A New Hero: Awakening

by Alex The Lone Wolf

It's...Just a Ticket...

"Hey there, Alex!" Twilight greeted, approaching me happily.

"Oh… Hey…" I returned hesitantly.

She lifted up her forelegs and stretched them out. As soon as I saw this, I immediately became nervous as my heart pumped faster. She noticed my unresponsive behavior and commented. "C'mon. I'm not going to bite!"

I looked away for a moment, biting my lip.

Have confidence… She's your friend, right…?

I exhaled my heavy breath.

I slowly lifted my hooves to accept her offer.

However, just before I could place them around her, I felt a sudden forceful push. I was knocked backwards to see a disgruntled Twilight holding a glow around her horn, indicating that she was the one who pushed me.

"Ugh!" She expressed, angrily looking down at me. "You really think I'd want to touch a pony like you?!"

Afterwards, the rest of those girls joined her by her side, all having irritated moods and complaining to me about the same issue.

This expectedly led me to look away and hold my hooves over my head. Are you serious…? I thought they were supposed my friends… I…I don't even understand anything anymore…

And I sat there in grief as I was pummeled with hurtful words from the girls themselves…

---

I breathed in a quick heavy breath as I heard a knocking from downstairs. My heart was beating a little fast and I was still ill with that sickening feeling I sometimes got from a bad dream. I sat up and placed a hoof to my head. Then, I inhaled a calming breath and exhaled when I was ready.

I wondered about who was knocking on my door as I walked downstairs. I never got any visitors, and I wasn't really comfortable with having any either.

I placed my hoof on the door and stood there for a silent second until I opened it. I widened my eyes at her appearance, especially since she was the star of my latest nightmare.

"Hey…" Twilight greeted with a soft smile.

"Hey…" I returned in the same manner she did, except the smile.

"If you don't mind, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to Sweet Apple Acres…" She looked out to the weather above. "It's a beautiful day outside, and I thought you might like the fresh air there. I'm also helping Applejack with her apples if you wanted to help as well…"

You thought…? I looked away in disengaging thought. If she really did think about me, then…that's a really nice thing of her to do… However, as soon as I looked back to my dream, my feelings changed for her. I immediately began feeling fear strike into me. I looked towards the floor sadly and placed my hoof on the back of my door. "…I don't think so…" I began closing the door until she stopped it with her own hoof.

"Come on." She encouraged with her smile. "It'll be fun."

I was stuck in thought once again. I really didn't know what to do… I couldn't have any more disappointments on my back… I guess I can go with her…

I sighed lightly. "Fine…"

"Great!" She exclaimed in light joy. "Come on!"

As I began walking with her outside, I couldn't help but notice that she had that small dragon on her back. She then spotted me realizing his presence, initiating her to talk. "Oh! I forgot to introduce you two to each other. Alex, this is Spike. Spike, this is Alex."

"Alex, huh?" He questioned. "What kind of a name is that?"

"Spike!" Twilight instantly scolded, furrowing her eyebrows angrily.

"What?" He raised his claws and shrugged.

"That's really rude of you to say!"

"I'm just saying. I've never heard of a name like that."

I merely looked towards the front of the road and narrowed my eyes.

"What about Princess Celestia? Or Princess Luna?" Twilight returned.

"Well, they're princesses. Besides, it still sounds a little weird."

Twilight sighed and then faced me. "I'm really sorry about that, Alex… He's just a baby dragon."

"It's fine…" I added briefly, leaving myself silent afterwards.

This led her to look back at Spike and continue giving him a scolding look.

---

I had begun feeling uncomfortable during the walk to Sweet Apple Acres. My nerves would just tense up when I walked with Twilight and her little dragon. There was this sometimes awkward silence between us, but I really couldn't tell if it was just me that was feeling that. I didn't bother to look back if Twilight still appeared her cheery self. All I could safely use was my peripheral vision, which wasn't exactly reliable.

Applejack greeted us warmly when we arrived. It appeared as if she was actually already expecting us, sending me the message that Twilight made this arrangement earlier.

"Howdy Twilight!" Applejack released vibrantly out loud. She drew her eyes toward me, where I had to slightly look away in a result from this. "I see you brought Alex with ya!"

"Yup!" Twilight nodded firmly.

"And me too!" Spike called from Twilight's back.

"Of course, little bugger." Applejack returned with a smile. "We better get a move on. I'll explain everythin' when we're done." She lifted up her legs and began walking towards a seemingly endless field of trees.

Twilight followed after her, leaving me to figure I should walk their way as well.

---

Applejack tossed us each a saddle that carried woven baskets on each side.

"Job is easy as making apple pie!" Applejack explained. "Just shake a few trees, catch some apples, and take em' back to the barn! I personally like to buck em' straight off the branches!"

"Great!" Twilight answered in confidence. She faced her companion and spoke. "Spike, you catch, I'll shake!"

"Alrighty." He crossed his claws behind his head and laid on her back, appearing as if he wasn't going to work at all.

"Well, let's get to work y'all!" Applejack encouraged before they began to do their own thing.

I remained heavily silent as I looked around. There were many apple trees to work with… No problem there… I turned around and faced this one that stood amazing tall before me, rather appearing as if it was hovering over my head. I didn't really know what was keeping me from beginning to remove those apples and place them in my basket. I just…couldn't help but stare blankly at the completely normal apple tree.

"Need some help, partner?" Applejack was summoned to my side, most likely due to my idleness. Once again, I really didn't make eye contact. Rather, I slightly looked away and shook my head. "Aw." She expressed in response. "Don't be shy. Ask for help when ya need to! Is it getting the apples off the trees?" She glanced over to the top part of the tree, where the apples roamed stilly. "Just give it a good shake! They'll come off, don't worry!" She seemed to glance over to my back legs. "But, I'm sure you'll do just fine giving a good buck!" I didn't offer back any words. I shared a look at her for a second and then returned my sight to the tree. "Go on! Try it out!" She tried to motivate me friendly.

I didn't want to try kicking the tree like she did. I felt too self-conscious. The less problematic thing I could get out was shaking the tree with both my front hooves.

A few apples fell out, and Applejack smiled brightly. "There ya go! Keep on at it, partner!"

Afterwards, she turned around and tended to her own. I stared at her walk off for a bit, keeping my eyes on her as I slowly picked up the apples with my teeth and placed them in the basket.

---

"Spike, what are you doing?!" Twilight shouted out angrily when she discovered Spike throwing out apples from her baskets as we walked with our own baskets full of apples.

"Just trying to find the yummiest looking one." He answered, continuing to be unaware of how furious Twilight seemed to be getting.

"Do you know how much work it took getting all those apples you're throwing out into this basket!?"

"Hey, I helped!" Spike countered.

Twilight appeared to give up as she sighed and looked back to the front. "Yeah…sure you did…" She slipped softly.

