//------------------------------//
// How Could I Compare? 
// Story: When You Realize You Don't Have A Chance 
// by Rocky The Unicorn 
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When You Realize You Don’t Have a Chance
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Applejack was bucking apple trees. She had been at it for hours. Her hooves ached, sweat dripped from her forehead, and her mane was a mess. Tomorrow, she would have to take the apples into town to the market. One of the grocers had requested some of their delicious apples to sell there. The grocer had told the apple family how everypony loved to buy their apples, and that at the end of the day, the stand was always out of stock. Granny Smith had told Applejack to deliver to the grocer tomorrow.
Finally, Applejack had finished bucking the last of the trees. She looked up to see the sparkling stars and the glowing moon. It was hard to believe that at one time, Princess Luna had been banished there. The luminescence was gorgeous against the night sky.
Applejack had missed dinner, again. It was the second night in a row. She walked into the dark barn. Nopony was awake. She quietly walked into the bathroom to wash up.
After she was done, she walked into the kitchen, hopefully getting an apple as a late night snack. She saw on the window sill, a freshly baked pie say. Applejack remembered the time Spike had wanted to help her bake a pie to show he was a “loyal dragon.” He never needed to prove anything to her. She knew he would always be a loyal dragon no matter what. Still, it made her chuckle when she remembered the mess he made. He even managed to get the mop stuck to the ceiling!
Applejack missed Spike. He had only stuck around her place as if it was a duty, not a choice. He always willingly helped Rarity. He didn’t even bother to ever stop by Sweet Apple Acres, unless Twilight had to do with it. She didn’t want to admit it, but Applejack had a crush on Spike. Of course, she knew she didn’t have a chance. Rarity was gorgeous. It was obvious Spike was “head over heels” in love with her. Rarity didn’t even notice. She never even acted as if she cared. If anything, Rarity just puts on an act.
It angered Applejack so much, knowing that no matter how hard she tried, she would never measure up to Rarity. Eventually, you have to realize that you don’t have a chance.
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Applejack walked through ponyville with a cart full of apples she was carrying. In the distance, she saw the Carousel Boutique. Outside, Spike stood, holding a rose in his claw. She watched as the door opened, and Rarity welcomed Spike in. The two of them hugged, and waltzed on in.
Why on earth did Spike like that mare? Was it the looks, the mane, or the polished hooves? What did Rarity have that she didn’t? Why was Rarity so much better than her, according to Spike? Did he even realize that she had feelings for him, while Rarity had practically none at all? He was practically just wasting his time on her.
Applejack arrived at the grocer’s food stand, she dropped the cart down next to the mare running the stand.
“Thank you so much! How much will it be?”
“It’ll be fifty bits! You can keep the cart.”
“Oh, okay! Are you sure?”
“Of course! Granny Smith insisted!”
“Well, ok then! Here you are, fifty bits!”
“Thank you very much! Have a good day!”
“You too!”
Applejack trotted on by. Spike and Rarity were exiting the Carousel Boutique, heading toward the nearest restaurant. Were they going on a date? It angered her so much, seeing those two together! It was just unbearable.
Not paying attention, Applejack ran right into somepony. Both of them went tumbling to the ground.
Applejack lied there, on the dusty ground. She blinked, and stood up. She saw before her Fluttershy, lying there, rubbing her head.
“Sorry, sugarcube! Are you okay?”
“Oh, Applejack! I’m fine, really!”
Applejack offered her hoof to Fluttershy. Gladly, she took it. Fluttershy stood up and smiled at Applejack. Before either could say anything, a shout came from the distance.
“Fluttershy, dear, are you okay?”
“Yes Discord, I’m fine, thanks for asking.”
Discord grabbed Fluttershy, turning her around to face him.
“Are you sure my dear? That was quite a fall.”
Discord’s paw reached up to Fluttershy’s cheek, brushing away some dust. His paw lingered there for a few extra seconds. Fluttershy’s cheeks became a crimson red.
“Really Discord, I’m fine.”
“Applejack, are you alright?”
“I’m fine Discord, thanks for asking.”
“You seemed awfully distracted Applejack. Are you okay? Is something wrong?”
“Really Fluttershy, I’m fine. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“How do you two do it?”
The draconequus and the pegasus looked at Applejack with confused looks.
“Do what Applejack?” Discord asked.
“You and Fluttershy. It’s obvious you two are more than just friends.”
Fluttershy started blushing again. Discord glanced down at her with a smile.
“Your point Applejack?” Discord questioned.
“You guys are perfect. You always listen to each other, pay attention to each other, and make time for each other. You two are so different, yet you are perfect. How do you make a relationship last, or even begin?”
Fluttershy looked at Applejack with a concerned look.
“Do you like somepony?”
“Maybe.”
“It’s Spike, isn’t it?”
“What? How did you know, Fluttershy?”
“I was talking to Spike earlier, and he said he was going to visit Rarity. Just now I saw you looking their way, right before bumping into me.”
Applejack blushed.
“You just have to tell him how you feel, Applejack!”
“But I can’t! It’s obvious he likes Rarity. I don’t have a chance. I’m nothing compared to her.”
“Don’t say that! You are amazing! You shouldn’t compare yourself to other ponies. Every pony is different. Just be yourself! Spike should love you for who you are, and if he doesn’t see how wonderful you are, it’s his loss.”
“Thanks, Fluttershy. I really needed to hear that.”
“I’m glad I could help. Now, we really must be going. Discord and I are having tea at my place. You’re welcome to join if you’d like.”
“Oh no, I’m fine. Thanks for the offer, but I don’t want to intrude on your weekly meet up!”
“Well ok then. Have a nice day Applejack.”
“You too Fluttershy!”
Applejack watched as Fluttershy and Discord walked away. They were so perfect for each other. If only Spike and she could have something like that.
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Applejack just had to tell Spike. She was going to take Fluttershy’s advice and tell him tomorrow. After talking to Fluttershy, she had asked Twilight where Spike would be tomorrow at noon. Twilight gladfully told her, but before she could ask Applejack why she wanted to know where he’d be, she was already gone.
Finally, it was the next day. It was almost noon, and Applejack was on her way to where Twilight said Spike would be. She was finally going to tell him. She even brought him a few gemstones she had saved up.
Twilight said he should be at Sugar Cube Corner, putting in a dessert order for Twilight. Applejack arrived and walked in. There was nopony there. It was empty, not even anypony at the counter. Applejack walked out, confused. Where on earth was he? She decided to keep walking. She continued on, and hear voices and laughter. Quietly, she hid behind a tree to see who was making all the noise. She saw Spike and Rarity sitting on a  bench together, sharing a dessert from Sugar Cube Corner.
“Oh Spikey Wikey! You are so funny!”
“You really think so?”
“I know so!”
The two looked into each other’s eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Applejack dropped the gems. They rolled down by the base of the bench Spike and Rarity were sitting on, making a clanking noise. The two spun their heads around. Applejack ran off. She couldn’t face them. How could she ever tell him? Now Rarity that liked him back, she knew for a fact she didn’t have a chance! She should have never listened to Fluttershy’s advice! She could hear Spike calling to her in the distance.
“Applejack? Applejack wait!”
Applejack didn’t stop running. She didn’t even turn around or answer back. She could never gain the courage to face Spike about her feelings, not ever again.