight is such a nice pony, though. She probably just didn't want to say no. At this thought, Rainbow became filled with uncertainty, but she decided that all of these emotions could wait until the next day. For now, she needed sleep.
Little did both of the lovers know, that both of them lay in their beds thinking about one another that night, unaware of their shared feelings.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Twilight awoke from the most comforting sleep she had ever had. She quickly grew excited, and she gave a silent cheer. She hopped out of bed and trotted downstairs where she smelt breakfast cooking. Spike was handling the breakfast well, as was expected. He was actually quite the cook, although he hated doing it. In fact, he took to cooking without having to be begged to by Twilight as of late. He decided to do so to avoid the inconvenience of Twilight's whining. Twilight happily trotted into the kitchen and sat down at the table.
"Happy now, are we?' Spike grunted. "Here you go, your Spike-o-licious breakfast." Spike placed a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Twilight, without the slightest hint of delicacy. Twilight looked at spike with concern.
"Why are you so upset? I know you don't like cooking, but we both know that I can't cook to save my life." Twilight smiled thoughtfully at Spike. He rolled his eyes as a smile of his own came into view. He placed his own plate of eggs on the table. He paused as he was about to begin eating. He raised his head and looked at Twilight with confusion.
"Twilight, you are being a lot nicer this morning that usual. You're almost always grouchy when you wake up." Spike was scrutinizing Twilight, searching her eyes for any mistruth in her immanent response.
"I'm having lunch with Dashie today." Twilight's smile grew even wider at these words. Spike snorted.
"That IS enough to make you happy in the morning." Spike began shoveling scrambled eggs into his mouth.
After the two ate, Twilight excused herself and made her way back into her bedroom. She brushed her hair, wondering to herself about what the day may hold. The main thing that Twilight was trying to determine was whether or not this was a date.
"Dashie seemed to be a little embarrassed about the whole situation," Twilight spoke aloud. "I really hope it is a date, but I suppose I'll have to find out myself." Twilight brushed her teeth and trotted back downstairs. According to the clock, she still had just over an hour before she was supposed to meet Rainbow for lunch. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. At least she could loosen up with a book first. She picked a book from the shelf to read, disregarding 'The Intricacies of Esoteric Magic' as she lay on the couch.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Rainbow was tearing around her house. She had only just woken up to see the time. She hadn't even had breakfast yet, and it was nearly 11:30am! Plus, there was lunch with Twilight to worry about. It was a howling storm of chaos in her mind as Rainbow Dash tried to center herself.
"Ok, just keep calm and get everything done." She said to herself. The very last thing she wanted out of the day was to be late to her date with TWILIGHT. Should I brush my hair? Damnit, I don't know. Maybe Twilight likes my hair how it is. Maybe she would like it better brushed. I have no idea. Rainbow banged her hoof against her head. Who cares, what really matters is that I get there on time.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
It would take Twilight around 5 minutes to walk to Sunflower Cafè, so she left at 12:20. Best to be 5 minutes early, if her walk to the Cafè was uninterrupted. Twilight left the library, fired up with excitement. She was ready to face her greatest fear. She was prepared to ask Rainbow Dash to be her marefriend. Well, maybe not as prepared as she wanted to be. She had been fighting a mental battle over the subject all morning. What if this isn't even a date? She had thought. It would be so embarrassing. She eventually made the decision to ask Rainbow only if it seemed like it would be appropriate. Just a hint, that it in fact was a date. A date always has a romantic air about it, surely she would be able to pick it up.
She spotted Sunflower Cafè, and Rainbow Dash (the latter of which gave her a severe case of the butterflies). To Twilight's pleasant surprise, Rainbow had actually brushed her hair. Now THAT is a turn on. Twilight smiled. Rainbow caught sight of Twilight, and waved happily. Twilight returned the wave, and made her way over to Rainbow.
"Hey, Twi, you're early!" Rainbow chuckled.
"Says you, you were here before me after all." Twilight giggled back.
"Well, I DO treat everything like a race." Rainbow shrugged. "Can't help it."
Twilight and Rainbow entered the cafè together. It seemed quite nice inside. In fact, it was even nicer than Twilight remembered. Her eyes shifted to the occupied tables, only for her stomach to lurch when she saw a couple kissing in the corner.
"Table for two?" A waiter interrupted Twilight's thoughts. He had noticed her staring at the couple in the corner.
"Uh... yes. Thank you." Twilight responded, going red in the face. Fortunately, Rainbow didn't notice this as she was searching for a suitable table.
"You may sit wherever you wish, mares." He was waiting for a decision. Twilight looked at Rainbow. She seemed to know which table she wanted to sit at.
"Hey Twi," Rainbow nudged Twilight softly. "Is that table good?" Rainbow indicated a table at the very back of the cafè. In fact, Twilight was surprised at how large the cafè was. They must have extended it. She thought. Twilight nodded her head in response to Rainbow's question.
"Just the second table on the left at the very end there." Rainbow indicated to the waiter. The waiter bowed.
"Very well. I shall bring your menus right over."
Twilight noticed how close Rainbow was next to her as they both moved towards the table. This must mean something. Twilight was becoming hopeful, which was definitely necessary at this point. They sat down at the table as their menus were placed before them. The waiter trotted off to do whatever it is waiters do when they have nothing to do. Twilight didn't care, to be honest with herself. All she cared about was the beautiful cyan mare sitting opposite her, who was looking at Twilight. Come on Twilight, start a conversation.
"So, what've you been doing these days?" Twilight asked, her smile never fading for a second. Rainbow was utterly intoxicated by Twilight. She is so cute. Thought the Pegasus. Oh yeah, the question.
"Eh, not much really." She waved a hoof. "Cloud- related stuff, nothing too interesting."
"Well, I've been..."
"Reading books?" Rainbow Intejected.