"It's mighty fine, Twilight!" Applejack managed to express cheerfully. "We can just come back for those later. Besides, I wanna thank y'all in helping me get this work done. I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime." She had given a little hop during that statement, lifting the apples in her baskets in the air for a moment before they returned back down. "If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of granny's girdles." She chuckled while I could only return a silent but puzzled look with my eyebrows.

Of course, voluntarily remaining out of the conversation, Twilight was allowed to respond. "No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry."

"I know, right?" Spike asked, accidentally throwing an apple back and bonking Twilight's head with it.

Twilight turned her head and glared over to him, causing him to return a nervous and wide grin. For some reason, it didn't seem like this was the first time something like this happened between them.

"Puh-leez, Spike, you've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!" Twilight explained while Applejack could only send me a look that revealed she enjoyed their little argument as if Spike and Twilight were relatives.

"Exactly. You all were taking so long, I missed snack-time." Spike tried to reason with a shrug.

Twilight's stomach then coincidentally rumbled. She laughed nervously in a reaction. "Eh, I guess we better get some food."

Spike returned to his action from earlier, throwing out certain apples while Twilight looked back with no effort to stop him anymore. "Nope. Worm. A-ha!" He suddenly cried out, holding a big, red, attractive, and juicy-looking apple.

"Oh Spike, that looks delicious!" Twilight commented delightedly. However, her emotion was cut short once Spike shoved the entire fruit in his mouth and gave a big chomp. "Spike!" She scolded.

"What?" He questioned again, not realizing his behavior.

Twilight rolled her eyes and continued her walk again.

"So…" Applejack startled me as I had been staring back at the scene between Twilight and Spike. She didn't address me directly, but she was obviously talking to me as the two behind us were having their own thing. "You've known Twilight for long?"

Being extremely careful with my words, I took a brief moment before I answered. "…not really… I had only met her during that whole…Nightmare Moon thing…"

"Ah. Yep. I met her when she was checkin' on the food preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration." She gave a little chuckle. "Speakin' of that… I didn't see you at the party. Did you leave home early?"

"…y-yeah…" I answered a little nervously.

She transformed another small chuckle into a warm smile. "Must've been tired, huh? Long night."

I didn't want to repeat my answer. I was already beginning to feel uncomfortable as I wasn't really contributing to the conversation. "…yeah…"

Applejack was also silent for a moment, as if she had to think of something else to say since I didn't bring myself out, making myself feel even worse. "Well…I'm glad to be seeing you around as a friend instead of just a customer…" She lowered her head and rubbed the back of it as she spoke the next sentence. "I was startin' to think that maybe you didn't like me or somethin'."

My eyes widened. Really? What am I supposed to say to that? All my mind could conjure was silence. If I remain silent, she'll think that I really don't like her. But it's not like that… But I can't say that I do like her… What if she takes it the wrong way? I don't even know how I truly feel about her. What am I supposed to say…?

I struggled with my mind, desperately trying to find a way through this social deathtrap. Any wrong move could metaphorically kill me…

"…I—"

Fortunately, there was a loud and interruptive burp that altered the subject. It came from Spike, which surprised me because it was the first time I had ever seen such a thing. His breath seemed to swirl into the air and transform into this letter.

"It's a letter from Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed as she observed it float down.

Spike caught it with his claw as Applejack walked closer to the circle we created. Well…I unintentionally took part of it… Anyways, Spike turned away, cleared his throat, and then looked back at the letter to begin reading out loud. "Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of…" He squinted his eyes on certain words. "…eh, yadda yadda yadda," Afterwards, he widened them once his eyes were attentive. "…cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus two guests!"

Once he finished speaking, the girls by my sides gasped and looked at each other excitedly. "The Grand Galloping Gala!" Immediately after, their faces brimmed with joy and wide grins. They hopped hastily in the air and shouted out the same four words. "The Grand Galloping Gala!" Cheers from the both of them followed, all while I could only stand motionless between with a blank look at each of them. Spike had opened his mouth to point his finger inside in disgust, but it was interrupted with another sudden belch from inside. Three golden tickets appeared from thin air.

"Look, three tickets!" He pointed out.

"Wow, great!" Twilight continued. "I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?"

"No, and I plan to keep it that way." Spike retracted, flipping away his claw. "I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."

"Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice." Twilight reasoned.

"What exactly is the Grand Galloping Gala?" I rather asked out loud. I actually didn't mean to, as I wanted to stay away from the conversation, but I must have been too curious that I mentioned it outside of my mind.

"You've never heard of the Grand Galloping Gala?!" Twilight and Applejack asked me in unison, somewhat putting the spotlight on me.

"I…" I tried to speak, but I couldn't really form any words.

"It's only the major dance in Canterlot!" Twilight explained. "It's an annual royal ball that's extremely hard to get into if you're not a high class pony!"

Something about her statement rang a bell in my mind. This started to sound familiar… I swear I've actually heard of this…ball…before…

"I'd love to go…" Applejack spoke, continuing on their excitement from the announcement. "Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip!" Applejack sighed as she stared up in astonishment. "Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala…"

"In that case, why don't the three of us go?" Twilight asked enthusiastically, catching my attention. "Spike obviously thinks it's too girly. That leaves a ticket for each of us!"

Applejack allowed her jaw to be dropped in joy. However, I wasn't so mutual with the idea.

"Whoa!" We heard an almost distant cry hurl towards us. Something landed roughly on the ground in front of us. After she had shook her head and recovered, she looked up and joined in on the excitement. "Are we talking about The Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

"Rainbow Dash, you told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples!" Applejack brought up, showing a hint of suspicion. "What were you busy doing, spyin'?"

"No!" Rainbow Dash quickly stood up and turned around. "I was busy napping." She directed towards the tree above us, which held a blanket and pillow. I looked up and tilted my head, covering my left eye with my bottom lid a bit in order to show my confusion. How do you sleep on a very thin branch like that…? "And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" She asked with a wide grin as she flew upside down in front of Twilight.

"Two." Twilight corrected. "Sorry, Applejack and Alex are already coming with me."

"Actually…" I answered, catching their sight. I slightly looked away towards the ground and fumbled with my hoof a bit on the ground. "…Rainbow Dash can have the other ticket… I don't really feel like going…"

"What?" Twilight immediately inquired. "Why not? It's the most fantastic night of the year in Canterlot!"

"I…I just don't feel like I'm going to enjoy it, alright?" I shot back, both intentionally and unintentionally.

"But…"

"YES!" Rainbow Dash cheered nonetheless. "This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at The Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on The Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!"

I was already feeling excluded out, mainly because of the start of Rainbow Dash's story. I removed the baskets full of apples off of me and gently placed them on the ground. "Here…sorry… I should get back home…"

Twilight appeared as if she wanted to say something, but Rainbow Dash stopped her when she continued her story as if my excuse didn't really matter. "Anyways…" She spoke as I turned around and walked away. A little rude…but whatever.

