//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Blossoming // by Phil the Time Wizard //------------------------------// Blossoming Part Two of Three Applejack was more than happy to spend the day with Fluttershy. The gentle pegasus made for good company. The two of them had a shared love for tending to things, particularly for animals. It was rare for the two of them to get together without any of the others, but there really was a lot for the two of them to talk about. Hours passed quickly for the two until very soon it was evening. Applejack desperately did want to help Fluttershy overcome her timid nature. The pony was a lot more capable then she even knew. Fluttershy just had a bad habit of telling herself she couldn't do things without even trying. Applejack had said she was a tree still growing, but it was more Fluttershy was a full grown tree that didn't know it was fully grown. Applejack just needed to give her someone to lean on until she realized that truth. "Today was a lot of fun," said Fluttershy, smiling at her host as they sat at the kitchen table inside the farmhouse, finishing a hot, fresh apple pie. "You're a great friend, Applejack." "Sure was. You really should stop by more often," Applejack said, grinning back at her friend, feeling a growing warmth inside herself. "I should probably get going though," said Fluttershy with a soft nod. "Before it gets too late..." "You're more than welcome to stay the night," Applejack offered in a warm voice. "I'd love to," said Fluttershy. "But I wouldn't feel right leaving my animals at home unattended..." "Shoot, don't worry about that," said Applejack energetically. "I sent Apple Bloom over your way just a little while ago to see that they were healthy and fed." "You really shouldn't have...." Fluttershy muttered, blushing slightly. "It ain't nothing to trouble yourself over," said Applejack with a fond smile. "I did promise I'd give you my love and attention. Remember?" "That's right..." said Fluttershy, her blush growing. Applejack suddenly blushed herself as she stared at her friend, strange uncomfortable thoughts rushing into her mind. A slightly awkward silence fell for about half a minute. Then Applejack stepped back. "Anyway, I reckon I better make one last rounds of the farm before we hit the hay," she said awkwardly. "I'll be back quicker than you even know it..." "A-alright..." Fluttershy replied as Applejack trotted off outside. Applejack gave a sigh as she stood at her doorstep, looking out over Sweet Apple Acres. Her heart was pounding. The cool night air slowly allowed her to calm back down. She gave a long breath and shook her head. What in the world was she thinking? In those moments she had thought to herself that Fluttershy looked awful pretty. That wasn't something she should be thinking about a friend. It wasn't right of her, especially considering Fluttershy definitely wasn't a colt. That just wasn't normal. Nevertheless, Applejack couldn't rightly deny it. Her cute pegasus friend had made her heart skip a beat. She just needed to decide what to do about it now. She stood there a long moment, not sure if she should go inside yet. She desperately wanted to help Fluttershy, but this awkwardness was hard for her to deal with. What would Fluttershy think if she knew she was having such strange and deviant thoughts? It would mean a loss of trust. And to lose the trust of such a great friend was more than Applejack could bare. A deep sense of fear began to set in as Applejack stood there. "Applejack?" a familiar deep voice started, approaching her, startling her from her feat induced daze. "What're you doin' out here? I told ya I'd take care of everything." "Ah, Mac," Applejack said, forcing a smile as she turned to see her brother approaching. "I just thought I'd check if everything was goin' well." "You was standin' there awful still for quite a while if you was lookin' for me," Big Macintosh stated, a knowing smirk on his face. "Oh... you saw that then...?" said Applejack giving a long sigh, her face blushing. "Shouldn't you be with your friend?" asked Big Macintosh. "You are trying to get 'er to open up, right? Can't do that from out here, can you?" "I know... I just needed some fresh air," said Applejack turning around. "You ain't gonna help that pony by actin' just like her," Big Mac said with a short laugh. Applejack smiled awkwardly. Mac was right. It wasn't like her to act with fear and hesitation. She wasn't sure at all what to think about what she had just felt, but running from it wasn't going to do Fluttershy any good. She was going to stand with the pegasus pony and that was all