The morning sunlight refracted from the small drops of dew on the roof off the train station, making the whole building appear as if it were sparkling.
"Oh, ah can't wait ta see Canterlot 'gain! Thanks fer takin’ me with y'all, it really means a lot ta me," Apple Bloom said with a wide grin.
"It's fine, Apple Bloom. I'm used taking somepony with me, so it's not really a problem." Twilight said as they boarded the train.
"We're in cabin thirty-seven, I think. That’s down here," Spike said as he directed them to their cabin: a small, two-bed room. "Here we go." Spike declared as he closed the door behind them.
“The journey to Canterlot shouldn’t take too long. We should be there before afternoon.” Twilight informed the pair as she picked a seat and placed her bag on it. “Want me to grab you something to eat?"
“Hey, I can go get it for you.” Spike offered.
“Aww, thanks Spike.” Twilight beamed and rubbed his head affectionately, “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Spike blushed, “Heh. Thanks, Twilight. What do you two want?”
“I’ll have a daisy sandwich, please.” Twilight piped.
“Ah’ll have whatever she’s having.” Apple Bloom said.
“Two daisy sandwiches.” Spike murmured as he walked out through the door, “I just hope they have some gemstones...”
Silence fell upon the remaining females.
Twilight shuffled uncomfortably, "So, while we wait how about we talk?" Twilight asked.
"Sure. Why not? What ya want ta talk ‘bout?" Apple Bloom replied.
"I actually wanted to talk about life on the farm. What’s it like there?" Twilight inquired. Apple Bloom saw only genuine curiosity in Twilight’s expression, despite the fact she could never really see the older mare working on a farm.
"Well,” the filly began, “We usually wake up at about six in the mornin’, eat breakfast, and go start workin' in the fields. In the summertime ah get ta help Applejack with collectin’ the apples! Ah usually balance a bucket on mah head, so that way ah can keep up with all the apples."
"It must be a challenge to keep up with all the falling apples.”
“Not really. Applejack’s real good at directin’ me, makin’ sure ah’m in just the right spot.”
“I see. What do you use your apples for?” Twilight asked.
“Well, most of it we use fer bakin’ or sellin’ at the stall in the market, ‘cept for Apple Cider season, then we use some fer that.”
“And-”
"I’m back!” Spike announced as he walked through the door with two sandwiches in hand, interrupting whatever Twilight was going to say next.
“That was quick.” Twilight remarked, clearly displeased by the interruption.
“Yeah, they didn’t have any gemstones. Again.” Spike huffed and handed over their meals, and withdrew some gemstones from one of his pockets and stuffed them into his mouth.
“And where did they come from?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
The dragon grinned guiltily, “I’ve been saving them.”
“You have a stash of gems that I don’t know about?” Twilight said with a frown.
“Oh well, would you look at the time! I’m sleepy.” Spike said quickly, feigning a yawn.
“Spike...” Twilight growled dangerously as she bit into her sandwich, but she ceased questioning the matter further.
"Thanks, Spike," Apple Bloom chirped, oblivious to the scene unfolding before her as she began to eat her food.
A silence hung over the trio as they ate their snacks, interrupted only by the smatterings of lips and the munching of teeth.
“You know, ah think ah might jus’ head ta bed.” Apple Bloom said, breaking the silence as she wiped her hooves on her coat.
"That’s a good idea.” Twilight said with a smile, “I don’t want you two falling asleep when we get to Canterlot! I’ll be reading if you need me.” The unicorn grabbed a book from her saddlebag and jumped onto her bed. Immediately she was lost deep within the book’s pages.
"You go grab some sleep, Apple Bloom, I've got to do something," Spike said in a hushed tone.
“You sure?” The filly asked in concern as she hopped onto the other bed. “Hey, wait, where’re you gonna be sleepin’?”
“Oh, I’m sure Twilight will let me sleep on her bed with her.” Spike said, waving off the question as he headed for the door.
“It’s okay, Spike, you can sleep on mah bed if you want?” Apple Bloom offered.
The dragon paused and turned round the face the filly, “Er, sure. That sounds cool.” He said, and turned back around to walk out the door.
“Hey, Spike!” Apple Bloom called.
