After the photo, everypony immediately discovered what had just happened. They all looked at me, breathless and silent.
"What…?" I asked.
"Oh…my…gosh…" Pinkie Pie began. "YOU SMILED!" Everypony immediately let out screams of happiness and tackled me towards the floor. "MY BIRTHDAY WISH CAME TRUE! I'M SO HAPPY!" Pinkie Pie screamed.
"Alright, alright, calm down…" I responded, managing to form a light smile again. "It's because I'm with true friends… and…" I looked at Fluttershy. "…should we tell them the news?" Fluttershy blushed lightly and nodded. I looked back at all the girls who were awaiting my answer. "Fluttershy and I… are a couple."
The girls released their weight off me.
"A couple…?" Rarity questioned, seriously.
"Uh…yes…?" I answered, a bit worried that the rest of the girls might have had some problem with it.
The girls looked at each other for a moment in silence. Finally, they screamed in joy.
"That's fantastic!" Rarity exclaimed.
"It's about time." Applejack added with a smile.
"We knew you both would make a great couple. We couldn't wait until the day you finally saw it." Twilight explained.
I smiled with a slight blush. "Heh…yeah…" Then I looked over to Fluttershy who returned a beautiful smile.
In order to make up for the whole mess that happened, all of us decided to spend some time together at the café.
"So, where did you go, Alex?" Twilight asked as we waited for our pizza. "When we couldn't find you anywhere in the ceremony, we grew really worried about you and we all separated to find you!"
"Well… I went to my first home in Ponyville…" I answered.
"First home?" Rarity questioned, confused.
I sighed, although not depressingly. "I guess I should tell all of you the story, huh? After all, you all are my friends and you should know…" I told them every bit of it, just like I had done with Fluttershy. But this time, I didn't feel sad. I felt comfortable sharing this information with them. "…I never tried to make friends because I thought the same thing would just happen again…so…" I fiddled around with the utensils on the table.
Everypony returned surprised and saddened looks. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Alex." Rarity replied in a compassionate tone. "I never would have known something so…horrible… would have happened to you…"
"Hey, it's okay. As long as I have all of you, it doesn't matter anymore. I can leave it all behind me." I released a warm smile at all of them, but removed it when I thought of the apology I wanted to give them. "…and I'm sorry about how I treated you girls when Discord was messing with Ponyville… it's just that he corrupted my mind into thinking that you girls weren't really my friends, and that you were just using me…but, I know all that was a lie now. I'm really sorry… especially to you, Twilight." I looked towards her. "I was a real jerk to you… I walked away from you when you needed me the most and ignored you the whole time… Can you ever forgive me?"
She looked at me and returned a soft smile while closing her eyes. She opened them and held out her forelegs. I analyzed her pose for a moment and realized what she wanted. I regained my smile and accepted her friendly hug that indicated everything was well.
Soon, every one of the girls saw the chance to make it more meaningful. They all closed in to turn it into an amazing group hug. After a moment of connection and releases of aw, we pulled away, smelling the pizza come.
A large, hay topping pizza was planted on the table in front of us. Each of us grabbed a slice. Rainbow held hers up in the middle of the table and gave a powerful and bold smile. "To friendship!"
"To friendship!" Everypony, including me, exclaimed and began eating our dinner.
After having a fantastic evening with my friends, I told them I would truly enjoy meeting them tomorrow. They all suggested a picnic and I quickly and heartily agreed. They left to go home for tonight while I finally walked Fluttershy home again. This time, we held hooves while we walked in the peaceful and beautiful night environment.
"Alex…" Fluttershy began. "I'm so glad that you're finally happy… it makes me…so happy."
"That's great… you know… I can't believe I missed out on all this happiness… it feels so wonderful… it's like…" I stopped, causing Fluttershy to stop as well. "Wait…"
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked with a concerned look on her face.
"That was it…" I presented, amazed. "That was one of the feelings I couldn't explain… happiness!" I looked at her. "I didn't know what it was before you girls showed me! The feeling I felt deep down…but didn't know how to express it…"
"That's wonderful, Alex." Fluttershy released a delicate smile.
Fluttershy invited me into her cottage so we could talk with each other more.
Fluttershy brought tea and joined me on the couch.
"Although… there's still one feeling I'm not too sure of…" I announced as I grabbed the cup that Fluttershy filled with tea and took a sip.
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked, taking a sip from her cup as well.
"There's this feeling I have for you…" I looked at her. "A really special feeling that makes my heart feel so warm inside. It makes me feel like I always want to be with you… It's a feeling I can't quite describe… but all I know… it's amazing…"
Fluttershy slightly looked away and blushed. "…love…?"
I didn't say anything for a moment. I thought. Love? Love… I loved all the girls, but the kind of love I felt for Fluttershy was so much more…passionate and tender…love… "Fluttershy, what kind of love do you mean?"
Fluttershy's cheeks grew even redder as she answered shyly. "…well, when two ponies really like each other and love being with each other whenever, wherever… it's called love… like you'd want to do anything you can to make that special pony happy…and you're always comfortable around that pony… Especially, being with that pony makes you feel really good inside… like there's nothing better that can happen than being with that special somepony…"
I thought again. Was that it? Did I love Fluttershy? I loved being with her so much… and I do want to do anything to keep her happy… especially if she is saddened by something… But I've felt this feeling when Fluttershy and I first began talking to each other… Hm…were these the feelings that Princess Celestia wanted me to find out for myself when I spoke with her that evening? Now that I think about it…
I looked towards Fluttershy, whose cheeks were still reddened a little as she slightly turned away. She noticed me look at her and turned her head to see me. I slowly pushed my head towards her and kissed her gently. She quickly accepted this kiss and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, I pulled away, causing both of us to open our eyes again.