"Well, yeah." Both ponies giggled quietly. They were infatuated with each other to say the least, but Twilight was still very nervous about asking Rainbow Dash to be her marefriend. Maybe I'll just ask after lunch. Twilight thought. Well, that's if Dashie doesn't ask me first. Twilight was now really hoping that Rainbow would suddenly receive the courage to ask her. Maybe I should flirt with her a little, to let her know that I'm interested. I just really hope she isn't just being really nice today.
"Well Dash, I can tell you now I'd MUCH rather spend time with you than read books." Twilight admitted.
Oh yes, she so wants me. Rainbow laughed in her mind. Rainbow was already having a great time. She was quite sure now that Twilight was interested, but she still didn't have the courage to ask her to be her marefriend. Maybe after we've eaten. She thought.
"May I take your orders?" The waiter had appeared once again. Oh dear, Twilight hadn't even opened her menu yet! Apparently realizing the same, Rainbow quickly grabbed her menu and opened it. Twilight opened hers, and scanned the list.
"Would we be able to order drinks first?" Twilight looked up at the waiter.
"Of course."
Twilight looked at the list of drinks and one immediately caught her eye.
"Could I please have the Mango Daiquiri?" Twilight asked.
Rainbow's ears pricked up. No way, Twilight's getting a cocktail? Jeeze, better not be getting drunk on me, girl. Rainbow laughed quietly at her little joke. Rainbow could never picture someone like Twilight getting drunk. Rainbow wasn't much of a drinker herself either, however. She had one experience, and that was enough for her. Of course, Rainbow treats everything like a contest, so at a party with Pinkie Pie, she wanted to have the most refills of her white wine. This eventually turned into a glass every 2 minutes, finally resulting in a very unpleasant rest of the night. That was enough trauma for Rainbow quite frankly.
"I might get the same as her." Rainbow said.
"I think I might need some more time for the food, if that's alright" Twilight said to the waiter. He nodded and moved away to get the drinks. Twilight looked at Rainbow playfully. "Didn't think you were much of an alcohol- drinking pony." Twilight chuckled.
"I'm not really, but I thought I might as well get what you got. I'm not very good with decisions." Rainbow turned the page on the menu. "Speaking of which, I can't decide what to eat." Rainbow looked puzzled.
'Well, what do you usually get?" Twilight said looking up from her menu.
"I rarely eat out." Rainbow admitted.
"What do you get when you eat in?" Twilight asked, enjoying her little joke. Rainbow laughed.
"Just fruit usually. It's all I really eat, boring I know. I'm just a fruit pony I guess." Rainbow answered. Twilight face hoofed.
"Then get something with fruit in it, silly!"
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
The two ponies finished their food. During their time waiting for their orders to come, they had exchanged many romantic looks without really meaning too. It was embarrassing for both ponies, because neither of them had been in love like this before. Rainbow paid for the food, with protest from Twilight who insisted that she pay. They both walked out of the cafè together.
"Hey, Twi." Rainbow asked. Twilight turned to her. Twilight's butterflies had returned. It felt as if the butterflies were especially distressed now.
"Yes Dash?" Twilight asked with a smile.
"Well, um," Rainbow was incredibly nervous. "Twilight, well I was thinking... well, I think it could be cool if we... I don't know, um," Rainbow looked away for a second. "W...will you be my marefriend?" These last words practically tumbled out of the pegasus as she cringed, expecting to receive the consequences for this ridiculous question. Twilight was still registering this question in her mind. She was expecting it, but she couldn't believe that Rainbow actually asked. This was what she always dreamed about, what she always wanted. Her heart was beating in her chest like never before. She knew what her answer would be.
"Oh my god, Dashie. I love you!" Twilight moved forward and kissed Rainbow on the lips. Rainbow knew this was a yes, and returned the kiss. They stood there for what seemed like ages, kissing each other. They couldn't break away. They didn't want to break away. Their tongues locked and parted as they shared their passionate moment.
An object hit the dirt behind them. They quickly broke the kiss and looked towards the sound. It was AppleJack. She had dropped a bag of red and green apples which were now rolling away from her helplessly. Twilight's heart seemed to stop in it's tracks, everything was in slow motion. Applejack retreated slowly, her eyes wide. Without warning, she turned and ran. She ran as fast as she could, refusing to look back. Her heart was shattered. Rainbow Dash, the Pegasus she loved so much, was now beyond her reach. She wanted to run and never stop. She wanted to run from this nightmare, and never return to it again.
Never again.
The two ponies simply stood in place, neither of them moving a muscle, neither of them able to say anything. Twilight had no idea what made Applejack react like that. Was she THAT against two mares being together? Or was it something else... She didn't even want to consider it, but if it was true, then she may have just hurt her friend more than she ever thought possible. Rainbow finally spoke.
"Twi," She began. "I never told you, but, Applejack has a crush on me." This was all she needed to hear. After this incredible feeling of happiness, this had to happen; the worst possible outcome of the two of them kissing in public. Twilight had no idea that Applejack liked Rainbow.
"How do you know...?" Twilight asked. Rainbow looked down at the ground, ears drooped.
"She asked me out last week."
"Oh..." Twilight felt utterly depressed. She never meant this to happen to one of her closest friends.
"Look, Twi. I gotta sort this out, I'll see you later. Maybe at the library, ok?" Rainbow kissed Twilight's cheek and flew off in the direction Applejack ran, wasting no time.
Twilight had never felt so horrible in her life as she watched Rainbow fly off into the distance. She wanted to follow Rainbow, but she thought that it would be best if the Pegasus tried to deal with the situation herself. For all she knew, Applejack hated Twilight now. Twilight looked around. Fortunately there was no one in sight. This part of Ponyville was rarely busy, which was a relief.
Even though Twilight's greatest dream had come true this day, she could not feel one shred of happiness. She couldn't stop thinking about Applejack and how she was feeling as Twilight made her way back to the library. She opened the door and slipped inside. Spike was clearing away some books as she walked in. Spike could immediately tell that Twilight was not in a good mood.