“Mmm?” Spike answered, lingering in the doorway.
“Where’re you goin’?”
“Oh, um,” The dragon replied, “Just going to check whether they’ve got any more gems. I kinda ran out.”
“Oh. Well, ah’ll be waitin’ fer you.” Apple Bloom called as her almost-coltfriend left the room. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed he hadn’t stayed. She’d not really had a chance to even have a conversation with him since he had asked her out.
It’s kinda weird, thinkin’ he could my coltfriend an’ all.
Apple Bloom hadn’t really thought about her answer. She’d been surprised when Spike had asked her out, yes, but as soon as she got home she’d already made up her mind. She hadn’t really thought her answer, but she knew she was going to say yes. The thoughts made her stomach flutter.
Wait.
Apple Bloom paused as realization dawned on her.
Ah haven’t even told the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders! What would Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle say about this? Would they be mad at me fer not tellin’ them before?
The filly couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for neglecting her best friends.
Ah jus’ hope they won’t be too mad...
"Apple Bloom!” A voice called, slicing through her thoughts like a razor sharp knife. “C’mon, wake up.”
Apple Bloom opened and blinked her bleary eyes as they protested against the harsh daylight, “Wha- huh?” She mumbled.
“We’re almost at Canterlot. We need to go!” The voice insisted.
“Canterlot?” Apple Bloom asked, “Ah ain’t goin’ nowhere fancy like that.” And the filly closed her eyes again.
Spike groaned internally, “Apple Bloom!” He said loudly into her ear and shook her awake.
“Alright, alright, Ah’ma comin’!” Apple Bloom sighed rose from the bed. Glancing around she saw Twilight had already taken the liberty of packing the stuff and was waiting patiently by the door.
“Attention passengers. We will shortly be arriving in Canterlot in just a few minutes time, please take a moment to ensure you have all your personal belongings with you when you leave the train, and we thank you for boarding Pony Express!”
"Morning, you two. Princess Celestia’s guards should be waiting for us when we get off onto the platform." Twilight said as she used her magic to lift her saddlebag onto her back. Books and parchment poked out of the top. “They should take us to the palace. I don’t know what you two want to do, but I heard there’s a new book shop that’s just opened up near Donut Joe’s. Maybe you could check that out.” Twilight suggested excitedly.
Apple Bloom glanced at Spike who returned the gesture with a shrug and a smirk.
Typical Twilight.
“Yeah, thanks for the advice, Twilight.” Apple Bloom said with a forced smile.
“Do you want me to carry your bags for you?” Spike offered, gesturing to Apple Bloom’s saddlebag that was left untouched in the corner of the room.
Apple Bloom blushed, “Er, sure, if you want.”
"You may also want to brush your mane. We should look our best when we meet with a princess, after all." Twilight chuckled as she levitated a hair brush and began brushing her scruffy mane.
"Uh, no thanks, ah don’t need ta brush mah mane- Oh." Apple Bloom gasped as she noticed her scruffy mane from her nap in the reflection of the glass window. "Quick, give me that brush!"
The train pulled into the station, screeching to a halt. As the trio trio disembarked they saw a stern stallion in shining, golden armor.
"Miss Sparkle.” The guard stated as he approached them, “Princess Celestia is waiting. Please follow me.” The stallion wore only one expression: seriousness.
“Ooh, are you one of Celestia’s personal guards?” Apple Bloom asked, bouncing in excitement.
The guard took a moment to answer, as if considering whether to answer the question, “Yes.”
“Is it fun bein’ Celestia’s guard? Do you have ta do everything she says? What if she told you ta jump up an’ down on two legs? Would you do it?” The filly demanded.
The guard remained silent.
“Hey-” Apple Bloom persisted.
“I think you should save your questions for the princess.” Spike whispered.
“Being Celestia’s guard is hard work.” The guard said after hearing the dragon’s whisperings, “I do whatever my princess asks of me. It is my duty.”
“Ooooh.” Apple Bloom murmured, pondering the possibilities.
“Here.” The guard motioned to the chariot in front of them. Twilight thanked the guard and boarded it.
"Wow, this is neat! Ah’ve never been inside a castle. What’s it like, Spike?" Apple Bloom asked.