---

I stared at my hooves as I walked in town. I never could figure why I couldn't really hold my head up high like other ponies. Maybe it's because I didn't really want to look at anyone else… I don't know…

"Ooh!" A soft voice grunted lightly as I felt the surface of another warm body against mine. "Please… Excuse me…"

I lifted up my head to suddenly meet the delicate eyes of another. They were right in front of mine, and I was frozen. It wasn't until she widened them and quickly drew her head away. I could feel myself move again…but for some reason… I was actually able to look at her… Why…? Was it…because she was the one who actually shied herself away from me?

"Oh… I'm sorry… Um…" This small faint of scarlet began glowing all the way from her left cheek to her right. "A…A…" She couldn't finish.

"Alex…" I answered. As she continued to glance once in a while at me, but kept her sight away, I decided to speak. "You're…Fluttershy. Right…?"

She made a small mumbled noise. And then she nodded her head, looking towards the ground. "Mm-hm."

"I…I haven't spoken to you before…" I stated, really clueless of what to bring up.

"Mm." She repeated again.

It was like if her lips were snapped shut… But…her behavior somehow made me less nervous than she was…

To think I was bad before, she was absolutely reluctant to toss any words back. The conversation was going nowhere as she just continued to look away as I softly stared at her. The blush in her face would slowly grow and spread to the point where she might just bolt away.

"Alex!" I heard my name being called from a distance.

I looked back to see Rarity trotting my way.

"My, what a nice surprise to see you here!" She greeted as she confronted me. "You see, I could actually use your help. I was wondering if you might be interested in helping me with my shopping for new materials."

"Huh…?" I returned, beginning to feel confused.

Before she could answer my question, she noticed Fluttershy behind me, who was now looking my way. "Fluttershy? Why, hello. Were you here chatting with Alex?"

"Um…" She merely responded.

There a moment of silence before Rarity continued on that expression. "I see… Well…" She turned to me. "Come along! I can't wait to show you some of my new designs!"

"Designs…?" I questioned again, being left to follow her to find out on my own.

"C…can Angel and I…tag online?" Fluttershy spoke very carefully and softly.

"Of course!" Rarity answered. "But please keep a closer eye on him this time, Fluttershy."

"O…okay…" Fluttershy agreed and began walking cautiously behind me. I looked back to notice that there was a bunny riding on her back. He was small, so he wasn't very easy to see. However, Fluttershy spotted my awareness and quickly looked down at the ground.

Hm… I turned back to face Rarity's direction. I wonder why she seems so fragile… I don't think I've ever met a pony like that before…

"So…uh…" I tried to strike up a conversation with Rarity using what she was talking about before. "…you were saying something about materials for designs…?"

"Oh, yes!" She immediately answered. "You see, I'm a fashion designer here in Ponyville. However, I've always had these personal dreams of becoming known all over Equestria!" She waved her hoof in the air above, emphasizing her point. However, she surprised me with a long drawn out sigh. "Alas… I am only beginning my humble beginnings here. But I'm sure with a little hard work, I can get there, don't you think?" She ended by turning her head to face me.

"Oh…um…" Not really knowing what to say to that, I just spoke with whatever I had. "Sure…"

"What about you?" She asked. "Do you have an appreciation for the arts?"

I didn't really know what I liked.

"…I draw a little…"

She paused and turned her body towards me. "Really?" She questioned in an interested voice. "Why, I don't think I've met any other stallion who's an artist."

"…I wouldn't know if I can be really clarified an artist…"

"Please," Rarity continued, walking on forward again. "I may have not known you for too long, Alex. But based on our past conversations, I wouldn't be surprised if you've produced some fine works of art yourself."

"I don't really think I've ever talked about doing any works at all…"

"Trust me. An artist herself can sometimes tell the potential of another in sight."

"Hm…" I merely expressed and looked towards the floor. Her statement provoked me to think about it. And I did, along with some of the curiosity that was building up from Fluttershy's silence behind me.

It was only a short moment before Rarity suddenly stopped in her tracks, startling me a bit.

A loud gasp was heard, and then her words sounded in a surprised manner. "Are these what I think they are?"

I looked up to see her pointing at three golden tickets. Holding them was Spike, and Twilight was right behind him. Pinkie Pie was standing by her.

"Uh—"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Twilight had tried to speak, but Pinkie Pie immediately interrupted with an excited hop. "Twilight's taking me to The Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!"

As soon as she said this, I was instantly puzzled. I thought she was taking Rainbow Dash and Applejack?

I wanted to ask about that, but Rarity and Pinkie Pie were already striking up this joyous conversation about the Gala. I couldn't be able to speak through it.

"The gala?" Rarity questioned with raised eyelids. I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong," She gave a short giggle as she pushed up the loose part of her mane gracefully. "…and where I'm destined to meet him!" Her eyes sparkled as they reflected off the sky.

"Him!" Pinkie Pie shouted out and looked in the same direction, but became confused once she didn't understand. "...Who?"

"Him." Rarity repeated dreamily and began explaining through a long daydream. "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…" She released another giggle. "…what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams." She sighed happily and then looked at the tickets Spike held. "Twilight, I don't suppose that third ticket is for me…?"

"Actually…" Twilight returned. "I haven't decided yet…"

"You haven't?!" Rarity and Pinkie Pie asked simultaneously in both interest and shock.

"I thought you were going to give them to Rainbow Dash and Applejack…" I mentioned from the thoughts.

"Well…" Twilight rubbed her head as she thought of how to answer that. "I was going to stand with taking you and Applejack with me to the Gala… But then Rainbow came and you wanted to back out and then I got hungry. I just couldn't make an official decision on an empty stomach. Honestly… I felt bad when you said you didn't want to come… I thought Rainbow Dash might have pressured or pushed you into not going and…I don't know…"

I couldn't figure out if what she was trying to say was true or not. It was almost hard to believe. As I was trying to think of a sentence to respond with to that, Fluttershy unexpectedly added in to the conversation. "Um, excuse me, Twilight." She brought up timidly, poking her head out. "I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else…"

"You?" Rarity suddenly intruded with a skeptical look. "You want to go to the gala?"

"Oh, no." Fluttershy quickly dismissed her interest, but her pet bunny tapped his foot angrily on her. "I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!"

During her own adventurous reason, she had held Angel closely as she flew up, smiling at the thought of attending the gala.

"Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful?" Twilight commented.

"Wait just a minute!" We heard a voice echo.

We turned to see Rainbow Dash standing firmly on the beam of a building.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight inquired of the appearance of her.

She landed on the ground to confront Twilight. "I thought you were taking Applejack and me to the gala?"

"Twilight's not taking us the gala?" Applejack appeared in the group as well.

"H-Hold on…" Twilight tried to stop the subject on its tracks.

"But Twilight's taking me!" Pinkie Pie argued.

Before we knew it, every pony was arguing with each other, wanting the chance to go to the gala. These arguments from everypony seemed to pummel her physically, as she slid towards the floor fearfully. I wanted to step in, but I was too afraid to speak up. I needed to help Twilight, because it was her decision to make, not any of the others. In fact, this is what fueled my energy to help her when she needed it. I was getting angry to the thought of these ponies wanting to take away the liberty of Twilight making the choice with the tickets she rightfully owned. I couldn't stand the idea of that at all.

