//------------------------------// // Wedding Day // Story: Our Little Clementine // by MaxBeezy //------------------------------// It’s a beautiful and warm Sunday afternoon. The sun shines on the Crystal Empire, and ponies of all kinds, both normal and clear crystal ponies, are walking towards the Crystal Castle in droves. Some are in normal attire, others in fancy suits, perhaps in the hope that the royalty inside will notice and compliment their appearance. At the front of the castle, flowers are adorned all along the railing of the stairway, and a troop of musicians are stationed at the top of the stairs, playing a fanciful tune that greets the guests as they make their way inside. Today is a perfect day for a wedding. Inside the fitting room for the groom, Dawning Shield paces around; his brow dripped in sweat, as he looks at the vows floating in front of him, trying desperately to memorize them before the big day. He mumbles and stutters at every third word, a minor improvement over every word. But, he’s not the only groom inside the room with him. Slip Wing, more calm and collected, watches his friend pace around. He is trying desperately not to chuckle at his nervousness, but deep down, he’s as nervous as his royal friend. It’s been almost four years since Clementine and Slip Wing got together, and exactly four since Dawning Shield and Allotrope confessed their love for one another, and a lot has happened since those monumental moments in their lives. Dawning Shield and Allotrope’s union became the talk of the Crystal Empire for many moons, with some ponies thinking that it was a sort of political move to further establish peace between the Changelings, despite the fact that Equestria had been at peace with the Changelings for about twenty years now. Dawning Shield was quick to correct such rumors in a public address; a first for the Prince, as he wasn’t comfortable with public speaking. As for Clementine and Slip Wing, after their near pregnancy scare, the two have been careful ever since, lest they face the wrath of Clementine’s father. The two attended Canterlot University together, where they have done well in terms of studies. They weren’t the top of the class, but they didn’t want to be. They were more than content with just being good. As the years went on, their love was as strong as it ever was, and before their final quarter at college, Slip Wing was the one who popped the question. Clementine was caught off guard, mainly because she wanted to pop the question first. In a surprising move, Clementine declined, but before Slip Wing could ask why, Clementine proposed herself. Slip Wing had no hesitation and said yes. “Dawning, relax.” Slip Wing smiles “It’s going to be fine.” “But, what if it’s not going to be fine? What if I screw this up? What if I say the wrong name?!” “Wrong name? Why in Equestria would you say the wrong name?” “I get nervous! My tongue gets tied up, and when it does, I say the wrong cranberry!” “Huh?” “See?! I said cranberry! Not name! I’m such a mess!” Dawning Shield brushes his mane back in a panic, running to the mirror to hyperventilate. “Are there any paper bags around? I think I need a paper bag.” “It’s okay. Breathe.” Slip Wing says cooly. “Why aren’t you nervous? What’s your secret?” “My secret is that I’m always nervous. I just try my best to control it. After that whole thing with Clementine almost getting pregnant, and her dad trying to kill me, I’ve been trying to contain my jitterbug feelings. Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m shaking in my hooves.” “What? You don’t…” Dawning Shield looks down, noticing a small quake in Slip Wing’s stance. “Oh, I see it, now. What do you do to contain it? Tea? Drugs?” “What do you take me for?” Slip Wing chuckles. “Well, I do drink some warm chamomile tea. Other than that, I think of the thing I love most, and focus on that. You love Allotrope the most in this world, right?” “What kind of question is that? Of course I do.” “Then, think about her. Think about her walking down the aisle, and about the future you’re about to share together. Think of nothing else, and you’ll be fine.” “Huh…” Dawning Shield thinks. He thinks about Allotrope, and all the things Slip Wing has said. He’s right. His thoughts of Allotrope walking the aisle is relaxing. A smile forms on the Prince’s lips, and he closes his eyes in a euphoric state. “This is nice.” “I knew you’d relax in no time. Always works.” In a separate room, the brides to be stand by the mirror, wearing their wedding dresses. Clementine wears an ensemble that fits her souther persona. To