//------------------------------//
// In Consequence 
// Story: BBBFFWB 
// by Muan 
//------------------------------//

BBBFFWB: In Consequence

In a spare bedroom of the palace, some hours after the failed wedding rehearsal, Applejack and Spike sat. In the center of the room sat a bed with Twilight Sparkle fast asleep beneath its covers.
“So, Spike, knowin’ how Twilight here thinks of her big brother,” said Applejack, “and seein’ how you’re kinda like her little brother, does that ever worry ya?”
“What do you mean?” asked Spike.
“I mean, ya ever get to wonderin’ just how she thinks of you?”
“Well, only when she – oh hey Twilight you’re awake!”
Twilight was beginning to stir, opening her eyes and looking about. She sat up in the bed and put a hoof to her forehead.
“What am I –oh.  I passed out, didn’t I?” Twilight asked. 
“Celestia had ya brought here when ya didn’t wake up,” said Applejack
“Feeling okay now?” asked Spike.
“Great,” sighed Twilight smiling sardonically and turning her gaze downward, “just tell me everything I just said was all a dream, and I’ll be happy.” 
“If ya mean the part where you and your big brother blurted out your ‘special feelings’ for each other in front of Princess Celestia, all your friends, a couple of guards, and the queen of the changelings then nah, that stuff was all real,” said Applejack. “But anything that came afterwards probably wasn’t, if that makes ya feel any better.”
“I really thought I had that all under control,” said Twilight.
“Aw, shucks, Twilight, don’t feel bad,” said Applejack putting a hoof on her friend’s back. “I don’t think any differently of ya.”
“Maybe you don’t, but do you suppose we could just pretend that all this just never happened?” asked Twilight.
“Nothing would make me happier, sugar, but there’s a whole room full of other ponies you gotta take that up with before we can all just pretend it never happened.”
“Yeah, you’ve been out for six hours,” said Spike, “and those guards didn’t look like the types to keep secrets.” 
“Unless you’ve got some spell for erasing memories, looks like the word’s out, sugar.”
“I know the spell I need,” sighed Twilight, “but it’s against the law.”
“So when do we get to hear all the juicy details about you and Shining Armor's forbidden love affair?”
Twilight put her face in her hooves. “I guarantee you, it’s nothing like what you’re imagining.”
“Sounded like you and your bro had a ‘special relationship’ growing up.”
“Bingo,” said Spike.
Twilight looked up from her hooves. “See, that’s what I mean! It wasn’t like that!”
Applejack and Spike both stared at Twilight dubiously. Suddenly Applejack’s smiling expression returned.
“Look, Spike,” Applejack said, “maybe she’s right and this is all a big misunderstanding. I mean, I had a big brother growing up, and we were awful close. And sometimes, I mean, sure, we’d kiss a little and do some other stuff cause we was curious, but that was it. Lots of siblings are like that.”
“I know, right?” said Twilight turning to her friend with a smile. “We just used to kiss and stuff but – “
“And dance,” interjected Spike.
“– but that’s it!” Twilight finished.
“And now, ya write him letters about your feelings for him,” said Applejack, “And I never did anything with Big Mac growing up – I had friends.”
“You lied?” asked Twilight.
“Sorry.”
“But you’re the element of honesty!”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t lie.”
“When have you lied?”
“Pinkie’s birthday party.”
“Oh, right.” Twilight’s face fell back into her hooves. “I just want to get on with my life,” she said. 
“Sure ya do, hon. Now, kissing and stuff was all y’all did? Is that right?”
“Yes.”
“And Shining Armor was your only friend before we met ya.”
“Yes.”
“And that includes boyfriends?”
“Yes, and I see where you’re going with this.”
“So then ya haven’t ever – “
“Obviously.”
“So, you’re a – “
“Oh, shut up.”
Applejack looked over at Spike who discretely shook his head.
“Look, hon,” said Applejack, “I don’t want to upset ya, but you’re in love and if ya can’t talk to your friends about this, then who can ya talk to?”
“Can’t I just bury it deep, deep down and never bring it up again?” asked Twilight.
“I think ya already tried that, sugar. Look where it got ya. ”
“If you all would just sign memory waivers then – “
“You’re gonna want to read the small print on those,” warned Spike. Twilight looked up and scowled at him, annoyed. “I’m just saying, “Spike said, “Brain damage.” 
“What are the others doing?” Twilight asked turning to Applejack. “Why aren’t they here?”
Applejack’s expression changed to one of concern. “Oh, right, well, remember how I said how I don’t feel any differently about ya? Well, the others are feeling… varying degrees of differently about ya at the moment.”
Twilight’s eyes widened with realization. A gasp escaped her lips. “My incestuous desires have driven away four of my best friends!” 
“Now hold on there, sugar. Your incestuous desires haven’t driven away anypony. Pinkie Pie just wanted some time to herself, and Fluttershy just doesn’t know what to say. They’ll come around soon enough. You’ll see.”
“And Rarity and Rainbow Dash?”
“Oh, well, Rarity just doesn’t approve, but she says it isn’t any of her business.”
“And she’s been avoiding me,” said Spike.
“And Rainbow Dash?” asked Twilight.
Applejack said nothing. She started avoiding Twilight’s stare.
“And Rainbow Dash?” asked Twilight again.
“You’re… just gonna have to see her yourself,” said Applejack. "Princess Celestia said to leave her alone for a while."
Twilight’s gaze drifted back down to her covers. A dejected look began to adorn her face. “Sounds an awful lot like I’ve driven them away,” she said.
“Now I just dun told ya that ain’t so. Why don’t you and I go see what Pinkie Pie’s up to? Ya can’t get her down for too long. I’ll bet she’s come around by now. You’ll see.”
“Hmm, maybe you’re right,” said Twilight assenting. “Sitting, moping about in this room won’t do me any good. Besides, I can’t imagine Pinkie Pie being cold towards anypony.” With that, she got out of bed and followed Applejack out of the room with Spike at her side.