Twilight and I cowered in the dark, listening for hoofsteps outside. The sounds of muted breathing surrounded us as the steps got closer. Closer. Closer. A rusty door squeaked open, and–
“Surprise!” we all shouted in unison as Applejack and Rainbow Dash trotted into the Applejack’s farmhouse, two gold pendants hanging around their necks. The one hanging around Applejack’s neck had a cerulean lightning bolt in its center, and Rainbow Dash’s contained an amber apple.
“Congratulations!” Pinkie said, cartwheeling up in front of the two shockingly unsurprised ponies as streamers exploded all around us. I’d be picking them from my mane all night. Joy. “I’m so excited for you two. Are you excited? I hope you’re excited. I mean, how could you not be excited? You’re engaged!” She looked between the two of them. “You are engaged, right? My little birdies didn’t lie to me?” A look at Applejack. “You didn’t say no, did you?”
“Nope,” Rainbow Dash said, sidestepping around Pinkie. “Like she could say no to marrying the coolest pegasus in Equestria.”
“Gotta have somepony keepin’ ya down to earth,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. “Otherwise, you’re liable to be the first mare in space.” Well… No. All six of us had been in space, actually. Plus, there was Luna, and... and Twilight’s bookish tendency to take figures of speech literally was rubbing off on me, apparently.
“Yeah, yeah, I love you, too, Applejack,” Rainbow Dash said, looking around at the ponies assembled. There were the four of us, of course; and Fluttershy had brought Fancy Pants, and… Discord. Why? Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom stood closer to the door, and Pinkie had even managed to get Rainbow Dash’s parents to attend. I’d probably be officially meeting Twilight’s parents soon enough. It was a small miracle they hadn’t caught the first train down here when the papers broke the story. I spared a glance from the happy couple to smile at my marefriend.
“Like an old married couple,” I whispered to her. She giggled and tried to pass it off, unsuccessfully, as a cough.
“Shush,” she said, tapping me on the shoulder. “If I start laughing, you’ll have to tell them why.”
“But you already started laughing,” I said, looking back to the happy couple, now engaged in conversation with Fluttershy. “Do you think that’ll be us one day?”
“No, we’re unicorns; we’d use horn rings, not pendants. Unless you wanted to,” she said, before shrugging. “Besides, we’re not them. When you propose to me, it’ll be completely different.”
“Oh?” I said, raising an eyebrow and looking back at her. “And just why am I supposed to do the proposing?”
“Well, you are the romantic, aren’t you?” she asked, bumping playfully against me, her touch lingering for several seconds. Her hair was still made up like she was about to go to court. Over the last few weeks, the look had somehow turned into her default. I wasn’t complaining, possibly because she still liked having me style it for her every morning, even though she knew how to do it herself. “If you do the proposing, I know it’s going to be perfect.”
“As you wish,” I said, taking a step over to congratulate the couple and keep an eye on Fluttershy.
“And I’m pretty sure I’m not the pony with several scrapbooks on her dream wedding,” Twilight said. “I figure getting married to you should be the easiest thing in the world. I just say ‘Yes, I’ll marry you,’ and then a few months later, I say ‘I do.’ You’ll take care of everything else.”
I laughed. “You mean you don’t want to micromanage every facet of our wedding to death?” I asked, lowering my voice so we weren’t overheard by everypony at the party. “You’ve spent the last few mornings taking a complete inventory of the larder just to make sure everything is in the right place. You know, we do have a chef for that sort of thing.”
“I trust you,” she said before leaning in close to whisper in my ear. “You don’t have any more secrets, right?”
“I can’t say that I do,” I said, before turning to look at Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “Congratulations, you two. So, Rainbow Dash, tell me everything about the magic moment.”
Rainbow Dash blinked from me to Twilight and back in less than a second. “Gee, I’d love to, but I’ve got to talk with Twilight about the latest Daring-Do book. Can you believe that Ahuizotl is actually–”
A purple hoof lodged itself in Rainbow Dash’s mouth. “Spoilers, Dash. What if somepony in the room hasn’t read the book yet?”
“Fine,” Rainbow Dash said, sighing. “Kitchen?”
Twilight nodded. “That sounds fine, Rarity?”