anyone who had seen her mother and father’s wedding, her dress looks remarkably similar to her mother’s. A flowing white dress, with a white stetson hat, and a veil covering her face. She looks upon the dress with a smile. Allotrope, is more fanciful, but befitting a creature such as herself. A black gown, with emeralds around the torso, simulating a changeling’s body but in dress form. Allotrope was never a fan of white dresses, as she felt it didn’t fit her pitch black body. Rarity, her designer, welcomed the challenge. Though Allotrope is happy with the design, the event that it’s for is making her shake. “I don’t know if Dawning will like it.” Allotrope sways back and forth. The emeralds shimmer in the light as she does it. “Sweet Celestia, Allie. Ya know who yer talkin’ about? Dawnin’ will think that yer the most beautiful bride he’s ever seen!” Clementine rolls her eyes at Allotrope’s nervousness. After all that has happened, it would be impossible for Dawning Shield to dislike anything that Allotrope wears. “Tartarus, AH think yer the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen!” “Don’t be so modest, Clementine.” Allotrope blushes “You are quite lovely, yourself. Your dress is absolutely stunning. It fits your rugged personality, but beautiful features.” “Rugged, huh? Ah suppose I’ll take that as a compliment.” Clementine says teasingly. “It is very much a compliment. After all, it’s thanks to you that we were able to have such a wondrous bachelorette party.” “Ah don’t think gettin’ drunk with Skye and Terra, and wreaking havoc in Las Pagasus is what ah would call wonderous. Ya must be thinkin’ of a different party.” “Nope, I specifically remember us stealing a Manticore from a cage, and letting it loose on a bunch of stallions that were saying lewd things to us earlier in the evening. Nopony was hurt, but it was quite a hoot.” “Ya really do have a devious side to ya, Allotrope. Ah bet Dawnin’ is a fan of it.” “Oh, he certainly does.” Allotrope smiles mischievously. As the two laugh, a knock on the door is heard. Clementine opens it to see Applejack and Cadance waiting to see them. Applejack looks Clementine up and down, tears forming in her eyes to see her daughter on her big day. “Oh mah goodness, Clem. You are gorgeous!” Applejack says, voice all choked up. “Ah feel like huggin’ ya, but ah don’t think Rarity will appreciate the creases on the dress.” “Horseapples, Mom. Come here.” Clementine brings her mother in for a big hug. Cadance walks past them, heading towards Allotrope. Much like Applejack, she gives her future daughter-in-law the once over on the dress, marveling at the make of it. “It’s wonderful.” Cadance says with a nod. “Dawning Shield is going to love it.” “Thank you, your majesty.” “Allotrope, there is no need to address me as such. There never has been.” Cadance puts a caring hoof on Allotrope’s shoulder. “You’re a Princess, now, and part of the family. If you must, you can call me Mother-In-Law, or, since that’s a bit of a mouthful, Cadance will do just fine.” “Sorry. Guess I’m still not used to the idea of being a Princess. It’s not difficult is it?” “It can be.” Cadance laughs, “But that’s mine and Shining Armor’s jobs. Yours and Dawning Shield’s jobs are just to accompany us when we go on our important trips. Just remember, though, when Shining Armor and I retire, it’ll be you and Dawning that will take the throne.” “O-Oh…” Allotrope says nervously, prompting another laugh from Cadance. “That won’t be for a long, long time, though. Relax.” she pats Allotrope on the shoulder. Applejack continues to hug her daughter, and Clementine’s smile hasn’t faded. Clementine then feels something strange, her mother is trembling, like she’s attempting not to cry her eyes out, but is failing at such a task. Clementine gently pulls Applejack away, seeing tears pouring from her mother’s eyes. The farmpony maintains her proud and brave face, but her tears betray her at the same time. “Aw, Mom.” Clementine smiles gently, getting a handkerchief from the side pocket on her dress. “Y’all don’t need ta cry.” “Ah can’t help it, honey.” Applejack wipes away her tears, but it doesn’t take long for more to appear. “My filly is gettin’ married. Ah thought I’d be prepared for this. After today, ya won’t be home anymore…” “Mom, ah haven’t been home all the time. Ah was in college, remember? Ah was livin’ in the dorms.” “But, ya won’t be home as often. What about Nightmare Night, Givin’ of Thanks Day, and Hearth’s Warmin’ Eve?” “Come on now, ya know that Slip and ah will be there. Don’t ya fret. Just cause we’re