Apple Bloom covered her face, sobbing quietly into her forelimbs. She curled up into the corner of the clubhouse, her body twitching with sporadic sighs and sniffles.
Then, like a warm orange blanket, a pair of strong forelimbs scooped her up into a fuzzy hug.
"Hmmm...?" Apple Bloom looked up, puffy eyes blinking. "Wh-what...?" She felt herself being cradled and looked up with a gasping expression. "AJ! Yer... y-yer..."
"Shhhhh..." Applejack smiled. She slumped back on her haunches, holding Apple Bloom close. "Just let it out, darlin'. I'm here."
"I-I can't believe it..." Apple Bloom smiled painfully. She flew forward, wrapping her arms around Applejack's neck and nuzzling her tear-stained face against her chest. "You c-came up! You got out of the suit and you—"
"I know..." Applejack leaned down and nuzzled the filly's mane. "And I'm out of that gul-durn thang for good."
"You promise?"
"Hmmmm..." Applejack grinned calmly. "Pinkie Pie swear."
"But... but..." Apple Bloom shivered, wincing. "That stupid gizmo means so m-much to you! Somethin' like it may never come along again for ages!"
"It's all behind me now." Applejack leaned in and kissed the foal's forehead. "Besides..." She snuggled Apple Bloom close. "If yer not happy... then I'm not happy."
Apple Bloom bit her lip, holding in a foalish squeal. She cried joyfully, clinging tight to Applejack. "I'm s-so glad to have my big sis back..."
"Mmmmhmmmm..." Applejack patted her. "It's good to be back." She rocked the two quietly, humming a gentle little lullaby against the walls of the clubhouse.