Unexpected Confessions
Chapter Ten
Cheering Up
Twilight and Applejack walked south along Ponyville’s main street toward Town Hall, the latter staring at the ground while the former tried to make small talk. “So you’ve never been to Dine n’ Dash’s food cart over in the food court?” Twilight asked.
“Me and the family don’t exactly eat out a lot.” Applejack kicked a loose rock in the road. “Ah been there a time or two, but Ah ain’t familiar with it.”
“There’s all kinds of food over on the edge of town.” Twilight tried to stay upbeat as the pair passed Town Hall. “There’s restaurants, snack bars, and of course Dine’s food cart. He makes the best hay fries in Ponyville. I don’t know what he does to them, but they’re addictive. Oh!” The unicorn perked up, tapping a hoof in the dirt as she walked. “Remind me to get an order of them to go for Spike. He would be so mad at me if I went to Dine’s cart and didn’t bring him any.”
“Uh huh.” Applejack mumbled, her gaze never leaving the dirt.
She’s really broken up about Rainbow Dash. Twilight bit her lip, casting about for another topic of conversation. A flash of pink passed through the edge of her vision. She looked over, searching for the source. The building across the street was a small Prench restaurant which had all its windows covered in curtains. After scanning the other side of the road for a moment, she gave up and went back to trying to cheer up her friend. “So, how’s Applebuck Season going this year?”
“Fine.” Applejack replied flatly as they approached the food cart.
“Hey there, Sparkle. How’s it goin’?” Dine n’ Dash called out. He was a gruff-looking earth pony stallion, a grease-covered apron hanging from his neck. His light grey mane stood out against a dark brown coat. “The usual?”
“Yes please, Dine.” Twilight chirped. She was such a regular at Dine n’ Dash’s food cart that she rarely had to place an order anymore. As soon as he saw her, the cook knew she wanted an oat burger with cheese and extra pickles with a side of hay fries, and a separate order of hay fries, extra crispy, to take home to Spike.
“Comin’ right up. What about you, miss?” He reached down and picked up a spatula in his mouth, flipping an oat burger onto the grill.
“Ah don’t know.” Applejack lifted her head, glancing at the menu plastered on the front of the cart. She cocked her head to the side as she reached the bottom of the menu. “What in the hay is this one? ‘The Ursa Major. Warning: Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.’” She arched an eyebrow after reading the description.
Dine dropped the spatula and smirked. “Oh, I don’t think you want that one, miss.” He shook his head. “I’ve been selling that burger for almost ten years now, and I’ve only ever seen three ponies finish it.”
“Is that a challenge?” Applejack bristled, a slight feeling of offense rising in her chest. “Just what exactly comes on this darn burger that makes it so special?”
“Well, it starts with a special blend of oats that comes all the way from Neighjing. They’re the spiciest oats known to ponykind. I use those oats to make a burger that’s a full pound, as opposed to the regular quarter pound.” He paused, his eyes flashing momentarily to Applejack’s cutie mark, a grin spreading across his face. “Then I take the patty and soak it for twenty four hours in the highest proof Apple family hard cider I can get my hooves on.”
“The One-Fifty-One?” Applejack supplied, a proud smile creasing her features.
“That’s the stuff.” Dine nodded. “After I cook it up, I top it with the typical stuff: lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles. Then comes the kicker. A special sauce from Stalliongrad, the hottest stuff in Equestria. If you can finish it in under forty five minutes, your order’s on the house. But like I said, I’ve sold it for almost ten years, and only three ponies have managed to finish it.”
“Really? Only three?” Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Who were they?”
“The first one was a big, red earth pony stallion.” Dine scratched his chin with a hoof. “Not much of a talker, that one.”
“Mac?” Applejack guessed, a smirk on her face. Of course her brother would be one of the ponies that finished it, what he lacked in conversational skills he more than made up for at the dinner table.
“Yeah, that’s the one.” Dine n’ Dash squinted for a moment before stomping a hoof. “That’s it! You’re Applejack, Mac’s sister. Sorry, I had a feeling I’d seen you around, but I couldn’t remember your name.” He paused to clear his throat. “Anyway, the next pony to finish it was Pinkie Pie.”
“Pinkie Pie?” Twilight asked skeptically. “I can’t believe... you know what? Scratch that, I can definitely believe Pinkie could finish it. Who was the last one?”
“That mail mare. The grey one with the crossed eyes.” Dine scratched the back of his neck with a hoof. “I still don’t know how she did it.”
“Derpy?” Twilight blinked in surprise. “The mail mare that’s always delivering the wrong mail to everypony?”
