//------------------------------// // 1 - The Calm // Story: Single Point of Failure // by TobiasDrake //------------------------------// “Spike, have you seen my illustrated guide to Everfree flora?” Twilight asked her assistant. “I want to cross-reference this sample Fluttershy found, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere.” Spike looked over from the shelves, feather duster in hand. “I think you loaned that to Zecora last week.” “That’s right.” Twilight made a note on her mental checklist to inquire about it next time she saw Zecora. “We’ll table that for now, then. I think I’ve got-” She was cut off by an urgent sounding knock at the door. “Oh, who could that be?” Spike answered the door, spying Rainbow Dash fluttering on the other side. “Hi, Spike!” Dash shouted. “Is Twilight--oh, there you are!” Without waiting for an invitation, Rainbow Dash pushed her way into the library. “What’s going on?” Twilight asked. “Is there an emergency?” “Applejack needs to talk to you. She’s over at the farm, pacing a groove into the South Orchard. She said it was extremely important. Wouldn’t tell me what about.” That’s strange, thought Twilight. If it’s so urgent, why wouldn’t she come here? “Okay, I’ll head straight over. Thank you for telling me.” Twilight headed out the door and started across town towards Sweet Apple Acres. She headed up the hill and could immediately see what Rainbow Dash was worried about. She found her friend pacing back and forth beneath one of her prized apple trees. Twilight could tell from a distance that she almost looked nervous. That’s strange, she thought to herself. Applejack doesn’t usually get nervous. This must be really important. “Applejack!” Twilight called out. Her friend stopped suddenly, looking right at her. “What’s going on? Is this an emergency?” “Only kinda,” Applejack choked out. “Nothing major, I reckon. I’m just goin’ through some things and….” “What is it?” Twilight asked, concern blazing on her face. “Is it something we need to get the group together for?” “No!” Applejack shouted. “No, it’s just…it’s personal stuff.” Applejack took a deep breath. “Look, I ain’t good at beatin’ round the bush, so I’m just gonna get right to it.” She looked Twilight straight in the eyes. “Twilight Sparkle, it would be my greatest privilege if you’d accompany me on a date tonight.” Twilight took a step back, blushing feverously. She wasn’t sure she’d heard Applejack correctly, and her mind raced for other ways that question could be taken. “I, um…I’m sorry, what did you say?” Applejack rubbed one of her hind legs against the other. She was already in it now. It was too late to go back. She stepped forward, filling the space between her and Twilight. “It’s just, that big ol’ fancy-pants party a week ago got me to thinkin’. I’ve been thinkin’ about this a bunch and there’s just no two ways about it. I’ve got feelin’s for ya, Twilight, and they’re mighty powerful. I thought that maybe ya might be willin’ to take a chance and see where this goes.” “Wow, Applejack, that’s….” Twilight looked down, trying to find something to look at other than Applejack’s hope-filled eyes while she thought of what to say. “Everything is happening so much faster than I thought it would when I moved to Ponyville.” She looked back up at Applejack. “I never could have imagined anything like this. Can I have some time to think about it?” Applejack started to get cold hooves. Her mind started putting up walls to protect her heart. “S’okay if you don’t want to, sugarcube. I wouldn’t hold it against ya or nothing. No matter what ya decide, you’ll always be one of my very best friends.” “That’s what I’m worried about,” Twilight explained. “I would be lying if I said I’d ever thought about it, Applejack. That’s true of anypony out here. I’ve been so busy with my studies and my friendship lessons that I’ve never given two thoughts about…um….” She blushed again. “Romance?” Applejack offered. “Yeah. Romance. It’s something I’ve read about in books but I never really expected it to come into my life, and I’ve certainly never given any thought to who or how or….” Twilight suddenly became aware of the fact that she’d sat down during the conversation and was looking right at Applejack, despite herself. She could feel the heat of Applejack’s breath on her face and see the hope and desire gleaming in her eyes. No one had ever looked at her that way before. At least, not that she knew of. It was a new experience for her, just like all the others she’d had since coming to Ponyville. And she realized that was the entire reason she’d come: to explore new experiences, to push the limits on what friendship was and meant, to feel things that she could never feel cooped up in a library. In that moment, she knew what her answer had to be. There was just one consideration that had to be made clear. “Applejack, the truth is that I’ve never thought of you in a romantic way before, but I might be willing to give it a chance and try taking our relationship to another level. I feel a bit awkward saying yes to this, but I do believe it could present an interesting opportunity for my studies.” The answer was already more than Applejack had hoped. She had to restrain herself from going hog-wild right there on the hill. She caught the ‘might’ in there, however, and didn’t want to get ahead of herself. “I assume you’ve got conditions, then?” “Just the one,” Twilight explained. “I need to know that no matter what happens between you and me, it won’t affect our group dynamic. I care about all of my friends and I don’t want to see anypony hurt. Can you promise me that whatever happens, we’ll always put our friendship first?” Applejack breathed a sigh of relief and smiled the biggest smile Twilight had ever seen on her face. “Twi, that’s the most reasonable thing I’ve heard all day. I can do ya one better. I Pinkie Promise that no matter what happens ‘tween you and me, I will never let our relationship come before the friendships we’ve built. