As Mist entered her sixth month of pregnancy, she and Blue took a trip down to Dodge Junction for the weekend, visiting Cherry Jubilee. Luxury had offered to look after Blue's bar, leaving some spare time for him to spend with Mist's family. Alas, Big Red was on a trip delivering cherries to Manehattan when they arrived, so they hadn't seen much of him yet. Cherry was pleased to see them, as she was feeling a little lonely in Red's absence, and gladly welcomed the company (Mist having written ahead and informed her of their arrival).
"Hello, you two!" She beamed as they entered the homestead. "Mist, look at you! You're practically glowing!"
"You really think so?" Mist grinned, her pregnant belly being bigger than ever.
"Of course I do!" Cherry chuckled. "Now Blue, I trust you've been taking care of her?"
"Sure have." Blue nodded.
"Wonderful." Cherry smiled. "Now, I'm sure you must be tired after your long trip. I've got the bed in the spare room all set up for you."
"So you don't mind us... y'know, sleeping together?" Blue asked.
"Of course not." Cherry grinned. "You're both adults. It's no business of mine what you do behind closed doors."
"I'll keep that in mind." Blue winked at Mist.
"Smooth, Casanova." Mist nudged him. "Real smooth."
The morning after their arrival, Cherry made them both breakfast.
"Here you are." She smiled. "A healthy, filling breakfast, just what you need. Especially you, Mist."
"Thanks, Cherry." Mist smiled.
"I still can't believe it, you know." Cherry smiled. "The sweet little filly I used to foalsit is having a foal of her own. I suddenly feel so old..."
"Don't say that." Mist declared. "You're still as spry and energetic as you were when I was a filly."
"Thank you for the compliment, dear." Cherry chuckled. "But I'm still set to become a grandmother once more."
"And I bet you'll be a great one." Blue smiled. "You're one of the kindest, sweetest mares I've ever met, Cherry."
"My, what a charmer." Cherry declared. "You got yourself a good one, Mist. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. You deserve nothing but the best."
"Ain't that the truth?" Blue bragged.
"Easy, Cherry." Mist snickered. "Unlike you, Blue isn't always so humble."
"Sure I am." Blue chuckled. "In fact, I'm the most humble guy I know. So I win!"
"So, what are you doing today?" Cherry asked.
"I thought we'd check out that rodeo today." Mist announced. "It's been too long since I've been to one."
"I've never been to one myself." Blue shrugged. "But if Mist thinks it's worth seeing, I'll give it a shot."
"A decision you won't regret." Cherry smiled. "The rodeo's always been one of the best things about this town. You'll have the time of your life, just wait and see."
"Hey, I'll be with Mist." Blue smirked. "So that's pretty much a given."
"Cherry's right." Mist nuzzled him. "You really are a charmer."
"Yep." Blue nodded. "Good thing I'm way too humble to brag about it."
After finishing their breakfast, the two made their way to the rodeo. It was a particularly sunny day, the humidity palpable.
"Sheesh, it's hot." Blue mopped his brow.
"Actually, it's not too bad." Mist shrugged. "You should come by here in the summer. Now that's some real heat."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" Blue frowned. "I hope this rodeo is air-conditioned."
"Not exactly." Mist admitted. "But it has plenty of shade."
"Works for me." Blue shrugged.
They managed to arrive mere moments before the show began.
"Oh good, we haven't missed the rodeo clowns." Mist grinned. "These guys are hilarious!"
Blue and Mist found some empty seats (Blue helping Mist into hers), and the show began.
The clowns performed all manner of slapstick tricks, earning the amusement of the crowd, but one in particular was a master at the craft. He was much bigger than the others, and much more energetic. He had refined pratfalls into an art form, performing flips and cartwheels with ease. As the performance neared its end, the large clown's dungarees fell down to his fetlocks. He tripped on them, sending him flying into a pile of hay bales. The clown emerged, and cracked a smile, hay sticking out of his mouth and ears. The crowd roared with laughter, Blue and Mist included.
"Ah-hah-hah-hah-hah!" Blue guffawed, tears streaming down his eyes. "That guy's incredible!"
"He always is." Mist giggled.
"'Always'?" Blue asked. "So you've seen him before?"
"He's been part of the show for years." Mist smiled. "Nopony does a pratfall like old Troubleshoes Clyde."
"I can believe it." Blue grinned. "Guy really knows his stuff..."