"I guess I must have loved you since the first sight…" I began. "I started feeling these feelings since the first time I saw you… but I never knew what they were…" I paused for a moment, staring at the floor. "…I love you, Fluttershy."
"Alex…" Fluttershy answered, keeping her flushed cheeks and holding her hooves to her mouth. "…I…I love you too!"
She immediately embraced me and kissed me gently, but passionately. I accepted her gift by wrapping my forelegs around her and closing my eyes. After, we slightly pulled away and looked at each other, blushing. I managed to release a small smile. She returned the same expression when she saw me.
"I never knew love felt this good…" I told her.
"Me either…after all…you're the only pony that I've had such strong feelings for…"
"Really…?"
"Mhm." She nodded. "When I was young, I was always teased and stuff…so…" She slightly moved her eyes from me.
"Hm… I guess we both have had the same experiences…"
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked, looking back to me.
"We were both teased and bullied by ponies when we were young…"
"But you had it way worse, Alex."
I shrugged. "Well…whatever's the case… we will always have each other…right…?"
She smiled and nodded. "Of course."
I returned another light smile and hugged her again.
After spending a little while longer with Fluttershy, I walked towards the door as she followed me. I turned around and looked at her. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, of course. Until then… I can't wait."
I lightly nodded. "Ok, goodnight Fluttershy… I love you."
She smiled and slightly blushed. "Goodnight, Alex. I love you too."
We both traded a small and quick kiss before I walked out the door and headed home.
When I entered and walked upstairs, I threw myself on the bed and looked at the ceiling. I could hardly sleep… My feelings for Fluttershy kept me awake. In some way, I am excited to see how life is now going to be with my friends and my love for Fluttershy. My heart is just so warm. It feels so good and it makes me so happy…
I closed my eyes and began my way to dreamland, hopefully meeting Fluttershy there as well.
I awoke once again, fully awake. The reason for my full attentiveness was because I was too excited to see Fluttershy, especially at our picnic later on in the day. I walked down the stairs, in a quick but happy pace, and out the front door.
I walked through town, seeing everypony outside. They were all smiling as they joyfully hung around others. I joined them by bringing a smile upon my face as well.
"How are we doing Spike?" I heard Twilight's voice nearby.
"Let's see... "I turned my head to see Spike dragging a long scroll as he talked to Twilight. "We've already dropped off your cape at the cleaners, returned the blackboard you borrowed from Cheerilee, ordered new parchment and quills from the stationary shop..."
"Hmm..." Twilight placed a hoof to her chin. "Seems like we just placed an order for those a few days ago."
Spike lowered his eyelids halfway and looked behind him to observe the long scroll that trailed behind them. "Can't imagine why we go through so many of them." He responded with a hint of sarcasm.
"Sounds like we're ahead of schedule." Twilight replied as I walked towards them.
"Hey, Twilight. Spike." I announced, keeping the smile on my face. "How are you two?"
"Hey, Alex!" Twilight greeted cheerfully. "We're doing great, thank you! How about you?"
"I'm fine. I can't wait for our picnic later on today."
"Neither can we!" Twilight observed my face for a moment. "You know… it feels different seeing you smile now…"
"Is that bad…?" I asked, losing the sign of happiness and replacing it with a worried look.
"No, no! Of course not! It's just… The girls and I were used to never seeing you smile before. But I'm really glad you smile now. It's amazing." Twilight returned a smile. "You just keep up with the smiling, okay?"
I formed a light grin again. "Okay."
Twilight nodded, happily, and looked towards Spike. "What's next?"
"Cupcakes!" Spike exclaimed, throwing his arms out, joyfully.
"Excellent!" Twilight replied and looked over to me. "Alex, care to join us?"
"Sure." I began following them, by their side, to where they were headed.
We arrived at Sugarcube Corner and walked through the door. Twilight walked over to the counter and rang the bell.
"Hello, Twilight." Mrs. Cake greeted as she walked out of the kitchen to attend to her. "Are you here for your cupcakes?"
"Yes, mam!" Twilight answered, cheerfully.
Mrs. Cake walked into the kitchen and brought back a white rectangular box. She placed it on the counter and opened it. Twilight, Spike and I moved our heads closer to look inside. While Spike was drooling over the sight of the delicious pink frosted cupcakes, Twilight formed a sort of confused look on her face.
"Uh, I only ordered twelve." Twilight announced.
"Oh, I know, dear," Mrs. Cake answered as she continued to bring out more sweets from the kitchen and place them in boxes to return to the kitchen again. "…but I had an extra. So I thought I'd make it a baker's dozen."
Spike was now trying to lift himself up from the floor to grab one of the cupcakes, but I lightly pulled him away with my hooves and kept him near me. "Take it easy, Spike." I told him with a warm expression.
"Oh, that was very thoughtful of you." Twilight responded. "It's just some of the icing from the extra cupcake is getting all over the one next to it." Twilight pointed to the cupcake with her hoof and pushed the box forward to Mrs. Cake. "See?"
Mrs. Cake looked in the box, causing to look inside to see what Twilight was talking about. We observed it for a moment, but I didn't notice much difference.
"Ohh... sure..." Mrs. Cake answered, uneasily.
"It's just that I'm planning on sharing these at a picnic later and I don't want anypony to feel like somepony else is getting more icing."
"Oh, no... of course not."