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Twilight felt relief wash over her like a tidal wave. “Very well, Applejack. Then your answer is yes. I will go on a date with you tonight.” “YEEHAW!” Applejack leapt into the air, happiness beaming from her face. “Ya won’t regret it, sugarcube!” Twilight giggled. “I’m sure I won’t. Honestly, this is a great opportunity for me. I’ve learned so much about friendship since moving to Ponyville. This will be a good chance for me to study a new kind of relationship.” Applejack stopped suddenly, confused. “Uh…beg pardon?” Twilight just smiled. “Think of it like a clinical trial. In order to learn more, you observe and collect data on the subject. It’s an experiment.” Applejack didn’t quite get it and wasn’t sure she liked the sound of “experiment”, but it was still a yes so she wasn’t about to complain. “Well, alright, then. Sooner we start, the better, right?” “Absolutely,” Twilight agreed. “I’ll follow wherever you’d like to take us, um…sugar…cube?” she tried out the word on her tongue, but just felt silly saying it. Applejack scruffed Twilight’s mane with her hoof. “Don’t try to force nothing, sugarcube. Don’t ever feel like ya have to return my feelin’s if it don’t come natural to ya. I’m not askin’ ya to love me and be my Very Special Somepony. Just to take a chance and see what’s what.” Twilight nodded in relief. “Of course. Well, it’ll still be my honor to accompany you tonight.” Twilight never stopped feeling awkward about the prospect of being on a date with Applejack. She felt like Applejack wanted something from her, but she couldn’t place exactly what. Still, she had made up her mind to see it through and figured, worst case scenario, there were far worse ways to spend an evening than in the company of a dear friend even if she did have to put up with a little awkwardness here or there. Twilight was relieved when they stopped by the Cafe Hay for a bite to eat. She was afraid of going too fast and part of her had worried that Applejack was going to take her to some fine dining establishment, and she felt a little silly when she saw the place. This was much more Applejack’s speed. A fancy place like La Jument Doree was more Rarity’s speed. That thought gave her pause. She could practically hear Rarity in some snooty establishment fawning over her. “Darling, you look positively ravishing,” she would say. “Have you done something with your mane? It brings out your eyes in the most delightful way.” And then she’d probably be whispering something in some foreign language or another that didn’t mean anything but sounded really pretty and…. “This looks like a good place,” Applejack told her. “They got hay burgers, salads, all the best eatin’s. What say I grab us a seat?” Twilight was suddenly very glad that it had been Applejack that asked her. This was an excellent opportunity for a learning experience, but she was sure the whole experience would be ruined if her friend started talking to her like a jewel salesman she’s trying to haggle into a deal. She trusted Applejack to treat her fairly, and that was very important. “That would be nice,” Twilight nodded. “Thank you.” As the pair took their seats, Applejack asked her, “So what’s eatin’ ya? Couldn’t help but notice you zoning out back there.” “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about how silly Rarity would probably be acting if it’d been her that asked me. She’d probably drag me to some really upscale place, maybe even make us take a train into Canterlot for it.” “Oh,” Applejack looked down at her menu. “Was this place a bad choice? I didn’t mean--” “No!” Twilight quickly answered. “This is a good place to eat. It’s simple and familiar. I’m actually kind of nervous about how everything might change, so this place sets my mind at ease. I’m glad you were the one who asked me, Applejack.” Applejack seemed to perk up at this and before long their food arrived. Soon the pair found themselves chatting about friends and recent events. “So I told Dash, ‘I appreciate the thought, but the carrot patch is that way.’ Big Macintosh was soaked to the bone, and boy howdy, was he ever furious with her!” Twilight broke out laughing at her anecdote. She wasn’t quite sure how this was any different than just spending time with Applejack as a friend, but she had to admit that she was certainly enjoying herself. “That sounds like her. I admire her bravery, but Rainbow Dash really needs to learn how to aim before she leaps into action.” Applejack chuckled. “She really is quite somethin’. Can’t think of anypony I’d rather have at my back if Nightmare Moon returned, but I can think of quite a few I’d sooner trust with a thundercloud.” After dinner, the pair trotted over to the bowling alley. “You’re taking me bowling?” she asked Applejack. “You said ya wanted stuff that’s simple and familiar. Way I see it, bowlin’s somethin’ we might be inclined to do even just as friends. It don’t need to have no romantic connotation to it, so I reckoned it might be a good place for our date.” Twilight felt a small warmth inside of her. Applejack had not only listened to her concerns, but had chosen their venue in an effort to allay any lingering discomfort she might have at the thought of being on this date. “Thank you,” she told her. “I really appreciate this.” Twilight didn’t tell her that she’d never actually bowled before, but ultimately she didn’t need to. As soon as it came her turn to throw, it was immediately apparent that she didn’t know what she was doing. She placed the ball in front of the lane and studied it for a moment. She looked around at the other bowlers and watch the way they struck it with their hoof to get it to roll, then she tried the same thing. “OW!” Twilight shouted as the bowl began its gradual roll. It entered the lane, immediately sidelined towards the gutter, and left the pins untouched. Twilight sat down and cradled her hoof while Applejack approached. “You ain’t never done this before?” Twilight looked down, dejected. “Most sports have never really been a hobby of mine.” “Well, don’t worry. I’m here to teach ya.” Applejack retrieved Twilight’s ball from the ball return and set it down in front of her before taking a seat right beside her. “First problem is your angle was all wrong. You’re tryin’ to hit it forward, not drive it down into the floor. Instead of pushin’ it, ya wound up punchin’ it, and a ball this heavy don’t take kindly to that kind of abuse.” Twilight nodded. “I put too much downwards force into it.” “You sure did. Now try it again, sugarcube. It’s still your turn ‘til another ball reaches the end of the lane.” Twilight nodded. She stood up and this time she lowered her head to the ball, carefully staring down the lane and calculating her trajectory. She took a step back, then swung forward and smacked the ball forwards. It entered the line at a reasonable pace right in the middle, steadied in the center, and then started to drift and landed in the gutter again. Twilight hung her head low, but Applejack assured her, “It takes practice, but look at that. Your