there was to it. "Thanks, Mac. You sure know what to say sometimes," said Applejack nodding to her older brother. "Eeyup," Big Mac said before trotting off to check on the rest of the farm. Applejack smiled and went back inside, feeling mostly eased. Returning to her room, she found Fluttershy. The pegasus looked up at her, somewhat surprised. "That didn't take very long," she said, somewhat concerned. "I ran into Big Macintosh," said Applejack. "He said he'd take care of it for me." "Oh, I see," said Fluttershy, smiling at her. "That's very nice of him." "It's Apple family policy ta go out of our way ta treat our guests with hospitality," said Applejack warmly. "We can't be doin' that if I have to go trotting all across the farm instead of staying here with you." "I really appreciate it," said Fluttershy in a soft voice. "I'm not used to being treated so nicely." "It's what you wanted," said Applejack in a low voice. "But you've always been kind to me," said Fluttershy nodding softly. "I try to be kind to everypony," said Applejack. "Don't see no reason not to." Though she said this, she wondered if there hadn't been times when she had gone a little above and beyond for the timid pegasus. A faint blush appeared on her face as she thought about it. "I'm glad I've been able to get closer to everyone since Twilight's come here..." said Fluttershy in a soft voice. "Me too," said Applejack with a laugh, recovering her composure. "Feels like every day's another adventure with you ponies." "I hope I'm able to live up to the faith everyone has in me," Fluttershy said in a very soft voice. "I'll be there to make sure ya do," said Applejack with confidence. "You can count on me." "That makes me happy," Fluttershy said, her face turning red. "Thank you, Applejack..." Applejack lost herself for another moment. As she said her words, again Fluttershy looked captivating. Applejack felt the now familiar intense feeling soar inside her as she looked into Fluttershy's eyes. She was going to do whatever it took to do good by this pony. She had decided. "It's my pleasure, Fluttershy," said the apple farmer in a soft voice, the blush reappearing on her face. "Really it is..." Fluttershy just smiled. The two talked aimlessly a while longer before deciding to go to sleep. Through it all, Applejack found it hard to keep her eyes off the pegasus' smile. She would protect that smile, whatever it took. ----------------------------------------------- Fluttershy gave a small yawn as she awoke the next day. She stood from the makeshift bed Applejack had prepared for her and looked around. Applejack wasn't in her room. She supposed that was natural. Having a whole farm to tend to, the hard working pony surely had to wake up super early each day. Fluttershy smiled. Nothing about Applejack wasn't incredible when she stopped to think about it. The earth pony had a real stubborn side to her, but that was an acceptable fault. She worked hard. She was always kind. She was honest and really cared about her friends. She was willing to go out of her way to help someone like Fluttershy. The thought made the young pegasus happy. Fluttershy reunited with her friend quickly after waking up. She offered to help Applejack with her daily duties to which the other pony accepted. Though Fluttershy wasn't entirely sure how much help she was exactly, she did have fun doing it. Every moment spent with Applejack made her feel warm. It was quite nice. Soon it was midday. After a nice lunch, Applejack approached her. "I think it's about time we get you back to Ponyville, Fluttershy," she said, tilting her head slightly. "You mean to confront Rainbow Dash..." said Fluttershy looking down. Flutershy had already talked in depth about the ordeals the others had been pushing onto her. The two had come to the conclusion that it was most important that Fluttershy set things right with her fellow pegasus, as she had seemed the most intense about the prospect of getting Fluttershy to do something. "That's right. It's important you tell her you just ain't interested in learnin' to fly like that," said Applejack, nodding as she did. "Alright," said Flutterhy in a low voice. "I can do that..." "Then let's get along now," said Applejack trotting ahead. "Okay," Fluttershy nodded. She followed after her friend. The two returned to Ponyville without event, engaging in pleasant conversation as they did. Fluttershy wasn't even scared at the prospect of seeing her friends again. With Applejack there, she had all the confidence she needed. This didn't change at all when they finally arrived. Even when a familiar face popped up out of