He placed the books that he was holding onto the ground and walked over to Twilight as she sad down on the couch sulkily.
"Things didn't go well, huh?" He tried to comfort her.
"Rainbow and I are together now, Spike," Twilight began. "It's about something else." Spike was actually surprised to hear this. He suspected that it had to do with lunch not going as planned. He was happy for Twilight regarding the fact that she was together with Rainbow Dash, but he knew that that wasn't important right now.
"Anything you want to talk to me about?" he asked, once again in an attempt to comfort the sad Unicorn.
"No, Spike. It's fine, really." She grinned weakly at the young dragon. "Don't worry about it." Spike felt pretty useless now.
"Well, Twilight, I should let you know; I received a letter from Princess Celestia asking if I were able to help her organize a few things in Canterlot for a royal party." He looked up at the still depressed Unicorn. "And, naturally I said that I would help." Spike felt guilt begin to seep into him.
"That's fine, Spike. You're very helpful to everyone." Twilight didn't really mind that he was going to Canterlot. In fact, all she really wanted was to be alone.
"Well, I was going to leave after I sorted those books over there," He indicated the pile of books he had set down before.
"But are you sure you'll be alright with dinner?"
Twilight giggled. "Yes Spike, I think I'll manage, even with my level of cooking ability," Twilight continued: "You can leave now if you'd like. I'll sort out those books for you. I need to take my mind off this whole thing for a while."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure." Twilight nodded. Spike reluctantly made for the door.
"Don't worry Twilight," Spike said as he turned around to face the purple Unicorn. "At least one positive came of today." Twilight looked up.
"What's that?"
Spike smiled. "You have a new marefriend." And with that, he opened the door, and closed it as he left.
Spike is right. Thought Twilight. I have gained an amazing new marefriend today. No matter what happens next, I need to stay focused on the positives. She thought about Rainbow Dash as she levitated the books to their correct areas on the shelves.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
There was a knock at the door. Twilight was reading a book while sitting cross legged on the couch. She was feeling much better about things now. She had calmed herself, and was now simply excited to hear the knock. She wanted to see Rainbow, as it had felt like forever since she had seen the pegasus. Twilight trotted to the door and opened it. In the doorway, stood a teary- eyed Rainbow Dash. Twilight's smile disappeared instantly. She should have expected this.
"Oh, Dashie" Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow. She led the sniffling into the library and onto the couch. Twilight levitated a box of tissues from her writing desk and placed them in front of Rainbow, which she used gratefully. Twilight sat next to her, putting a foreleg around her.
"I...I couldn't find her anywhere. No matter where I looked she wasn't there. I'm really worried about her. I never wanted to hurt her like that." Rainbow began to sob. Twilight turned her body completely to face Rainbow, and she put her other foreleg around the shuddering Pegasus. She whispered into her ear:
"Don't worry. We'll get this sorted out. Believe me." Twilight planted a light but meaningful kiss on Rainbow's cheek.
"Thanks, Twi." Rainbow nuzzled into Twilight's neck. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Rainbow had calmed herself, and her tears were no more. Twilight still continued to comfort the pegasus as they lay on the couch together in each other's embrace. Twilight moved in and kissed Rainbow's neck, the reply being a slight twitch, which Twilight adored. As if she was waking from a dream, she snapped back to reality. Pulling herself up to a standing position, she looked up at the clock.
"We should go and look for Applejack together, it's getting late." She was determined to find Applejack, she wanted to waste no more time. Rainbow nodded, her eyes still red. Twilight dearly hoped that Applejack was alright. The last thing Twilight wanted was to hurt the poor mare. What's done is done, and I'm going to take responsibility for it. Twilight thought. She knew what she had done, and it was time for her to act, for the sake of her friendship.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
The sun was almost done with it's journey for the day, but it had not yet begun to sink over the horizon as Twilight and Rainbow walked together to Sweet- Apple Acres.
"Twi, what if we still can't find her..?" Rainbow was concerned as she glanced at her marefriend.
"Then we'll just have to get the other three together. I'm not going to lose Applejack." Twilight couldn't understand how Applejack was feeling, but what she did understand, was that she needed to help her friend.
Rainbow didn't want to fly ahead of Twilight, as she normally would with the mane six. She felt stronger and more confident with Twilight. She needed the unicorn with her, as she feared for her own mental state. She had never felt so guilty in her life, after all. It's not your fault, it's not your fault. She would continue to tell herself, while she knew in her heart that the statement was a fallacy. Rainbow couldn't banish guilt from her mind, it intoxicated her. But all the while, she was glad to have someone like Twilight with her.
"Thank you for coming with me, I really don't know what I would do without you, Twi." Rainbow lay a wing on Twilight in affection as they walked. Twilight was glad to have Rainbow too. If it weren't for her, Twilight would have succumbed to her emotions long ago, and lost all self resolve. But seeing her marefriend in the state that she was in was something that Twilight couldn't bare. It gave her the strength to fight her emotions. Not only was it the first time she had seen Rainbow cry, but it was the first time she had had to deal with someone crying in front of her. She never used to be a 'friend' person, so she was never exposed to it.
"I'll never leave your side Rainbow. Not as a partner, and not as a friend." Twilight kissed the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow couldn't believe how intimate they were as a couple, considering they had only been together for 4 hours. But Rainbow couldn't possibly deny that she loved it. Her heart soothed by Twilight's affection, she gave her a light kiss in return.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
To make things less awkward, Rainbow had brought her wing back beside her as the two approached the farm. Twilight hadn't realized how much she was enjoying Rainbow's soft feathers on her coat, but she understood why she had drawn her wing back; Sweet- Apple Acres was in view ahead. Both ponies searched their surroundings. There was no sign of a pony anywhere, not even that of Applejack's brother Big Macintosh.