ball made it a lot farther ‘fore it hit the gutter.” Twilight took the compliment and resigned herself to keep trying. Every time Twilight’s turn came up, she couldn’t help but feel like she was being watched. She felt the piercing gaze of a set of eyes on her, and it made her self-conscious. It wasn’t until the fourth round that she realized it was actually Applejack. She glanced over too suddenly after throwing her ball and saw her companion quickly divert her gaze to the scorecard. This was a new experience and it certainly felt very awkward, but at the same time, Twilight didn’t know whether she should say anything. Was this a normal part of the dating experience? Would she be depriving Applejack or herself of some critical element if she asked her to stop? Ultimately, she resigned to simply tolerate it, despite how weird it seemed to her. They finished out their set, then they took a couple more. By that point, Twilight had actually begun enjoying the game. “It’s all math,” she explained. “This game is about calculating angles, judging for weight, and measuring velocity to ensure the optimal impact.” “Uh,” Applejack blinked. “If you say so. I just huck the ball and see what it hits.” “Well, yes, there’s that too.” Twilight looked down. “I admit, the hardest part is simply getting my hooves to do what I need them to do. But I feel like I’m getting it.” After the game, Twilight and Applejack exited the bowling alley. The sun was already approaching the horizon. Princess Luna would be raising the moon before long. “Twilight, would you come back to the farm with me? There’s somethin’ I’d like to show you.” Applejack asked. “Of course I will.” Twilight followed her through the gates and they headed out to the top of the highest hill. “What are we looking for?” As the sun touched the horizon, Applejack told her, “Just wait. You’ll know it when it comes.” Twilight sat down next to Applejack and studied her face. Her eyes were turned over the South Orchard, the treetops of which were easily visible from this altitude. “I don’t understand. What’s going to-” and then she saw it. As the sun dipped across the horizon, it sent up brilliant red and orange glows that filled the sky. The light painted the trees in the colors of autumn, and together they danced with the sky. It was one of the most beautiful things Twilight had ever seen. “This is it,” Applejack quietly told her, still staring across the trees. “I used to come up here and watch the sun go down every day when I was a filly. I’ve seen my orchard in full bloom during the harvest season more times than I can remember. I’ve seen the light of Zap Apples firing off one after another in a concert of light. But I ain’t never seen nothin’ so pretty as my apple grove gets when it’s all lit up by the glow of twilight.” Twilight was at a loss for words. Part of her thought that was really corny, but she was also taken aback by Applejack’s sincerity. She was afraid to speak, knowing that saying the wrong thing could easily offend her dear friend. Instead, she simply sat there and said, “It’s beautiful, Applejack. Thank you for showing this to me.” Together, they watched the sun go down, and then Applejack spoke up. “I should probably walk ya home.” As the pair headed for the library, Twilight asked, “What do you think the others are going to say when they hear about this?” Applejack chuckled. “I’m sure Rarity’s probably going to gasp in horror. ‘You went out with HER! But she’s so muddy!’” Twilight laughed. “Rainbow Dash will probably try to challenge me to a race to prove I’m good enough for you.” Applejack chuckled. “Nah, Dash is cool. Pinkie’s the one I’m really worried about. She’s going to scream so loud they can hear it in Canterlot.” Twilight laughed. “If she doesn’t explode, you mean. Boom! And suddenly there’s little Pinkies running around everywhere, and we have to catch them up and put them back together into one big Pinkie so she can scream at an optimal decibel.” “That’s if ponies don’t start takin’ the tiny Pinkies home as pets, y’mean.” Twilight let out a giggle. “That’s true. I certainly wouldn’t mind a little mini-Pinkie. She’d probably drive Spike nuts, though.” “Speaking of,” Applejack mentioned, “that’s your library up ahead.” It was finally time to part ways. It was on the walk to the library that she realized there was one key distinction about this being a date. She’d read about it in her books several times, and although she was nervous, she realized this was her opportunity to experience it for the first time. With Applejack. “Here ya are, sugarcube,” Applejack told her as they approached the door. Something about that word puzzled Twilight. AJ had used it so many times in the past that it wasn’t like it held a special meaning. Still, under this new date context for their relationship, it felt like it was supposed to touch her in a deeper way than usual. She resigned herself to think more on it on the next date, then caught herself already thinking about a next date without having discussed it with Applejack. Curious. “Thank you for walking me home,” Twilight said, flashing a smile. She found she was also becoming more aware of the expressions she gave, because it felt like every move or look she passed to Applejack was reflected in her. Again, it wasn’t so different from ordinary friendships, but Applejack did seem even more sensitive to changes in her mood under this new context. “You’re welcome, Twilight. To be honest, it was more selfish than anythin’. I just wanted to spend a little more time with ya before tonight ends. