Vinyl Scratch makes an unexpected friend whilst doing her job of bartending. Stories are shared, drinks are downed, and for once, it won't be a wild night.

(Don't ask how I thought this up!)

Braeburn Apple has always been raised in a conservative household, as a member of the Apple family.
Throughout his life, he's been taught what's 'wrong' and what's 'right', who he was allowed to love, and who he wasn't. Above all, he was told what to be, and how to be it.
When he meets a certain blue Pegasus stallion buying pies at Sweet Apple Acres while he just so happens to be staying there, he discovers feelings he never knew he had.
Unfortunately, they happen to be the same ones he was always taught to suppress.
Can Soarin convince him that it's not wrong to be in love, and that, sometimes, in order to be happy, you need to break out of your comfort zone?
A story about discovering who you are, and being that person, no matter what others tell you to be.

WARNING: M/M, SoarinxBraeburn Coltcuddling! Touches up on some serious social issues in the real world, but with ponies, and at least 20% cooler.
If you don't like it, please do not read it.

Featured on EqD!

Cross-posted to FanFiction.NET.

Rated T for alcohol references, crude humour, and slight language.

Cover image is by Mn27 on DeviantART.

Edited by many people, included Carcer, LunaUsesCaps, and Diexna, but none have contributed more than the amazing Smayds, who has been my main editor for almost every chapter.

As Twilight goes throughout her new life, she takes care to never forget the special ponies that helped to mold her into who she is, even with the pain that comes with the remembrance. One pony in particular, however, stands out among the rest.

When an unknown future beckons, she calls upon the blissful memories that she treasures so much, and remembers the pony who taught her the most important lesson of all...

How to love.

Cover art provided by SilFoe, used with permission.

Recommended music for the letters: Green and Blue - Halo 4 OST

Rainbow Dash receives a letter from her "biggest fan", who wants more than anything for Rainbow Dash to write back to them. All they wanted was a letter... But does Rainbow Dash do it on time?

Suggested official rating: PG-13 for disturbing themes

SPECIAL THANKS to Eminem and his song, "Stan", for inspiring me to write this story. Eminem, I doubt you'll ever see this, but if you do, I just wanted to say that you're awesome.

Also a special thanks to whoever made this picture, I give you credit for that. It's awesome.

The soft light of the moon had never felt so alone.
The wind howled.
Crows scattered.
Somepony screamed.

“Hey RD! Come pick me up at the ’Acres at seven. We’re goin’ on a date tonight.”

“What?!”

Applejack seems determined, Rainbow Dash tries to catch up.

Original Story idea by Tchernobog and Steel Resolve.
Title, pre-reading/editing assistance, and an apple cart full of awesome ideas courtesy of Tchernobog.
Post edit pre-reading by Zaphod.

Proudly part of bookplayer's AppleDash Primer; Featured on Equestria Daily 10/09/13

Scene markers were created from these.

Original vector by Are-you-jealous modified with permission.