"Not to worry…" Twilight grabbed a kitchen utensil from the back with her magic. "I'll just move some of this one to…"
When I saw Twilight about to scoop up a large part of the top of the cupcake, I immediately placed my hooves on her. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Twilight." I announced, stopping her.
"Hm?" She questioned.
"You don't have to do anything. They're fine."
"But…"
"They're…fine… Twilight." I kept the smile as I looked towards her. "Nopony is going to fight about a cupcake having a little more frosting than the other one. Besides…" I looked over to the cupcakes. "There's no significant change, and I honestly can't tell any difference between them so…" I looked back at Twilight. "They're fine the way they are."
Twilight sighed, but happily. "Okay, Alex…" She chuckled a little and placed the utensil back in the back. "I guess we should get going then."
"Twilight, can I please have one?" Spike asked, pleading on his knees while holding his hands together.
"No, Spike. You wouldn't want to spoil your appetite. You'll just have to wait until the picnic." Twilight replied.
"Aww!"
"Okay, time to tackle the next item on our list." Twilight said, placing the box of cupcakes on her back and beginning to walk out the door. I waved goodbye to Mrs. Cake and followed Twilight out the door.
When we were outside, Twilight looked over to me. "Alright, Alex… Spike and I just have to finish some stuff at home and we'll meet you all at the picnic, okay?"
"Gotcha. I'll see you at the picnic then."
She nodded and smiled, giving a wave before leaving towards her home.
I turned around and began heading towards Fluttershy's house, but then I thought of a fantastic idea.
I had returned home to receive a saddle bag with several bits inside. When I arrived at the market area, I looked around for the flower stand. I spotted a pony with a creamy-colored coat. Her mane consisted of a hot pink and Burgundy color and her eyes were lime green. Her cutie mark contained a rose. I walked happily to the stall, ready to purchase flowers for Fluttershy.
However, there was a pony in front of me talking to the pony selling the flowers. The shopkeeper seemed to be getting frustrated a bit.
"I told you already… I only sell flowers."
"Aw…" The pony in front of me responded with a saddened tone. Her coat was of a bluish-gray color, and her mane was blonde or light yellow. When I saw her eyes, I could see they were yellow-lime or amber. I noticed that her cutie mark contained bubbles… "Are you sure you don't sell muffins here?"
The shopkeeper sighed. "Yes… I'm sure… ONLY flowers."
The pony in front of me lowered her head, sadly, and turned around to walk back. As she walked past me, I could see that her eyes were crossed and staring at the ground. I formed a confused expression. Um…okay…
"I'm sorry about that." The shopkeeper apologized to me. "Would you like to purchase some flowers?"
I looked at her and smiled. "Yes, please. What are your specials?"
"Oh!" She formed a slightly excited expression and pulled out several clusters of flowers. "These were picked just this morning!"
I looked over them, but there one was that caught my eyes. My eyes were attracted to one of the groups that contained a variety of different flowers, such as roses, lilies, and daises. "I'll take that one." I pointed.
"Great!" The shopkeeper smiled. "That'll be three bits!" I opened my saddlebag, pulled out three bits, and placed them on the counter. "Thank you!" She thanked as I grabbed the bouquet of flowers with my teeth. I nodded and placed them in my saddle bag. I turned around and began trotting happily towards Fluttershy's cottage but something startled me as I noticed it in my way. I stopped to notice the same pony, who was in front of me a while ago, was in front of me once again but facing me, sending a smile with her crossed eyes.
"Um…" I slipped out as I saw her.
She continued looking at me in awkward silence. Finally, she spoke. "Hi!"
I looked around, a little uneasily. "Uh…hi?"
"I'm Ditsy Doo, but ponies like to call me Derpy."
"I see…"
"What's your name?" She asked while her eyes still remained crossed. It seemed as if that was her normal expression.
"Um, Alex."
"That's a nice name!"
"Thanks…"
There was a pause.
"Alex, can you help me?" She asked.
"Um, sure. What do you need?"
"I want a muffin, but I can't find a muffin stand."
"Why don't you just go to Sugarcube Corner?"
She pulled her head back, slightly confused. "Sugarcube Corner?"
"You've never been there before?"
She placed a hoof to her chin and thought for a moment. She sucked her in lips, making them look as if she tasted something very sour, and scrunched her nose. After, she returned to her smile. "I don't know."
I thought for a while as well. I guess I could spare some time into helping her… "I suppose I can take you there."
"Really? Thanks, Alex!" She exclaimed.
"Yup... C'mon, let's go."
I walked her over to Sugarcube Corner.
"There you go. Just go in there and ask for muffins, they should have plenty of different kinds." I instructed her from the outside.
"Wooow. Thank you so much, Alex!" She thanked.
"You're welcome…um…Derpy?" I answered, unknowing how to call her by her nickname. "Anyways, I have to meet with somepony, so I guess I'll see you later?"
"Okay! See you soon, Alex!"
I managed to form a light smile and wave as I walked away. As I headed towards Fluttershy's cottage, I could only think about that pony. She's a pony that seems a little… clumsy… but she doesn't seem like such a bad pony…
However, on the way, I heard Twilight nearby once again. "You've got this, Twilight. You still have plenty of time to get that letter to Princess Celestia! Has to be somepony who needs the help of a good friend!"
"Hey, Twilight." I greeted, walking towards her.
"Oh hey, Alex!" Twilight responded. "Do you need help? Do you have a problem or issue on your hooves right now?"
"Um… I don't think so…"
"Oh…" Twilight replied, a little disappointed. She noticed the saddlebag on my back. "What's with the saddle bag?"