“That’s her, all right.” Dine shook his head. “Not only did she finish it, but she ordered another one to go.”
“Well, shoot. You best be ready to make that four. Ah certainly ain’t gonna let Mac beat me. Ah’ll take one.” Applejack shot back.
“Are you sure, AJ?” Twilight eyed the massive oat patty warily as Dine n’ Dash lowered it onto the grill. “It looks really... big.”
“Heck yea, Ah’m sure.” Applejack puffed out her chest. “Ah’ve only met two ponies who can eat more than me, and those are Pinkie and Rainb-” She stopped mid-word, her chest deflating slowly and her head falling back toward the ground.
Oops. Twilight bit her lip. I didn’t picture Rainbow as a big eater, but she probably does burn a lot of energy flying... She shook her head. Focus, Twilight. I need to fix this.
Dine n’ Dash looked back and forth between the suddenly dejected farm-pony and the worried unicorn. “Well, if you don’t think you can handle it...”
Applejack looked up, a competitive fire rekindled in her eyes. “Just cook the burger.” She walked off to sit down at a nearby table.
“Thanks for that.” Twilight whispered, trotting closer to the cart.
“Don’t mention it.” Dine glanced over to where Applejack was sitting, staring at her hooves. “What’s her problem, anyway?”
“Um...” Twilight shifted uncomfortably on her hooves, unsure of how to answer. “Love troubles.” She reached back and pulled the sack of bits out of her saddlebag. “I’m trying to cheer her up, but it’s been more difficult that I thought it would be. So, how much do I owe you?”
“Not yet, Sparkle.” The cook waved a hoof. “We’ve gotta see if Applejack can take down the Ursa Major. If she can, then it’s on the house. For now, you just try and make your friend feel better.”
“Really?” Twilight blinked in surprise. “Okay... thanks, Dine. You’re the best.” She put the sack of bits back in her bag and went to sit at the table, dropping her saddlebag next to her. The pair sat in silence, with Applejack staring at the dirt and Twilight trying to come up with a suitably mundane topic to talk about. After a while she gave up, opting instead for a direct approach. “Are you okay, Applejack?”
“Ah’m fine.” Applejack huffed, crossing her forelegs. “It’s not like the mare Ah love is probably cuddlin’ up with somepony else right now.” She slumped down and let out a sigh. “Sorry ‘bout that, Twi. Ah shouldn’t be burdenin’ ya with this. It’s not yer problem to deal with.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I don’t mind.” Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. A thought popped into he head. No. Whatever you do, don’t ask that. It will only make things worse. The silence billowed between them. Applejack looked down, studying her hooves under the table. Twilight cast about for some mundane topic of conversation, anything other than the thought that had planted itself in her mind. After half a minute of silence, she gave in. “Actually, I’ve been a little curious... why Rainbow Dash? Don’t take this the wrong way, but what do you... like about her?”
Applejack shook her head, moisture pooling in he eyes. “No. It’s fine, Twi. Ya don’t need to do this. Ah’ll be alright, Ah just need a little time.”
“Come on, AJ.” Twilight scooted closer around the table. “I told you, I’m here for you. Maybe talking about this will help. It has to be better than just holding it in and letting it fester.” Listen to yourself... At least she had the guts to come out and say it. She watched as Applejack wiped the half-formed tears from her eyes. Then again... she didn’t have to worry about making things worse.
“Well, if ya wanna talk about it that much, Ah will.” Applejack looked up, admiring the sunset. “It sounds mighty shallow, but the first thing Ah noticed ‘bout Rainbow was... well, her figure.” Her cheeks flushed a dark red. “The girl’s fit as a fiddle. You’d be hard pressed to find an ounce of fat on her.” She paused, clearing her throat. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty else Ah love ‘bout her, but she’s certainly easy on the eyes.”
“You look good, too.” Twilight replied without thinking. She glanced down at the table, frowning slightly.
“Thank ya kindly Twi. If’n Ah had a bit fer every time Ah heard that... well, Ah wouldn’t have enough to buy one of them burgers. Ah ain’t exactly got what ya would call a flatterin’ figure. Shoot, just look at mah legs.” She stood up and turned her back to Twilight, displaying her hind legs. “Ah got legs most stallions would envy.”
Whatever you do, don’t look. Twilight kept her gaze on the table. Do. Not. Look.
The farm pony glanced over her shoulder and noticed her friend staring at the table. “Ah’m bein’ serious, Twi. If’n ya only saw mah flank and legs, it’d be pretty easy to mistake me fer a stallion.”
