“Ah dunno, sugarcube. You make it sound like a good idea, but Ah just dunno.” Applejack’s face was an impassive mask as she regarded Dash’s suggestion.
“It’s an awesome idea. All ponies need love, some ponies just need more than others.” Dash hovered a few hooves in the air and pointed in the direction of Ponyville. “Remember how bummed out Rarity was about her love life until Twi and Trixie took her in?”
Applejack nodded in agreement. Rarity had been an absolute wreck after her third visit to the Gala, countless dates in between, and no luck in sight.
Dash landed and lifted Applejack’s chin with a hoof. “We could totally do that for somepony. I remember how much it cheered you up when Pinkie was with us.”
Applejack remembered. It had been three months since Granny Smith passed on and she was still depressed over it. Pinkie had come and stayed with them for a week. Just seven days of having meals with them, helping with chores, sleeping with them, just being another comforting presence.
By the end, Applejack was healed. She was still sad over her loss, but it no longer gnawed at her soul. And as quick as she had come when they needed her, Pinkie left again to lend her aid to other ponies in need.
Applejack nodded, a smile finally cracking her muzzle while the corners of her eyes glinted wet at the memories. “Reckon you’re right, sugarcube.”
“Awesome! Now, we have to figure out who. Any ideas?”
Applejack answered instantly, the name coming to her lips before she even had time to think. “Fluttershy.”
Dash’s eyes went wide and she stammered. “F-Flutters-shy?”
Applejack’s cheeks glowed a soft red, but she nodded with firm conviction.
Dash thought this over for several long minutes, taking to the air again in a lazy circle before landing again in front of Applejack. “Why Fluttershy?” There was no anger or incredulity behind the question, just curiosity.
“She’s our friend an’ she ain’t got a special somepony.” Applejack said plainly. “Twi’s had Trixie and they’ve both got Rares now; you an’ me got each other, an’ Pinkie... Well, Pinkie’s got everypony that needs her. Reckon she’ll settle down when she’s ready.”
Dash nodded, but said nothing.
“We could prob’ly just help her find a special somepony if’n she ain’t interested, but I reckon ‘Shy’s one o’ them ponies that needs more love like ya said. And...” Applejack blushed a deeper red and looked away.
“And what?” Dash looked curiously at Applejack’s reaction.
“It’s selfish, ferget Ah said anythin’.”
“Oh come on, you gotta tell me!” Dash whined.
Applejack winced, took a deep breath and said in a barely audible voice, clicking her forehooves together. “You know how much Ah like wings...”
Dash grinned and laughed, brushing her primaries in Applejack’s face. “Come on, let’s go find ‘Shy, then.”