"Oh, this?" I questioned, looking at the bag as well. "I'm carrying flowers I bought for Fluttershy."
"Aww." Twilight released. "That's so cute, sweet, and nice. I'm sure you'll make her whole day!"
"Heh, thanks…"
Suddenly, we heard a loud scream coming from Rarity's shop.
"Rarity!" Twilight announced.
We heard another frightening and very loud scream as we rushed over to her shop. We forced open the door and ran inside.
"Rarity, what's wrong?" I quickly asked, spotting Rarity weeping on top of a platform.
"Why me-e-e-e-e-ee..." She sobbed and then gasped. "WHYYYY? Why? Why-y? And of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!"
I returned a very concerned and worried look as I rushed over to her. However, Twilight looked as if she saw this as more of an opportunity instead.
"What's happened? Are you alright?" Twilight asked.
"I've lost my diamond encrusted purple ribbon!" Rarity responded. "I have searched HIGH, and I have searched LOW. Low and high! High and low! But I can't find it anywhere!" She used her magic to placed a fancy couch near her and threw herself upon it. "Anywhe-e-e-e-ere! How can I possibly finish my latest creation if I can't find it?" Rarity exclaimed as tears streamed down her face.
"Calm down, Rarity…" I replied as I placed a comforting hoof on her. "We'll help you find your—
Meanwhile, Rarity was looking across from the couch when she suddenly opened her eyes in surprise and cut me off. "Oh there it is." She answered in her usual voice and halted the water works. She got up from the couch and began walking towards a bucket where her ribbon lay in plain sight. "Isn't it always just the last place you look?" Rarity picked it up with her magic and began cutting pieces from it. I could only react with a slightly unbelievable expression… but then again… it IS Rarity.
"So... you just lost your ribbon?" Twilight questioned with a sort of worried tone in her voice.
"Mmhm!"
"...but now you've found it?"
"Yea-huh."
"...and nothing else is bothering you? Nothing that I, as a good friend could help you with?" She strained the words "good friend" for some reason.
"Hmm..." Rarity thought and then looked at Twilight. "There is one thing."
"Yes?" Twilight asked in a very excited manner.
"I think I left my measuring tape under the fabric over there." Rarity pointed to some fabric nearby and walked away. "Could you get that for me?"
Twilight lost her excited expression and sighed. "Measuring tape? Sure." Twilight used her magic to grab the measuring tape and place it in front of Rarity.
Rarity must have noticed Twilight's disappointed voice. "Twilight? Is there something bother— We noticed that she had suddenly disappeared. "Twilight?" Rarity called, looking at the open front door. Rarity looked over to me. "Alex, did you see where she ran off to?"
I shrugged. "I don't know… that was odd…"
"Hmm… "Rarity thought. "Well, I'm sure she'll be at the picnic." She looked at me and noticed my saddlebag. "Ooh. Nice bag. I've never seen you carrying one. What's the occasion?"
"Oh… well no occasion, really… I just bought some flowers for Fluttershy."
"Really?" Rarity asked, excitedly. "That's so sweet and charming!"
"Thanks…" I answered, a little embarrassed and red. "Well, I better get to her cottage before I'm too late. I want to give them to her as soon as I can."
"Oh, no worries. I understand!"
I returned a nod and smiled. "Alright, I'll see you at the picnic, Rarity!"
"You too!" Rarity replied and continued cutting strips of her ribbon.
I began hurrying to Fluttershy's, wanting to give her the flowers already.
When I arrived, I walked up to her door and knocked, excited to see her face. She opened the door and noticed me, growing an instant smile.
"Alex!" She quickly embraced me and pulled back after some time. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"The feeling's mutual, Fluttershy." I answered, returning a light grin. "I even got you something too."
"A gift? Oh, you didn't have to, Alex." Fluttershy responded as I opened my saddlebag and pulled out the flowers with my teeth. I presented them to Fluttershy, causing her to open her mouth in awe as she stared at the beauty of the flowers. "Oh, Alex…" I grabbed the bouquet with my hooves and held them out to her. She slowly grabbed them and continued gazing at them. "They're…they're so beautiful…"
"Exactly. I brought the best, just for you Fluttershy."
Fluttershy raised her head and looked at me. She embraced me tightly once again, but added a sweet kiss with it. She pulled back and looked at me, blushing. "Thank you, Alex…"
"You're welcome…" I answered, feeling a little of Fluttershy's redness pass over to me.
She invited me into her cottage. She placed the flowers in a vase filled with water as I sat down on the couch.
"Are you ready for the picnic, Fluttershy?" I asked her.
"Oh, yes." Fluttershy replied as she just finished adjusting the variety of flowers. "But, I have to go attend to a little furry critter for a while before we head off. Do you mind?"
"Not at all, I'll wait while you do that."
"Ok, then." She began walking out through the back door. "Wait right here. I'll be right back, okay?"
"Of course."
She smiled and walked outside the door.
While I waited for her, I looked around her home to see all the nature she welcomed inside. Afterwards, I looked at the flowers in the vase and remembered the scene. She was so happy to see me… I felt so good inside when I gave her the flowers. It was nice to see that sweet smile of hers… it really was…
All of a sudden, I heard a very loud and terrifying roar that startled me.
"Fluttershy!" I exclaimed and ran out the back door. I noticed Fluttershy standing face to face with a bear that was significantly larger than her. She immediately flew under the bear, causing the bear to look below him. I began galloping towards the danger. "Fluttershy, hold on! I'm coming to—!
