Nothing had gone to plan. Well, that’s not fair. When you’re dealing in chaos, nothing’s supposed to go to plan. Chaos is the plan. So, in a way, it was a rousing success, but that proved to be little consolation.
The time to act had come and went. Now was the time to wait. To watch. To observe. He knew that opportunity would strike in time. The chisel was already in play. All he needed now was the tiniest crack.
“We are gathered here today to once again honor the heroism of these six friends who stood up to the villain Discord and saved Equestria from eternal chaos!” With these words and a profound cheer from the gathered assembly, Princess Celestria revealed a great new stained glass window of Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeating Discord.
It was the proudest moment of any of their lives, apart from that other time when they defeated Nightmare Moon and restored Princess Luna.
After the unveiling came the celebrations, and they lasted long into the night. Applejack had just left the buffet line for the second time when she was startled to hear a voice behind her. “Excuse me, Applejack? Would you mind taking a walk with me?”
None other than Princess Celestia was towering over her, her rainbow mane flowing in the air. “O-of course not!” Applejack replied. How could she say no to Princess Celestia?
“Thank you,” the Princess replied. “I promise it won’t take long.” As Celestia trotted out the ballroom doors, Applejack stole a glance at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, staring right at her. Rainbow Dash returned her look of abject terror, and then out the door she went.
“She’s toast,” Dash uttered to Fluttershy.
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked. “I don’t know why the Princess would want to speak with her in private, but it can’t be anything bad, can it?”
“Are you kidding?! She’s been canoodling with the Princess's student. She is royally screwed!”
“Oh,” Fluttershy looked down at her glass. “I should go get more punch. Then we can toast to Applejack’s memory.”
Outside, Applejack and Princess Celestia walked along the veranda. Celestia breathed in the cool night air and looked up at the moon, still beginning its ascent. “It’s a wonderful night tonight. My sister has really outdone herself.”
“It is quite lovely,” Applejack reckoned. “My, uh…my compliments to Luna.”
“I’ll be sure to pass them along.” Turning her attention fully to the matter at hand, Celestia asked Applejack, “Do you know why I wanted to speak with you?”
“Is it about Twi and me? I swear I don’t mean for any harm to come to her! She just means a whole bunch to me and she’s smart and pretty and I’m ramblin’ now so you probably think I’m an idiot or something but I’m only tryin’ to do right by her.”
Celestia giggled. “Calm down, Applejack. I trust that you have only the best intentions. Twilight’s written enough about all five of you that I feel as though I’ve known you for years. She’s very thorough when something catches her interest.”
“Oh, right,” Applejack looked down, embarrassment glowing in her cheeks. “She writes about us, doesn’t she?”
“Don’t worry. She leaves out the really private details.” The wink Celestia gave her sent a chill down Applejack’s spine. “But that is what I wanted to talk to you about. It was about three weeks ago that you introduced Twilight to your family. Which wasn’t much of an ordeal, I understand, given that she already knew them.”
Applejack nodded. “Yeah-huh. Little Apple Bloom’s already taken to callin’ her a new sister and has an uncanny knack for findin’ just the right times to ask the most embarrassin’ of questions. Big Macintosh is a bit harder to read, but I think he’s warmed up to Twilight mighty quickly. And Granny Smith? Well, she’s just happy I’m not goin’ for some highfalutin’ society pony.”
Then she considered the words she’d just said. “Although I guess bein’ your student and all, Twi’s about as high as one could probably falute, but the point is she don’t act like it. She’s humble and she cares about all of us. It’s easy to forget that she’s a unicorn of quite some status.”
Celestia looked down at Applejack. “Your candidness does you a great service. And what of your parents? What did they think of her?”
“They….” Applejack choked back her feelings, then tried again. “They ain’t exactly around no more. It’s just me, my brother and sister, and our Granny Smith.”
“Oh, how careless of me,” Celestia lowered her head. “You have my sincerest apology for bringing up such a tragic loss for you.”
“Yeah, well, it is how it is. We’ve learned to live with it. We Apples are built tough.”
“So I see. I’m beginning to understand why my student is so enamored with you. Well, I suppose it’s time we get down to the reason I pulled you away. Twilight Sparkle is a very dear student to me, and I wanted to take some time getting a measure of your character in person before I made my decision. Applejack, you have my formal blessing to continue pursuing this relationship with her.”
“Hoo-nelly,” Applejack was struck by the Princess’s words. Still, a pang of sadness gripped her heart. “That’s mighty kind of ya, Princess. I don’t rightly know what to say.”