married, does not mean that we’ll ignore y’all. That’s the last thing we’ll do. In fact, we’ll never do that, ah promise ya that.” “Pinkie Pie swear?” Applejack smirks. Clementine comes in for another hug, wrapping her forelegs tightly around her mother. Applejack whimpers and sniffles, still in disbelief that this is the day that her daughter will be married. “Cross mah heart…” Clementine whispers softly in Applejack’s ear “Hope ta fly. Stick a cupcake in mah eye. Ah swear.” Applejack smiles warmly, kissing Clementine on the cheek. Inside the church, towards the front of the altar, Matt and Shining Armor sit, waiting for their wives and the wedding to begin. Next to them is Chrysalis, Celestia, and Luna, who await the wedding with much anticipation, though not as much as the fathers at their side. The place gets more crowded by the second, with apple family members, citizens of the Empire, and changelings hoping to get a look at this hybrid. “You think everything is okay?” Matt turns to Shining Armor, “You don’t think they have cold feet, do you? Or…cold hooves?” “No. I don’t think so.” Shining Armor nods, but there is doubt in his voice. “Gah, thanks a lot, you just put that thought in my head.” “Sorry. I’m nervous. I want this day to be perfect.” “Well, one thing is for sure, it’ll be much better than my last wedding day.” Shining Armor makes a glance towards Chrysalis, who rolls her eyes. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?” Chrysalis wonders with a scoff. “You imprisoned my wife and tried to rule over Canterlot.” “Oh, please. You know you loved it.” she smiles her fangy smile and speaks in a sultry tone. “You can deny it all you want.” “I-I did NOT enjoy having my wife trapped in a crystal cave!” Shining Armor says, offended. “Chrissy? Are you teasing poor Shining Armor again?” Celestia leans over. “What? He started it!” “Don’t be such a filly.” Celestia gives Chrysalis a shoulder bump. “Besides, this is an important day for the brides and grooms. Try to keep the teasing down to a minimum?” “Aw, but it’s so much fun.” she pouts, then shrugs. “Fine, no more teasing…” she slowly turns back to Shining Armor and grins “…for now.” Shining Armor looks away from Chrysalis egging him on. Matt can only shake his head with a chuckle, patting Chrysalis on the shoulder as a sign that enough is enough. Without words, she nods and looks back to Celestia, giving her a kiss on the cheek, as if giving her a promise that she’ll be on her best behavior for the rest of the wedding. Matt looks to Shining Armor, and notices something interesting. Shining Armor’s eyes are watering, but he keeps a stoic face, trying to hold back tears. “Hey…” Matt puts a hand on Shining Armor’s shoulder “You okay? I don’t think Chrysalis really meant what she said.” “I meant it a little bit…” Chrysalis whispers. “Shush.” Matt suppresses a laugh, pressing Chrysalis on the cheek in a half-hearted attempt to push her away. Chrysalis goes back to being good. “I’m not tearing up about that.” Shining Armor shakes his head “It’s…I’m not very good at weddings.” Shining Armor’s voice cracks and he sniffles. “It’s worse now, because…my little colt’s getting married.” He let’s loose before the wedding even starts, leaning in on Matt’s shoulder. “How did they grow up so fast?” “I have no idea.” Matt shakes his head. Seeing his friend cry is making him tear up, too. “One minute, they’re little fillies and colts, the next, they’re walking down the aisle, or waiting at the altar. You’d think twenty years with them would go by slow, but it doesn’t. It’s fast, and we just have to go with the flow.” “Sorry for being such a cryfoal about this.” “Don’t be. You’re making me cry, you weirdo.” Matt chuckles, so does Shining Armor. “I’m happy that Dawning Shield is marrying such a great mare. It’s like they were made for each other.” “I know what you mean. Clementine and Slip Wing were meant to be, since the day that they met.” “You got that right.” Quill Pen says, sitting behind them with Ditzy Doo, who has been wiping tears away this whole time. “Once he saw little Clem gumming that crown, it was love at first sight.” Shining Armor and Matt laugh, remembering the situation vividly and fondly. Suddenly, Shining Armor feels warm lips on his cheek. He looks to his right to see nopony. He looks to the left to see Chrysalis, who has reached him with her long neck to kiss him warmly on the cheek. She moves over to Matt and kisses him on the cheek, too. The two fathers simultaneously rub their cheeks, staring at Chrysalis with confusion. “What was that about?” Shining Armor asks. “I’m