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really sure what I was doin’ most of tonight, but it’s been the most magical evening of my whole life.” Twilight braced herself for what was coming. She wasn’t quite sure she was ready for it, but it was part of the experiment as well so she was certain it had to be done. But Applejack merely bowed her head and started to walk away. “Thank ya kindly for indulgin’ my feelin’s, Twi. I really appreciated it.” Confused and disappointed, Twilight called after her. “Applejack, wait!” Applejack stopped, turning back. “Isn’t it customary for a date to end in a goodnight kiss?” Applejack trotted back across the field, her face stained red in a blush. “I wasn’t gonna make ya or nothing. It means a lot to me that ya even said yes in the first place. I don’t want to push.” “It’s not pushing,” Twilight insisted. “I agreed to this date because I wanted to explore the new kinds of experiences it could offer, and kissing you at the end of the night is part of that. I’m not going to be very satisfied if I don’t get my-MMMMPH!” She was surprised by the suddenness with which it happened. She hadn’t even finished speaking when Applejack was in her face, lips locking with hers. She had, in the short time she’d anticipated this, expected Applejack’s lips to taste like sweet apples. Instead, it was mostly a bit of salad from earlier this evening mixed with a bit of dirt and grime she assumed Applejack had picked up from working in the fields. Not quite the fantasy she’d invented in her head. Yet it was not altogether unpleasant. There was something electric in the kiss that jolted through her entire body. She could feel the warmth of Applejack’s passion, of her desire, in a way that finally made it all real. Applejack had feelings for her. Applejack, the Element of Honesty and one of her dearest friends, wanted to pursue a romantic relationship. No matter how it went, nothing might ever be the same. When the kiss finally broke, Twilight’s head was spinning. She had so much to think about. She looked at Applejack’s face and saw happiness and fulfillment there, and for a moment it terrified her to think of how much was about to change. Several seconds passed before anyone said anything. It was Applejack who spoke up finally. “I, uh…I should probably let ya head inside, then….” Twilight blinked, coming out of her daze. “Yeah. Yeah, that would be a good idea. Thank you, Applejack. I had a good evening.” As Applejack began to walk away, Twilight suddenly realized she hadn’t brought that up. Calling after her, she shouted, “Oh, and I get to pick the next date!” Then she headed inside. Not two seconds after the door closed, Twilight was frantically calling through the library. “SPIKE! Spike, where are you?!” Spike came out of his room dressed up in his pajamas, rubbing his eye and yawning. “What’s going on? Did something happen? Are you—wait, did you JUST get home? What time is it?” “That’s not important!” Twilight insisted. She needed to get this out while all these thoughts and feelings were still fresh in her head. “I need you to write a letter to Princess Celestia! It is absolutely urgent!” Spike yawned again, but he picked up his quill and that was the most important thing to Twilight. “Dear Princess Celestia,” she dictated. “Today was full of surprises beyond anything I could have expected. When you first agreed to let me stay here, I was sure that it was an opportunity to explore the many different facets of friendship, but I never imagined that I would find myself discovering something even more delightfully complex. Today, I went on a date with Applejack—“ “You did WHAT?!” Spike interrupted. He hadn’t meant to, but it struck him so hard that he couldn’t help himself. He understood the words she was using on their own, but assembled in that order, they painted a picture he couldn’t fathom. “Spike, please focus,” Twilight insisted. “I’ll answer any questions when we’re done.” “Okay, I’m sorry.” Spike turned his attention back to writing. “Today, I went on a date with Applejack. It was a tremendous surprise when she asked, but I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to learn new things about different kinds of friendships, and I was right. I’m still trying to put together all the different nuances of her behavior, but I feel like this could be a great chance to learn more, both about friendship and about myself.” “I’m still not sure what the difference between being on a date and spending time with someone as a friend is, but I’m sure I’ll learn as time goes by. I’ve already agreed to a second date. One distinction I’ve already picked out is the kiss.” Spike blushed as he wrote that part. He wasn’t sure he really should be privy to this information. “There’s something about the kiss that I couldn’t quite place. There was an energy to it. A warmth I never expected. I’m probably going to have to perform more experiments before I fully understand it,” Twilight giggled. “But it felt very nice and it made me feel like I made the right choice. I worry that by agreeing to my first date, I feel like I’m opening up a door inside myself to dangerous new emotions. I’m scared of what it could mean for the friendships I have, especially with Applejack. But I’m also kind of excited, and I can think of nopony that I can trust with my feelings more than her. Applejack promised me that we’d be friends no matter what happens, and I believe her.” “So, to conclude, I will keep you appraised of any new findings I make as I explore new paths in my relationship with Applejack. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Spike put down the quill, rolled up the document, and sent it off with a puff of magic fire. He then immediately turned on Twilight. “Okay, now what’s going on?” Twilight beamed at him. “Just what I said. Applejack asked me on a date tonight and it went really well.” “Applejack, huh?” Spike blinked. “Wow. I never would have expected that.” Climbing out of bed the next morning, Twilight thought to herself. I wonder what Applejack’s doing right now? She giggled. I’m supposed to think about stuff like that now. I bet she’s out bucking the apples right now. Or getting ready to buck apples. Or… It occurred to Twilight that she didn’t know much about what Applejack did on the farm apart from applebucking. She’d have to correct that. Sauntering downstairs, she was surprised by the sudden presence of Rarity in the library. Before she could get so much as a good morning out, Rarity asked, “Is it true, darling?” Twilight blinked. “Uh…good morning? Is what true?” “Well, Cheerilee says she heard from Octavia that Lyra and Bon Bon were-” Twilight’s eyes started to unfocus from the gossip chain, so Rarity kindly skipped it. “Never mind. The point is, people are beginning to say that you and Applejack were spotted last night having some manner of romantic tryst!” With a raised eyebrow, Twilight explained. “We had dinner and went bowling. I’m not sure what that’s about.” Rarity breathed a sigh of relief, trotting around the table to Twilight. “Oh, that is wonderful. See it’s just like I was trying to say to Cheerilee; you can never trust that den of vipers Ponyville calls its rumor mill. The lengths that some people will go to manufacture a scandal is simply-” “Wait, hold on,” Twilight clarified. “I mean, it wasn’t some big lovey tryst or anything, but Applejack and I did go on a date last night.” Rarity froze where she was standing. Her mind raced to recalibrate the statements