“There’s nothing you have to say,” Celestia answered. “Though I confess, I expected you to be more excited. Is there something weighing on your mind?”
Applejack blanched. Of course the Princess would see right through her. “I dunno. I guess I’m not sure how much of a relationship it really is. Twi’s so hard to read sometimes.”
Celestia lowered her head to speak with Applejack on her level. “You have to understand something about her. Before she went to Ponyville, Twilight had very few friends. She spent most of her days locked away in the library studying magical theory or practicing. It was a great shock to me when she declared she wanted to stay in Ponyville with her friends. The truth is, you five were the last thing I ever expected to happen to her, and I could not be happier that you did.
In her short time in Ponyville, Twilight has become very dedicated to the relationships she’s built. Her life is beginning to revolve around the five of you. But she doesn’t always know how to express herself, because she didn’t spend her formative years building social connections. So please, I would ask that you have a little patience with her.”
Applejack considered the Princess’s words and then, with a deep breath, she nodded. “I will, your majesty.”
“Thank you. Now, I believe it’s time we got back to the celebration.”
“I just don’t get it, Rainbow.” Applejack paced in her guest room. The Princess had offered all six of them accommodations within the palace for the night. “I’ve been seein’ Twi for weeks now and it’s everything I wanted it to be, pardonin’ some weirdness. The Princess just gave us her personal blessin’. Why ain’t I happy?”
With a roll of her eyes, Rainbow dash answered. “'Cause you thought she'd love you back.” Dash’s perceptiveness cut straight through Applejack, and she could feel the truth in her heart. “I know the Princess said to be patient, but you’ve been patient. It's been three weeks, AJ! Y'know how long that is in pegasus years?!"
“I know,” Applejack stopped suddenly, the energy to pace abandoning her. She took a hard seat on the carpet where she stood.
“Well, have you talked to her about it?!"
Fear gripped the farm pony’s heart. “Are ya crazy?! Ya didn’t see her face when she showed up out of nowhere to ask me out. She was cryin’, Rainbow. I thought for sure she’d come to break it off!” She shook her head. “Nah, I just need to ride things out. It ain’t perfect but it’s more than I ever thought I’d have with her. If I don’t rock the boat, I can at least enjoy her company.”
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound like a good idea.”
“That’s ‘cause it ain’t, but it’s all I got.” Applejack bit back a tear. She would not cry in front of Rainbow. “I can’t lose this, Rainbow.”
Dash opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” Dash assured her. “You just lie there and mope.”
Dash opened the door to see Twilight Sparkle standing on the other side. “Oh, hello,” Twilight greeted her warmly. “May I speak with Applejack? I would like to invite her to take a moonlit walk on the terrace with me.”
“Uh, yeah, I’ll—“ Dash was cut off by Applejack suddenly next to her, throwing the door wide open.
“I’d be happy to!” she practically shouted. “I’ll catch up with ya later, Dash!”
Twilight giggled. “I’m glad. Before we go, I have something I wanted to give you.” Her horn sparkled with magic as she levitated a bouquet of irises for Applejack.
The farm pony’s heart immediately melted. “That’s mighty kind of ya, Twi.” Taking the bouquet in her teeth, she laid it down by the bedside table before heading out the door to join her. “I’ll eat ‘em later, when I get hungry tonight.”
“They’re a good color, so I hope you’ll be thinking of me while you do.”
As the two started walking away, Rainbow Dash could make out Twilight saying, “I’ve been watching the moon and it’s at just the right angle to ensure the optimal romantic atmosphere…..”
“Yep.” Dash grunted to nobody in particular. “That’s romance, alright. Angle measuring.”
“Aww, I think they’re cute.” Dash jumped, but Fluttershy just gave her the biggest, sweetest smile she had. “I’m sorry. Did I scare you?”
“What? No! I, uh…I was just thinking about…stuff. Racing stuff.”
“In the castle.”
“…yes.” Dash thought quickly. “I mean, you can’t tell me they’d be expecting it….”
As they exited onto the terrace, Applejack stole a look up at the sky. The moon was high up there and looked very pretty, but she wasn’t sure she understood what Twilight meant about optimal angles. It just looked like a moon to her.
“I’m glad you weren’t too busy,” Twilight said to her. “Back home, it can be hard to find a moment of your time.”
Applejack nodded. “I’m sorry about that, Twi. I’ve got a lot of responsibilities to the farm and everything.”