Twilight looked up from the table slowly. Don’t stare at her rump. Don’t stare at her rump. For the love of Celestia, don’t stare at her rump. Her eyes drifted over the powerful legs in front of her, watching as the sinewy muscles bunched and flexed just under the skin as the farm pony displayed her heavily muscled legs. She chewed on her lower lip to keep herself from making several undignified noises. Her gaze darted upwards for a brief instant, passing over her friend’s toned flank before whipping back to study the table again.
“But Dash...” Applejack let out a whistle, turning back and taking her seat. “That girl’s built like some kinda jungle cat.” She looked over to Twilight and saw her slumped over the table. “Don’t take it the wrong way, Twi. You ain’t half-bad lookin’ yerself.” She gave an exaggerated wink. “Ah reckon you’ll make some stallion mighty happy one day.”
I don’t want to make ‘some stallion’ happy. I want to make you happy. Twilight fumed silently. Her eyes drifted down to her own body. Still, going to the gym every once in a while wouldn’t hurt. She cleared her throat. “Ahem. So... what else is there?”
“Well, Dash is a heck of an athlete, and Ah admire that ‘bout her.” Applejack gazed off into the distance. “You remember the Runnin’ of the Leaves a few years ago, when Rainbow and Ah raced? Ah figured Ah’d be able to just wear her out and wait ‘til she ran outta gas, but that girl’s got endurance that gave me a run fer mah bits.” She smiled as memories of the event played out in her mind. “Although, you did beat both Dash and me. Ah never woulda guessed that one. Yer whole plan of pacin’ yerself got ya fifth place, after all.”
“Oh, um, thank you.” Twilight felt warmth spread through her face and hoped it did not show through her coat. Quick, say something before she notices. “Hey, um, speaking of the Running of the Leaves...” Shoot, what about it? “I know it, uh, was a few weeks ago...” Duh! It happens every year, and we run it every year. Bingo! “But, um, I was hoping to do some... training for the next one. Do you think that, maybe, you could help me train?”
“Oh, uh, sure.” Applejack blinked for a moment. “Ah never really had ya pegged as a racer, but if ya did so well that one year without any trainin’, ya might be able to win the whole thing with a little work.” She paused, putting a hoof to her chin. “If yer free, we can get started tomorrow. We’re ahead of schedule in getting’ things ready for the summer harvest, so Ah can take an afternoon off.”
“Okay, I’ll swing by a little after lunch.” Twilight responded. Excellent. This way, I can spend some more time with her.
“Now, we can’t go forgettin’ ‘bout Dash’s loyalty.” Applejack continued. “No matter what happens, you can rest assured she won’t let ya down.” She shook her head, laughing at a memory. “Granted, it don’t mean she’ll always be there on time, but that girl would move heaven and earth to be there fer a friend.”
Twilight’s heart sank as she listened. I can’t beat Rainbow at loyalty. She’s the Element of it, after all.
“Here ya go.” Dine trotted over to the table, dropping their food on the table. He patted Applejack on the back. “Remember, you’ve got forty five minutes to finish this bad boy if ya want it on the house. Good luck, you’re gonna need it.”
Applejack stared at the mammoth monstrosity before her. The oat burger spilled over the edge of its bun, and an ominous red sauce dripped from it onto the table. She picked up a small dab of the sauce on her hoof and cautiously licked it off. Her eyes shot open and she immediately began coughing. “Sweet Celestia.” She wheezed. “That’s got a kick like a mule.” She picked up the burger with two hooves, taking as big of a bite as she could. She squeezed her eyes shut, taking several deep breaths through her nose before chewing.
“You okay there, AJ?” Twilight asked, already noticing a light sheen of sweat forming on her friend’s forehead. She floated a few hay fries up to her mouth, taking a quick bite as she watched the orange mare try to finish her first bite.
Applejack nodded and kept chewing. After several seconds, she swallowed. She opened her mouth and exhaled, as though expecting flames to pour out. “Sweet Celestia of Equestria.” She took off her hat and tried to fan her tongue. “Feels like Ah just ate a hot coal. Ah need somethin’ to drink.”
“Oh, I know just the thing.” Twilight lit up her horn and wove a quick teleportation spell. She scrunched up her face in concentration as her magic flared brighter. Come on... adjust the leylines... account for distortion, and... A blinding flash lit the air, leaving behind a glass of milk. She smiled as Applejack arched an eyebrow at her. “Hey, milk is much more efficient at counteracting the spiciness from capsaicin than water is. Go ahead, take a sip. If you still don’t think it’s better, I’ll get you a nice pint of Apple Family Hard Cider from Dine’s cart.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and picked up the glass, taking a small drink and visibly relaxing. “Fine, you win this round, Twi.” She put the milk down and picked up the burger again. “Now sit back and watch me work.”