she’d just said before she spoke again. “O…of course. That’s…I’m so happy for you.” “Uh-huh. That’s not what it sounded like.” “Oh, that was….” Rarity sighed. “I’m terribly sorry, I shouldn’t pry. You know I adore you both and would never speak ill of Applejack. I’m just not sure what you have in common, is all.” Twilight perked up, curious. “Why should that matter?” “I’m sorry, you’re right. Oh, I am just digging a deeper and deeper hole for myself, aren’t I?” “No,” Twilight shook her head. “I meant that. You see, I’m trying to study the differences in romantic behavior versus friendships and you sound like you know more on the subject than I do. I’d appreciate whatever help you could offer me.” Rarity smiled warmly. “I would be delighted. So, this is all some kind of experiment? Oh, that makes so much more sense. To think, I was beginning to worry you and Applejack had some kind of feelings for each other.” Twilight was surprised once again by Rarity’s candid disdain for the idea. “Would that be a bad thing? I thought that was how a romantic relationship is supposed to happen.” “Well, no, it’s just…we have so much to talk about.” Twilight nodded. “You might be right. There’s still so much to learn. And I have to figure out a way to break the news to Pinkie without her deafening half the town in excitement.” Rarity’s eyes filled with pity and she shook her head. “Oh, darling. She’s been standing behind you for this entire conversation.” Twilight turned her head and instantly her vision was filled with Pinkie Pie’s gigantic grin. “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” came the booming sound of her excitement, no longer able to be contained. Congratu-adulations! To you, also to y-ou… Pinkie stopped and glared at the empty space next to Twilight. “There’s supposed to be an Applejack here. This needs fixing!” “Pinkie, wait!” Twilight shouted, but she was out the door and gone before the unicorn even knew what happened. Another solid kick and another tree’s worth of apples came tumbling down into the baskets. Applejack lifted her hat to wipe the sweat from her forehead. The sun was high in the sky, and that meant she still had a long day of work ahead of her. She didn’t have time to start wearing down now, especially not after starting off as slow as she had. She tried to keep her mind to work but it kept drifting back to last night. She traced the curves of Twilight’s features in her imagination as she carried the baskets. She remembered the taste of Twilight’s lips as she lined up her kick. She could hear the sweet sound of Twilight’s voice as Rainbow Dash tumbled out of the tree and sprawled on the dirt below. It had been everything she’d hoped for and—wait. “Rainbow?! What in tarnation were ya doin’ up there?” “Looking for you!” Dash shot back. “Well, ya didn’t seem to be lookin’ too hard when I was settin’ up my baskets.” “So I might have gotten bored and took a nap. It’s a big farm! You should have, like, a schedule or something of where you’re going to be when you’re working.” “We have a schedule, thank you.” “Yeah, but I mean a physical one.” “It’s posted on the barn.” “I can’t keep track of all these changes you make!” “Been up there for three weeks.” “Look, that’s not important!” “Well, it’s important to me ‘cause it helps us keep track of where everypony’s workin’ each day.” “I wanted to talk about yesterday!” “Yesterday I was in the South Orchard. It’s right there on the schedule.” “ENOUGH ABOUT THE SCHEDULE!!!” Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to tear her mane out. “Twilight. After a moon and a half of keeping your secret, you owe me details. Everypony in town is already talking about it! I have friend privileges; you can’t keep this from me!” “Alright,” Applejack complied. “Help me load up the carts, though. We can talk, but I’m workin’.” Rarity stirred her tea magically as she addressed Twilight. “Listen. You are a dear friend and I want nothing more than to see you happy. The same is true of Applejack. But I don’t know if either of you understand the risk that this experiment of yours poses. These kinds of relationships…they go wrong, Twilight, and the damage can be catastrophic.” “I know that,” Twilight answered her. “When she asked me on that date, Applejack made me a Pinkie Promise. We agreed that we’d always look after our friendships first. You need to know that I’d never do anything to jeopardize any of my friendships and neither would she. If it doesn’t work out then we’ll end it, but we’ll be friends no matter what.” Twilight felt a strange pang of hurt at the thought of breaking things off, but she pushed it to the back of her mind. Rarity sighed. “You need to know that I have nothing against Applejack. I just don’t know that she’s a very good fit for you and that worries me. She’s so physical and so…grimy…all the time. And you’re, well…you’re not. I adore you, but you’re not. What are you planning to do? Lay out in the orchard and read your books to her while she’s tending her crops?” At the suggestion, Twilight jumped up from the table. “That’s actually a great idea. Thank you, Rarity! I can also prepare a lunch for her while I’m at it; I’m sure she’s probably bound to get hungry, working as hard as she does. Would you lend me a hand in the kitchen?” Rarity smiled. “Of course, I would. I’m not yet convinced that this endeavor you have both embarked upon is a good idea, but if there’s ever anything I can do to help it go smoothly, please don’t hesitate to ask.” “She said what?” Fluttering in front of Applejack, Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow quizzically. “She called it an experiment,” Applejack repeated herself. “I don’t rightly know what to make of it, but at least it got my hoof in the door. You should have seen her last night, Rainbow. She was positively glowin’.” Applejack closed her eyes and drifted off into memory. “’And when we kissed, it was like-“ “Wait, hold up, you actually got her to KISS you?” Applejack smiled, fondly immersed in the memory. “Not at all, Rainbow. She asked me to. I was all set to say goodnight and be on my way, but she insisted that the date end with a kiss. It was magical.” “Well, that’s certainly something,” Dash acknowledged. “You probably shouldn’t worry too much about all that experiment talk, then. It sounds like she’s coming down hard with Applejack Fever!” “Yeah, I hope so. Now all I gotta do is figure out how to break the news to the others. Pinkie’s gonna be the hardest. I made a Pinkie Promise and all, so I’m gonna have to tell