“No, don’t apologize.” Twilight nuzzled Applejack’s neck, being mindful of her horn. “You work so hard every day, and you never even complain about it. It’s one of the things I’ve admired about you from the first time we met.”
“Aww, thanks, sugarcube.” Applejack blushed. Despite her misgivings, these were the moments that made it all worth it. She was sure Dash didn’t know what she was talking about. Out here, everything seemed perfect.
“So how did your talk with Princess Celestia go? Rainbow Dash told me, and I quote, ‘I hope you had fun with Applejack ‘cause she’s waking up in the Dragon Lands!’ I told her she was being overdramatic.”
Applejack chuckled. “Well, she weren’t wrong. I did wake up in the Dragon Lands, but I tamed the biggest one I saw and flew him straight back here to see ya.” Applejack kissed Twilight’s forehead, eliciting a small laugh. “Nah, she just wanted to talk about our relationship and give me her blessin’ to keep seein’ ya.”
“Oh, wow!” Twilight’s eyes lit up. “She gave you a royal blessing? That’s a high honor, Applejack!”
Applejack nodded, stopping to capture Twilight’s eyes in hers. “I know. But the highest honor is every day I spend with you, Twi.” Before Twilight could answer, Applejack leaned in and kissed her.
As Twilight leaned into the kiss, Applejack knew that Dash had to be wrong. Twilight cared about her. She was invested in the relationship, and in Applejack. She had to be. Her kiss wouldn’t be so inviting if she wasn’t, would it?
When Twilight broke the kiss, Applejack took another moment to glance up at the moon. Maybe Twilight was right. Maybe it was a good angle. She didn’t really understand all the fancy mathematics that went into that decision, but she couldn’t deny how pretty Twilight looked in its light.
“I’m glad ya asked me to come out tonight, Twilight.” Applejack looked down into her unicorn's eyes. “I love ya more and more with each passin’ day.” Twilight hesitated, but Applejack shushed her with a firm nuzzle. “Nah, I told ya, don't say it ‘til ya mean it. I just wanted ya to know how glad I am that you're here.”
Twilight blushed. “Spending an evening together was a great idea. I’m glad the Princess suggested it.”
And there it was. “Beg pardon?”
“Well, Princess Celestia told me that you were feeling kind of down. She said that spending some time alone together tonight would probably be a good idea, and she gave me that bouquet out of her personal flower garden.”
Applejack’s heart sank. “Oh. I see.”
Twilight caught the edge of sadness in her voice. “Is something wrong?”
“Nah, it’s nothin',” Applejack insisted. “Just a few things Rainbow said earlier that have been buggin’ me, that’s all. Don’t worry your pretty head over me, sugarcube.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but it wasn’t a lie either.
Applejack started walking again with Twilight following beside her. She took in the night air and the moon’s glow. She chatted with Twilight about their friends, about Canterlot, and a little about the battle with Discord. But her mind kept racing right back to what Twilight said about this being Celestia’s idea. She thought Twilight was finally getting romantic about her, but she guessed she’d been mistaken.
It still felt amazing to be out here with her, but pain tugged at her heart. She could hear Rainbow Dash in the back of her mind. “You thought she'd love you back.”
Dear Princess Celestia,
Being in a romantic relationship creates the most interesting changes in a pony’s mindset. Small gestures that would have been perfectly ordinary between friends become much more powerful because they came from someone special. When Rarity says that I’m very talented with my magic or Rainbow Dash calls me smart, it’s a nice feeling to know that my friends appreciate me. When it comes from Applejack, however, it fills my heart with a warmth that I’ve never felt before.
I’ve never worried much about wanting compliments from my friends, but I find myself openly seeking them from her so that I can feel that sense of fulfillment again. I look forward to discovering more ways that the meaning behind small gestures can change when under a romantic context.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
It had been weeks since the celebration. The ponies returned to their home in Ponyville. Twilight went crazy about not having a friendship letter to write. Rainbow Dash held a contest to choose a pet and learned a valuable lesson about humility in the face of praise shortly after. Hearth’s Warming Eve came and went, and with another Winter Wrap-Up behind them, the time soon came for one of Applejack’s favorite times of year.
Twilight stopped by the farm with her saddlebags loaded with books, as had become her usual routine for Tuesdays and Thursdays. She’d brought Daring Do and the Lost Mareyan Temple which she’d promised Applejack that they’d finish reading today, as well as a couple agricultural books she thought might help her and, if Applejack was interested, a romance novel she’d found that she thought might be a nice change of pace.