proud of the both of you. You two have made great fathers. Great husbands, too.” Chrysalis gives them a kind a gentle smile. Matt is used to this look, and smiles with her. Shining Armor isn’t used to such a look, and remains bewildered. “Who are you, and what have you done to Queen Chrysalis?” Shining Armor asks, half in jest, and half genuine. Chrysalis merely laughs in response. Soon. Applejack and Cadance walk into the church. Murmurs from the ponies and Changelings abound, as they bow to Cadance. She gestures for them to be at ease, as she is not there for a speech or coronation, but for a wedding. The two arrive at the sides of their husbands; Applejack sits with Matt, and Cadance with Shining Armor. “How did it go?” Matt asks. “It’s really happening, isn’t it?” Applejack sniffles and smiles. “Yeah…” he wraps an arm around her “…it is.” The doors open again. This time, Dawning Shield and Slip Wing walk in. Murmurs and bowing once again commence. Dawning Shield is used to such attention, but Slip Wing is not. He knows that the guests are bowing towards his regal friend, but he likes to imagine that they are bowing for him as well. This makes him hold his head high and trot like he’s kind of a big deal. Quill Pen and Ditzy laugh at his antics, while holding back their own tears. The two grooms make it to the altar, standing next to each other. The Preacher arrives, standing in the center, floating his book in front of him for preparations. Slip makes some minor adjustments to his suit, while Dawning Shield does the same, inspired by his friend’s actions. Finally, the moment has arrived. The organs play the beginnings of the wedding song. The ponies , changelings, Matt, the Princesses and Queen, all rise up, and turn their heads to the massive doors on the back. The doors slowly open. The flower fillies arrive, but they are not fillies, they are Skye and Terra, who are serving as the Bridesmares. They toss flowers with enthusiasm and joy, before going to the Bride’s side. As they take their spots, Dice Roll and Fast Lane, the Best Stallions, stand by Slip Wing and Dawning Shield. “Hey.” Dice Roll whispers “We have the rings.” “Good.” Dawning Shield nods. “You know which is which, right?” “Yeah. I have Allotrope’s ring, and Dice has Clementine's.” Fast Lane nods. “Perfect.” Slip Wing looks to Dawning Shield, “So far, so good.” The classic wedding theme begins to play. Everypony is silent, and everypony awaits the brides that are destined to walk down the aisle. After a few moments, Clementine and Allotrope, standing side by side, walk into the room in unison, and down the path that leads them to their future husbands. The crowd oohs and ahhs at their beauty, with a couple of the changelings staring at Allotrope in stunned silence. “They’re staring at me.” Allotrope whispers to Clementine “Do I look okay?” “Trust me, ya look more than okay. They’re lookin’ cause yer pretty.” “So are you.” They look into the eyes of the only stallions whose opinion matters, and they’re expressions are that of two colts who have died and gone to heaven. Both Allotrope and Clementine’s eyes well up at the sight of their loving stallions, and they make it down the aisle, standing where the bridesmares are. The music comes to a close, and all the guests inside take a seat. The Priest takes a few steps forward, clears his throat, and looks down at his book. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Queen Chrysalis, along with friends, relatives, and the many fine folk of Equestria, to witness the union of these stallions, and these mares, to live together in holy matrimony.” The Priest looks to the stallions and to the mares. “Do any of you have vows to share?” Dawning Shield and Slip Wing nod. Dawning Shield’s horn glows, but nothing appears from his jacket pocket. He cocks and eye brows, checking other pockets, and soon, a look of panic on his face. He turns to Slip Wing, whispering “Do you have a copy?” “No.” Slip Wing whispers back “You made only one sheet. “What do we do now?” “Improvise, of course.” Slip Wing asserts, stepping forward. Dawning Shield follows. “From the heart, okay? Don’t be nervous.” “Okay…” Dawning Shield sighs, summoning courage. He looks ahead, into the expectant eyes of his beloved Allotrope. As he looks on, all the doubts and fears he is feeling begin to slowly but surely slip away, as her gorgeous emerald eyes, and fang-y smile cause his heart to beat strongly. He looks to Slip Wing, nodding. He’s ready. “Allotrope…” “Clementine…” Slip Wing follows along. “From the moment I saw you…” “I thought one thing…” “Gosh, you’re