I immediately stopped when I saw Fluttershy kick the bear fiercely from behind, causing the bear to trip and fall on its belly. After, Fluttershy flew towards his left foot and grabbed it while containing a fierce and bold look on her face. She pulled the foot with so much force that it caused the bear to fall on its face instead. I could only stare at her skills as I was filled with surprise and shock. Fluttershy continued grunting as she fought the bear. She pulled the left leg so far back that her back hooves touched the top part of the bear's back. The bear screamed in pain as it pounded its fist on the ground. Fluttershy released another fierce grunt and she jumped on top of the bear and planted all of her hooves harshly on the bear's back. The bear was now crying as it bit its finger and continued pounding the ground with its fist. Fluttershy flew up to the bear's head and grabbed it firmly. She released a final loud yell as she twisted the bear's neck one hundred and eighty degrees, causing the bear to widen its eyes and stick out its tongue. When she did that, I immediately opened my eyes in high shock and disbelief as I dropped my jaw. After she finished letting out her war cry, she threw the bear's head towards the ground. As she hovered above the bear, she finally noticed me.
"Oh, hi, Alex." Her voice returned to its normal sweet self.
"F…Fluttershy…I…" I couldn't speak from witnessing the scene.
"One second, Alex." She landed on top of the bears back and began rubbing it with her hooves, gently. "You really should have come to me sooner. You were carrying so much tension in that shoulder."
The bear stuck out its tongue and agreed by releasing a soft roar of pleasure.
I shook my head and looked at Fluttershy. Oh… she wasn't fighting with a bear… she was just… massaging it… I sighed in relief… wow…
Once Fluttershy was done massaging the bear, she flew off of it and waved at it as it left happily refreshed. After, she turned around and we began walking back to the cottage.
"What's wrong, Alex?" Fluttershy asked as she noticed the expression on my face. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."
"That was the 'little furry critter' you were talking about?"
"Yep." She smiled. "Isn't he just adorable?"
I chuckled lightly. "Remind me to never get you angry…"
She tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean…?"
I smiled lightly. "Nothing… Come on, we should start heading towards the picnic."
When we arrived at the picnic site, we saw Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was bouncing over to us happily as she carried a basket with her mouth. Once she caught up to us, she lowered her head and placed the basket on the grass, removing the cloth that covered what sat inside. Three balloons inflated and began rising in the air, bringing the basket along with it. Pinkie Pie gave a wide grin as Applejack noticed the balloons for a few seconds and continued setting up the blanket. Rainbow Dash was nearby, placing on sunscreen while she wore huge dark shaded sunglasses. Her appearance caused me to chuckle a little.
"Well, well, well." Applejack announced as she noticed us. "If it isn't the lovebirds!"
I looked at Fluttershy and placed my foreleg around her, giving her a small hug to which Fluttershy slightly blushed at.
"Please tell me I did not forget the plates." Rarity exclaimed near them, searching through a basket where cups, forks, spoons, and other utensils laid by. She gasped and pulled her head out. "I did. I totally forgot them. Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" She shouted, catching every other pony's attention. She placed her hoof on her forehead dramatically and using her magic, pulled her fancy couch out of nowhere and fell upon it, sobbing. "Why, why, why..."
I spotted several plates not too far from her and called her. "Rarity… the plates are right here…" I pointed towards them.
She opened her eyes and noticed them. "Oh, yes… I knew I had taken them out before…" We returned confused and awkward expressions as we noticed her continue to lie on the couch. "Uh... What? You didn't expect me to lay on the grass, did you?
Rainbow Dash placed the sunglasses over her irritated eyes as Applejack, Fluttershy, and I sighed. After, Rainbow Dash threw herself backwards to lay on the picnic blanket. I looked at Fluttershy to begin talking to her but suddenly we heard another noise besides us. A crushed cardboard box had been thrown on the blanket…were those the cupcakes Twilight had picked up…? I looked up to see who threw them to see an awful sight…
We all saw Twilight as she stared at Rainbow Dash with a creepy huge grin. Rainbow Dash, startled, immediately stood up and looked at her. Twilight continued to share her creepy and odd grin with all of us. I then noticed how her mane was all messed up…like if she had been stressing over something…
"You alright, hun?" Applejack asked, taking a step forward to Twilight.
"No!" Twilight shouted. "I am not alright." Twilight retrieved various shock statements from the girls. "It's just terrible."
"Yes?" The girls questioned, leaning towards her.
"Simply awful." Twilight added.
"Yes?" The girls leaned even more.
"It's the most horrific trouble I've ever been in and I really really really need your help!"
"Yes?" The girls now almost exclaimed.
"My letter to Princess Celestia is almost overdue, and I haven't learned anything about friendship!"
All the girls released sighs of relief while Rainbow Dash looked as if she had been excited for nothing.
"Oh thank goodness." Fluttershy answered. "I thought something really awful had happened."
Twilight released a shocked gasp and teleported towards the picnic blanket. Her teleportation startled Rainbow Dash, who was sitting down near her sun block, and caused her shades to fly away from her eyes. "Something awful has happened!" Twilight exclaimed and teleported to Rarity, causing her to spit out the tea she was drinking. "If I don't turn in the letter on time, I'll be tardy!" She reappeared in the center of the picnic blanket where we all resided. "TARDY!" She yelled as she held Applejack.
All the girls looked at each other and began giggling, which caused Twilight to turn red and begin steaming.
"No offense, sugarcube," Applejack replied as she pushed Twilight's hooves away from her. "…but it looks like somepony's gettin' themselves all worked up over nothin'."