Troubleshoes took a bow, leaning so far forward that he ended up cartwheeling onto his back. He waved his hooves as the crowd laughed once more.
As Blue finished his chortling, he noticed that one member of the crowd wasn't laughing at Troubleshoes. A gray coated, blonde maned Pegasus mare with a Cutie Mark of some bubbles was standing at the foot of the bleachers, staring intently at Troubleshoes.
"What's with her?" Blue pointed out. "No funny bone?"
"I've never seen her around here before." Mist frowned. "And I've never seen anypony not laughing at Troubleshoes."
"Well, she seems pretty interested." Blue noted. "She just keeps staring at him."
"Maybe she's a fan?" Mist suggested.
"A fan who doesn't laugh?" Blue asked. "Weird..."
They had no more time to ponder the mare's mentality, as the show's main attractions began. All sorts of wild sporting events took place; barrel rolling, hay stacking, lasso tricks... all the classics. Blue, who was worried that he might not enjoy the event, quickly got into the swing of things, cheering each performer on. Mist was glad that her fiancé was enjoying things, having been a fan of the rodeo since she was little. It meant there was one more thing they could enjoy together.
All too soon, the rodeo came to an end. The spectators began filing out, while the performers cleaned up.
"Whoa, that was awesome!" Blue cheered. "I've only ever been to Wonderbolts performances before. Never knew you could have this much excitement on the ground!"
"Yeah, the rodeo's always a crowdpleaser." Mist smiled.
As they turned for home, Blue spotted the Pegasus mare from earlier. She had barely moved from her spot, and was still watching intently as Troubleshoes helped with the clean-up.
"She's still there?" Blue frowned. "Maybe something's up. Should we ask?"
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check." Mist shrugged.
The two walked over to the mare.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Blue asked tentatively.
The mare jumped, and turned to face them, her slightly off-center eyes spiced with shock.
"Oh!" She yelped. "...Can I help you?"
"Sorry about that." Mist apologised. "I'm Mist, and this is Blue."
"I know who you are, your highness." The mare smiled, bowing quickly. "I'm Derpy. Nice to meet you.
"And you." Mist smiled. "Sorry to intrude, but we... er... noticed that you've barely moved from this spot all day. Is there something wrong?"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong." The mare declared.
"You sure about that?" Blue asked, pointing at Troubleshoes. "Because you keep staring at that big guy over there."
"Well, that's um... because... er..." The mare stuttered.
"Are you one of those crazy stalker fans?" Blue asked.
"Blue!" Mist elbowed him.
"What?" Blue frowned. "My folks get a couple of those every so often."
"I'm not a stalker." Derpy insisted. "I just... really admire Troubleshoes."
"Admire him?" Blue asked.
"Yes." Derpy nodded. "He goes out there and willingly makes a fool of himself. Ponies laugh at him, but it's all part of the show... I wish I had the courage to enjoy being laughed at."
"So you've been staring at him all day because you admire him?" Mist asked.
"Well, that, and he is kinda cute..." Derpy admitted, gazing at Troubleshoes as he wiped off his makeup. The years had been kind to the tall stallion. Finally achieving his dream had made him so happy, ensuring good mental health, and all the prancing and tumbling around had kept him in great shape. Aside from a few extra lines on his face, he looked quite good for his age.
"Well, why don't you go and tell him that?" Blue asked. "It'd be better than just standing around, staring at him."
"...No, I couldn't." Derpy cringed. "I'm just a stranger to him. Besides, I'm only staying in Dodge Junction for a week or two. Not to mention I haven't been on the dating scene in a long time. Not since I broke up with Doc. I really shouldn't bother..."
"Now what kind of attitude is that?" Mist frowned. "So what if you're not from here? If you like him, you like him. It wouldn't hurt to just go over there and talk to him."
"Yeah." Blue agreed. "Like they say: Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"Well..." Derpy frowned.
"You don't even have to mention your feelings." Mist added. "Just go over there and say 'hi'."
"...I guess I could do that..." Derpy nodded.
"That's the spirit." Blue grinned.
Derpy walked over to Troubleshoes, who had just taken off the last remnants of his clown gear. She gulped loudly, then cleared her throat to get his attention.
"Howdy." Troubleshoes smiled at Derpy. "Can I help you, miss?"
"H-hi..." Derpy said weakly, waving her hoof.
"Hello." Troubleshoes replied.