She still hadn’t quite managed to find a copy of the one she spotted in Rarity’s shop. She was hoping there might be some useful tips in these books on how to behave in a relationship, and it even had her name on it and everything. But Rarity had shouted, “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” and snatched it away before she had the chance to open it.
As she crossed through the gates, she greeted the red stallion. “Good morning, Big Macintosh. Are the carrots coming up okay?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac answered her.
Trotting into the field, Twilight watched Apple Bloom come out the door on her way to school. “Good morning, Apple Bloom. How did your test go?”
“G’mornin’, Twilight. I’m worried but I think I did pretty well. Thanks for your help!”
Twilight nodded. “Of course. I should still be here after you get out of school but if I’m not, feel free to come by the library if you need help with your homework.”
Apple Bloom nodded. “I will. Thanks, Twilight!” And with that, she was off to school.
Next, Twilight approached the barn to check the schedule and find out where Applejack was working this morning. Big Mac was in the carrot field, Granny Smith was mixing up the pesticides to deal with a recent caterpillar infestation, Apple Bloom would be helping with the soil samples later tonight, and Applejack…Applejack…where was she?
Returning to the carrot field, Twilight asked, “Hey, where’s Applejack? I don’t see her on the schedule.”
“She’s takin’ today to get in her last rounds of practice for the rodeo. Sorry, Twilight, I should have told ya.”
“Oh, the Equestria Rodeo’s coming up? It’s strange she didn’t mention. Should I leave her alone and let her have her practice time?”
“Nah, I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see ya. She’s up in the runnin’ track just past the far north side of the farm.”
With a smile as bright as the sun in the sky, Twilight cantered across the farm and up into the running track. She saw several hay bales stacked in assorted arrangements, one with a rope tied around it, as well as a few hurdles for jumping over. There, mid-leap past one of the hurdles, was Applejack.
Applejack cleared the jump and rounded the bend for another, coming around to face Twilight. Twilight gave her a quick wave of her hoof, prompting Applejack to slam face-first into the next hurdle and collapse onto the ground in a tangle of wood and limbs.
Twilight gasped and raced to her side. “Applejack! Are you okay?! I’m so sorry!”
With some difficulty, Applejack managed to extricate herself from the wood. “S’okay, sugarcube. I needed a break anyhow. I reckon Big Macintosh or Apple Bloom told ya where to find me?”
Twilight nodded. “Big Macintosh said it would be okay if I came up here to spend some time with you. Why didn’t you tell me about the rodeo? I didn’t know you competed!”
“Competed?” Applejack chuckled. “Sweetheart, I’ve been the champion ten years in a row. I didn’t mention it ‘cause I just didn’t think of it. When it comes to the rodeo, I’m a minor celebrity ‘round these parts. Plum near everybody knows about it. C’mon over here and let me show ya my blue ribbons.”
Twilight levitated her saddlebags off and to the side of the track, then followed Applejack around the bend to a small blue building set just outside the track. Posted on the wall were a variety of gold medals with bright blue ribbons hanging down from them. Different shapes and sizes each from different years and different competitions that Applejack had triumphed in.
“Wow! This is amazing, Applejack.”
“Nah, that ain’t nothin’,” Applejack blushed. “But by all means, do go on.”
Twilight giggled and pressed up against her marefriend. “I don’t think I need to tell you how impressive you are, Applejack.”
“Nah, ah know. It’s just nice to hear.”
“Well okay.” Twilight stepped away, took a deep breath, and then did her best to flip her hair. It was something she’d learned from Rarity while discussing romance tips. She batted her eyes, tightened her walk, and gasped. “Oh my! Have you heard about my Very Special Somepony? She’s so strong and tough, she can stare at an apple tree and make the fruit fly right into the basket! She’s got muscles like a minotaur and those hind legs that just….”
Applejack laughed. “Okay, okay, that’s enough.” She trotted over and put a hoof around Twilight, looking deep into her eyes. “Very Special Somepony, huh? Is that what we are now?”
Twilight stepped away for a moment in thought, then turned back to Applejack. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ve been reading about motivational incentives recently and—“
Applejack blinked. “You’ve been readin’ about what now?”
Twilight shook her head. “It’s not important. Here’s the deal. You go to that rodeo and do the best you’ve ever done, and when I see you riding home with that blue ribbon around your neck, you can announce to Ponyville that I’m your Very Special Somepony in your victory speech.”
“Well, don’t that beat all,” Applejack smiled. “You got that out of some book?” Twilight nodded. “Well, alright then. Ya got yourself a deal. Now, I’m gonna need to get in some more practice. Give me a kiss for luck?”