nowhere, Fluttershy remained fairly confident. "It's Applejack and Fluttershy!" called our an excitable Pinkie Pie, zipping toward them. "Oh, hey Pinkie Pie," said Applejack smiling. "Hi," said Fluttershy, nodding. "So what are you two doing?" asked Pinkie Pie in a bouncy voice. "You both look happy, happy. I bet it's something fun, fun! Gasp! Are you planning another surprise party for me?" "No... er... not really..." said Applejack in a low voice. "You didn't just come from a party then, did you?" Pinkie asked, her body becoming stiff as she leered accusatively at Applejack, who backed up. "You went to a party without me... didn't you...?" "N-no..." Fluttershy said. "Honestly... we're just coming from the farm. I slept over there last night..." "You ponies had a sleepover? And you didn't tell me?" Pinkie Pie started, indignant, eyes widening a little too much. "Umm... sorry..." said Applejack. "But it was just the two of us... Weren't no party exaactly..." "Still... I bet there was pie!" Pinkie said, crossing her forelegs. "I think there's always pie over at Applejack's place..." said Fluttershy in a soft voice. "So there was pie!" Pinkie gasped, horrified. "Pinkie, ya know very well you can come over for pie any time ya please and we'll fix you some right up," said Applejack, shaking her head. "Oh yeah," said Pinkie Pie, nodding. "That's right..." Fluttershy gave a soft laugh. "Anyway, we best be moseying along, Pinkie Pie," said Applejack. "Fluttershy has places to be..." "Is that so?" said Pinkie Pie. "Well, alright then." "Oh... and Pinkie," Fluttershy said, walking up to her friend. "Yes, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked, tilting her head curiously. "About what you said yesterday..." Fluttershy said in a soft voice. "I said something yesterday?" Pinkie started, confused. "You know... what you told me..." said Fluttershy looking down. Pinkie Pie stared ahead blankly. After a silent moment, she shook her head slowly. "You don't remember?" Fluttershy questioned, her eyes narrowing. Pinkie's eyes shot wide open. "Oh, I remember now. I was telling you all about that time where I made a bunch of cupcakes and was going to eat them all but Gummy ate them all before I could and I was sad..." "Yeah... after that..." said Fluttershy, looking down. "There was something after that?" asked Pinkie, confused. "It doesn't matter," Fluttershy said shaking her head. "But... I want you to know that I'm working hard to become stronger. I don't want to just be weak little Fluttershy... I don't need to be treated special..." "Oh?" Pinkie started, looking surprised. "I think I get what you're trying to say..." She nodded several times. "Alright Fluttershy! But I was just wondering one thing..." "Yeah?" Fluttershy asked. "Whatever happened to those cupcakes you made yesterday?" Pinkie questioned, looking up. Fluttershy was taken aback. She gave a mild laugh and just said. "I ate them all." "What!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "Fluttershy, how could you?" Fluttershy laughed and trotted ahead. "Let's go Applejack," she said. "Right," said Applejack. "See ya around, Pinkie Pie." "I will remember this!" Pinkie Pie shouted out after them, raising her hoof in the air. "No one deprives Pinkie Pie of cupcakes!" Fluttershy just giggled softly. Applejack gave a light chuckle as well. "That was rather brave of you, Fluttershy," Applejack said as they continued to walk through Ponyville. "I'm sure she'll realize it's a joke," said Fluttershy, still laughing. "Maybe... or maybe not..." "No..." said Applejack, smiling. "I mean, telling her how you felt about what she said..." "Oh," said Fluttershy. "Having you with me, I just knew I could say it...." "Still, that's a might big step for you," said Applejack. "I guess so," said Fluttershy, a little embarrassed. It was then that the sounds of multiple sets of hooves approaching them could be heard. Fluttershy looked up to see the colt she had ran into the day before and his two friends approaching them. She averted her eyes timidly to the side. "Look, it's that cute filly from yesterday," said the rough-maned colt. "And I don't see her completely insane friend anywhere around either..." "Yeah," said the colt at the leader's right. "Instead she's got some other cute filly with her.. "Hey, girls," said the lead colt, approaching them. "How'd the two of you like to hang out for a while?" "Well that sounds like a might fine offer," said Applejack, smirking. "What say you, Fluttershy?" "Oh... er..." Fluttershy said, looking around awkwardly. Eventually, she looked at Applejack who smiled at her and gave her a wink. This gave