Twilight slapped Applejack's hooves away. "This is not nothing. This is everything. I need you guys to help me find somepony with a problem I can fix before sundown! My whole life depends on it!"
Pinkie Pie giggled. "Oh Twilight, you're such a crack-up!" She fell backwards on the grass as she laughed.
"Come on now." Applejack said. "Have a seat and stop sweatin' the small stuff."
I placed a hoof on Twilight and agreed. "Applejack's right. I'm sure the Princess won't mind if you're a little late. Just tell her that you need a little more time…"
Twilight released a loud annoyed groan as she began walking away, angrily. She released one more annoyed groan before running off and teleporting.
"Wow. I've never seen Twilight so upset before…" Fluttershy commented.
"Oh, what a drama queen!" Rarity exclaimed as she continued lying on her couch. She noticed us realize her irony and cleared her throat. "Mm. Relatively speaking..."
"…I'm going to check up on Twilight." I announced as I stood up. "I'll try to bring her back her so she won't worry so much about the problem she's dealing with.
The girls nodded their heads, and I began heading towards Twilight's house.
As I was walking through the park, I heard some laughter nearby. I looked to my right to see Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo bouncing a ball with their heads. They continued to giggle as they played with the ball. I lightly smiled at their fun and walked over to them.
"Hey, girls." I greeted.
They looked over to me. "Hey, Alex!" Applebloom replied. Then, she placed a hoof to her chin as she observed me. "Hm… there's something different about you…"
"He's smiling!" Sweetie Bell exclaimed a moment after.
Applebloom gasped. "That's true! It's so amazing!" She bounced excitedly towards me. "What made you smile so suddenly, Alex?" She asked.
"It's a long story…" I answered, looking away as I thought about it. After, I turned back towards them. "You girls want to know something amazing?"
"Yes!" Applebloom continued to hop excitedly.
"Tell us! Tell us!" Sweetie Belle added.
"Yeah!" Scootaloo emphasized.
I looked at each one of them, continuing to smile. "Fluttershy and I… are together now."
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other in shock for a moment, but then turned their heads back to me with delicate faces. "Aww!" They released.
"Eww!" Scootaloo exclaimed as she stuck out her tongue.
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo irritably, for a moment, but then turned their attention back towards me. "Well, I'm glad you both are together now!" Applebloom expressed.
"Hey, Alex, want to play with us?" Sweetie Bell offered.
"No thanks, girls. I'm trying to look for Twilight… I'm a bit worried about her."
"Why?" They asked.
Suddenly, we heard a noise where the ball lay on the grass. It surprised us as it grew larger and larger to the point where it popped open. Twilight appeared before us with the creepy smile as she looked at the girls. "Hi girls!" Twilight's ear twitched.
Applebloom returned a slightly frightened look, but then formed a smile. "Oh, hi Twilight. How's it go—
"Gr-eat. Just great." Twilight answered in mid-sentence. Her eyes twitched as a drop of sweat fell from her face. She began walking towards them as they could only slightly flinch back. "You three look like you're doing great too! Looks like three good friends who obviously don't need the help of another good friend."
"Twilight…" I placed my hoof on her. "You're obviously not okay. Are you still obsessing over the letter? Why don't you just take my advice and ask Princess Celestia for more time? I'm sure she'll be okay with it. Then, you can enjoy the picnic with us and worry about the letter later. I'll even help you. You know, like a break?"
"Break?" Twilight questioned. "I don't need any break! I have this all under control!" Her eyes and ears creepily twitched once again, allowing me to see the bags and wrinkles below her eyes. She pulled out a doll with her magic and presented her to the children. "This is Smarty Pants. She was mine when I was your age, and now I want to give her to you!"
The girls remained silent as they could only stare at the ragged doll.
"Uhh... she's... great." Scootaloo answered, nervously.
"Yeeeeeah. Great." Applebloom added.
"I really... like her... mane?" Sweetie Belle returned a squeaky answer that was more of a question.
"She even comes with her own notebook and quill," Twilight squealed as she placed the small notebook on Scootaloo's hoof and the quill on Sweetie Belle's ear. "…for when you want to pretend she's doing her homework!" Twilight tilted her head and rubbed her hooves nervously.
"That's... um... " Scootaloo tried to answer as she held her foreleg with her hoof. "…great."
"Yeah... great." Applebloom repeated and chuckled nervously. She noticed Sweetie Bell not offering an opinion, so she bumped her.
"I really like her... mane?"
I knew Twilight was acting strange… but I couldn't really tell if she was doing something nice for the girls… or if it was for some other strange reason…
"I just hope the fact that there are three of you and only one of her doesn't become a problem! I'd hate to cause a rift between such good friends." She strained. Scootaloo began waving a hoof around her ear to represent that Twilight was messed up in the head. I looked at Twilight and was about to question her, but she immediately asked the girls another question. "So, who wants to play with her first?"
The girls pulled back frightened. "Uh..." Applebloom looked towards Sweetie Belle. "You should play with her first, Sweetie Belle. Y'know, 'cause you like her mane so much." Applebloom immediately began fleeing afterwards.
Sweetie Belle widened her eyes and replied to her answer. "Nonononononono. I think Scootaloo should get to play with her first." She left as well.
"I'd love to, but, um, you take her, Applebloom." Scootaloo walked towards Applebloom, who was being pushed back by Sweetie Belle.
Scootaloo grabbed Applebloom's mane to bring her closer to the doll, but Applebloom quickly pulled herself away and offered Sweetie Belle instead. "Applejack says it's important to share." Applebloom began pushing Sweetie Belle towards the doll while Sweetie Bell could only wave her legs around in a struggle to prevent it.