The next half hour passed with Applejack trying to take down The Ursa Major and Twilight barely containing fits of giggles whenever her friend got an especially large bite of the spicy red sauce and turned as red as Big Macintosh before she could gulp down some more milk.. One snort of amusement forced its way out. Oh no. Twilight froze. I laughed at her. I hope I didn’t offend her, I wouldn’t want her to- She stopped as she saw Applejack smile through her coughing fit, an occasional short laugh mixed in her her wheezing coughs. Whew. The unicorn relaxed, tittering lightly. After swallowing the last bite, the orange mare fell over, laying in the dirt and clutching at her stomach.
“Well, I didn’t think ya had it in ya. Guess this one’s on me.” Dine strolled over to the table, a grin plastered on his face as Applejack rolled on the ground. He reached around and grabbed a bag from his back, dropping it on the table. “Here’s Spike’s hay fries. Tell the little guy I said ‘hi’.”
“Thanks, Dine. Will do.” Twilight smiled before turning back to her friend. “You okay down there, AJ?”
“Ah’ll be-” Applejack pressed a hoof against her mouth and hunched over. After a moment, she finally rolled over and stood up. “Ah’ll be fine. Ah just need a minute.” She pulled her hat off and fanned herself. “If’n you’ll excuse me, Ah need to visit the little fillies room.” She quickly trotted off in the direction of a nearby restroom.
Twilight sat at the table, trying in vain not to laugh. A moment later, her ear twitched as a shrill beeping sound drifted over to her. She turned to follow the direction of the sound, and saw mass of ponies stampeding out of the small Prench restaurant down the street. At the rear of the pack, a familiar-looking unicorn and pegasus exited the building, trotting off to the side to get away from the congregation of displaced diners.
Are those... Rarity and Fluttershy? She couldn’t be sure with the dresses they were wearing. Twilight decided to get a closer look, trotting across the street and angling around behind the pair. Why would they be at a fancy restaurant? She ducked into a nearby alley, peeking out over a barrel. Hmm... it’s definitely them. Fluttershy did mention that Rarity likes to go out after the spa sometimes. Wait a second... She squinted. Why are they wet? Right, fire alarm. She scanned the small crowd standing outside the restaurant, many of whom were wringing out their manes or clothes.
Across the road, Rarity leaned in and nuzzled the pink-maned pegasus, holding the contact a little too long to be purely platonic. Twilight jerked backward in surprise. Wait, what? She watched in confusion as Fluttershy hugged the unicorn with a wing, then reared up on her hind legs, narrowly avoiding falling over. Is Fluttershy drunk? Twilight rubbed a hoof across her eyes. When she looked back up, the pink-maned pegasus was inexplicably lying in the dirt, clumsily trying to get back up.
What’s going on here? Twilight ducked back into the alleyway, running through a mental checklist. Fancy dresses. Expensive restaurant. Alcoholic drinks. This has all of the hallmarks of a date, but Rainbow Dash said Fluttershy picked her. She stomped a hoof in the dirt. I need more data. She edged out of the narrow space, but did not find Rarity and Fluttershy where they had been. She scanned along the road quickly and spotted them heading away from her.
Shoot! She trotted out from the alley and after her friends, sticking to the shadows in case one of them looked back. Rarity walked behind Fluttershy, her eyes hypnotically following the other mare’s swaying flank as they swerved along the street. Twilight dove behind a flower bed as the cream-colored pegasus stopped in the road to say something. The lavender unicorn peeked around the edge of the flower box to see the pair staring up into the night sky. Ugh. I wish I could hear what they were saying... but if I get that close they could see me. She stood up and kept following the pair. They’re headed for Carousel Boutique. She ducked into an alleyway as they approached the shop.
Twilight leaned out from between the buildings, keeping to the shadows. She watched as the pair stopped in front of Rarity’s store. Fluttershy’s voice drifted over, but the words were indistinguishable. Gah! This would be so much easier if I could hear them! She almost smacked herself in the face when she remembered a simple spell that would amplify her hearing. She peeked out of the alleyway and quickly wove the spell together, completing it just in time to catch the end of Rarity’s response.
“-am glad that you enjoyed yourself.” Rarity pulled back from a nuzzle and leaned down to kiss the pink-maned pegasus on the cheek, but a yellow hoof pressed against her muzzle to bring their lips together, a flash of pink visible between their moving lips.