“What’s that?”
“What’s…it’s a kiss, sugarcube. Ya give me a kiss and it’s supposed to bless my performance with good fortune.”
“Oh.” Twilight blinked. “Does that actually work?”
“I dunno, there’s probably some kind of magic to it, but it’s mostly just a sappy thing couples do.”
Twilight nodded. “I get it. I’m sorry, I still have so many things to learn about interactions between couples.” She filed ‘kiss for luck’ away into her mental filing cabinet under ‘sweet nothings’.
Applejack sighed. “Well, now we've done gone and spoiled the moment. I’ll get back to prac—MMPH” Before she knew what was happening, Twilight was in her face and locking lips.
When Twilight pulled away, Applejack’s head was spinning. “Well, now. Kiss like that, now ah’m sure to get—“
“SECOND PLACE?!” Fear and confusion ripped through Applejack like a weather Pegasus through a misplaced field of stratus. “What do ya mean, second place?! That ain’t possible!”
“I’m as surprised as you are,” Judge Rope Twirler told her. “Normally your technique is flawless. Is something the matter, Applejack?”
“I can’t go back with second place,” Applejack fretted. “I promised the whole town I’d bring the prize money back. And Twilight….” She could feel her dreams shattering. Everything had seemed so perfect a week ago, and now it was all falling apart.
“Is Twilight a friend of yours?” the judge asked.
Applejack wanted to answer, ‘She’s my Very Special Somepony,’ but that opportunity had slipped through her hooves. “Yeah,” she told him. “She’s…just a friend.”
“Well I’m sorry, Applejack, but the judges have all conferred and unfortunately, we’re agreed that Cattle Rustler’s performance this week has been truly outstanding. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but your head just didn’t seem to be in the game this week. Even so, you still won more medals than anybody and that is something to be proud of. I wish you the best of luck reclaiming your title next year.”
Dejected, Applejack turned and left with her medals. She couldn’t go back and face everypony. It wasn’t just about Twilight, either. She’d promised her prize money to help the town and now she’d gotten nothing. She needed to think of something and fast.
Waiting for a train home from Dodge Junction, Applejack had some time to think about her relationships. She’d devised a plan to make money working on a cherry farm and send it home to Ponyville in place of her winnings, but it had gone awry when her friends came to get her. She’d been terrified to face Twilight after making her decision, but once the dust settled and they’d talked reason into her, Twilight had been completely calm and understanding about it.
Why isn’t she upset? She should be furious with me. If it were me, I’d be hollerin’ like there’s no tomorrow.
“Mumbrm buttercups….” Twilight murmured in her sleep. The next train wasn’t coming until tomorrow morning, so she and Applejack had split a room. It wasn’t the first time they’d shared a sleeping space; the group had cabin on the ride out to Appleloosa, but this felt more intimate to Applejack. This room belonged to her and Twilight alone, nopony else.
Twi talks in her sleep sometimes? That’s adorable. I…no, I can’t get distracted.
Twilight had fallen asleep nestled up against her. Her head was laying on Applejack’s front leg, with her back pressed up against the farm pony’s stomach. Part of Applejack wanted to get up and see if Dash or Fluttershy were still awake. She had so much pent up inside her and she needed to talk to somepony. But if she moved, she was afraid she might wake Twilight. Worse, it would be impossible to get back into this position, and she wouldn’t trade this for all of Equestria.
She breathed and watched the way Twilight’s hair moved with every exhalation. She watched the steady rise and fall of Twilight’s chest as she slumbered. Her heart felt like it was pounding in rhythm with her love’s. She’d been wide awake for over an hour with nothing to do but think and watch Twilight sleep, and yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was the best night of her life.
So why wasn’t she happy? And why wasn’t Twilight angry?
Do ya not even care about me that much?
“Hey, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked from the next room. “Does it bug you that Twilight's so cool about all this?”
“Hmm?” Fluttershy answered from her bed, just a few feet from Dash’s, “What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it, and she makes zero sense. If I were her, I’d be going nuts after what AJ pulled!"
“Well, I’m sure she knows Applejack would have come to her senses eventually.”
“Doesn’t matter! AJ basically dumped her for no reason! And she’s just like, ‘That’s okay, Applejack, I have no problems with this because I am emotionally a robot.’ It’s weird!”
But Fluttershy shook her head, rolling over on her bed to face Rainbow Dash. “It’s because she trusts and respects her partner. She was hurting, but she saw how Applejack was hurting too, so she put in that effort to reach out and help her in a way that helped them both. And now Applejack’s coming home and there’s nothing to be angry about anymore.”