I turned to face Twilight who was tapping her hooves together. "Okay, Twilight. You're scaring the little girls. Why don't you put that doll away and stop frightening them?" I suggested, but she seemed to ignore me.
I noticed the girls begin fighting to get away from the doll, so I quickly walked over them to stop it.
"Ooh, you're going to like Smarty Pants. And you're going to like her more than anything." Twilight announced as I pulled the girls apart. She began doing a spell which hearts formed from her horn and entered the doll. The girls noticed it and quickly rushed over to the doll.
"I want it." Scootaloo surprisingly expressed.
"I need it." Applebloom added after.
"I really like her mane!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
I turned my head towards the doll and as soon as I did, I began feeling strange. I suddenly started feeling as if I had to get that doll. I quickly looked away and rubbed my eyes. What's going on…? Now, the girls began fighting over the doll, creating a large dust cloud to form around the doll to prevent me from seeing it any further.
"The 'want it, need it' spell. Works every time." Twilight commented.
"What?" I answered in exclamation at Twilight, continuing to rub my eyes.
"Okay okay, let's break it up." Twilight ignored me. "I think we can all see that there is an important lesson to be learned here about—The girls pushed Twilight away from them. "C'mon, girls, we're all friends here, right? Don't you think you ought to share?"
"No way!" Sweetie Belle answered in a bold tone as the girls continued fighting.
Twilight released an annoyed groan and jumped in the dust cloud to try to break them up, but threw her away shortly after. She crashed in front of Big Macintosh.
"Big Macintosh! Thank goodness! You've gotta help me get that doll away from those girls!"
Big Macintosh only stared at the doll as he carried a bucket with his mouth. "...Eeyup." He placed the bucket down and walked over to the girls. He lowered his head and easily grabbed the doll from the girls.
"Oh, thank you so much. Now if you could just give her to me?" Twilight asked, but Big Macintosh began fleeing from the area.
"Mmnope."
Twilight rubbed her face with her hoof. "Oh no!"
"Twilight!" I announced, finally recovering from that weird feeling and walking towards her. "What's going on? What did you do to that doll?"
"I…I…" Twilight tried to answer, but we began hearing arguing.
"Give her back!" Applebloom shouted to Big Macintosh as he continued fleeing. The mayor had seen them running by as they continued arguing. She quickly stood up from her chair and placed her book down.
"What's all the commotion about?" The mayor asked.
"They're fighting over that doll!" A pony answered.
"That incredible, amazing doll!" Another pony added.
Afterwards, they all immediately began raiding Big Macintosh as he stood on top of the pile holding the doll away from the other ponies. I saw the doll again and immediately received the same feeling again. I quickly looked away and rubbed my eyes. There must be something wrong with that doll! Twilight must have placed some sort of spell that made the ponies so crazy about the doll!
"Can't... get... a clear shot!" Twilight grunted as she maneuvered through the crowd but failed.
I didn't want to look because I would run the risk of falling under the spell again.
"Gimme!" I heard the mayor exclaim.
After, I heard an explosion with ponies flying away. I looked to see that the mayor had run off with the doll and Big Macintosh tackled through the crowd to chase after the mayor.
"Oh, what have I done?" Twilight announced, worriedly.
I sighed heavily. "We have to tell the others, come on!"
I began running back towards the picnic area.
We had just arrived to see the many ponies stampede over the picnic area.
"What in the name of all things oats 'n apples is goin' on here?" Applejack demanded.
The mayor continued running with the doll until a Pegasus flew over to her and snatched it away. Another Pegasus began fighting with the other one for the doll which eventually flew over beside Rainbow Dash. While Twilight got Rainbow Dash, I quickly rushed over to Fluttershy to prevent her from looking at it as well.
"Don't look at it!" Twilight warned.
"Don't look at what?" Rarity asked.
"My Smarty Pants doll! I enchanted her and now everypony is fighting over her!"
"Why would you enchant your doll?" Fluttershy asked, worriedly as all the fighting occurred in the background.
"Oh, I had to do something! I had nothing to report to Princess Celestia! I thought if I couldn't find a problem, I'd make a problem! The day is almost over!"
"Not almost!" Applejack added as we began noticing the sun set completely. Twilight dug her head into her hooves, shamefully.
"Twilight Sparkle!" We heard a sudden magnificent voice above us. A bright glow emerged, causing us to face towards an upset Princess Celestia.
"Whoa nelly…" Applejack commented as she removed her hat.
Princess Celestia then used her magic to remove the enchantment and return everypony back to normal. After, Princess Celestia planted her hooves firmly on the ground in front of Twilight. "Meet me in the library." She announced boldly and flew off.
"Goodbye everypony..." Twilight said, now depressingly as she stood up. "If you care to visit, I'll be in magic kindergarten, back in Canterlot." She began walking away as she lowered her head, sadly. I could only feel horrible for Twilight now…
"Magic kindergarten?" Fluttershy questioned.
"Canterlot?" Rainbow Dash added.
"We're never gonna see Twilight again!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
"Uh, What are we gonna do, y'all?" Applejack asked, worriedly.
"Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity yelled, causing the other ponies to look at her irritably. "What? I really mean it this time!"
I remained silent for a moment as I closed my eyes. I opened them again and looked over to where the library was.
"I'm going to take the blame…" I began walking but the girls stopped me.
"Wait!" Fluttershy exclaimed and rushed over to me. "I'll take it too…"
"Fluttershy…" I answered.