"Hey! Stop it!" I shouted out loud, but not too loud.

They all suddenly stopped talking and looked towards me. The only reason I believe this actually happened was because the only time they've seen me talk is when I was really nervous and quiet. In other words, this was the first time they've actually seen me speak out this loud.

"It's Twilight's decision on who to take to the gala, so stop trying to force the right to go for yourselves for Celestia's sake!" My anger exclaimed scoldingly.

It was silent until Twilight pushed herself up from the ground. "He's right… Stop trying to take the extra tickets for yourselves or no one is going." She asserted calmly but boldly.

"But Twilight—"

"Eh!" Twilight quickly flashed a hoof in front of Rarity, cutting her off. "This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise..." Her stomach rumbled, just how it did back at Sweet Apple Acres. "…not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo." She pointed them in the other direction, leaving them to grumble as they walked away with heads held low. Even Spike left, probably being mistaken along with the others. "And don't worry, I'll figure this out!" She added out loud. "…somehow." She finished quietly.

Of course, my anger had already burnt out. I was just…back to my normal self… I didn't really know what to do anymore, so I just decided to head home or somewhere else. However, just as I was about to turn, Twilight called me.

"Hey."

I turned in her direction to notice her looking at me.

"Thanks…" She expressed as she calmly walked towards me. "…for helping me out there. I really appreciate it…"

She stopped in front of me. My nerves returned, and I looked mainly anywhere but at her eyes. "…it's…nothing…"

"Listen…" She began. "I know I said that I would make the decision on my own…but I would really like your help." She caught my attention, but I didn't really look up. "You're the only one who seems to understand my feelings about this, and I really don't want to do this on my own." She moved her head closer to me and tilted it slightly as she lifted her foreleg upwards. "Do you mind…?"

I suddenly felt something different. I felt something…warm my heart… I don't remember ever being counted on like this before. In fact, I don't think any pony has wanted what I had to offer in a time of need like this before at all. I wasn't entirely sure what was going on or why I felt so…warm. Normally, I would have tried to find a way out of her question, but…I just…actually…wanted to help her.

"S…sure…"

It was all I could really push out.

---

"Thanks a lot for coming with me." Twilight expressed herself once again as we walked by each other's side in the town streets. "I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to help."

I scoffed quietly and looked to my other side. "Don't mention it…" I released almost under my breath.

"I want to go get a bite at the café, but I also want to bring Spike with me, otherwise he'll get cranky." Twilight smiled, as if she wanted me to lighten up as her. I didn't really react much. Nevertheless, she stopped in front of a huge tree and placed her hoof on the door within. "This is where I'm staying now." She mentioned. "You weren't here when Pinkie Pie brought everyone else for my 'welcome' party, so this is the first time you'll be seeing my new home."

Right…

"Spike." She called out after she opened and entered through. "Spike!"

"What?" He returned from deeper inside.

"Hey, Alex and I are going out to eat. Want to come?"

"I don't know, are you going to choose on what I have to eat too?" He answered a little bitterly.

Twilight released a drawn out sigh as she wiped a hoof on her face. "Spike, that was just for those girls that kept arguing about who got the tickets."

"Huh… Well, I am kind of hungry…"

"So, I take that as a yes then?"

"Yeah, let's go!" He popped out and ran out the door.

Twilight shut the door and signaled me to continue following her.

But she really just seemed to enjoy being friendly about it to me.

---

She eventually led me to the café in Ponyville. It was a restaurant that was capable of serving indoors or outdoors. I suppose Twilight liked the weather as she stopped at one of the tables just outside the building. Spike took the seat across from her and I only stared clueless at a problem that was simply solved.

Continuing to smile, she looked at me and patted the seat in the middle between Spike and her. "C'mon." She encouraged.

I wasn't completely eased as I would have preferred, of course. However, I obeyed and carefully claimed the stack of hay for my position at the table. During that time, I couldn't help but think, seeing as I never talked anyway, why Twilight continued to smile at me when she was clearly facing a problem much greater than me. Why was this?

"So, did you decide on who you're going to give those two tickets to, Twilight?" Spike asked as he continued to look among the interior of the menu, leading my eyes to drift at the one placed in front of me.

This removed Twilight's smile and replaced it with a frown of distress. She placed a hoof on her forehead and allowed her head to slowly fall towards the top of the table. She released a very exhausting sigh, recalling the stressful issue. "What am I gonna do? All of them have really good reasons to go to the gala." She focused her attention towards a vase of flowers standing at the center of the tabletop. She then worked her magic to peel out petals one by one. "Applejack and Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh… Who should be the ones to go with me?" Her stomach rumbled as she looked up in question. Then, she turned to the individual pedals on the table and just licked them off from hunger.

Another stallion walked by, obviously being the waiter. "Have you made your decision?" He asked in a very formal accent.

"I CAN'T DECIDE!" Twilight suddenly yelled out in an outburst, gaining the attention of everypony in the area for a few seconds.

"Twilight, he just wants to take your order?" Spike managed to return, pointing at the menu.

"Oh." Twilight expressed, realizing her mistake. "I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich." She answered casually.

Next, the waiter looked at me, which I pathetically dreaded. "I'll have the same…" I answered in a soft and almost mumbling voice as I looked away. Fortunately, he must have heard me as he did not request a repeat of my hesitant statement. I actually really wasn't hungry, but I didn't want to look like an idiot for coming and being here but not eating at all.

"Do you have any rubies?" Spike questioned in a much bolder voice than mine. However, the waiter gave him a silent and unamused look, leading him to retract. "No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy." He partially demanded as he threw the menu behind him.

"What do you think, Spike?" Twilight asked as the waiter was left to walk away.

"I think we have to try another restaurant." He returned, retrieving the wrong premise of the question. "I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?"

"I mean about the gala and the tickets and who I should take!" She corrected.

"Oh." He rolled his eyes backwards and pressed his nose with pressured eyes. "You're still on that?" He asked, not being sympathetic with the pony he's seemed to have a long friendship with.

"Listen!" Twilight jumped partially on the table, indirectly tossing the vase of flowers away from her. She was already frustrated enough. "How do I choose?" She sat back down after proving her serious take on it. "And when I do choose, will the other three be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away all three of them, but that would still leave two disappointed ponies! But I…" For some reason she glanced at me, and then returned towards the table, sighing heavily.

I wanted to help her, but I just couldn't bring myself up to it first…

"Alex…" I heard her call softly. "Do you have any ideas…?"

Actually…I kind of did… I wasn't really sure if it was a good one, but it was really the only one I could think of. Can she just politely ask Princess Celestia for some more tickets for her friends? Knowing her, I'm sure she wouldn't mind…probably…

As I looked at Twilight, I then began to hate myself in being unable to offer it. I was too afraid that she might think of such a thought as a ridiculous and stupid idea.

"Not really…" I muttered and grew frustrated over the coward I really was.

"Ah, your food." The waiter announced, breaking Twilight's tender stare at me. He had placed each of our plates down in front of us, which Spike immediately began chugging down his.