"...Hi..." Derpy repeated.
"...You said that already." Troubleshoes pointed out.
Derpy laughed awkwardly, then turned and ran.
"...Nice talking to you." Troubleshoes said, bewildered.
Mist and Blue watched in shock as Derpy ran by them.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Blue flew over, blocking her path. "What was that?"
"I-I don't know!" Derpy cringed. "It was like my brain froze up! I couldn't say anything to him! All I could think to do was run!"
"Oh, dear..." Mist sighed.
"I told you I couldn't do it!" Derpy yelled. "I'm better off just admiring him from afar!"
"Yeah, because pining after somepony is so much better..." Blue said sarcastically, earning another elbow from Mist. "Ow!"
"So maybe going up and talking to him wasn't the best idea." Mist admitted. "We'll just have to try something else."
"We?" Derpy asked.
"Yes, as in all of us." Mist nodded.
"But why are you so keen on helping me?" Derpy asked. "We barely know each other."
"True, but helping you is the right thing to do." Mist declared.
"Besides, we've got nothing better to do right now." Blue shrugged.
"My teacher, Twilight Sparkle, always took the time to help a pony in need." Mist declared. "I wouldn't be much of a student if I didn't follow her example."
"Oh yeah, I forgot you were Twilight's student." Derpy smiled. "I made her acquaintance before she was a Princess, you know. She always was a nice mare. Guess she's taught you well."
"That she has." Mist smiled. "Now, let's go get some lunch and start planning your next move. I'm buying."
"...I guess I could give it one more try..." Derpy shrugged.
"Sure you can." Blue nodded. "A quitter never wins, and winners never quit. That's what my folks always told me."
The trio went over to the local diner, ordering some okra sandwiches and milk.
"So tell us about yourself, Derpy." Mist smiled. "What brings you to Dodge Junction?"
"I figured I could take some time to myself." Derpy sighed. "It's been kind of lonely at home since my daughter left the nest. I thought I'd come out here and relax."
"And how does the big fella fit into this?" Blue asked.
"Oh, I saw him a couple of days after I arrived." Derpy sighed nostalgically. "He was practicing his routine with the others, and... there was just something about the way he took a pratfall that made my heart flutter..."
"I know that feeling." Mist nuzzled against Blue.
"But what should I do about it?" Derpy asked. "I can't exactly try talking to him again..."
"Well, we might want to build up to that." Blue admitted. "For now, we need to think of a way for you to break the ice."
"Ice?" Derpy frowned. "Where am I going to get ice from around here?"
"He means you should find some way of sparking up a conversation." Mist corrected her. "Maybe get him to start talking to you."
At that moment, Troubleshoes entered the diner. He walked up to the counter, and ordered some lunch. Derpy kept her eyes on him the whole time
"Hey, this could be it." Blue declared. "Buy the guy a drink. That oughta get things going."
"I guess, maybe that could work..." Derpy pondered, as Troubleshoes sat down to eat.
"Then go for it." Mist smiled. "Just buy him a glass of juice, and bring it over to him."
"Okay..." Derpy took a deep breath. "Here goes..."
Derpy went over to the counter.
"One apple juice, please." She ordered.
"Coming right up." The server declared.
As the server prepared the drink, Derpy glanced over at Troubleshoes. He had only ordered a sandwich, so she didn't have much time before he left.
"Here the go." The server handed the glass of juice.
"Thanks." Derpy smiled, taking the glass. "Okay, here goes..."
Derpy walked across the diner, hoping to give Troubleshoes the drink. Suddenly, an orange coated, brown maned (and eyed) Earth Pony got out of his seat, and Derpy crashed into him, spilling the drink all over him.
"Do you mind?!" The stallion yelled.
"Sorry!" Derpy cringed. "It was an accident!"
"Well, try to be more careful next time!" The stallion huffed, walking away.
After glancing at the now-empty glass, Derpy realised that Troubleshoes' seat was empty. She shifted her gaze to the door, where Troubleshoes were exiting the diner. With the plan ruined, Derpy rejoined Blue and Mist.
"So much for that idea." She sighed.
"Hey, it's not your fault." Blue told her. "If that clod hadn't gotten up when he did..."
"What's done is done." Mist declared. "we just have to think of something else."
"But what else can I do?" Derpy asked.
"Maybe you should start playing to your strengths." Blue suggested.
"Exactly." Mist nodded. "What are you good at, Derpy?"