her the confidence she needed. "Fluttershy, eh? That sure is a pretty name," said the colt. "How fitting for such a lovely little face." "I'm sorry," said Fluttershy in a soft voice. "But we're just not interested." "Oh, come on," the colt started. "Don't tell me you already have someone?" "I have Applejack," said Fluttershy. nodding, stepping closer to her friend. Applejack's eyes widened and she stiffened up, her entire face becoming dark red. "Wha?" the colts all said in virtual unison. "I think this might be a lost cause..." the colt at the leader's left said, looking uncomfortable. "Yeah... she's one of those..." said the right colt, grimacing a little. "Well damn..." said the lead colt. "Now that is a true waste..." He turned around. "Let's go guys," he added before the three of them trotted off. Half a minute later, someone jumped randomly in front of them without any warning. It was Rarity. Again she was madly waving a stick around. "You foul ruffians dare approach my friend again!" she shouted triumphantly. It took a few moments for her to realize there was only empty air in front of her. "Where are they? I shall give them what for, I swear it! Just you wait and see!" she called out while she continued to flail the stick around madly. "You don't need to worry over that, Rarity," said Fluttershy. "I already told those guys I wasn't interested. They just left." "You did what?" Rarity questioned, approaching her friend, shocked. "I told them I wasn't interested and they left," Fluttershy repeated in a quiet voice. "Oh, I get it," said Rarity. "It was you who scared them away, Applejack." She took a step toward a still stiff and motionless Applejack, nodding in approval. "I do thank you for that. It took me time to find an appropriate armament. It is good that someone else was nearby to keep Fluttershy safe in my absence..." Applejack didn't say anything in reply. Fluttershy was kind of confused as to why her friend wasn't saying anything or really even moving, her expression almost completely blank. "No, no," said Fluttershy, looking away from the earth pony for a moment. "Applejack didn't say anything to them. It was me who told them we weren't interested." "Is that the truth?" Rarity questioned, alarmed. "I see. I see! You must have taken my lesson to heart then!" Rarity smiled proudly. "I'm proud of you, Fluttershy." "Er... yeah..." said Fluttershy. "I guess... But really not all that was needed... Those guys aren't as unreasonable as you thought. They actually left right away as soon as I told them I was spending the day with Applejack..." "Oh! Is that what you meant..." Applejack spoke up, life all of a sudden returning to her face, giving a very awkward laugh. "I see..." she coughed. "That all makes sense then..." "What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked, confused. Applejack didn't reply to her, instead just looking away awkwardly. "My words remain true regardless," said Rarity with a nod. "A lady must always be on guard. One never knows when danger shall rear it's ugly head! You must stand tall and fierce!" "I know," said Fluttershy in a low voice that clearly expressed her feelings. "You are right. I do need to be stronger. Not everypony is nice enough to just back away like those colts. I'll try and work on it... just... it's a little unfair to expect me to be just like you all at once... It's a lot of pressure...." Rarity was quiet for a moment. She frowned. "Fluttershy..." she said. "I had no idea I was pressuring you so much... You must have felt terrible after our encounter yesterday." She looked down, clearly troubled over her behavior. "However will you forgive me...?" "It's alright," said Fluttershy. "I'm not angry with you, Rarity. I'm really not." "Even so. It was wrong of me to push you around in such a manner..." Rarity said in a low voice. "I do apologize." "Apology accepted," Fluttershy said warmly, smiling at her close friend. "I'm glad," said Rarity, nodding. "But I'm afraid I must now be off. Work waits for nopony!" She smiled at Fluttershy. "I trust we're still on for our usual spa day?" "Of course," said Fluttershy, giving a soft nod. "I'll be there." "Wonderful!" Rarity said as she began to trot off. "Be seeing you then!" "Bye!" Fluttershy called, while waving her hoof. When Rarity was gone, she turned back to Applejack. "Okay, let's go..." she said. "Sure thing," said Applejack, nodding, still looking a little awkward and nervous. The two of them began to continue down the Ponyville's street, looking for Rainbow Dash. "By the way, Fluttershy..." "Yeah?" Fluttershy started, looking over at her friend as they walked. "About