I smiled and kissed her, much to Rainbow Dash’s disgust. I drew the kiss out a little longer. “You go on without me. I’ll be trying to draw every last detail about the proposal from Applejack. Can I use your dungeon?”
“Rarity, it’s our dungeon, and no, you can’t,” she said, turning to trot with Rainbow Dash to the kitchen.
“Man, I want a dungeon,” Rainbow Dash said. “How cool would that be? I could be like a Daring-Do villain. All I’d need is an evil-sounding name and a plan to take over Equestria.”
“Of course!” Twilight said, before falling into a fit of laughter at the reference I didn’t understand at all.
“So, Applejack, how are you–”
“Yes, yes, time for that later,” Discord said, snaking between me and Applejack. “Right now, I have to pay the future blushing bride – one of the future blushing brides – my condolences.”
“Congratulations,” I corrected, glaring at him.
“Yes, that too.” He waved a talon at me. “Toodle-oo!”
I growled before turning back to Fluttershy. “Is there anything you can do about him?” I asked. “Or is he going to be completely insufferable all party?”
“Oh no, he’s promised me that he’ll leave as soon as his cameo is over,” Fluttershy said, smiling at me. “I’m not really sure what he meant by that, but he also promised he wouldn’t cause any trouble.”
“So, Fluttershy,” I said, looking at Fancy Pants. “How have you been lately?”
“Simply wonderful,” she said, a dreamy smile plastered on her face. “I’ve been helping Fancy Pants convert part of his estate into a nature preserve, and… you should see some of the critters they have out there. He has fire mites and grolar bears and shoggoths–”
“Shoggoths?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t believe I’m familiar with–”
“They’re very rare,” she said, still smiling. “Most of them live at the bottom of the ocean, but he has one that lives in his little lake. You should see it when it comes out, it’s just the cutest little mass of tentacles and eyes ever.”
“That sounds like a rather narrow superlative, but if you’re enjoying yourself, I’m happy for you. And you, Fancy?” I asked, turning to look at him. Behind me, Applejack and Discord were talking about – Had he actually reversed their speech so I couldn’t eavesdrop? Not that I would have, but I’d at least like to overhear a few choice words. To make sure my friend was alright.
“I’m having the time of my life,” he said, looking from me to Fluttershy, and was that… Yes, I think that was a look of actual affection. “Dealing with someone so lacking in ulterior motives is refreshing, and it’s nice doing something to help the environment.”
“Yes, well, just remember what we discussed,” I said, nodding at him.
“Your words might as well be carved on granite, my dear Rarity – and how could I ever oppose somepony who has the eyes and ears of a princess?” He laughed. “You should have heard the commotion in Canterlot when Twilight announced she was courting you. Quite a few noblestallions – and mares, for that matter – had words to say about the princess’ taste in partners. I was there to remind them that they likely owed their lives and sanity to you.” He tilted his head towards Discord at those last words.
“And I’m sure they’ll be equally disappointed when they hear you’re – Have you introduced Fluttershy to the nobles yet?” I asked, tilting my head.
“Oh no,” Fluttershy said, fiddling with a long strand of her mane. “I’d prefer… I’m sure they’re very lovely ponies, but I’d prefer it if… We’ve only had a few dates, anyways, but…” She squeaked.
“It’s alright, Fluttershy,” Fancy said, patting her on the back. “I have no intention of bringing you to meet the nobles until you’re ready. Besides, like you’ve said, we only had a few dates.”
I nodded my approval. He seemed sincere enough. Wasn’t trying to use her to show off with his noble friends, and was comfortable keeping their relationship mostly secret for now. “Well, I’m glad to hear the two of you are getting along. Who would have thought your chance meeting would be so… fortuitous.”
“Funny how that works out, isn’t it?” Fancy said, laughing. “But sometimes, things work out so perfectly, you can’t help but think everything was planned out.” And how much of it was planned out, in my case? Smartie knew I’d be living with Twilight, among other things. Was her invisible hoof at work here, too? I shook my head. I could spend my whole life asking that. The important thing was that things were… for the first time in a long time, things felt right. I hadn’t felt the need to step in the ring with Twilight since the meeting with my parents, and Twilight was wonderful as always. In a bit more than a year, I’d have my daughter back, and I might actually be able to use the word ‘perfect’ to describe my life. Like something out of a fairy tale. A very strange and sometimes dark fairy tale, but then, all the best were.