"Oh thank you." Twilight expressed, appearing to be greatly relieved. "This looks so good! I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat."

As soon as she could take a bite of her sandwich using her magic, ponies around us immediately began galloping past us.

"Em, madam?" The same waiter spoke up as he held the door to the restaurant open. "Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?"

"It's not raining." Twilight mentioned before she got a good look around us. Thunder boom and water showered, but for some reason, our specific and particular spot was clear as any other sunny day. "What's going on?" She asked as she looked up.

"Hi there best friend forever I've ever ever had!" Rainbow Dash's voice sounded from above. "Enjoying the sunny weather?"

"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight inquired in a suspicious tone.

"Whaddya you mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all." Rainbow Dash's explanation obviously spelled out her true intentions while Twilight returned a silent annoyed expression.

"Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for one of the two extra tickets by doing me extra special favors, are you?"

"Me? No no no, of course not."

"Uh-huh." Twilight merely mentioned skeptically to Rainbow Dash's denial.

"Seriously, I'd do it for any pony." She included, leading us to analyze the ponies around to continue galloping in search for cover from the rain. "Heh heh, eh." Rainbow Dash laughed nervously at the contradiction she was brought upon.

"Why care about her behavior?" I managed to mention to Twilight, being slightly annoyed with what Rainbow Dash was doing as well. "Just let her know that whatever she does won't make any difference in your decision."

"She probably wouldn't take me seriously…" Twilight returned. "I want her to know that I don't condone these gestures just for what she wants." Afterwards, she lifted up her head to look at Rainbow Dash and spoke out. "Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now."

"Ugh, fine." She responded in a defeated way and every bit of the light left disappeared.

"That's better!" Twilight grinned as she lifted up her sandwich to take a bite, only to be literally soaked by her choice. Well… I was too… Spike only snickered at Twilight's drenched body and mane.

"Twilight! Alex!" We heard Rarity's voice not too far from us. "It's raining." She stated the obvious.

"No, really?" Twilight sarcastically added with an already irritated look to her face.

"Come with me before you catch a cold!" She exclaimed and immediately pulled Twilight out of her seat.

I lifted a hoof and tried to step in, but suddenly I was brought out of the picture as well. Another pair of hooves were placed on me and pulled me out of the area.

---

Before I knew it, I was indoors. I no longer felt the pummel of the rain on me and it sounded different as I was enclosed inside sturdy walls to keep the rain out. However, I couldn't really see anything besides the slight light from the window outside. I tried to find out where exactly I was, but it was too dark. It wasn't until the light suddenly turned on and I was greeted by a large wide grin on a pink pony. This…startled me.

"Hi there!" It was Pinkie Pie. "Saved ya from the rain, huh?!"

"Uh…" I was pretty speechless.

"So, I saw ya with Twilight at the café! Are you getting one of the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?" She asked.

Seeing how Rainbow Dash tried to pull off a similar stunt, I slightly squinted my eyes. "No…"

"Well…Twilight was having lunch with you. If you're not getting one of the tickets, you must be helping her choose the lucky ponies!"

"Or maybe I was just having lunch with her…" I attempted to bring in a very realistic scenario.

"Come on, Alex!" Pinkie Pie now seemed to be pleading, regardless of what I was saying. "I'll give you whatever you want if you can get her to take me to the gala with her! Cake! Pies! Candy!"

"No, Pinkie Pie!" I quickly asserted, being fed up with all this nonsense from the girls. "It's her decision! You can't make her choose you because you want to go!"

She threw herself to the floor and placed her hooves on mine, giving me this very pleading look. "Please, Alex!" She begged.

"No, Pinkie Pie."

"Please!" She requested again.

"No, Pinkie Pie!" I stated louder.

"Please!"

"No!"

"PleeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSEE!" She suddenly strained out her word so much that it became quite horrid and painful to the ear.

"You know, you're not going to get me to convince Twilight by just repeating the same word over and over." I commented on her actions.

"PleeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA…"

She repeated her action again, and it didn't seem like she was stopping. I had just held a squinted and almost disgusted look on my face and walked out as she was too busy with…whatever she was doing.

---

I hurried back to the spot I previously was in before she could notice that I slipped out. Then, I headed in the direction I last remember Rarity pulling Twilight towards. While it was still raining pretty heavily, I searched for the location Twilight could have been. My strongest guess was that Twilight had to be in that boutique Rarity talked about last time, but I had no idea how it looked like or where exactly it was.

However, as I continued to walk in the direction they left, I noticed Spike running out of a large fancy building in a very dashing pace. That definitely has to be where Twilight is.

I pushed open the front door in the middle of a conversation between Rarity and Twilight.

"Wait, The Grand—" Twilight was saying suspiciously before Rarity cut her off with a loud gasp.

"And oh, my goodness," She stared at an outfit that was presented with a dress form as I walked in and closed the door behind me. "What a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T." She dashed over to Twilight, who was wearing the exact same outfit in front of a mirror, and placed a hoof around her as she spoke of her daydream at the gala. "We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!" She exclaimed out loud as she stared up, her eyes shining brightly at the thought of it. I narrowed my eyes as I knew exactly what she was doing. "Ah," She laughed nervously when she noticed Twilight catching on to her trick. "…and Twilight Sparkle, of course…"

"I see what's going on." Twilight outstretched a hoof towards her as she backed away sheepishly. "You're just buttering me up so I give you one of the extra tickets. Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else." She assured as she threw back the garments of her outfit at Rarity. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch." She noticed me as she walked towards the door to exit. She sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. "These mares!" She opened the door, walked through, and shut it angrily behind her.

I didn't know if she was expecting me to follow her, but I had other plans. I've about had it with these mares as well for the very same reason before. Of course, I wouldn't and couldn't yell at them, but I just had to speak up for once…

Rarity cleared her throat a bit and slowly inched towards me. "Alex…would you be so kind and try to convince Twilight to—"

"No." I interrupted.

"No?" She withdrew in a surprised manner.

I sighed as well, using my anger and frustration to fuel my words. "You don't get it, do you? Let me try to put it in a way you'll understand." I looked around the interior of boutique and noticed all the designs and dress forms within, immediately catching that she must have been some fashion designer. "Okay," I began. "Two friends each want you to wear a certain dress out, but how could you possibly decide on which dress to pick from the both of them?"

Rarity placed a hoof on her chin and looked back in thought for a moment. "Why should I need to choose what they want me to wear when I can rather pick out something I want to wear for myself?"

"Exactly." I pointed out with an outstretched hoof. "But you girls aren't allowing Twilight the freedom to make that choice." I explained as she seemed to begin to be slowly realizing my message with her shifting facial expressions. "All you have are your friends shoving their opinions down your throat."

"Oh my." Rarity expressed in somewhat disbelief. "Is that what I've been doing all this time? Attempting to force Twilight to what I want her to wear? Why… that's not customer service at all!"