"No, we all are." Applejack walked over to us as the others followed her. "We're all in this together, and we stick it out no matter what!" Applejack stomped her hoof on the ground. I looked at them and nodded, returning a light smile. Afterwards, we all began running towards Twilight's library.
When we arrived, we immediately burst open through the door. Rainbow Dash quickly flew in front of Twilight and raised her hoof. "Wait!"
"You can't punish her!" Pinkie Pie cried out.
"It wasn't her fault!" Applejack added.
"I'm listening." Princess Celestia responded to their answers.
"Please, your highness. We all saw that Twilight was upset..." Fluttershy began.
"...but we thought that the thing she was worrying about wasn't worth worrying about." Rainbow Dash continued as Pinkie Pie rubbed her head sadly on Twilight.
"So when she ran off all worked up, only Alex tried to go check up on her!" Applejack explained.
"As Twilight's good friends, we all should have taken her feelings seriously and been there for her!"
"Please don't take her away from us just because we were too insensitive to help her."
"Yes…" I took a step forward to Princess Celestia. "If you're going to punish Twilight… at least let me take it instead… I failed in trying to prevent what had just happened… I guess I'm not such a good friend, so…" I lowered my head in silence.
Princess Celestia thought for a moment and then returned to her smile once again. "Looks like you all learned a pretty valuable lesson today." All the other girls agreed. Princess Celestia walked towards me. "Alex, you are not a bad friend… none of you are. All of you were ready to do anything to prevent a best friend from suffering… and that's a good friend… Very well. I'll forget Twilight's punishment on one condition." All the girls were ready to hear for what she had to say. "From this day forth, I would like you all to report to me your findings on the magic of friendship, when, and only when, you happen to discover them."
All the girls cheered as Princess Celestia began leaving. Twilight noticed this and began rushing over to her as I followed behind.
"Princess Celestia, wait! How did you know I was in trouble?" Twilight asked.
"Your friend Spike made me aware that you were letting your fears get the best of you. I commend him for taking your feelings seriously. Now, if you will all excuse me, I must return to Canterlot. I'm expecting some mail." Princess Celestia was just about to fly away, but suddenly stopped. She looked over to me and smiled. "By the way, Alex, I see you smile now."
"Oh…yeah…" I rubbed my head.
"It's been something I've been waiting to see since I met you."
Her response caused me to smile, which seemed to make her happier. "Just wait for my letter to hear what I learned about friendship."
She nodded and smiled warmly. "I'll be waiting." After, she lifted off and began flying back to Canterlot.
"Y'all heard the Princess." Applejack announced. "Spike, take a letter."
Twilight looked at Spike and hugged him, most likely for the reason that he contacted Princess Celestia.
After, we all gathered around in a circle while Spike began writing the letter.
Applejack cleared her throat and began speaking while she held her hat down. "Dear Princess Celestia, we're writin' to you because today we all learned a little somethin' about friendship."
"We learned that you should take your friends' worries seriously." Fluttershy included.
"Even if you don't think that she has anything to worry about." Rainbow Dash added as she lay on the ground.
"And that you shouldn't let your worries turn a small problem..." Rarity continued.
"...into an enormously huge entire-town-in-total-chaos Princess-has-to-come-and-save-the-day problem!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she expressed each word in her own creative way.
"Signed, your loyal subjects." Applejack finished.
Spike looked at us and then lowered his head deeper into the letter. "P.S. Obviously Spike did not have to learn a lesson, because he is the best, most awesome friend a pony could ask for. Unlike everypony else, he took things seriously, and— He noticed Twilight look at him and shake her head. "Eheh... uh... yeah... I'll just, um..." He crossed out the part he wrote, leading the girls to share a laugh together.
"Hold on…" I announced, walking over to Spike. "There's something I want to include…" The girls looked at me with concerned yet intrigued eyes. "Dear, Princess Celestia…" I began. "There is an amazing lesson I've learned. I used to think that I'd always been alone in my whole life, especially on how other ponies treated me in my past. I used to think that there was no such thing as friendship… but I learned that I was wrong…" I looked at the girls as I continued speaking with my heart. "If you keep a strong and pure heart… you will find your true friends… even if you have to go through so many struggles to find them. I learned that not everypony is bad… and I also learned what you meant Princess. I found out the feelings that I could not describe for such a long time. Those feelings were friendship…happiness…" I looked at all the girls, and then I faced Fluttershy. "…and love…" Fluttershy blushed. " Whatever obstacles I've had to face…they all had been worth it to realize who my true friends are… and I'll do anything to protect them from danger… signed, Alex."
Spike finished writing the letter and sent it.
The girls all returned caring eyes and ran over to hug me. I could only smile embarrassingly as I looked at each one of them, knowing that I'd stay true to my promise.
After, all of the girls headed home. I walked Fluttershy to her cottage and stopped at her door.
"Alex…" Fluttershy spoke.
"Hm…?" I answered.
"I'm so glad you came into our lives…I know for sure that nothing would be the same if you weren't with us."
"I feel the same way Fluttershy… I'm truly grateful that I have such a fantastic friendship with each one of you… and I hope nothing ever ruins it…"
Fluttershy nodded and released a delicate smile towards me. I moved closer to her and kissed her, giving her a passionate hug after.
"I love you."
Fluttershy slightly blushed and responded. "I love you too…"
"Goodnight, Fluttershy."
"Goodnight, Alex…"
Fluttershy kissed me and once more on the cheek. Afterwards, she retired back to her cottage to go to sleep. I turned around to head home.
I lay on my bed when I returned home and closed my eyes. Before I fell asleep, I remembered about my promise… and I'm going to keep it…