"It’s huge.” The dragon breathed in response as he followed Twilight onto the chariot, “I don’t even think I got to explore it all when we lived in Canterlot. We could explore if you like?”
“Ah think ah’d like that.” Apple Bloom whispered.
"We'll see it soon, don't worry." Twilight confirmed.
"We’ll be arriving at the palace in just a few minutes." Celestia’s guard stated gruffly.
Twilight stood straighter than usual as they walked into the castle.
"Whoa,” Apple Bloom gasped in awe as she looked around. “This is bigger than ah ever thought it would be!"
"Indeed, it is quite a marvelous castle, if I do say so myself," A voice boomed just ahead of them. Atop her throne sat Princess Celestia herself in all her regal glory. Her mane flowed like the sunrise had been stretched into an ever-moving river. Apple Bloom simply stood there, gawping.
“Princess Celestia.” Twilight greeted formally, lowering her front in respect. Spike and Apple Bloom hastily followed suit.
“Rise, my little ponies.” Celestia sighed with a warm smile that radiated kindness. “Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student.”
“Princess!” Twilight grinned in delight as she ran up to embrace the princess in a warm hug.
"I hope your journey went well. But we must not tarry, Twilight. I have quite the task for you, indeed, and we mustn't waste any time." Princess Celestia said.
"Princess, ah have a question." Apple Bloom interrupted.
"And what might that be?" Princess Celestia asked with a genuine smile at the filly’s curiosity.
"Ah was wondering how hard is it ta raise the sun every morning?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well, it's much harder than lowering it for the night, if that answers your question." Princess Celestia chuckled, "Twilight and I must speak in private. While you wait, how about you two go look around the gardens?"
"Sure.” Spike said, “I hear they’re quite pretty this time of year."
"Okay!" Apple Bloom cheered. Finally this was an opportunity to talk to Spike. Alone.
"Alright follow me, Apple Bloom.” The dragon said with a smile, and led the filly away from the princess and the unicorn, all the while retelling stories of his past experiences in the castle.
As soon as the pair left, Princess Celestia and Twilight walked away from Celestia’s throne.
"Isn't it cute? They have found each other’s company." Princess Celestia sighed.
"How did you know that they are together?" Twilight asked.
"Princess’ intuition.” Celestia continued with a sad smile, “Also it's fun once in a while to see love bloom.” she continued, brightening up and winking.
"I see." Twilight shrugged it off and glanced back down at the young couple as she ascended one of the palace’s many towers.
"Wow, look at those roses! They’re so pretty." Apple Bloom admired.
"Yeah, they sure are." Spike said as he plucked a rose behind Apple bloom, "How about this one?"
“Huh?” Apple Bloom asked, glancing at the rose in the dragon’s claw.
Spike grinned and put the rose into Apple Bloom’s mane, threading it through her bow.
"Spike...” Apple Bloom breathed, “That's so nice of you."
"It’s okay, don’t worry, Apple Bloom.” Spike said with a smile.
Apple Bloom returned the smile and grabbed the dragon into a strong hug. She loved the feel of his soft scales against her fur, and the sound of his heartbeat against her sensitive ears. She loved the the way Spike ran his claw through her mane like a comb, scratching her scalp ever so lightly, and the way his soft breath tickled her neck, raising the hairs.
"Hey, how about we look around in the statue garden?" Spike asked.
"Sure, ah haven't been there since our school trip with Miss. Cheerilee.” Apple Bloom said as she uncoiled herself from Spike and the pair made their way through the maze of a garden.
"Wow, Discord looks a lot different then ah remember him, he looks kinda scared.” Apple Bloom commented as she admired the sights around her.
"You'd think that wouldn’t you." A mysterious voice chuckled.
"Huh?” The filly glanced around at the empty clearing, “Who said that?"
"I'm right in front of you, silly pony.” The voice whispered.
"In front of me? I don’t see anypony except the statues." Apple Bloom murmured.
"That’s because I am the statue in front of you..." Discord purred.
"Ahhh!" Apple Bloom yelped in surprise as she turned around and ran away.