"Uh…" I returned in a flinching sort of a manner at her words. "In a metaphorical sense…yes…"

She placed a hoof to her forehead in dramatic shock. "I've been so blind!"

Before I could add anymore to that, the door opened to reveal Applejack walking in.

"Ugh." She expressed in slight frustration. "What does it take to get a little consideration for a ticket?"

I narrowed my eyes once again, glanced over at Rarity, and then to Applejack. "Let me explain." I began as I approached Applejack. "You see… Two friends each want you to eat a certain apple…"

---

I had to use the same method with Applejack, but only change up the scenario a bit to allow her to understand clearly. However, Pinkie Pie had bounced by, as she had been looking for me to wail and plead again with. Knowing what I had to do, I also explained to her the situation with cupcakes.

"Wow… I never thought about how stressed I would be if I had to choose between TWO cupcakes! I want to eat them all!" Pinkie Pie reacted nervously in her thoughts.

"Yeah, well… I hope you all see what I'm trying to say here. Twilight doesn't like what you all are doing, and she can't make her decision when you do it. If you all were true friends and really wanted the ticket, then you'd know to wait until she makes it."

Applejack removed her hat and held it as she looked away a little worried. "I suppose we should go and apologize to her…"

"I agree." Rarity returned.

"Me too!" Pinkie Pie added.

"Thanks for havin' us come to our senses, Alex…" Applejack stated as we began heading towards Twilight's home, which was where we were guessing she'd be at. Thankfully, it wasn't raining anymore, which caused me to wonder whether Rainbow Dash had made it rain for the favor purpose only or not.

"Yeah, I was about to grab everypony in Ponyville for a party just for her! But it'd be a party for only the ticket…" Pinkie Pie included.

"Well…it's best that that didn't happen…" I answered, relieved I wouldn't be having to convince so many ponies. "If you girls are already so worked up about tickets to the gala, who knows what would happen if everyone else found out…"

I was wondering whether we'd come across Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy on the way towards her treehouse, which was highly likely as they apparently wanted to really go to the gala as well. Nevertheless, we found Fluttershy in the middle of the walk, sitting and thinking to herself.

"Fluttershy?" Applejack asked, catching her attention.

"Oh!" She answered, lightly startled. "Hi, Applejack…" She moved her head to see the rest of us. "Rarity…Pinkie Pie…A—"

She suddenly stopped when she noticed me and quickly looked away, severely repeating the behavior from the time we met earlier.

"Fluttershy…" Applejack continued. "You haven't been bugging Twilight for a ticket, have you?"

"Well…" She became hesitant with her words as she continued looking away. "…yes…but…Angel just wanted to help me. He knew how much I wanted to go…I don't blame him. It's not his fault…"

"So…" Rarity offered. "Are you saying that you're not trying to get one of the tickets anymore?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "No… I feel awful about what I did…but I do really want to go…"

"Come with us!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed out loud cheerfully. "We're going to go apologize to her right now!"

"O-oh… Um…" Once again, she seemed as if she was scared or nervous. She carefully stood up and walked towards us, making sure to avoid looking in my direction. "…okay…" She finished quietly.

Well, I suppose I was relieved that I didn't need to repeat my short and simple speech to her, but I somehow felt she wouldn't really be difficult to convince either way…

---

It was nighttime by the time we arrived at Twilight's home. The lights were on, signaling that she was home.

"You think Rainbow's in there with her?" Applejack questioned to us.

"Only one way to found out…" I placed my hoof on the door and lightly pushed the door open.

The first thing we saw was Twilight turn quickly in our direction in a frantic manner. Rainbow Dash was behind her and Spike, flying near the window with a wide grin. After Twilight observed us for a moment. She placed her hooves on her temples and released a stress-induced scream. "Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide!" She explained, clearly displaying her frightening frustration. "It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!" She placed herself on the ground with her hooves covering her head as the girls around me looked at each other with frowns and guilty looks.

Applejack was the first to approach her. "Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise."

"Me too." Fluttershy offered next. "I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful."

"And me too." Pinkie apologized loudly. "It's no fun upsetting your friends… and eating only two cupcakes…" She spoke the last part softly.

"Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did." Rarity finished to their pile of regrets.

"Yes!" Rainbow Dash suddenly interrupted the moment. "That means one of the tickets is mine! Ha ha!" She proceeded in a sing-song voice. "I got a ticket, I got a ticket!" She turned over to us to spot us holding angry glares at her. "…you know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for The Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need a ticket either…"

"We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you." Applejack explained.

"We're sorry, Twilight." They all apologized in unison, leading Twilight to remove her frown and replace it with a smile of relief.

"If there's any pony that deserves to go to the gala, it's Alex." Rarity pointed out, bringing the attention towards me.

I felt a little hot and looked away so I wouldn't have to make eye contact with any of them. I could only helplessly hear the conversation with the spotlight on me.

"Yeah," Applejack agreed. "Out of every one of us, he pushed some sense into us to see what we were doin' to you."

"I don't even want to go…" I managed to spit out.

"Oh, you absolutely should!" Rarity exclaimed. "You deserve it! And perhaps…you can take…me along…?"

I didn't say anything to that. Fortunately, Twilight was there to prevent any awkward silences.

"Spike, take down a note." Twilight requested from her dragon companion. He pulled out the required materials for a letter, allowing her to speak. "Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful." She clarified as she glided the three tickets in the air, passing them by each of us and ending its destination inside the letter. "So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning all of the tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala."

"What?!" The girls shouted out loud simultaneously.

"If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either." Twilight stated simply.

"Twilight, you don't have to do that!" Applejack responded with a slight guilt to her tone.

"Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now."

Spike opened the window and did so.

"Now you won't get to go to the gala either…" Fluttershy pointed a bit gloomily.

"It's okay." Twilight assured. "I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me," They all united and surrounded Twilight to hug her in merry cheer. "So I would rather not go at all."

Yeah…she must not mean me…

On the other hoof, Spike was to my side, pointing down his throat in disgust. But he quickly retracted when he appeared as if he was going to be sick.

"Well wallop my withers, Spike." Applejack headed over to Spike, appearing to be irritated with Spike's childish behavior. "Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment." Spike suddenly belched, releasing most likely Princess Celestia's reply. "Whoa Nelly!"

"A letter from the princess?" Twilight commented once her eyes met it. "That was fast."

Spike grabbed hold onto the letter and read it out loud. "'My faithful student Twilight, why didn't you just say so in the first place?'" A group of tickets unexpectedly appeared from within the letter. "Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" He waved the golden flashing tickets in the air in surprise.

"Now we can all go!" Twilight joyfully released, leading the other girls to cheer out loud. Rarity walked over to Twilight, just when her stomach rumbled once again. Twilight reacted with a nervous laugh.

"Allow us to treat you to dinner." Rarity proudly offered.

"What a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash stated as they all happily walked out, each receiving their ticket from Spike.

"And to celebrate!" Pinkie Pie added. "Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!"

I had been standing back where I already was as the girls left. Spike began walking off and yawning as he still held the ticket.