Let's just hope she's home. Twilight bit her lip while Rainbow's face was full of worry. They continued to walk towards the farm. They turned right and entered. They continued on walking towards the house of the Apple family, once again looked around to see if they could spot anypony. Both ponies paused in unison as the door to the house opened, but it wasn't Applejack. The two ponies ran towards Big Macintosh as he walked out of the house. He closed the door with a worried look on his face, turning to look at the two ponies running up to him.
"I'm guessing you can shed some light on the situation?" Big Mac looked angry, moving forward. It was quite intimidating for the two mares. She must be home! Twilight thought, but she was still frightened. Big Mac was always very protective of his sister.
"Is Applejack home?" Twilight and Rainbow asked the Stallion together.
"She sure is, and she's in a bit of a state." Big Mac now looked more menacing than ever. "She mentioned something about you two." Twilight felt terrible.
"Can we please go in and speak to her?" Twilight didn't even want to look at Rainbow, she was probably feeling even worse than she was.
"Jus' tell me what you did first." Big Mac's eyes narrowed. "I've never seen her like this before." This detail wasn't helping either mare emotion- wise.
"W...we," Twilight was too embarrassed to say it as she looked to the side.
"Twilight and I were kissing in public." Rainbow looked straight into Big Mac's eyes.
"Oh," He definitely wasn't expecting this. "I see." He was uncomfortable, but he nodded with understanding. "She's upstairs in her room, although," He added. "She might not take kindly to ye being here, that's all." The other two ponies weren't expecting anything less.
They walked slowly up the stairs of Applejack's home, preparing themselves for what was certain to come. Twilight had been to Applejack's before, so she had no problem finding the room. She was hesitant as she knocked on Applejack's door. Twilight could hear heavy sobs from inside, but they stopped after the knock.
"Who...who is it." A throaty voice from inside came, accompanied by a loud sniff. Twilight took a deep breath.
"It's Twilight, and Rainbow Dash."
"Go away.." Twilight could only just make out Applejack's voice as she said this. Twilight glanced at Rainbow, who was looking at the floor.
"Please Applejack, we just want to ta-"
"GO AWAY," Applejack screamed. Twilight backed away from the door. "JUST GO AWAY," Rainbow was shaking now. "Please... just go away." Twilight couldn't believe this. She wasn't expecting to a warm welcome, but this was far beyond what Twilight was expecting. Liquid was streaming down Rainbow's face and dripping onto the floor. She turned away and walked back towards the stairs.
Rainbow... Twilight felt a deep pain in her heart, both from her friend's reaction, and her marefriend's reaction. She turned to say something to the door, but couldn't. She simply followed the cyan Pegasus, who's trail of tears drew the path she walked. Twilight now wanted nothing more than to comfort the pegasus. They made it outside, where Big Mac was nowhere to be seen.
Twilight moved forward and hugged the crying pegasus.
"It's ok, Rainbow." There was nothing more that she could say.
"Thi..this's all my f..fault," Rainbow sobbed into Twilight quietly. Applejack yelling at them was the very last thing that the Rainbow needed to hear. Her world felt as if it was crumbling around her, everything else seemed so insignificant. Twilight hugged the sobbing pony tight.
"Please don't cry beautiful, please. This isn't your fault. This isn't anyone's fault." Rainbow's sobbing had reduced to a slow rattling breath. "I am here for you. Don't ever forget that." Rainbow looked up at Twilight, her eyes red.
To avoid the eyes of the townsfolk, Twilight cast her teleporting spell to take the two back to the library. Once they arrived outside the door, they went inside and lay on the couch together. Rainbow wanted nothing more in her world than the purple Unicorn that lay snuggling opposite her. Rainbow felt that Twilight was her world now, and nothing else mattered. Only her. The two touched noses in affection. They lay there in each other's embrace as Twilight lifted a hoof to dry a tear from Rainbow's eye.
"I love you Dash, and I always will." Rainbow couldn't comprehend how much this Unicorn meant to her. She forced to think about nothing more than Twilight, and it made her feel warm inside again. The two held each other, listening to each other's breathing until they drifted off to sleep.
Rainbow Dash awoke to see her marefriend lying across from her. She could feel and hear Twilight's soft breathing, comforting the pegasus. The two had fallen asleep on the couch, and based on Rainbow's quick glance at the clock, they had been asleep in each other's embrace for over 2 hours. Rainbow chuckled lightly as she nudged Twilight awake. The sleepy Unicorn yawned and scratched behind her ear as she moved from dream to reality.
"Oh dear, did we fall asleep?" Twilight looked at the clock, yawning a second time. "Far out, Dashie. We need to stop being so in love with each other, we aren't getting anything done snuggling here." Rainbow blushed a bright scarlet.
"Well it's not my fault you're so cute." The two giggled as Twilight lifted herself off the couch to stretch her back.
Twilight was ignoring the ugly truth that prodded at her brain as she refused to conform to reason. Your friend hates you, Twilight. It finally broke free of it's bonds, exposing itself to the unicorn's full level of awareness. Twilight was shaking slightly as she sniffed, a tear visible. By the time Rainbow had noticed, the tears had begun to drip onto the floor.
"Hey...hey Twilight. What's the matter?" Startled by this sudden and confronting Twilight, Rainbow moved forwards and put a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder. Twilight wiped her eyes with a foreleg and sniffed again. "What's the matter-" Twilight shook her head and moved away from Rainbow.
"Dash don't worry," She refused to allow one more tear to fall. "It's all fine, seriously." Twilight's lip quivered before she bit down on it, screwing her eyes shut. Twilight had never had to deal with something like this before, and it hit her hard as a result. It pained her deeply to know that she had lost a friend due to such an unlikely incident, an incident that should have changed her life for the better, not worse. The tears returned after their brief pause. Rainbow moved forward again, this time giving putting her forelegs around Twilight, and nuzzling her.
"Twilight, please let me make you feel better. I love y-"
"B..but I'm supposed to be the one giving consolation here. I...I have to be strong." Twilight closed her eyes again, but didn't resist Rainbow.