“Hmph. Yeah, I don’t get it.” Dash laid back, staring up at the ceiling. “Love’s not supposed to be all logical like that. We should be hearing screaming from next door right now. They should be having this knock-down rage fest over this and they’re not, and now I’m even more angry at AJ ‘cause Twilight won’t be.”
She rolled to look at Fluttershy. “And I don’t want to be that angry with AJ, ‘cause she and me are like this.” She bumped her front hooves together to emphasize. “I want to be the cool wingmare who goes, ‘Wow, AJ. What’s her problem?’ But somebody’s got to throw a fit and the one pony who should forgot her feelings in the library!”
There came a knock on the wall, followed by a voice. “Hey! I don’t know what y’all are fightin’ about over there, but can ya keep it down? Twilight’s tryin’ to get some sleep.”
Fluttershy struggled to laugh quietly at Rainbow Dash, who was quickly turning beet red. “See?” Rainbow hissed at Fluttershy. “That! That’s weird!”
As she pumped her side of the handcar, Pinkie enthusiastically asked Rarity, “So what do you think about Twilight and Applejack’s relationship? Explain it to me in as many words as possible, and be sure to throw in some silly jokes!”
“I think that either dehydration or heatstroke has gotten the better of you if you think I care even the slightest bit about that right now.”
The train pulled into the station at Ponyville and it wasn’t long before its passengers were let off. The family had come out to greet their returning member and not five minutes after she’d unboarded, Applejack was greeted by a projectile sister.
“Welcome home, Applejack!” Apple Bloom hopped excitedly around her sister. “How was it? Did ya have fun? What were the events like? Were the other ponies nice to ya?”
Twilight watched the family for a moment, before deciding it’d be good to give them their space. However, as she started to drift over towards Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, she felt a strong hoof pulling her back. She looked up just in time to see Big Macintosh before his hoof started ruffling her hair.
“Ya done good, Twilight. We’ll make an Apple of you yet. Now get over here; we’re about to head out and it ain’t a proper welcome home without ya.” Without another word, Big Macintosh pulled Twilight over and pushed her next to Applejack.
Twilight smiled sheepishly at Applejack. “Apparently I’m invited.”
“Darn tootin’, y’are,” was her answer, and before Twilight could protest she leaned over and kissed her.
The piercing sound of “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” emanating from Apple Bloom caught Rainbow Dash’s attention, who popped her head up from the other side of the platform, then promptly stuck it back down again, eye twitching.
“What is it?” Fluttershy asked.
“They're being sappy again.” She pantomimed gagging, but Fluttershy didn't notice because she'd already popped up to catch an eyeful.
"Awww...."
“Surprise!” Pinkie Pie shouted with as much exuberance as she could when Applejack stepped through the door into the family home. There was a table laid out with various sandwiches, a banner hung up in the living room that read “Welcome Home, Applejack!” and an explosion of confetti that filled the air.
“We’d planned somethin’ a bit more grand,” Apple Bloom explained, trotting in after her, “but it didn’t really work out what with your letter and all.”
“But we couldn’t let a good party go to waste!” Pinkie shouted. “That’d be like having a wonderful cake and never eating it. Speaking of which, here’s your cake!” Applejack wasn’t sure how Pinkie was now holding a large cake in her hooves, but had long since learned not to ask.
“Uh, thanks. Just set it down on the table there.”
“And that’s how Captain Hornswaggle saved the Stallionade from the bumblefratches.” Granny Smith entered the house, followed by Twilight who seemed to be hanging on her every word.
“That’s very interesting. Thank you for telling me that story. I’ve read about the bumblefratch blight before but I’d never heard of Captain Hornswaggle. He might not have made it into the history books.”
“It’s an old family tale passed down from Apple to Apple,” Granny told her. “My great grand-daddy served in the Stallionade, and he wanted to make sure we all remembered the brave deeds Captain Hornswaggle performed on that day.”
“Lot of ponies in my family weren’t really ones for book-learnin’,” Applejack cut in. “We got a lot of old family stories about our history. Granny soaked up so much of them, I worry sometimes she can’t tell past from present. But when she talks,” Applejack turned her head to look at Apple Bloom, “there’s usually meanin’ in them words.”
“I know, I know,” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.