beautiful.” Slip Wing and Dawning Shield speak at the same time. The audience laughs. “When I got to know you more…” Dawning Shield continues “I came to find your greatest qualities.” “You were kind…gentle…” says Slip Wing “Funny…selfless…” “An absolute joy to be around.” “And while it took me…” “Us…” Slip Wing corrects. “Us…to admit our feelings…” “The moment that I…” “We…” Dawning Shield now corrects. “We…did…it was a moment that neither of us were ever going to forget.” “Every day has been nothing but a gift…” “And if I had the chance to change one thing.” “I wouldn’t…” the two speak in unison “Because we wouldn’t have done it any other way.” The crowd awws at their speech. Allotrope and Clementine smile and become teary eyed. Clementine approaches Slip Wing, placing a hoof on his chest, and leans closer to his ear. “Ya probably woulda preferred not ta have me fall off a waterfall, though.” she whispers softly. Slip Wing chuckles. “Okay…maybe I would have changed that part.” he whispers back “But it was nice to play the hero.” “You’ll always be mah hero, Slip.” she grins, stepping back to be at Allotrope’s side. The Priest looks to the Best Stallions, asking “Do you have the rings?” Dice Roll and Fast Lane nod. Dice Roll gives his ring to Dawning Shield, and Fast Lane gives his ring to Slip Wing. The two grooms look at their rings, then at each other. Swiftly, they exchange rings, noticing that they were given the wrong ones. Clementine and Allotrope chuckle at them, while Dice Roll and Fast Lane blush in embarrassment. “Step forward.” The brides and grooms step forward in response to the Priest. “Prince Dawning Shield, do you take Allotrope to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold? For richer or poorer? In sickness and in health? For as long as you both shall live?” “I do.” Dawning Shield responds. “And do you, Allotrope, take Prince Dawning Shield? To have and to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? For richer or poorer? In sickness and in health? For as long as you both shall live?” “I do.” she grins. “Slip Wing…do you…” “We do.” both Slip Wing and Clementine interrupt with enthusiasm, prompting laughs from the crowd, and cheers from the Apple family. “Then, by the power vested in me, by the kingdom of the Crystal Empire, I pronounce you, Stallions and Wives.” The Priest turns to Slip Wing and Dawning Shield. “You make kiss your brides.” Slip Wing and Dawning Shield go to their beloveds, and Clementine and Allotrope meet them halfway, culminating in a loving kiss, causing the room to explode in cheers and applause with their hooves slamming the floor. Matt and Applejack embrace tightly at their daughter’s union, and Shining Armor and Cadance do the same. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie runs up the altar, lightly pushing the Priest out of the way, who chuckles at the abrupt nature of her appearance. “Okay, everypony!” Pinkie Pie shouts “You all saw the wedding, now come to the courtyard for the REAL party!” she emphasizes the party bit by blowing into a party horn. The crowd cheers and heads for the exit. While the wedding was a regal affair, the reception afterwards is anything but. Thanks to Pinkie Pie, the place is a haven for those looking for a fun time, with games, and a dance floor playing catchy tunes, from remixes by DJ-Pon3, to classic tracks from Countess Coloratura. The brides and grooms sit at their main table, while their parents have their own table, having fun and eating some of the delicious food from the massive buffet. Rarity tries her best playing pin the tail on the pony, but her worry for her dress keeps her distracted, making her nearly poke Donut Joe in the eye. He takes it in good spirits, though, as he laughs while he dodges the near loss of his left eye. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy dance on the floor with other ponies in attendance, including a couple of changelings. Other changelings go to the table where the brides and grooms sit, hoping to get a closer look at Allotrope. The changeling-pony hybrid still doesn’t know what to make of the attention, though her friends and husband assure her that they are merely curious. Allotrope responding in kind to the changelings attention gathers great favor among the species, with them noting her polite demeanor. Part way through the reception, the music dies down, and Twilight comes to the podium. She gestures for those on the dance floor to part, as the main event is starting. “Okay, everypony, it’s time to slow it down a tad, and for the brides to take the floor.” she