"You ARE strong, Twi. You really are. But everypony has to give in to emotion at some point." Rainbow smiled grimly and mused. "I suppose we're just swapping roles. You're usually the one making me feel better, there's nothing wrong with returning the favor." Rainbow kissed Twilight's neck gently, Twilight hugged back tightly in response. The two stood there for a minute or two, before Twilight pulled away.
"Ok," Twilight sighed. "Let's get our mind off things for now. As for Applejack, I think it would be best to let her sleep off her frustrations." Rainbow nodded. "Now, if you ask me, I'm frickin' starving."
"Right back at you, Twi. What you got?"
"Hmm," Twilight put her head on one side. "I don't actually have anything to eat tonight. I was going to go shopping in town, but I got a little... sidetracked." Rainbow's ears drooped.
"Well, then..." Twilight smiled. "How about I treat you to dinner? It's only fair." Rainbow jumped forward and kissed Twilight deeply, Twilight returning it just as fiercely. Twilight giggled into the kiss and broke away.
"You know, once this is whole complication is over, I think we are going to have a whole lot of fun..." Twilight moved to kiss Rainbow's neck. "...and I can't wait." Twilight's soft voice combined with her hot breath on Rainbow's neck turned the pegasus on considerably. The two locked lips once again. Twilight broke away quickly this time. "Ok, we seriously need to slow down," She stifled another giggle. "You're driving me nuts."
Twilight turned towards the library door. "And try not to look so attractive tonight, so I'm not tempted." Twilight winked at her marefriend. Rainbow couldn't help blushing as she followed the Unicorn out the door and into the cool night air.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
It had been almost 2 hours since the two had left to go out to dinner, and they had returned to the library with full stomachs. Rainbow gave a long yawn as she prepared to say her goodnights and make her way back to Cloudsdale
"Night, Twi." Rainbow was about to lean forward to give Twilight a kiss before she was interrupted.
"Hey, Dashie?" Rainbow paused her leaning forward action. "Do you want to sleep here tonight? You know, 'cause Spike's not here and all?"
"Well sure," Rainbow smirked at the unicorn. "What, do you want to do some stuff?" Twilight giggled.
"My god, Dash. Talking about sex already? I already told you that we need to take this slow, especially considering we've only been together for one day." Rainbow made a pouting face, but couldn't hold it for long as she stifled a grin.
"Awww, you got me all excited."
"Ok, we'll make a deal. If we're still together after 1 month, then you can do anything you want to me." Even though it was all in good fun, Twilight was actually starting to want to do things with Rainbow. Come on, Twilight. Give it at least ONE day before thinking about stuff like that.
"Sounds good to me." Rainbow smirked again. "And you mean ANYTHING, right?" Twilight grinned and nodded.
"If it feels good, then I'm all yours." The two chuckled as they walked inside.
"Oh yeah, Rainbow?"
"Hm?"
"I usually take a book to bed and read before I go to sleep, do you want one too?"
"Well," Rainbow thought for a moment. "I'm reading Daring Do volume 4 right now. Do you have that one?" Twilight levitated a book at the far end of one of the bookshelves.
"I have them all of the books in the series, remember?" Rainbow's eyes lit up.
"Awesome."
Twilight picked up a book of her own with her magic before the two made their way up to Twilight's bedroom, when it was then upon seeing her own bed when Twilight realized she hadn't made it in her excitement to have lunch with Rainbow.
"Oh, lemme fix that." Twilight used her magic to pull and straighten the bed sheets and tuck them in. "Ok, you can hop in now, I'm just putting on my socks, it's a bit chilly." Rainbow climbed into the bed and pulled the soft sheets over her to keep her warm, pulling her book out from under the sheets after she did so. Twilight levitated 4 long socks from her wardrobe and slipped them on. They were striped with 2 shades of purple, one dark one light. Rainbow looked up as Twilight approached the bed wearing her purple socks.
"Now THAT'S frickin cute." Rainbow giggled as a blushing Twilight climbed into the bed. She set down the book as the two lovers snuggled up in the covers together. Rainbow put her wing under Twilight and held her close, her foreleg holding her novel. Twilight rested her head on Rainbow as she levitated the book and positioned it in front of her, flicking through the pages until she found the one she was up to. The two lay there together reading, a fantasy Twilight dreamed of but never thought possible until today.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Twilight was the first to wake up. She opened her eyes to see her beautiful marefriend. Their arms were around each other, and their foreheads and muzzles were touching. Twilight closed her eyes and simply listened to the Pegasus' breathing. There was light shining into her room, but she didn't care. She simply thought of the Pegasus as she slowly fell into sleep once more.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Twilight woke up to a familiar feeling. Rainbow was nudging her softly. The two smiled at each other and squeezed each other tight in a hug before they pulled themselves out of bed. Rainbow arched her back and stretched out her wings.
"That was the best sleep I've had in ages!" Rainbow grunted as she stretched. Twilight nodded.
"Yeah, I slept like a log last night." Twilight noticed that she wasn't hungry. It was uncommon for her to not be hungry when she woke up. "You hungry?" She asked Rainbow.
"Nah, not yet. I don't usually eat after I wake up. Well, unless I'm REALLY hungry. What about you?"
"Nope, and I'M usually hungry when I wake up, but not today for some reason." Twilight looked at the clock, and suddenly an idea crossed her mind. "Hey Dashie, maybe we should go get the others and have a talk to Applejack."
"Huh? Isn't it a bit early?" Twilight responded by pointing at the clock in her room. It read 10:37. "Wow, we slept in, huh? Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go and get them now." Both ponies were hesitant about dealing with the whole Applejack situation, but their concern for the their friend over- shadowed their need to stay within their own comfort- zones. Twilight took off her socks and beckoned Rainbow to follow her down the stairs.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
The two walked together to Rarity's house, as her house was closest to them. It would be a tough time explaining what had happened, but it needed to be done. Twilight was incredibly nervous, as she didn't know how Rarity would take the situation at all. At the very least, she knew it wouldn't be as negative as how Applejack reacted. Twilight sighed as they approached Rarity's home.