“I think she’s really amazing,” Twilight looked at Applejack. “I might have to sit and talk with her some more next time I’m out here.” And there was that politeness again. The unshakable civility like nothing had even happened out in Dodge Junction. Applejack knew that Twilight was capable of being angry, getting irrational, throwing fits. She’d seen it happen.
But here she was, calm as a summer day, like nothing had happened. Already she was planning her next visit and thinking up ways to ingratiate herself with the family more. The sun rose high into the sky and then starting to head back down, and with each passing hour, Twilight’s politeness never seemed to fade.
It was ridiculous, Applejack knew, but she wanted Twilight to yell at her. To scream and cry and say hurtful things. What she’d tried to do should have been a huge betrayal of their relationship. It ate away at her like a caterpillar on an apple branch, and every moment that she didn’t—
“Oh no, we’re out of punch,” Pinkie exclaimed. “I’m sorry, everypony. Give me twenty minutes to run up to town and I’ll be back with more before you know it!”
“No!” Applejack exclaimed. “I’ll do it. Please. I’ve been needin’ a walk anyhow. It’ll give me a chance to clear my head.”
Twilight’s eyes turned sad as she looked at Applejack. “Applejack, this party is for you.”
“I know, I know,” Applejack backed towards the door. “Won’t be but a minute, I promise. I just need to get my head on straight about a few things.”
“Well, would you at least like me to come with you?” Twilight approached hopefully.
“No, Twi, you stay here and keep makin’ nice with the family. Maybe try and talk Pinkie into letting us cook a bit. I know she’s all about this caterin’ thing but Big Macintosh has this apple fritter recipe he’s been dyin’ to try out.”
Twilight looked dejected, but she gave Applejack a nod. “Okay. Here.” She leaned in and gave Applejack a quick kiss. “For luck.”
Applejack blushed. “Not exactly how that’s s’posed to be used, but I appreciate it all the same. I’ll be back in a bit.”
What would I even say to her?! Rainbow Dash pondered as she fluttered over the city. Applejack, I think you’ve made a great big jerk of yourself and you should be ashamed! Yeah, right. That sounds like Rarity or something.
Looking down at the city, she spied Applejack heading into town and mentally cursed. She thought she’d have more time than this. Taking a deep breath, she flew down and called out to her. “Hey, AJ!”
Applejack looked deep in thought, but when she heard her name, she looked up at Dash. “Hello, Rainbow. Sorry, I don’t have long to talk. I promised to be back with punch shortly.”
Rainbow landed next to her. “Yeah, I get it. I just…I gotta say….” She tried to force it but the words just weren't coming out.
“What is it, Rainbow?”
“YOU!!!” The sound of pure rage emanated from the nearby boutique. Rarity stormed out into the street. There were a few twigs and leaves still stuck in her mane and her eyes were on fire with contempt.
“Rarity? What happened to—“
“Don’t you ‘what happened’ me! You have made a great big jerk of yourself and you should be ashamed! Twilight must have been beside herself with worry, not to mention what you’ve done to the rest of us! Do you have any idea how hard it was to find you or what you’ve done to my poor coiffure?!”
Rainbow Dash tried to speak up. “Hey, it wasn’t—“
“And you. I can’t believe the way you abandoned me back there! You are as insensitive and uncouth as Applejack! Do you have any idea how hard it was to get out of the desert?! Thank Celestia Pinkie was with me, and I may never forgive either of you for making me say those words!”
“Rarity, look,” Applejack started, but the unicorn simply turned with a “Hmph!”, turned up her tail, and trotted back inside without sparing her another moment.
Rainbow Dash scratched her ear with her hoof. “Wow, AJ. What’s her problem?”
“Nah, I deserved that,” Applejack answered. “She’ll come ‘round. Now I promised the party some punch and I need to get back to it.”
As Applejack turned to head for the store, Rainbow Dash pumped her hoof victoriously. Nailed it!
“I should probably get going, everypony,” Twilight stood up from the couch as the sun dipped low in the sky.
Apple Bloom launched into a sudden pout. “Awww, do ya have to go already, Twilight? You still haven’t taught me how to play Monopony.”
“That will have to be another night, I’m afraid. It’s been a lot of fun, but I still haven’t even told Spike we’re back yet and I’ve been neglecting my responsibilities to the library. Thank you all for having me.”
As Twilight started for the door, Applejack jumped up. “Let me walk ya home, sugarcube. It’s the least I could do.”
Twilight smiled at her. “I would appreciate that. Thank you, Applejack.”