her about that sometime.” Rainbow Dash chuckled. “That shouldn’t be too hard. She’s been standing right behind you this whole time.” “She what?” Applejack turned and her vision was filled with Pinkie’s eyes, huge as dinner plates. “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” she exploded in a cry that shook the trees. Congratu-adulations To you, also to y-ou… Pinkie stopped and glared at the empty space next to Applejack. “You know, for a pair of special someponies, you two are doing an awful lot of not being around each other.” Applejack blushed. “I wouldn’t call us that right yet. We just had our first date and all. Twilight offered a second but—“ “Twilight offered the second date?” If Dash grinned any harder, Applejack was sure her mouth would fly right off into the sky and maybe go do her job. “Oh, you charmer! You’ll have her eating out of your hoof in no time!” Applejack fixed a stern gaze at Dash. “I’m not…that’s not what I—“ “SOOOOOOO what’s this I hear about a Pinkie Promise?” Pinkie hopped expectantly in front of Applejack. “Well, the deal is, I promised Twilight that no matter what happens, we’d always put our friendships above our datin’. If it becomes a choice ‘tween our friends and bein’ snuggly together, y’all come first.” Pinkie gasped. “That is SO SWEET. That might just be the best Pinkie Promise I’ve heard yet!” Applejack rubbed her neck with her hoof. “It was her idea, truth be told. She wanted a promise. I just upgraded it to a Pinkie Promise, on account of wantin’ to impress her and all. But I’m as good as my word, so those are the rules.” Pinkie swooned. “That is the sweetest thing. You two will be SO GREAT together!” “I’m sure,” Dash chuckled. “C’mon, AJ, spill! What’s your super-secret plan for getting Twilight to melt like jelly on your next date? You’ve got to have something.” “Well, the first part of any good super-secret plan would be not tellin’ it right in front of her,” Applejack answered. “Hello, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight greeted her cheerily, trotting up the path behind the fluttering pegasus. Her saddlebags were loaded down but she looked like she was on top of the world. “Has everypony been talking about me?” “Oh, Twilight! I, um, you see we were….” Dash blanched, struggling for an answer. But Twilight just kept smiling. “It’s okay if you have. The books I’ve read said that after a first date, it’s common for both parties to confer with their closest friends to discuss the events and how they will pertain to their ongoing life. I’ve done a little of that about Applejack today, and it’s nice to know you were all thinking of me as well.” Then she looked right at Applejack and told her, “I’ve prepared a picnic lunch for you today, for whenever you get hungry. I thought it might be nice to spend some time together. Rarity had a lovely idea that I would like to discuss with you, whenever you’re finished decompressing about our night together.” As Twilight started to trot past them and towards a small clearing in the orchard grove, Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack, “Okay, Romantic Twilight is downright eerie. I have no idea what to make of that…calmness….” “WAIT A MINUTE!!!” Pinkie shouted, zipping in front of Twilight to push her back towards Applejack. “I have waited ALL DAY to sing my song and I’M GOING TO SING IT!!!” Applejack just blinked, but Twilight nodded. “Very well, Pinkie. I would be delighted to hear it.” Congratu-adulations To you, also to you! You’ve taken that first step On adventures fresh and new You’ve made the choice To take that chance And now’s your time To find romance Congratu-adulations On this wonderful breakthrough Congratu-adulations To you, also to you!!! Twilight blushed as Applejack nuzzled her. “Thank you, Pinkie. That was beautiful.” Pinkie sprang forward and pulled the two into a hug. “I’m going to be throwing you a getting together party! It’ll be tomorrow afternoon. I hope you both can come, it will be a very poor getting together party if you aren’t together at it.” Twilight looked to Applejack, who nodded. “We’ll be there.” As Pinkie stood up away from them, Twilight asked, “Now, if nopony minds, would it be possible for me and Applejack to have some time alone. There are a few things I would like to discuss with her and, also, lunch.” “Read you loud and clear,” Rainbow Dash answered. “Come on, Pinkie. Let’s go see if Fluttershy’s heard the news yet.” It was on the third date that Twilight agreed to dinner at the Farm. She would have agreed on the first, but Applejack hadn’t asked. “I know y’already know my family and all that,” Applejack explained, “but it’s customary fer us Apples to bring a pony we got our eyes on home. But we don’t have to do that yet if ya think it’ll make things awkward, ‘cause of your experiment and all.” Twilight smiled. “That’s not going to be a problem at all. I would love for you to introduce me to the family, Applejack. The books I’ve read have always been so mean about the family of your Very Special Somepony and it would be a great opportunity to see for myself whether any of it is warranted.” Applejack blushed at the words ‘Very Special Somepony’. “Oh, are we….?” “What? Oh, no, I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m ready to be Very Special Someponies just yet, although I am open to the possibility. Our clinical trial has gone very well so far, and I’ve already recorded a wide variety of observations on the interactions of…do I have something on my face?” “Nah,” Applejack grinned. “You’re just cute when you’re lost in your books and papers. I’ve always admired that big brain of yours.