looks to Clementine and Allotrope, ”Pick your first dancers of the evening.” Clementine stands first, walking over to her parents table. She stops at her father’s side, tapping him on the shoulder. Matt points at himself in a ‘who me?’ fashion, and Clementine pulls him out of his chair with a chuckle from herself and Applejack. The two go to the center of the dance floor. Clementine does her best to stand up, while Matt hold her to keep her balance. The slow music starts to play, and Clementine rests her head on Matt’s chest, as he sways side to side, much like his slow dances with Applejack. “You sure you want me as your dance partner?” Matt asks. “I’m sure. Ah thought it was tradition fer the father to dance with the daughter on her wedding’ in yer world.” “Sometimes. I wouldn’t have been offended if you didn’t pick me.” “It’s fine, daddy. Ah wanted ta dance with ya.” “Thanks, sweetheart.” Matt smiles, holding her tight like she’s going to slip and fall at any moment. Allotrope still sits at her table. Dawning Shield nudges her on the shoulder. Her face is worrisome, almost sad. Seeing Clementine dance with her father, though touching and sweet, also reminds her of her loss many years ago. “Hey…” Dawning Shield whispers, “You don’t want to go up there?” “I do. I just…don’t know who to pick. Clementine has her father, but I…” “Excuse me.” a voice cuts in, “But would you mind dancing with me?” Allotrope doesn’t see who it is immediately, but she notices Dawning Shield’s look of amazement and shock. She turns around to see Queen Chrysalis looking down at her, with a gentle and calming smile. Chrysalis reaches a hoof out, hoping for Allotrope to take it. “Q-Queen Chrysalis?” Allotrope stutters. The Queen of the changelings does not respond, merely chuckle at the bride’s nervousness. Allotrope looks at Chrysalis’ friendly and inviting hoof, slowly taking it. The two go to the dance floor, and commence their own slow dance, with Clementine and Matt seeing them with a grin on both their faces. Allotrope shakes in her hooves, while Chrysalis attempts to keep her calm by having a hoof on Allotrope’s back, giving it a soft caress. “There’s no need to be nervous, Princess Allotrope.” “I-I’m sorry. But…it’s you. The…the Queen…” “It’s been ages since somepony has reacted to my presence like that. I have to admit, it is kind of nice. But, this day isn’t about me. This is your wedding day, you must enjoy it.” “I am, but…I’m a bit surprised.” “That’s a fair assessment. I do regret not formally meeting you sooner. It was always on my mind, but…truth be told…I was a bit nervous as well.” “You? Nervous? Why?” “I didn’t know what to ask. I was afraid that my questions would trouble you, maybe upset you. I know of what happened to your family, and I didn’t want to pry. In a way…I sort of avoided you.” “Oh, well…I guess that makes sense. But…avoiding me for eight years is kind of a long time.” “It is, isn’t it?” Chrysalis chuckles. “Please forgive me.” “You are forgiven your mag…I-mean Chrysalis.” Allotrope giggles, “Sorry, I’m still not quite used to this; being royalty and all.” “It’s alright, my dear. With you now a Princess of the Crystal Kingdom, we will be seeing a lot of each other. It’ll be my honor to get to know you better.” “I’d like that.” Allotrope smiles, resting her head on Chrysalis’ shoulder. Matt and Clementine watch Allotrope and Chrysalis dance, and smile at the sight. Clementine turns her attention back to her father, resting her head on his chest. Their dance continues to be slow, with Matt making sure that Clementine is comfortable, as she has never danced like this before. Matt looks down at his daughter, who looks happier than she has ever been. He stares with a grin, still thinking of her as his little filly. He recalls his earlier conversation with Shining Armor, about how fast everything had passed by. Seeing his daughter, twenty years old, now married, makes him long for the days where she was still young. His bottom lip quivers, and a tear runs down his cheek, dropping onto Clementine’s muzzle. Clementine looks up at him, seeing the tears in his eyes. “Dad? Are ya crying?” “Huh?” Matt attempts to be cool when wiping away the tear, but he fails miserably, nearly poking his eye out in the process. “No. I-I’m not crying. I’m just fine.” “Daddy, ya don’t need ta be all macho with me. Ah know how much of a softie you are.” “I’m not a softie. You’re the softy.” Matt says in faux protest. “I remember when I could hold you with one arm. You used to look at me like I was the most amazing thing you’d ever seen. You’d even try to