"Hey wait! All I want is a burrito. I'm starving here!" Discord yelled at the fleeing filly, “And being a statue leaves you with one hell of a stiff neck.” The petrified Draconequus sighed.
"Hey, Apple Bloom, wait up!” Spike called as he gave chase after the filly. The pair found themselves next to a small pond.
“Heh, sorry Spike. Guess ah jus’ wasn’t expectin’ Discord ta talk an’ all that.” Apple Bloom chuckled nervously.
“Don’t worry about it- Hey, wait! I know where we are.” Spike exclaimed, pointing at the small pond.
"What’s so special ‘bout this pond?" The filly asked.
"Come here. Let me show you." Spike gestured to the pond. “Yeah, I thought so. This is the Dream Pond.”
“Dream Pond? What does it do?”
“It’s supposed to show you your dreams. Although sometimes it can show nightmares. I think Luna blessed it before she was banished, and it was one of the few things that she left behind.”
"Huh. Lemme see." Apple Bloom knew some Earth Pony myths but this was something she’d never heard of.
"Sure. Just look into the pond." Spike said as he pulled the filly down to the face of the pond.
Apple Bloom wasn’t sure what to expect as she glanced down into the pond. Colors flashed before her. They formulated into images that flitted around her vision. Bucking Apple Trees with Big Macintosh. Winning the Sisterhooves Social with Applejack. Being teased by Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Befriending Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Making a love poison. Saying goodbye to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Returning to school and seeing her friends again. Spike.
The last image hung around for a fraction of a second longer than the rest. The hesitation was enough for Apple Bloom to notice that it was Spike’s first day at school, when he’d walked into the classroom. He looked out of place. So alone. Then Spike was defending Apple Bloom from Diamond Tiara. The familiar feeling of gratitude Apple Bloom had felt that day rose up again, forcing tears to her eyes.
The images blurred, but Apple Bloom wiped the tears from her eyes, unwilling to look away. They were at the library, laughing. They were on the train, smiling. They were sat staring into a pond.
Apple Bloom blinked and glanced up. Her eyes met Spike’s as he glanced up as well.
“What did you see?” She breathed.
“Us.” Spike admitted, blushing a little.
“What about us?” Apple Bloom pressed.
Spike began fidgeting, “Oh, you know...” He said, fading away, hoping she would interrupt him. “Wait, what did you see?”
“Everythin’.” Apple Bloom breathed.
“Everything?”
“Yeah, like all the important moments in mah life, an’...”
“And?” Spike repeated, hanging onto her last word?"
“Huh? Oh nothin’.”
Spike looked torn, “Fine. I saw you. And me, I mean. Like, together.” The dragon whispered, grinning awkwardly.
“What? Really?” Apple Bloom gasped. “Me too! We were in the classroom, an’ then on the train, an’ then here, an’ it was all so strange!”
Spike smiled in relief, “Why didn’t you just say so, silly?” The dragon giggled playfully.
“Ah could ask you the same thing.” The filly retorted with a wink.
“Well,” Spike returned to his fidgeting, “I guess it just took me a little while to realize how much you meant to me.”
Apple Bloom gasped in surprise, “Spike?”
“What I mean is-” Spike grappled with his words, “What I meant to say was I like you. Like really, really like you.”
“Well, duh, we’re on a date, right?” Apple Bloom chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess. But I just wanted you to know...” Spike trailed off as he continued to search for the words. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot. And I keep dreaming about you. The pond showed me and you together. Just... together. And it was... nice. I just feel so happy when I’m around you. Maybe you’ll just laugh at me or get scared or something and end up never wanting to be my friend again, but I think... I think I love you."
“Wha- huh?” Apple Bloomed gasped in surprise.
“I love you.” Spike repeated, more confident this time.
Apple Bloom’s eyes shimmered, “You mean it?”
“Yes, I’m sure of it.”
“Spike...” The filly breathed. You want ta be with me?"
"Yes." Spike whispered.
Apple Bloom didn’t hesitate any longer and threw her hooves around the dragon. "Spike. You mean a lot ta me. Ah don’t think ah understand why, but you do." Apple Bloom whispered back.
"I love you, Apple Bloom. I promise." Spike breathed and kissed Apple Bloom.
"Ah love you too, Spike."