Huh… I guess it was for him… Well, it doesn't surprise me… I didn't want to go anyway…

However, I was caught off guard when the ticket floated over to me. It continued to float right before my very eyes, as if the ticket itself knew it belonged to me…

"How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" I heard Spike ask, having me see him sulking a bit before he burped out another letter. "'And one for you, Spike.'" Once he noticed there was another ticket in his letter, he then immediately began running out with it, holding it firmly in his claw as he giggled giddily. He instantly stopped when he noticed Applejack staring at him smugly with a crossed leg. "I mean, gross, I have to go too?" He asked with a feign expression of disgust. As soon as he passed her, he continued dashing out and giggling out loud.

Applejack only chuckled as he walked after him.

I stood there in silence, looking at my ticket.

I don't want to sound like I'm ungrateful…but I guess it isn't a surprise that Princess Celestia sent me a ticket too… She's been really wanting to see me for so long… But that's the thing… What exactly am I going to do at this…dance…? Oh, I know. I'll be a wallflower. Of course.

"Hey!" I heard a voice, leading me to look over the ticket to see who it was. It was Twilight, who was smiling very brightly at me. "Come on!" She immediately trotted over to me, grabbed my hoof, and pulled me hurriedly out of the library.

That…was a surprise.

---

She took me to Sugarcube Corner.

I really wasn't expecting it at all. I had already felt that they were heading off without me. They didn't need me right? What could I possibly offer that could make any difference? But Twilight took me anyway. She went out of her way to come galloping all the way back to her library and take me along with them. Why? I really want to know why…

The girls were circled around one of the largest tables in the building. Twilight plopped me down on a seat next to her. Was there a reason for this? Even if it was a good thing, that didn't help on how anxious I got around everypony else. They were all talking and doing their own thing with each other while I only sat there by myself. I felt as if I was making things worse. It was just like I was a hole that was making their circle empty and incomplete. But they didn't seem bothered by it…

Either way, anytime they tried to talk to me or even possibly want to add me into the conversation, I could only cope with it as much as I could. I really wasn't good with this kind of thing.

After what felt like hours, even though I excused myself several times to go to the bathroom or outside to do nothing but stall, the girls appeared to be preparing for their departure. Applejack talked about bucking apples, Rainbow Dash needed to manage the weather and practice more on her stunts, especially since they finally knew they were all going to the Grand Galloping Gala. The others had their own excuses for shuteye.

"Sleep? Who needs sleep? I'm wide awake! Woohoo!" Pinkie Pie bounced around energetically.

"Pinkie Pie, you're going to wake the whole town!" Twilight tried to shush her.

"Aww… I guess I could try to go to bed with hot cookies and warm milk…"

They ended the night with the common expression and began walking out. Pinkie Pie walked into the kitchen to possibly make herself the treat she mentioned before.

I continued sitting at the table in silence, feeling a little…empty… I couldn't really figure out if I really filled in the space that was left for me tonight. I felt like I really didn't do anything at all…but I can't pretend to be sociable or whatever I'm expected to act nowadays…

"Hey…" I heard that single word once again. It was by the same pony. Twilight hadn't even left yet and I was startled to know she was still in the room.

"Twilight?" I questioned, looking back at her. "…shouldn't you be taking Spike home?" I wondered after seeing the baby dragon on the floor napping.

Twilight chuckled softly for a moment, taking a glance at Spike.

"I just wanted to… thank you." She mentioned, but I wasn't really affected.

"For what?" I merely inquired about while resting my head effortlessly on the tabletop.

"You really helped me out today." She responded.

"Did I?" I unaffectedly asked again.

"Mm-hm!" I heard her hoofsteps towards my position.

They stopped near me, and there was a brief silence. I turned to her in wonder of what she wanted. She only continued smiling at me in this…appreciative manner.

"What?"

She didn't answer with words.

Instead, I was completely surprised when she squeezed me joyfully as she wrapped her hooves around me. She couldn't see my face, but my eyes widened and I felt myself starting to panic. My nerves immediately tensed up and I couldn't say anything. My heart began beating fast and felt as if it wanted to come out of my chest. This seemed to grab Twilight's attention and catch her off-guard as she had released a small sound of surprise.

"…are you okay?" She asked me, but I couldn't bring any words out. Afterwards, she lightly pulled away to where she could see me but kept her hooves on my shoulders. I felt embarrassed that she could see me in such a state that I was in, so I turned my head away towards the floor. I don't know what gave her the need to, but she placed a hoof on my chest as if I was some foreign object from nowhere. "…your heart… It's beating so fast… Why?" I still couldn't. After some silence, she gasped and pulled off her hooves. "Oh my gosh… Are you… Are you Chiraptophobic?" I stared at her a little in silence from her…long word. "I…I didn't know. I'm sorry!" She immediately apologized.

"…It's not like that…" I tried to explain, but it was quite hard to.

"What is it?" She asked, patiently but worriedly wanting to know.

"…it's…" Images of Twilight from my recent dream formed in my mind. If she could see what I was seeing inside of me…she'd know why…

"It's…?" She wanted me to continue, tilting and inching her head closer to me.

An intense battle commenced in my head on what decision to make. Do I try to force myself to speak out to Twilight? Or do I just keep my mouth shut? What if she laughs at me or doesn't want to speak to me again after I tell her the truth? I can't handle another humiliation like that… But…I feel like I want to tell her… But…I can't…

"…I can't…" I barely spat out.

"I'm sorry?" She returned.

After, I could only feel my mouth remain shut, and the closest I could make out to words were muffled noises.

She slowly began bringing out a hoof towards me as she formed a worried look on her face.

I didn't want to be in the current situation I was anymore. It was horrible. I looked over to Spike and figured I could try to end the issue by referring to him. "You should take Spike home…"

Twilight stopped her hoof and glanced over to Spike. "Oh… Okay…" She stood up, looked at Spike, and used her magic to pick him up lightly and place him on her back. "I'll…see you later, okay?"

"Yeah…okay…" She walked towards the door hesitantly. I began feeling immediately bad as soon as she placed her hoof on the door and pushed it open. I needed to do something, but I was too afraid to do anything really… It wasn't until she was about to completely leave when I called her. "Twilight…"

"Hm?" She turned her head back to me.

Shakily, I stepped up to her until I was close enough. Then, I looked away and brought up my right hoof to her sight. She appeared to be slightly confused when staring at my hoof and at me. However, it appeared she got the message when she brought up her hoof and shook it with mine. I wasn't brave enough for an embrace. A hoof shake was all I could really do. I also wanted to show her that my fear of touch wasn't exactly a full blown out phobia, but it was more of something I was afraid of screwing up.

"Goodnight…" I stated softly.

Taking a moment of silence, she repeated it as well. "Goodnight, Alex…"

When she managed to turn back outside, she continued her walk to home. As I stared at her walk off, I couldn't help but feel as if she was disappointed. I don't want to mess up things again…

"Cookie?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in the form of a question as she popped up behind me, holding up a plate of hot cookies.