"Let's hope she isn't in love with one of us." Rainbow gave a snort of laughter at this, but she didn't discount it. Twilight knocked on the door, her heart beating fast, a feeling of discomfort looming over her. The door opened to reveal a glamorous unicorn, with a slightly less glamorous piece of breakfast in the corner of her mouth.
"Why, good morning you two, what brings you here?" Before either could answer she gasped dramatically. "Oh my, I know why you two are here! But it might have to wait for later, girls. I'm terribly busy right now so any more orders could put me quite a bit behind schedule and I couldn't possibly-" Rainbow interrupted Rarity's inaccurate rambling.
"We aren't here for dresses, Rarity. It's about something a little more important." Rarity looked at Rainbow Dash blankly.
"And what could be more important than that?"
"Could we please come inside? It's really important and I'd rather not talk about it outside where somepony could hear." Twilight answered before Rainbow.
"Mmm, veeery suspicious." Rarity snickered for a moment. "Well do come in then, girls." She shut the door behind the two and looked at them, as if she was waiting for some sort of life- changing news. Rainbow rolled her eyes.
"Rarity, Twilight and I are dating, and-" Another extremely dramatic gasp escaped Rarity's mouth as she lay a hoof over her forehead as if she were about to faint.
"And Applejack saw us kissing in public," Twilight finished Rainbow's sentence for her. Twilight was seriously expecting Rarity to actually faint this time, but it was clear that it wasn't a legitimate reaction as she dropped her foreleg onto the ground.
"Whaaaat? Oh dear, that is not good." Rarity looked quite dismal indeed.
'Yeah, it happened yesterday. When we tried to talk to her, she flipped out and told us to go away." Rainbow said.
"Well, yes, It is to be expected. She has had a crush on you for quite a long time now, Dash." Rarity shook her head and looked at the floor. Rainbow put her head on one side.
"And, you know this how?"
"Oh why do you think, darling? Ponies tell me things of course. I am like the voice of reason in a relationship." The last sentence was spoken in a once- again dramatic tone, accompanied by foreleg, gesturing to increase the drama. Twilight rolled her eyes.
'Well, can you come with us and talk to her? We were going to get Pinkie and Fluttershy after we got you." Twilight looked at Rarity.
'Well of course I will come. There's no time to waste girls, there is a distressed mare we must save!" She trotted past Twilight and Rainbow, opened the door, and trotted out. Slightly taken aback by this sudden decision, the two marefriends followed Rarity out the door.
The sun was particularly hot that day, but such a thing was not a hindrance to Applejack, as she carried a saddle- basket full of apples to set down by the barn. She was sweating slightly as she set the basket down carefully, wiping her face with a foreleg. She was not even remotely interested in the apples, however. Her mind was wandering elsewhere, to a place where she didn't want it to go. Who does Twilight think she is, anyway? If only she knew how long I've wanted Rainbow Dash. Applejack huffed. That little bitch. Applejack began to fume at her own thoughts.
She didn't want to hate Twilight, but it was beyond her control now. Twilight had stolen Applejack's love, and regardless of Twilight's feelings or intentions, this fact did not change. Applejack had often fantasized about being with Rainbow, to the point where it became agonizing that it wasn't reality. But now, it will never become reality. Applejack thought bitterly. She had cried out all of her sadness, all that was left now was anger and frustration.
Why was it, that even when she was so desperate, nothing came of it. All the nights she would think about Rainbow, all the nights she would touch herself over her, nothing would come of it. All the times she went out of her way to help Rainbow, all the times she would bring her apple cider after a long day's training, nothing. Absolutely nothing.
The bitterness in her heart fired up, but slowly, her anger was transformed into sadness mixed with an unsure realization. Perhaps I'm just meant to be alone. Alone forever. Applejack fought to hold back the tears. Her head hang over the Apple baskets, as she shook. But, a sound behind her interjected.
"What do you want-" Applejack quickly cut her sentence short, as she looked upon Rainbow Dash. But it wasn't just Rainbow, all of Applejack's friends were standing behind the Pegasus, each one noticeably hesitant. Rainbow was taken aback. Not just by Applejack's sudden response to her presence, but the tears in Applejack's eyes. "Y...you! Go away! Why are you here- all of you?" Applejack's anger was rising, she couldn't control it. Her gaze returned to Rainbow. "You... do you realize what-" Applejack was cut short once again, but this time it was by Rainbow's expression; her teeth were bared as she glared at the earth pony. Rainbow was absolutely sick of Applejack's attitude.
"You know what? Yes, I probably do realize whatever you were about to ask..." Rainbow began softly, her voice wavering slightly. "But do YOU realize? Do YOU realize anything?" Rainbow was shaking now. "Do you... have any FUCKING IDEA how it feels to be treated like this?" Rainbow didn't want to look at her friends, she didn't care what they thought at that moment anyway. "Do YOU, have any idea how hard it is for me being in the position I'm in? Twilight and I simply came to talk yesterday, and what do we get? YOUR UNSAVORY ATTITUDE." Rainbow took a step forward. "IF YOU HAD ANY FUCKING IDEA WHAT IT IS LIKE HAVING TO DENY A BEST FRIEND'S LOVE, YOU WOULDN'T EVEN CONSIDER GIVING ME YOUR SHIT AT THIS POINT."
Rainbow lowered her voice slightly. "You think I didn't know that you liked me? You seriously think so? I wonder how hard it was for ME having to deal with that. Imagine the TORMENT." Fluttershy was on the ground now, her hooves covering her ears, eyes clamped shut. "Oh, I knew I would have to tell you at some point. But I never had the heart to do it." Rainbow gestured behind her with her head. "I've loved Twilight for years. Imagine how hard it would be to try and tell you that! It would be impossible! I understand your anger from yesterday, but the fact that you have the GALL, TO STAND THERE AND CONTINUE TO BLINDLY THROW YOUR SHIT AT ME WITHOUT EVEN GETTING SOME GOD DAMN PERSPECTIVE ON HOW I MIGHT BE FEELING, IS ENOUGH TO PISS ME RIGHT THE HELL OFF!"