what you told those colts..." Applejack spoke, looking straight at the ground. "What about it?" Fluttershy asked, not following. She thought about it for a second. She realized their behavior had been kind of strange... "Ah... never mind," said Applejack, shaking her head. "You did good, both with them and with Rarity back there..." "Hehe... thanks..." Fluttershy said, smiling. Slightly awkward silence fell as they continued walking. She began to think about why Applejack and those colts had acted so oddly to what she had said. It only took a few moments for it to all fall in place for her as to how her words could have been taken, and how in fact, they were taken. Her face turned red at the thought. Wow. Those colts really thought her and Applejack were... Not that it was something bad. Applejack was a wonderful pony after all. Fluttershy wouldn't mind so much if-- "Fluttershy!" a voice suddenly startled Fluttershy, tearing her from her train of thought. She looked up to see Twilight Sparkle standing in front of her, smiling over enthusiastically. She was equipped with a sack that seemed to include a few books, a scroll and some other supplies and effects. "Oh... hi, Twilight..." Fluttershy said, looking away. "So did you think about my request from yesterday?" Twilight asked. "What do you say? Are you ready for an adventure?" "Now hold on a second, Twilight..." Applejack started in, moving toward the excitable unicorn. "Oh, Applejack. I didn't see you there. What are you up to?" Twilight asked, flashing a smile. "I'm just here because Fluttershy--" Applejack started to speak. Twilight suddenly stepped forward, grinning. "I know. Fluttershy invited you along too!" said Twilight looking quite content. "Good thinking, Fluttershy. This is a dangerous adventure! We might have need for a little extra muscle." "Twilight... that's not..." Fluttershy started, shaking her head. "You need to calm down..." "But, Fluttershy... there are books... and no one has read them for centuries!" Twilight started, going into an overexcited squeal. "We know you're excited about this, Twilight Sparkle," said Applejack in a low voice. "But at least think about what it is your askin' of us. Think about what it is your asking Fluttershy? You really think it's fair?" Twilight just nodded happily. "Yep." "Twilight! This is the Everfree forest we're talkin' about," said Applejack shaking her head. "That ain't no place for anypony to just wander off to without good reason." "But we have a reason, Applejack!" said Twilight, ecstatic. "The pursuit of knowledge!" "And that's a good enough reason to put your friends in danger?" Applejack questioned, narrowing her eyes. "Uh..." Twilight averted her eyes and looked around unsteadily. "Maybe..." she said, tilting her head. "I think I'll leave this to Fluttershy," said Applejack, nodding. "Come on Fluttershy, tell Twilight what you think." "Is this really important to you, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked in a meek voice. The unicorn pony just nodded again. "Alright..." said Fluttershy. "We'll go with you then..." "That's right, Fluttershy, you--" Applejack started while nodding energetically. She came to an abrupt halt when Fluttershy's words set in. "Wait! What?" "I don't want to let Twilight down," said Fluttershy in a soft voice. "I know it will be scary, but I want to at least try and help her..." "Er... Fluttershy," Applejack started in a weak voice. "That's mighty kind of you... but this is the Everfree forest we're talking about. Ain't nothin' ever good come out of that place..." "I know it's scary..." said Fluttershy. "But if I'm with you and Twilight, I don't think it will be that bad..." "Weren't there somethin' about a fire-breathin' monster of some variety?" Applejack said, averting her eyes. "That's right! A chimera! They're really rare!" said Twilight clearly very eager. "Fluttershy... if there's ever a time to just back away... this might just be it..." said Applejack, shaking a little. "It'll be fine," said Fluttershy, shaking her head. "I mean... at least... I hope so..." "Well..." said Applejack, gulping. "If you really want to do this... guess I'm in as well..." "Awesome! You ponies are the best!" said Twilight excited. "Come on! Let's go!" "Er... alright then..." said Applejack, smiling awkwardly as she looked at the pegasus. "Let's go, Fluttershy..." "Yeah..." said Fluttershy, letting her eyes meet Applejack's. For some reason, even as she headed toward danger, looking into Applejack's eyes, she wasn't scared at all. Or... well... maybe just a little... Thinking about it, she stepped even closer to Applejack.