“Very,” I said, smiling to him and myself.
Discord popped into existence behind Fluttershy and Fancy and gave a nod. “Well, that was fun. What do you say we go create a beach in the middle of a blizzard?” he asked, ushering the two ponies out of the room. “Oh, but before I go–” He snapped a claw and two glasses of cider appeared next to me and Applejack. “Ciao!”
“Ya know, Ah think Ah liked him better when he was a lawn ornament,” Applejack said, picking up her glass. I laughed in response.
“So, Applejack, darling, unless I’m gravely mistaken, our two years are almost up. Are you...?”
“Nah, Ah’m good, sugarcube. Likin’ things jus’ the way they are right now. You?” she asked as I picked up my glass and swished it around.
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t take you back even if you begged me to,” I said, picking up her pendant with one hoof. “This is a really lovely cut. I’ll have to ask Rainbow Dash what jeweler she used.”
“Sure is,” Applejack said, smiling with pride. “Darn featherhead won’t admit it to anypony, and she’ll probably kill me if she knew Ah told you this, but she can be just as romantic as you when she wants to.”
“Ooh, I’m sure. Now, Applejack, tell me everything about the proposal,” I said as the sound of excited laughter came from the kitchen. Something told me Twilight would have several interesting Daring-Do theories to share with me on our walk home.
“Sure thing, sugarcube. Well, it started out like…”
♦♦♦
It was a perfectly lovely story. Rainbow Dash challenged Applejack to a race this morning after she finished her chores, they ran all across the countryside, and when they reached a nice little meadow, Rainbow Dash knelt down, gave a wonderful speech that Applejack ordered me not to repeat on pain of death, and brought out Applejack’s pendant from behind a conveniently positioned rock. Applejack was right, Rainbow Dash was a terrible romantic. If only I could tweak her nose about it a little.
“Anyways, I never got the chance to thank ya proper, so… thanks, Rarity,” Applejack said when she finished her story.
“For what, dear?” I asked, tilting my head at her. What in Equestria were Twilight and Rainbow Dash doing in that kitchen? Could you really talk about a Daring-Do book for – I glanced at a clock – only fifteen minutes. Well, that wasn’t too terrible, I suppose.
“For endin’ things back when ya did. Ah was mighty upset with ya for a long time, but now… Ah’ve cooled off enough to see ya were right. There was somethin’ better out there for both of us, and we never would’ve found it if we just stayed. Ah’m guessin you ain’t had any fights with Twilight like we did?” she asked, smiling at me.
I laughed. “Applejack, darling, I don’t think anypony has, had, or will have fights like we did. I dare say that we set the bar. Couples for generations to come will compare their fights to ours and find themselves lacking. I suppose that’s a good thing for equanity in general.”
“Yeah, Ah don’t think Equestria could handle many couples like us. Think there were some times we were darn close to leveling the town,” Applejack said, taking a sip of her cider. As much as we drank, our glasses never seemed to get lower. I might actually have to thank Discord for something.
“Indeed,” I said, nodding my head with her. “Still, it wasn’t always terrible. There were times when–”
“There were times when things were mighty pleasant,” Applejack said, interrupting me. “Not gonna deny that, but Ah’m glad to be out of it. Glad to have mah little egotistical rock to lean on.”
“And I finally found my princess,” I said, raising my glass. “To healthy relationships, happy lives, and good friends.”
Applejack mirrored my movements and a look passed between us as the last spectre of our relationship withered and died, leaving behind two friends who could discuss their past without pain or embarrassment. I smiled at my friend as the mare I loved snuck up from behind me and wrapped her forelegs around me. “There you are,” Twilight said. “Were you two planning on running off together?”
“Furthest thing from my mind,” I said, smiling and turning around and letting my lips linger on hers. I considered going further with our kiss to irritate Rainbow Dash, but I wouldn’t want to be uncouth. On the other hoof… I drew her tighter as our lips formed a seal that could keep out the rest of the world. My tongue slid inside her mouth to embrace its counterpart. My laugh escaped into Twilight’s throat as I heard Rainbow Dash retch. “You know I wouldn’t dream of disappointing my princess.”