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but it was as much as she was comfortable sharing. She didn’t want to mention that every time Twilight slipped into talking about studies and experiments, she felt a pang of hurt inside. She wasn’t lying when she said that the enthusiasm with which Twilight threw herself into their dates had endeared her even more, but the idea that she thought of her as a subject or a sample or a point of data on some chart stung. She wouldn’t say anything about it, though; the last thing she wanted was to trample on Twilight’s feelings and wind up ending the experiment. Maybe in enough time, she thought, it might go away. Either Twilight’s exclusive focus on the studious aspects of their relationship or her own feelings of hurt about them. Either way, she felt the best thing to do was to just keep on going. But no matter what, she couldn’t quiet that voice inside her that kept whispering, this ain’t what I wanted. She was still hearing it when they arrived at the Apples’ door. Opening the door, she called out to the family, “Hey, y’all! We’re here!” Apple Bloom was laying out on the couch when Applejack and Twilight entered. She was on her hooves in seconds, with a great big gasp escaping her lips. “It’s true!” Twilight laughed. “Hello, Apple Bloom. How have you been? Is school going well?” “I’m okay,” Apple Bloom answered. “But that’s not important! Is it true you’re datin’ my sister, Twilight? Have ya kissed?” “Apple Bloom….” Applejack warned sternly. “No, it’s okay,” Twilight assured her. “I came here tonight expecting to be grilled. Yes, Apple Bloom, it’s true. Tonight is our third date, in fact. As for kissing....” she glanced over to Applejack. But the farm pony cut her off. “You’re hard to resist, Twi, but let’s not traumatize my little sister. Or cause her to do somethin’ that might puncture my ears.” “SOUP’S ON!!!” Granny Smith called through the house. Twilight started for the kitchen, but Applejack held up a hoof to stop her. “Big Macintosh is cookin’ tonight. I don’ know what that was about.” “Why don’t’cha sit down?” Apple Bloom asked eagerly. “I wanna hear all about how ya got together! What makes ya so interested in my sister!” Panic seized Applejack’s heart for a moment. The last thing she wanted was Twilight going on about experiments and clinical trials and studies in the middle of her family dinner. She had no interest in answering the questions that would inevitably come with them. But as she took a seat on the couch, Twilight had a different answer in mind. “The thing I like most about Applejack is how hard-working and dedicated she is. She does so much every single day to take care of her family and her friends, and she never lets it get her down. She’s gone out of her way to help me, personally, on so many occasions. She is the bravest, the strongest, and the most honest pony I’ve ever met.” Twilight flashed Applejack a quick smile. “So when she asked me, how could I say anything but yes? It may not be in the same way as what she feels for me, but I admire Applejack.” Applejack was speechless. It was an awful lot closer to the kind of answer she’d been hoping for when she first asked Twilight on her date. As she tried to formulate a thought, Big Macintosh could be heard shouting from the kitchen. “Soup is actually on this time!” Dinner proved to be a lot of fun. Apple Bloom insisted on sitting next to Twilight and refused to stop with personal questions. “If she’s goin’ to be my new big sister,” she insisted, “then I wanna know all I can about her.” Applejack insisted that Apple Bloom was getting far ahead of herself, but Twilight seemed to pay it no mind. If anything, she seemed to be enjoying the questions. By the time dinner was over, it almost felt natural for Twilight to be there. Applejack felt as if Twilight had always been one of the Apples, and they were only now noticing. But the time inevitably came for Twilight to head home. “Can I get a moment’a privacy?” Applejack asked the family as she saw Twilight to the door. “Eeyup,” Big Macintosh answered, picking up Apple Bloom and marching upstairs. “Thank ya for comin’, Twilight,” Applejack told her. “It meant a lot to me to have you here tonight.” “Of course. This was a wonderful experience for me.” Twilight leaned her head into Applejack’s neck and nuzzled down her— “OW!” Applejack jerked up. “Oh! I’m so sorry!” Twilight insisted. “I’m okay, really. What was…Twi, was that your horn what just jabbed into me?” “I am so, so sorry. I’ve never done that before and I wasn’t paying attention and-" “It’s okay, Twi,” Applejack insisted. “I still love ya. It feels like it’s just a scrape. I’ve been hurt worse than this during applebucking plenty of times. Just be more careful in the…what?” Twilight had gone still as a statue, staring at Applejack. It took her a moment to realize, but then the words caught up to her too. ‘Ah still love ya’. “Oh. Oh, no, I probably said that way too early, didn’t I? I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I got powerful feelin’s for ya, but I don’t want to make things awkward or nothing.” Twilight took a look back around the house. She stepped back into the dining room and looked at the table settings in place. She looked up the stairs at where Big Macintosh had taken Apple Bloom. And she looked back at Applejack, like she was seeing her again for the first time. The reality of everything that was happening struck her right then and there. The Apples had welcomed her into their home like she was one of them, because she was with Applejack. And she was with Applejack, that also sank in. “Somethin’ wrong, sugarcube?” There was that word again. Applejack used it for many of her friends and family, but it had a new connotation now. So many things that were once innocuous, things like spending time with the Apples, had new connotations. What had Apple Bloom called her? ‘New big sister?’ Was she about to become Twilight Apple? Was she okay with that? “Applejack,” Twilight whispered. She turned to look at her. She hadn’t meant to, but Applejack had gone there. She’d said the words. ‘I love you, Twilight Sparkle.’ Maybe not in that order, Twilight admitted, but she had. “I…Applejack, I….” Applejack could see her struggling with indecision and confusion, though. Before Twilight could finish, she stepped forward and kissed her. “Don’t force yourself, Twi. Ah told ya not to force anything, and that’s especially true of this. I don’t want to hear those words unless ya mean ‘em. I can wait forever if I have to, but I want it to be special.” Relief washed over Twilight’s face as she looked down. “I should probably get going, then.” “Yeah,” Applejack agreed. “I’m sure ye’ve got a lot to do. Gotta record those findin’s ‘n stuff.” Twilight nodded vigorously. “After today, I might just have a new letter to Princess Celestia to write. Goodnight, Applejack. Sweet dreams.” “She said what?!” Rarity was positively flummoxed. Twilight didn’t usually join her and Fluttershy at the spa, but she desperately needed someone to talk to. Last night’s events were weighing heavily on her mind. “She said she loved me. I don’t know how to—wait, what is she doing with my hoof?” “Oh, you’ve never had a hooficure before, have you?” Rarity tilted her head back and laid it on the pillow behind her as the beauticians began their work. Fluttershy took a deep breath. Of all the treatments the spa could offer, this was not