Rarity looked like she was about to faint while Pinkie pie had her mouth dangling open.
"You are so damn lucky, so damn fucking lucky, that I'm still here right now, in spite of your insensitive attitude. I've been trying to talk to you and comfort you, and I get shit in return." Rainbow paused for a moment and looked at the ground with tears in her eyes. "We've both had to suffer as a result of this, regardless of whatever you think. So just drop it, alright? I don't deserve it, no one here deserves it. This was all an unavoidable event which we all got caught up in." Rainbow was crying now. Twilight moved forward to comfort the Pegasus, while Applejack stood there in shock.
Rainbow, the love of her life, had just unloaded all of her feeling onto her. She couldn't believe it. But, at the same time, Applejack could now see from two perspectives; her own, and Rainbow's. Applejack stared blankly as she observed Rarity patting Fluttershy on the back, Pinkie in shock, and Twilight resting her head against Rainbow as the pegasus sobbed. All of this was her doing. It was clear to her that she had made a huge mistake.
"I..." Applejack simply couldn't form words in her mouth. This was all too much for her, but Twilight cut in.
"Applejack It's fine, really. You and Rainbow have just been stretched too thin. It was a disaster waiting to happen. We all just want you to be happy, including me." Twilight continued to stare into the tear filled eyes of the earth pony. "But It was never my intention to hurt you, or take your love away from you." Twilight smiled weakly. "And if it's any consolation, If I were in your situation, I'm sure I would have reacted in the same way as you. I may have even been worse than you, to be honest." Twilight shook her head at these words. "But that doesn't matter. Just know, Applejack, that we're here for you, all of us are." Applejack's eyes wandered to the other three, who smiled up at her.
"I'm... so sorry." There were no more tears to be shed by Applejack, and no more anger to be vented. All that was left was shame.
"Applejack, darling," Rarity stood up, abandoning her post next to Fluttershy for the moment. "Apologies aren't necessary. We all understand your pain, and we just want you to be happy is all." Applejack now looked to Rainbow.
"Well, even if apologies aren't necessary, the most deserving of an apology would be you, Rainbow." She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them once more to gaze into the never ending vortexes of space that which were the tear- filled eyes of Rainbow Dash. "I was selfish and rude these last two days, Rainbow. I should have seriously considered your feelings and thought clearly about things. Thanks to that, I've shared the anger, which was never anyone else's to feel." Applejack was being a lot more apologetic than Rainbow had ever expected her to be this day. "Will you forgive me Rainbow?" Rainbow nodded and smiled, feeling unbelievable comfort. This was the best resolution that she was hoping for. An immense weight had been lifted off Rainbow's shoulders.
Applejack, through a wounded and sad heart, felt comforted by the presence of her friends. She had lost her love, but she would not let this ruin the friendships she had made over the years she had lived in Ponyville. Love would have to be found elsewhere, but Applejack knew in her heart that there was a mare out there for her, or maybe even a stallion. The options were limitless, and she still had a long way to go yet. Fortified with positive feelings by the presence of her friends, Applejack could now live her life unburdened by a love never to exist.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
The sun was setting in the west as Twilight and Rainbow held each other, kissing passionately. They were inside the library now, after a long and tiresome day. All that existed at that moment was each other, and their kiss. Twilight's tongue slipped out of Rainbow's mouth before she planted a soft kiss on Rainbow's lips. The two were intoxicated by each other. Through all the struggles, everything had worked out positive. Rainbow was about to push Twilight onto her back slowly and seductively, but a noise at the door interrupted the process.
The door creaked open to reveal Spike, who had now returned from Canterlot. He stopped when he saw Twilight and Rainbow sitting close to one another on the couch. Spike raised an eyebrow and sneered.
"Well would you look at this," There was quite a story to be told, but the story would have to wait, as the dragon's stomach rumbled, accompanied by a groan.
"I'm so bloody hungry." exclaimed the baby dragon wearily. "We might have to save the explaining for later." The two mare friends giggled as they made their way into the kitchen to fetch some food for Spike together. Yes, together, as they knew they always would be.
~Luna of the Crescent
Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Rarity made their way up through the main street of Ponyville, destination: SugarCube Corner. Twilight mused of possible reactions Pinkie was likely to have after being told the same story that was told to Rarity regarding the recent complications that had ensued. Well, one thing is for sure, it won't be normal. Twilight thought to herself. Pinkie has a tendency to overreact. In fact, Twilight's thought- based musings would have translated well into general conversation, if Rarity were to cease her never- ending torrent of babble.
"I really did see you two as a couple. I could never put my finger on why, but what does it matter now? It's official!" Rarity did not seem to be prepared to slow the barrage of words escaping her mouth, therefor Rainbow Dash had a self- obligation to cut in in an attempt to silence the Unicorn.
"Could you drop it, Rarity? Yes, Twilight and I are together, Hooray," The last word completely devoid of emotion, Rainbow continued. "What we need to be focusing on right now is Applejack, not unnecessary details."
"Come now, darling." Rarity huffed after a gentle flick of her mane. "What happened to your love of attention? I was under the impression that it was your ultimate desire to receive as much time in the spotlight as-"
"E...either way," Twilight decided to cut short a potentially explosive topic. "We need to get Pinkie Pie now, right? Maybe she will know what to do with Applejack. She is the master of making ponies smile, after all." Rainbow still seemed agitated after Rarity's comment, but she gave a nod in reply. Rarity on the other hand, giggled.
"Twilight, you speak as if Applejack is some sort of nut- case who's practically beyond help. Please, she is a strong girl." Rarity glanced at the purple unicorn. "Although, I'm sure that if she needs some sort of emotional support, I would be the best pony for the job. I am afraid that somepony like Pinkie Pie would simply drive the poor girl over the edge with her stupidity."