"Well, I am a pretty decent mailmare..." Derpy mused. "And I make a really mean batch of muffins..."
"Hey, that's worth a shot." Blue smiled.
"What, being a mailmare?" Derpy asked.
"No." Blue shook his head. "Bake the guys some muffins. That's a good icebreaker if I ever saw one."
"They do say the way to a stallion's heart is through his stomach." Mist agreed. "You should give it a try."
"Hey, yeah!" Derpy smiled. "It’s worth a shot, at least!"
"And we know just where you can get to baking." Blue smiled.
Blue and Mist lead Derpy back to the homestead.
"Cherry, we're back!" Mist called. However, nopony answered.
On close inspection, they found a note on the living room table:
Dear Mist and Blue,
Have gone to the cherry ranch to settle a delivery matter. Back soon.
Love, Cherry.
"Looks like we've got the place to ourselves." Blue smiled.
"Then let's get to work." Derpy smiled.
In the kitchen, Blue and Mist stared, aghast, as Derpy moved like a dervish; Clearly, she knew her way around muffins.
"Whoa." Blue gaped. "This gal can bake!"
"Wonder how good she is at being a mailmare?" Mist mused.
Before long, a fresh batch of muffins were fully baked and ready to go.
"What do you think?" Derpy asked.
"Outstanding." Mist grinned, rising from her seat. "No stallion in his right mind could resist these."
"Well, yeah... but what happens after I give them to him?" Derpy asked. "I'll probably just make a fool of myself if I try talking to him again..."
"Then don't talk." Blue declared.
"Say again?" Mist frowned.
"If you're having trouble saying the words, why not just write them down?" Blue continued. "Put 'em on a piece of paper, and put the paper in with the muffins."
"...That might actually work." Mist admitted. "Good idea, Blue."
"What can I say?" Blue smirked. "When it comes to love, I'm pretty much a maestro."
"Whatever you say, dear..." Mist rolled her eyes.
"Give me a minute, and I'll get to writing." Derpy grabbed a quill and paper. "I just hope I can put what I'm feeling onto paper... Still, Doc did it once, so it can't be too hard..."
"Who's this 'Doc' guy you keep talking about?" Blue asked.
"Just somepony I used to date." Derpy shrugged, as she started writing.
"What happened with him?" Mist asked.
"Nothing too bad." Derpy admitted. "We started out as friends, then grew into something more. Things were good for a while, but he was always wandering around here and there. He loved to travel, but I preferred to stay in one place most of the time." She frowned deeply. "That really made things hard for us. In the end, we figured we were better off as friends."
"Good for you." Blue nodded. "Not every break-up can go that smoothly."
A few minutes later, Derpy finished writing.
"Done!" She smiled.
"Now, how do we get these to Troubleshoes?" Mist asked.
"Oh, that's easy." Derpy grinned. "He's usually down at the marketplace about now."
"And you know that why exactly?" Blue asked.
"No reason..." Derpy said shiftily.
"Okay, let's go." Mist grinned.
The muffins were placed in a basket, with the note on top, and the trio rushed over to the marketplace. After a few minutes of searching, Blue spotted Troubleshoes at the grocer's stand.
"There he is." He smiled.
"Okay Derpy, this is it." Mist nudged Derpy gently. "Go for it."
"I don't know..." Derpy frowned. "Do you really think this'll work?"
"Don't go getting cold hooves now." Blue told her. "Remember, it's better to try than do nothing."
"You can do this, Derpy." Mist smiled.
"Okay..." Derpy quivered. "Here goes nothing."
Derpy walked over to Troubleshoes, carrying the basket of muffins with one of her wings.
"Okay, Derpy, stay cool..." Derpy whispered to herself. "You've got this..."
Derpy was so engrossed in her self-peptalk that she failed to watch where she was going. She tripped on an empty can, falling to the ground and sending the muffins flying out of the basket. The world seemed to go into slow motion as Derpy saw the muffins splatter all over Troubleshoes.
"Arh!" Troubleshoes yelped.
"No..." Derpy squeaked, as she got up.
"Oh, jeez..." Blue cringed.
"Not good." Mist gulped.
As Troubleshoes wiped some of the muffin off his face, he saw Derpy, the basket still in her wing, and put two and two together.
"Just my luck." He frowned. "You alright, ma'am?"