As the pair headed out the gates and away from the farm, Twilight nuzzled her head into Applejack’s neck. She still felt the sharp sting of Applejack’s decision cutting into her heart and was sure she could get a letter or two out of that pain alone, but she’d made her choice. Applejack was home and that was all that really mattered.
It was a brand new feeling for her and actually exciting in its own way. She’d been worried for her friends many times since coming to Ponyville, but this pain was different. When she heard the news that Applejack wasn’t coming home, it was like her heart split in half. She had to fight with every ounce of her strength just to garner the courage to even move.
It reminded her of the sense of betrayal she felt when Discord forced her friends to abandon her, but in a weird way, she was sure the hurt was even stronger. It was as if the entire world fell away from her, as if she was forced to paddle furiously against the rising tide of nothing mattering anymore. She hoped to never feel that way again, yet was also strangely glad she’d gotten to experience it.
But everything was better now. Applejack came back and she everything could return to this new semblance of normal she and her Very Special Somepony were creating together.
Not a word was spoken between the two as they walked. When they neared the library, Twilight began to feel a bit strange. Applejack was usually so talkative. Approaching the door, Twilight was certain that something must be weighing on her mind. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“I…it’s nothin’, Twi,” Applejack insisted. But she was a terrible liar and Twilight saw right through her.
“Please, Applejack? Is it something I did?”
“No, ya didn’t do anythin’, Twilight.” Applejack looked away, and Twilight could hear a crack in her voice.
“Then what is it? Is it something I’m not doing?” Twilight stepped around in front of Applejack. “Please, I can’t learn if you don’t tell me.”
Applejack winced when she said the word ‘learn’. “That’s really all this is to ya, isn’t it? I forget sometimes that you’re studyin’ me or something. Researchin’ our relationship.”
Twilight took a step back, confused. “What are you talking about? I’m studying friendship and the ways it interacts with our—“
But Applejack cut her off. “I know, Twi! And I try to be okay with it, but it just...." she couldn't finish the sentence, droning off.
Twilight struggled to understand. Was there something wrong with her letters? Did she not want her telling Celestia about what they did together? “If this is about our privacy, I could—“
“Privacy?!” Applejack whirled. “Consarnit, Twilight, it’s been three moons! Three moons. I was hopin’ there might be somethin’ knockin’ ‘round in your heart for me by now!”
Twilight took a step back, insulted. “How can you say that?” She couldn’t tell if that look on Applejack’s face was anger or pain, but she could see the way she kept blinking to try and fight back the tears.
“No, how can you? I tried to leave you! I tried to run away and never come back! How can you be okay with that?! What were you going to do, pack up your findin’s and just start the test again with somepony else?”
Now Twilight was angry. “You have no idea what I’ve been through. No idea.”
“You’re right, Twilight. I don’t. But I’m sure you’ll write a good letter about it.” Tears started to streak down Applejack’s face as Twilight searched for a response. “I’m…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that, I….” Applejack spoke with a broken voice. “I can’t do this right now, Twi. I can’t.”
Applejack turned to go, but tripped over the library’s root. Even angry as she was, Twilight tried to help her up, but Applejack pulled free of her and broke into a gallop. She didn’t even notice that she’d left her hat lying in the dirt where she’d fallen.
“Twilight?” Spike opened the door, his voice tinged with worry. “You’re home! Welcome back, I just finished…Twilight, what’s wrong?”
Twilight just stood there, staring at the hat. A minute passed, followed by another, before she finally picked it up in her teeth. Without even acknowledging Spike, she walked inside and laid the hat carefully on the table. Then at last she spoke, her voice barely a whisper. “I think Applejack just broke up with me.”
Applejack ran and ran in no particular direction, her vision streaked with tears. She didn’t care where she wound up. The voice in her head simply screamed, “Away.” She kept going until her hoof tangled up on a stone in the road and she fell, slamming her face into the dirt.
Then she laid there, turning little patches of dirt to mud with her sobs. She didn’t know how long she was there, and she wasn’t sure she was ever going to move again. She didn’t care if anyone saw her anymore. She could feel her heart crumbling into pieces.
What have I done? I ruined everythin’.
She cried and she cried until her heart didn’t have any tears left in it, and when she finally looked up, she realized it was raining. It was as if the sky itself was crying for her.
The next thing she realized was that she wasn’t alone. “Well, now. What’s a pretty young mare like yourself doing out here in the rain?” She looked up and saw a blue stallion standing over her that she’d never met before, with a peach-shaped cutie mark emblazoned on his flank.
“Come now, whatever it is, it can’t be so bad. Why don't you show me a smile?”