“You better not,” Twilight said, eyes heavy and lidded. “Otherwise, I’ll have you sent to my dungeon, and you can make it up to me there.”
“Okay, gross,” Rainbow Dash said. “If you’re going to do really weird kinky foreplay stuff, could you please talk about it outside?”
“Aw, what’s the matter, Dashie,” Applejack said, sidling close to her fiancée and stroking her chin with a hoof. “Ah thought you loved that stuff.”
Rainbow Dash’s cheeks went as red as the stripe in her mane. “In private. With you. I don’t like watching my friends make out with each other and talk about all the stuff they’re going to do in their dungeon to each other.”
“You’re just jealous that we have a dungeon and you don’t,” I said, letting Twilight bring her wing out to blanket me. “Ask nicely, and maybe we’ll let the two of you borrow it some time. Just as long as you clean it up when you’re done, of course.”
“Ugh,” Rainbow Dash said. “You know, it’s really hard to be cool with you all as friends. Not that I’m complaining, you’re the most awesome friends out there, just… Come on, this is my–” She got a jab from Applejack. “Our engagement party. You can talk about that stuff at yours.”
“Deal,” Twilight said, nodding her head. “Rarity, what do you think about inviting them to the study so we can tell her about everything we got up to in that room?” I smiled at her. Truthfully, most of what we ‘got up to’ was working and reading books aloud to each other – Twilight reading her poetry and me reading my romance novels – but there was no reason to dispel the illusion for Rainbow Dash.
“Sounds wonderful,” I said, nuzzling against my marefriend. “And congratulations again to the two of you. I can’t wait to attend the wedding. Have you picked somepony to design your dress?”
“Ah had a few ideas,” Applejack said, smiling and kissing a flustered Rainbow Dash on the cheek. “What do ya think about Coco Pommel? She seemed to know her way around a sewin’ machine.”
I smiled and took a drink of my cider. Yes, things were good.
♦♦♦
When we got home, Twilight and I collapsed into a pile of limbs on her bed that eventually sorted itself out into our usual position. Me lying back, head propped up by an exorbitant collection of pillows, while Twilight was content to rest her head on my chest as she lectured me about all the stars in the sky. We’d been dating for over a season, and I was still learning new things about night sky. “Those two,” she said, pointing to a giant star shining brilliantly in the night sky. “Those two are my favorite, I think.”
I tapped her playfully on the horn. “I think you’ve had too much to drink, Twilight. You’ve repeatedly and emphatically told me your favorite star is Polaris, and more importantly, there’s only one star where you pointed.”
She shook her head, strands of her mane flying everywhere. “Uh-uh,” she said. “And I can change what my favorite star is. Right now, the Lovers are my favorite. If you squint hard enough, you can see it’s actually two stars, but they’re so close to each other that they just look like one.” She was definitely drunk, then. She only started thinking metaphorically when she was suitably tipsy. Still, I liked where this metaphor was going.
“Oh, and why are they your favorite?” I asked, smirking.
“You know why,” she said, lobbing a pillow at me as punishment for my sarcasm. “And it’s… I love their constancy.”
I squinted, and… yes, I could see just the faintest separation between the two. “You’ll have to explain what you mean for the sake of the astronomically impaired,” I said, finally getting her mane back to looking like something decent.
“They’re... “ She raised a hoof and let it drift down as she thought. Definitely drunk, and she didn’t have the excuse of an eternally-refilling cider glass. “You know, the stars, they move around in the sky a lot, but they’re always the same to each other. No matter how much the sky shifts, those two stars will always be right next to each other, and I… I like that. Makes me feel…” She drifted off into a snore before she could finish the thought. She didn’t have to.
I smiled and spent the rest of my night staring at the stars that claimed her interest. It was silly – cliche, even, to think two stars in the night sky were just for us, especially when they were called the Lovers. Couples throughout history had probably looked up at the night sky and seen themselves reflected in the pair. It was the absolute height of silly romantic thinking... but as I looked up at the two, shining together like a single brilliant diamond in the night sky, I couldn’t help but call them ours.