Derpy tried to answer, but not a sound emerged from her mouth. She had just made a fool of herself, and right in front of Troubleshoes. It was too much for her. Her eyes started welling up with tears. Choking back a sob, she turned and ran once again.
"What in tarnation was that all about?" Troubleshoes shook his head, flummoxed.
Blue and Mist glanced at each, then silently agreed to step in.
"Excuse me, sir?" Mist asked, as she and Blue rushed over.
"Howdy, your majesty." Troubleshoes bowed. "Ain't every day I meet royalty. Too bad I'm in such a state..." He glanced at his muffin-covered self.
"Yeah, about that..." Blue frowned. "Our friend didn't mean any harm."
"It was an accident." Mist added. "She wanted to give those muffins to you."
"Yeah, well mission accomplished." Troubleshoes deadpanned. "...What is with that mare, anyway? She came up to me earlier, barely said two words, then ran now, and now this?"
Blue suddenly spotted Derpy's note, a little crumpled, but still intact.
"Maybe this should help clear things up." He smiled.
Troubleshoes took the paper and read it.
Dear Troubleshoes,
I know we've never formally met, but I think you are the most wonderful stallion I've ever met. You bring joy to others without worrying about your own dignity. The fact that you're willing to let other ponies laugh at you to make them happy is so inspiring. And you're such a handsome stallion; I've never known somepony so tall and statuesque. I know you'll probably say 'no', but I'd really love to go out with you sometime.
Yours, Derpy Hooves
Troubleshoes' expression changed from confusion to surprise, and then to sympathy.
"Oh, I see..." He sighed. "Huh, I didn't I was the kind of stallion somepony could admire, let alone fall for..."
"She was having a hard time talking to you, so we figured writing her feelings down would help." Mist declared.
"So... whattaya think?" Blue asked.
"Well, I... I guess she is kinda purty." Troubleshoes admitted. "But somethin' tells me she might not be in a talking mood right now..."
"Let's not give up hope just yet." Mist smiled.
Not too far away, Derpy was curled up behind a stall, sobbing.
"Way to go, Derpy..." She sniffed. "You messed up again, and now Troubleshoes probably thinks you're this muffin-throwing weirdo."
"Not quite."
Derpy turned around, and was surprised to see Troubleshoes standing alongside Blue and Mist.
"I read your note." Troubleshoes smiled. "And to be honest, I'm really flattered that you feel that way about me."
"You are?" Derpy wiped her eyes.
"Yep." Troubleshoes nodded. "And you're a pretty good-looking mare yourself. I wouldn't mind going out with you sometime."
"Really?!" Derpy beamed.
"Really." Troubleshoes nodded. "And er, no hard feelings about the muffin shower. Accidents happen..."
"To some of us more than others." Derpy sighed. "I'm so clumsy sometimes..."
"I feel your pain. I'm so clumsy, folks actually started treating me like an outlaw for a while, 'cause of all the messes I made." Troubleshoes smiled.
"Whoa, really?" Derpy chuckled lightly. "I've caused some disasters in my time, but not enough that ponies wanted me thrown in jail!"
"Guess I'm just a special case." Troubleshoes joked. "Say, if you're not busy right now, maybe we could grab a drink at the saloon?"
"I'd love to." Derpy smiled.
"Then let's go." Troubleshoes smiled.
"Have fun, you guys." Blue grinned.
"Thank you both so much." Derpy beamed. "I can't thank you enough."
"Your happiness is all the thanks we need." Mist declared.
Derpy walked off to the saloon with Troubleshoes, waving at Blue and Mist. Suddenly, they both stumbled in the dirt. In the ensuing tumble, Derpy ended up in Troubleshoes' front legs, the pair blushing madly.
"Y'know, they do make a perfect match." Blue admitted. "Remind you of anyponies we know?"
"They do put me in mind of one couple." Mist grinned.
Once they returned to the homestead, they found that Cherry had returned.
"There you two are." Cherry frowned. "What happened to all my batter and cherries."
"We need them for an, er... special project." Mist declared.
"We picked up some replacements, though." Blue held up a basket.
"Fair enough." Cherry shrugged. "What kind of 'special project', may I ask?"
"Let's just say we helped bring a couple of kindred spirits together." Mist grinned.
"Speaking of kindred spirits..." Blue embraced Mist. "C'mere, babe."
The two kissed each other deeply.
"Ah, young love..." Cherry sighed. "Sweeter than the sweetest of cherries..."