nibble at my thumb.” “That's right." Clementine chortles, remembering him telling this story before. "Ah did try ta do that.” “Yeah. You were a little terror. Okay, not really a terror. It was kind of cute, actually.” Matt sees Clementine chuckle at his reminiscing. “You're all grown up, now. Can't nibble at my thumb, anymore. I can’t believe this is happening.” “What?” “This. You, getting married. It’s like the last twenty years went by like it was yesterday. I…” Matt gets emotional again, his eyes watering. “I’m not sure if I’m ready, yet.” “Aw, don’t be like that, Dad. It’s not like Slip and ah are just gonna run off and forget about ya and Mom. You only built that house for us up the the road. A mile ain’t that far.” “It’s far to me. I should have built that house closer.” “It’s good that it’s far. We kinda need our privacy.” Matt looks down with a slightly sharp look. “Um…to watch loud movies, Dad. Geez. We don’t want ya hearing all the big explosions when yer tryin’ ta sleep.” Matt holds the look for just a little longer, and Clementine looks at him with a pout. Suddenly, the two laugh, unable to hold their serious faces for any longer. “Your grandparents would be proud of you, Clem.” “Ah know. Ah wish Grandma was here with us.” “Me too. Unfortunately, not many know that she can come here. Only some of Ponyville knows. If she arrived in the Crystal Empire, it would bring a bunch of questions. Don’t worry, after the honeymoon, I’ll arrange for Slip to get his band made, so you and him can visit her yourselves.” “Ya mean it?” “Of course. She’ll have to meet her grandson-in-law, after all.” “Oh, Daddy.” Clementine holds him tighter. “Thank you. Yer the best Dad ever.” “Your Mom also helped with the idea.” “Mommy’s the best Mom ever, too.” Clementine laughs. “Ah know ah wasn’t the best daughter in Equestria, but ah think you two are the best parents ah could ever ask for.” “Oh, Clementine. You ARE the best daughter in Equestria, and I'm not just saying that to make you look better. I mean every word of that. Not a day goes by that we didn’t love you. Even when you did drive us crazy.” Matt smiles, another tear rolling down his cheek. “Even when ah was bein’ a big punk, and called ya names?” “Even when you did that. There’s nothing you could have done that would have made us not love you.” “What about teamin’ with Tirek to rule Equestria?” “Well…” Matt thinks about that for a few seconds “…that would have shaken us up, but we would then go on a big adventure to get you back, because we love you that much.” Clementine’s eyes water, much like her father’s. Seeing the love in his eyes, and the sadness he is feeling about letting her go. She knows he still looks at her like a filly, but it doesn’t bother her. It lets her know that he cares her about her, and that he would do anything to see that she is happy. "It's so easy to believe ya. Ya just have one of those faces. An honest face. An apple to the core." "To the core?" Matt thinks about that for a moment. "Oh, apple cores. I see what you did there." "Dad, I'm bein' serious." "I know you are. You don't notice my serious face?" Matt makes an over the top version of a serious face, making Clementine laugh and prod at his shoulder in playfulness. "Honestly, I like that. An apple to the core. It's catchy." "Ah knew you'd like that." As the two smile, the song slowly comes to an end. Allotrope and Chrysalis bow, and go their separate ways, and the ponies around stomp their hooves in approval. Matt sets Clementine down, kneeling before her. His hands are still on her shoulders, as if afraid of letting her go. Clementine can feel the fear in his hands, as they tremble on her shoulders. Her eyes glaze over. “I guess it’s time for you to dance with the groom.” “Yep.” Clementine smirks, still tearing up. "Suppose I should let you go to do that, huh?" "Ah suppose ya should." she chuckles, but tears are pouring. Slowly, she leans forward, kissing Matt on the forehead. When she leads back, she sees that she has unleashed the waterworks in his eyes. His bottom lip isn't quivering, his lower jaw is. Clementine leans forward again, wrapping her forelegs around him, holding him tighter than she had ever held him before. Matt's arms slowly come up, wrapping them around her, and he attempts to match her tight grip with his own, but he can't. While he's strong for a human, he still can barely match up to his own daughter. He doesn't care. He knows that this is the last time that he'll be able to hug her for a while, and he's going to make the most of it. "Goodbye, Daddy." “Goodbye. My little Clementine.”