Rainbow shot Rarity a glare. Rarity gave a light cough. "Oh, well no I don't mean that negatively. I simply meant that Pinkie Pie does not know how to approach a pony well in situations such as this." Rarity gave a sigh. "She seems to think that the answer to everything is to jump around like a lunatic in an attempt to make everyone happy."
"Well, the thing is," Twilight chuckled. "It usually works."
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
The three ponies reached SugarCube corner rather quickly. To their relief, it appeared to be empty. Rainbow hovered inside, the rest close behind. Twilight confirmed the emptiness of the shop as she surveyed her surroundings. Mrs Cake was standing behind the counter wrapping something, but she looked up and greeted the ponies as they entered.
"Why hello you three, is there anything I can do for you today?" Mrs Cake was just as cheerful as ever as she returned to her work, listening for a response.
"No thank you , Mrs Cake. We're here to talk to Pinkie. We are..." Twilight thought for a moment. "Having a picnic. We forgot to let Pinkie Pie know in advance, so we came here to see if she was able to come." Twilight didn't feel it was necessary to explain the situation to Mrs Cake at this point. "Is Pinkie here right now?"
"Why, yes. You can go up to her room, if you'd like." Mrs Cake pointed a hoof towards the stairs that lead to the rooms above. Twilight thanked Mrs Cake and headed for the stair case, motioning for the others to follow. After they had ascended the stairs, they came to Pinkie's bedroom door, which was covered in designs. Rainbow wrapped on the door.
"Come in." They heard Pinkie answer. Upon her response, they moved into her room. Pinkie was on her bed reading a cooking book. The whole room was very bright, and... pink.
"I just can't make this cake, It's so hard." Pinkie pouted. "I mean, I follow the instructions but I can never- Oh, hey you three!" She exclaimed as she looked up to see her friends before her.
"Oh, Pinkie Pie it's just TERRIBLE" Rarity's tone signaled the two marefriends that it was best to leave the explaining to her, while also signalling that all realistic interpretations of the original story were out of the question. Twilight sighed at this.
"This is going to sound much more dramatic than necessary, isn't it." Rainbow whispered in Twilight's ear as Pinkie Pie began to ask what had happened, sounding incredibly worried.
After a long winded, (and as Rainbow predicted) unnecessarily dramatic explanation, Rarity had to take a breath. Pinkie's eyes were wide. She sat there gaping for a few seconds before racing over to sweep Twilight and Rainbow into one of her signature bone- crushing hugs.
"That's so amaaaziingg. You two are so cute together, omygod omygod.
"Thanks....Pinkie." Was all Rainbow seemed to be able to choke out. Twilight was even worse off, it seemed as if she was ready to pass out as a large percentage of her blood began to rush to her head. Pinkie released the hug and moved to hug Rarity too.
"Uh, Pinkie.. I-"
"You need a hug too!" Pinkie swept Rarity up. "It must have been so hard to tell that awful story! You must be so sad! You did well Rarity." Twilight and Rainbow would have rolled their eyes if they weren't both still recovering from the embrace that was only recently relinquished. "We must make our way, to Fluttershy's cottage! She must come with us to help Applejack!" Based on Pinkie's facial expression, it seemed as if she had recently recovered from some kind of mental struggle resulting in the realization that she had to save the world from pure evil.
The three ponies, accompanied now by a fourth, now made their way out of the store.
"Sorry Mrs Cake, we have to go! We have some serious business to attend to!" Pinkie yelled as they left the store. Mrs Cake giggled and waved, not questioning anything, as she was only too used to Pinkie's personality.
----------♣LunaoftheCrescent♣----------
Twilight knocked on the door of Fluttershy's cottage. She heard a soft "Come in" from within, and entered with the others close behind. Fluttershy was feeding her pets, and was humming to herself contently. She gave a small gasp when she saw the four ponies.
"Oh...oh dear. Has something happened?" Fluttershy had noticed everypony's grim expressions. She touched the floor and looked at her friends with a questioning expression. Rarity took a deep breath, but Rainbow flew up to Rarity and covered her mouth with a hoof. This gave Twilight the opportunity to explain the situation, hopefully without any unrealistic drama sugar- coated on the top. Fluttershy was utterly aghast after Twilight had explained.
"Oh, no! Poor Applejack...I can't believe she yelled at you two like that. She must be really really angry..." Fluttershy looked at the ground sadly.
'Well, that was yesterday afternoon. I'm hoping she's calmed down now, but Rainbow and I thought it would be a good idea to bring you guys with us anyway." Fluttershy's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh yes, that's right, you two are together!" She smiled. "Wow, I'm so happy for you two, I hope things go well in the future." This reaction was definitely preferable in comparison with Pinkie's reaction... well, not like Twilight was expecting to receive a hug reminiscent of a Boa Constrictor. Fluttershy was a much more elegant and civilized mare after all, she would never do such a thing.
"Oh, but are you sure Applejack will come round? She must be extremely hurt. What would we even say to her anyway?" The five friends hung their heads.
"Well it's not like we can simply walk up to the girl and say 'Sorry, better luck next time.'" Rarity huffed.
"Sure we can, we just have to word it a bit nicer is all." Rainbow seemed to have made up her mind.
"No, we need to say more than that. It's not so much about the relationship aspect," Twilight looked at everypony. "We need to show her that we are here for her, and we also need to make it clear that Rainbow and I never meant to hurt her." Everypony seemed to agree, so with that, they waited for Fluttershy to finish feeding her pets, and made their way up to Sweet- Apple Acres.
They were significantly worried about Applejack, some even skeptical that they would be able to help their friend. But, Twilight was one of the few who remained strong and optimistic. She knew that Applejack would feel much better knowing that her friends were by her side, and making sure she's ok. With this is mind, Twilight was determined to do what she had to do to get her friend back.