her favorite. She didn’t even really see the point of it, given that it would only be a matter of time before it was ruined by dirt, leaves, and twigs but Rarity often insisted. “It goes easier if you cooperate,” she assured Twilight. Twilight nervously tried to copy Rarity and just lie back, but there were ponies messing around with her hooves. It felt like an uncomfortable invasion of her space. She swallowed hard and tried to get back to the matter at hoof. “Right. Anyways. Applejack told me she loved me, and I just started stammering like an idiot. I wasn’t expecting things to move so fast.” “She actually said it just like that?” Rarity asked. “Just came right out and said, ‘I love you, Twilight Sparkle’?” Fluttershy blushed. “Aww. That’s so sweet.” Twilight looked down, but then spotted the beautician beginning to file her hoof and quickly looked back up again. “Not exactly like that, no. I think it might have been an accident, but I’m worried. When I started this trial—“ Fluttershy looked over at her. “Trial? Like an experiment?” “Twilight’s only pretending to be interested in Applejack,” Rarity explained. “What?! No!” insisted Twilight. “It’s a clinical trial to allow Applejack to explore the feelings she has for me and determine whether or not I’m capable of returning them.” “Oh, I get it,” Fluttershy nodded. “Like when I’m trying out a new idea I have for helping one of my animal friends. I don’t want to just jump into it all at once. What if it doesn’t work or, worse, causes more problems? So I ease them into it slowly and I watch and see what kind of effect it has.” “YES! THANK YOU!” Twilight shouted. “Somebody understands.” “So then why does her declaration bother you?” Fluttershy asked. “Because…because I’m worried about what’s going to happen if it doesn’t work out. I thought I could take things slowly, treat each experience as it comes, but now I’m worried that Applejack is getting too invested. I don’t want to hurt her.” Rarity fixed a piercing gaze on Twilight. “Then answer me this. Do you, Twilight Sparkle, actually feel any of the sort of feelings Applejack has for you?” “I don’t know. I don’t even know what it would feel like if I did. I thought I might just work things out with time, but now I’m starting to get scared.” “Are you even attracted to her physically?” “What?” Twilight blushed. “A…attracted to Applejack?” “Does the thought of being physically close with her, being touched by her, held by her, fill you with a burning desire? Or does it just make you uncomfortable?” “Well...” Twilight closed her eyes as she thought. “We have shared a few kisses and I accidentally scratched her with my horn, but I don’t know about ‘burning desire’.” “I think you need to take some time and really think about what you’re doing. You’re playing with powerful emotions and I don’t think you fully understand them. What’s worse, you’re leading poor Applejack into believing that she has a future with you when you don’t even know for yourself if that’s something you want.” “Maybe you’re right,” Twilight accepted. “I’ll talk to Applejack tonight.” Twilight spent the rest of the day in the library, thinking about the dates she’d had with Applejack. Rarity wasn’t wrong. Applejack was getting invested quicker than she’d anticipated and now there was a very real risk of causing irreparable harm if she allowed the relationship to continue like this. “I’m sorry, Applejack,” she said to the empty library, wishing to herself she’d never agreed to that date in the first place. As the sun began to go down, she knew Applejack would be finishing up the harvest soon and made up her mind to go meet her. As she walked, she thought about herself and her feelings. She thought about the tingling she’d felt, the energy in Applejack’s lips when she kissed her. She thought about the warmth that entered her body when Applejack explained to her the custom behind the family dinner. But she also thought of the emptiness and fear when Applejack said those terrible words. Am I ready for so much to change? Do I even want it to? Or would I rather go back to what she and I had before. If I let this run any longer, will I lose the chance to go back? What if it’s already gone now? As she entered Sweet Apple Acres, she saw Applejack headed for the house. “Applejack!” she called. The farm pony turned and spotted her, and Twilight saw how her eyes lit up the moment she realized she was there. She felt a pang of guilt for it. “Hey, Twi!” Applejack cantered up, with a smile on her face so happy that Twilight would swear she was possessed by Pinkie. “What brings ya ‘round these parts?” Twilight didn’t answer at first. She knew what she had to do, but she was terrified to do it. Once those words left her lips, her dear friend’s heart was going to shatter into a million pieces. She took another look at the farm house and her mind raced for a way to start. She could hear Rarity’s voice in her head. “Are you even attracted to her physically?” “Applejack,” she started. She looked AJ right in the eyes and could see how her initial enthusiasm had since turned to concern. Twilight’s eyes drifted over the rest of her physique. She was built strong, with powerful hind legs for kicking. Her hair was like fresh picked corn in the early morning sun. And there was that silly hat she always wore. Twilight had never asked about it, but couldn’t picture her without it. Was she attracted? She didn’t know. What would that even feel like? Making up her mind, she decided that one last test was in order. “Applejack, I need you to kiss me.” “What’s this about, Twi?” “Please,” Twilight blinked away a tear. She was crying? Just a little, but it was as much a shock to her as to Applejack. “Please don’t ask me questions right now. Just kiss me.” Without another second’s hesitation, Applejack stepped forward and captured Twilight’s lips in her own. Twilight closed her eyes and felt the warmth and energy from her lips, still every bit as present as it was the first time. She felt the way it made her heart tingle like nothing she’d ever done before. The way it set her whole body on fire. When Applejack broke the kiss, Twilight opened her eyes and stared at her, vision blurred over with streams of water pouring from her eyes from what she’d come to do. She knew what had to come next, and it was time for her to do it. “Twilight, what’s wrong?” Applejack asked. Twilight took a deep breath, looked her straight in the eyes, and said, “Applejack, it would be my greatest privilege if you’d accompany me on a date tonight.”