"No thanks." I blankly answered.

"Okie dokie! Bye bye!" She cheerily returned and most likely raced off to her room.

I sighed and had no choice but to exit the closed shop.

---

I dragged my hooves against the road, kicking a few rocks depressively but a little angrily as well. I always felt like I hated myself for the way I was. That conversation with Twilight was going to be on my mind for at least the rest of the night.

However, as I was grumbling mentally to myself, I came across something soothing. There was this singing that I've never really heard before. It was really soft, but nevertheless strong. I curiously searched for it nearby until I met with this gentle stream of water. The singing became louder as I had grown closer to it. I turned towards the source, soon realizing it was actually Fluttershy. Feeling like I just…had to interact with her, I began stepping towards her until I planted my hoof on a twig and created a loud crunching noise.

She instantly gasped in a great startle and turned to notice me. She flinched significantly at the sight of me and clearly revealed intimated body language, indicating she wasn't so likely to welcome my company.

"Sorry…" I quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'll just be going now…" I turned and wanted to walk away as fast as I could to avoid any awkwardness.

"Wait." She surprisingly called, stopping me in my tracks. I slowly turned around to try to face her. "…A…Alex…right?" She questioned a little nervously.

"…Yeah." I answered briefly. I was still shocked as this was the first time she was actually talking to me.

"…sorry…" She apologized for a reason I really didn't know why. "I…haven't really talked to you…"

I felt a little push in me, as if something was trying to encourage me to get closer to talk with her. I really didn't feel intimidated by this pony, so it was easier to fulfill this wish. I managed to walk closer and even take a seat next to her. "That's alright…" I assured.

Staring at the body of water in front of her, she continued conversing lightly. "No, no. It isn't… I'm just…" She paused, seeming to be unable to finish her sentence.

"…shy?" I finished for her, seeing as I was already knowing exactly how she felt.

She slightly scrunched her eyes and looked down a bit shamefully. "…yes…"

"That's okay… I understand…" I responded as I looked away at my own spot as well.

"…you do?" She asked with the same low volume of her voice.

"Yeah…"

After that, there was this kind of…disturbing silence, well to me at least. I couldn't tell if Fluttershy was looking around with nothing to say as I didn't want to take a glance at her in case she freaked out.

I didn't know what to do at this point. I couldn't back out like a wimp this time… Not again, and not to her. Scrubbing my right hoof with my left a little roughly, I finally managed to speak out to her.

"…so…what do you do?" I questioned.

"…what do you mean?" She continued to look away, but glanced over to me. I actually managed to notice that same light shade of red across her face, despite the lack of light.

"Do you…take care of animals…?" I asked but then lowered my volume in the case I got it wrong. "…or something…?" It was the only idea I had from my past experiences with her. The night of Nightmare Moon and earlier today.

"Yes, I do!" She began showing some soft excitement, but then quickly retreated from it. "…I really like animals… They're…really sweet."

Feeling a little embarrassed and hesitant, I decided I could take a look at her flank. "…is that how you got your cutie mark?"

Instead of trading back words, her blush lightly grew and she nodded back. I didn't feel like I could bring anything else back up, so I looked back at the water and remained silent. "…what about you?" she asked.

"Me…?" I replied a little confusingly, being caught off-guard.

"Yes…" She rubbed her hoof on the ground. "…what do you do?"

I began feeling uneasy. What exactly did I have to say to her? Nothing, right? "…I don't know…"

Fluttershy found the strength to glance at my flank as well. "…what about your mark? Do you…like to help animals too?" She asked after noticing the similarity with her own.

"…no…" I answered, seeing how that definitely wasn't it. Especially after how I got it. Fluttershy seemed to be waiting for another answer to her other question. I didn't really want the attention on me anymore, so I gave her a response that I would have to anypony. "It's long story."

"…long…story…?" She tried to ask about it.

But it was something I definitely couldn't talk about at all.

"Don't worry about it. It's nothing." I unfortunately lied about in a rapid manner.

"…are you…?" She tried to speak and raise a hoof while looking at me, but it seemed too much for her.

In order to prevent anything to make the conversation…well…bad, I decided I should leave. "I should get going… It's getting really late anyway…"

"Oh…okay…" She looked back at the ground and rubbed her hooves timidly together. "…maybe…I'll…see you…tomorrow…? …if that's okay…"

"Okay." I stated as I stood up. "Goodnight…"

"…goodnight." She ended with her hoof rubbing against the ground.

Feeling as if I had failed another conversation, I reluctantly turned around and began walking home.

---

As I stared at the ceiling while lying on my bed, I couldn't fall asleep. Everything about today bothered me. They always do. I end up desperately hoping that I actually hadn't screwed up anything I interacted with. It was a confusing process even to me.

My eyes drifted towards the desk nearby. The same area where I wrote that little note or paper or whatever from last time. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to write something else…? Just something to hopefully get my mind off things…

I rolled off bed and walked a few steps towards the apparent writing station. Seeing my paper below the pencil from the other night, I grabbed a new blank piece of paper and picked up my pencil to write. I wasn't in the mood to begin with an amazing intro, so I just decided to write whatever was on my mind. It was for me anyway, not to share with anyone else. Absolutely not.

These mares. I'm so confused. They fought over each other for those two extra tickets to some big dance and later just got over it like it was nothing. I don't understand. I thought when ponies fought over something, they keep a grudge about it? But these mares forgave each other. Does this have to do with what Princess Celestia mentioned about? The whole deal with friendship? Well…maybe it has to do with those different feelings I have for these certain mares. Though their actions seem different from the others, my own remain the same. I can't change and I can't tell whether I should hate myself for it or just deal with it. So much confusion… I can't even think right now… Before I give up this writing, one more question I have to ask is…why do I feel like I'm able to…well…relate and talk more to Fluttershy? But still feel nervous at the same time?

My pencil created a sort of nonsensical line and then it just dropped on the paper. I didn't feel like writing anymore. Simultaneously, it felt useless…but also kind of made me feel better.

Forget this. I don't even know if I'm talking right.

With my eyes, I looked over to my right and still noticed that dumb ticket following me.

"Ugh." I grabbed the ticket with my hoof and placed it on the table.

I would have thought it was my crazy imagination for a minute there.

Feeling the absolute need, I fell on my bed and closed my eyes.

I don't want to think anymore.

Comments

[Evilworld]

"C…can Angel and I…tag online?" Fluttershy spoke very carefully and softly

You missed spell along.

[Peter20percent]

Chiraptophobic- not a phobia,but close to the spelling of the phobia of bats.
wait no, nevermind... its another word for the same thing..... derp

[Peter20percent]

Also
Is it a bad that whenever someone yells to get everyone to shut up I can only think of them yelling.....

HOLD IT!

Like in Ace Attorney?
It just makes me feel like I have a problem.

[YawRaw]

8874641
Yep same thing XD

[WhalenJP]

"C…can Angel and I…tag online?" Fluttershy spoke very carefully and softly.

Wait... Flutters, you HAVE INTERNET?!