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// Party Welcomes (June 7th, Friday evening.) 
// Story: The Obvious Conclusion 
// by Jhoira 
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Coco and Applejack were smiling and greeting guests as they arrived, Minuette and Rarity were amongst the first to arrive, dressed up in all of Rarity's bells and whistles, though looking at how Minuette tugged at the dress she had made it obvious that this was Rarity's idea, not Minuette's. Both were happy to return Coco's welcome hug before heading over to the party proper, though it was at this point still mostly empty of ponies.

Next to arrive were Flitter and Rainbow Dash, the first thing that Applejack noticed was that though the two were a couple they didn't tend to be overly affectionate, but Flitter was sticking very close to Rainbow Dash. Flitter was usually a very independent pony but today she seemed to be letting Rainbow Dash take the lead. "Hey Applejack, Coco, how are you two doing?"

Applejack smiled at her friend. "Oh, we're good, got quite the party planned for y'all." Coco took a somewhat timid step forward and raised a foreleg offering both the others a welcoming hug, much to Applejack and Coco's surprise Flitter took a step forward and took the hug before quickly retreating back to stand next to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash smiled a little and leaned in, giving her marefriend a gentle nuzzle before looking back to Applejack and Coco. "That's good, how many ponies did you invite?"

Coco smiled, looking to the side, causing Applejack to chuckle. "Well Coco kind of went overboard, probably half of Ponyville or something?"

Rainbow Dash laughed loudly, grinning at Coco. "Well now isn't that cute? Well, we'd better let you greet your other guests, we'll see you about." Applejack chuckled in return and waved as they passed, glancing over and frowning, pretty sure Rainbow Dash just whispered something to Flitter.

Next came Fluttershy, who was alone, as expected, Fluttershy still hadn't worked up the courage to talk to Muffins, Fluttershy had a really unfortunate crush. Muffins was not a pony to pick up on subtleties and Fluttershy was in no way a direct pony. Applejack had considered telling Muffins for Fluttershy but that would not be appropriate obviously, though she had a time or two considered offering Fluttershy that option she had a feeling she'd be turned down. And anyway, that wasn't the proper way to start a relationship. Next came Twilight, slightly late. Which for any other pony wouldn't be unusual but for Twilight was extremely unusual, the only pony she'd found that was more punctual was Minuette, and she had that entire. 'Oh, I have time magic so I'm never late.' thing going for her. Applejack took a few steps forward, not overly concerned but more curious. "Everything okay Twilight?"

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Oh yes, don't worry about me. I was just spending some time with a friend and figured I could be a little late."

Applejack nodded. "Oh sure thing Twilight, was just unusual."

Coco giggled and smiled at Twilight. "Hello, Princess Twilight."

Twilight rolled her eyes slightly but took the proffered welcome hug. "Goodness Coco, I told you just Twilight. Or should I call you Miss Pommel?"

Applejack chortled as Coco flushed, shaking her head. "O-Oh no Pr... Twilight. I'll get used to it."

Twilight smiled. "Good! I'll see you in the party!" She waved and trotted into the party to let the two hostesses get back to their greeting duties. Applejack narrowed her eyes as she looked down the road.

"Coco, is that Zecora and Pinkie Pie...?"

Coco nodded hesitantly. "Uh... Yeah, I think so, something's off..."

Applejack frowned as she tried to figure out why they looked so weird until she realized that Pinkie was taller than Zecora? Was Zecora slouching? Was she hurt? Then she shook her head, no, Pinkie was just taller than usua... Wait... WHAT!? "Coco, did you tell Pinkie costume party...?"

Coco shook her head. "No..."

"Then what in tarnation are these two up to?"

Pinkie and Zecora trotted up to Coco and Applejack, Applejack had managed to corral her face into something calm and normal, Coco was still openly staring. Pinkie, was, of course, the first to pipe up. "What's the matter? Aren't you happy to see us!?" Pinkie couldn't keep the snicker hidden, obviously knowing why everyone was staring. The normally vibrantly colored pony was grey and a darker grey, painted or dyed to resemble Zecora, even wearing Zecora's normal earrings and her necklace around her upright foreleg. Zecora was painted now pink, with Pinkie's cutie mark painted on her flank.

"Care to explain what's up Pinkie or is this a new guessing party game?" Applejack couldn't help but feel like there was something she was missing here, and she wasn't going to let these two into her party until she knew what it was.

Zecora was the one to explain, however. "It is no game my friend. This new color is a means to an end. Amongst my people this is tradition. For those in our situation. We are courting like thee. Pinkie Pie and me."

Applejack's eyes widened at the ambush but Coco could only let out a loud squee and rush forwards hugging both her friend Pinkie and acquaintance Zecora. "That's great!" Coco smiled a bit sheepishly as she retreated back to Applejack's side.

Applejack smiled a bit. "Well, this sure is a surprise you two, congratulations."

Pinkie Pie grinned widely and hopped around a bit. "We've been dating secretly for six months! I don't know why but it's Zecora's thing, but now we can let everyone know! YAY!"

Zecora smiled, nodding at the statement. "We have indeed. We must give tradition heed. Though to ponies it may sound out of place. My people's traditions I will not outpace."

Applejack chuckled. "Well, I'm sure you have plenty of people to tell, judging by Pinkie." Pinkie was veritably vibrating with excitement and Zecora nodded.

"I will see you two in the party. Telling others our news will make us hearty." Applejack nodded, smiling as Zecora walked past them and Pinkie, after giving Applejack a hug, and Coco another hug she hopped after her.

Applejack looked at Coco. "This is certainly going to be an interesting party sugar cube."

Coco giggled and nodded. "Yep!"