Twilight ducked back into the alley, her mind refusing to acknowledge what she had just seen. They k-kissed, and not just kissed but... kissed. Like, tongues and all. But, Rainbow told Applejack... Fluttershy wouldn’t do that, would she? She leaned forward and pressed her forehooves to her face, groaning as she futilely tried to figure out what she had just witnessed. Her ear twitched as more words floated over to her. The unicorn leaned out from her hiding place to watch.
“Fluttershy darling, you’re drunk.” Rarity shook her head, helping up from the ground.
“I’m not as think as you drunk I am.” Fluttershy replied, waving a hoof and pushing open the door to the Boutique. “Now, wee s-sshould-” The rest of the words were lost as the hearing spell ran out of power. Before Twilight could re-weave it, the pair entered the store and the door closed behind them.
Twilght stood up and walked absentmindedly back the direction she came, her mind trying to follow a thousand different thoughts at once. Okay, so Fluttershy was possibly on a date with Rarity, but they were both drunk, so I can’t be sure. If that’s the case, then logically Fluttershy lied to Rainbow Dash and Rarity. She kicked a rock in the street, sending it rolling down the road. What’s my responsibility in this? I can’t say anything without more information... but I shouldn’t butt into their personal lives. So, I can’t get more information, but if I don’t do anything then somepony could get hurt.
“There ya are, Twi.” Applejack called, a slight edge to her voice. “Ah was startin’ to think ya walked out on me, too.”
“Huh?” Twilight looked up, pulled forcibly out of her thoughts. She chuckled nervously as she saw the farm-pony. “Ehehe. Of course not. I just saw... something interesting.” Should I tell her about Fluttershy and Rarity? She sat down and glanced across the street to the restaurant, but only a fraction of the crowd from before was still present.
“Ah guess it’s a darn shame Ah missed it.” Applejack shot back, the edge in her voice growing stronger.
“Look, I’m sorry, AJ.” Twilight fought to stay calm despite her friend’s tone. Okay, now is definitely not the time. “I didn’t mean to make you think I left without you. I thought I would be back before you got out of the restroom.”
Applejack looked ready to snap at her, but stopped herself. She took a deep breath before speaking. “No... Ah’m sorry. It wasn’t fair of me to get all upset. Ah know you’d never leave me out to dry.” She glanced up at the sky, where Luna’s moon and stars shone brightly, and then off in the direction of the farm. “Well, Ah really need to be gettin’ home now. Ah’m sure Granny Smith and Applebloom are worried ‘bout why Ah ain’t back yet.” She paused, a warm and genuine smile on her face. “Ya know, the rest of us sure are lucky to have as good a friend as you.” She trotted over to Twilight and sat down, draping a foreleg across the unicorn’s back and pulling her into a sideways hug. “Ah think we forget that most of the time.”
“Uh, well, thanks for that, AJ.” Twilight stared at the ground. What brought that on?
Applejack turned her friend’s shoulders and adjusted herself so that they were facing each other. “You were such a good friend when Ah really needed one today.” She smiled. “That really means a lot to me. Thank ya, Twi.” She pulled the unicorn into a tight hug, nuzzling her neck against the other mare’s.
Oh my goodness. Twilight froze. Okay, don’t panic. It’s just a friendly hug. She brought her forehooves up returned the embrace. Physical sensations overwhelmed her. Strong legs held her and pulled her close. She felt Applejack’s breath play across her coat as the farm-pony nuzzled against her neck. She almost jumped as she felt the other mare’s heart beating against her chest. She bit her tongue to keep from making any noise. Her friend’s words echoed in her head, sending another spike of guilt through her chest. She thinks I’m only comforting her as a friend. I have to tell her how I feel. This isn’t right.
No! A portion of her mind railed against the idea. She needs a friend, not half-desperate romantic advances.
I’m taking advantage of her! She thinks she’s with a friend, not somepony who’s head over hooves in love with her! It’s not fair to her. Heck, it’s not fair to me. Her train of thought was interrupted as Applejack let out a contented sigh. A shiver raced down Twilight’s spine as the breath swept across the back of her neck.
Applejack pulled away, her smile giving way to a worried look. “Actually, before Ah go, there’s one more thing Ah need to tell ya, Twi.”
“I’m all ears.” Twilight replied, trying desperately to slow her heart rate.
Applejack chewed her bottom lip nervously. “Ya see, when ‘Shy first came ‘round to tell me ‘bout her... little situation, Ah kinda let slip that there was somepony Ah had a crush on, but Ah couldn’t bring mahself to tell her the truth.” She drifted off into silence.
“Okay...” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “So I’m guessing you told her you liked somepony other than Rainbow Dash. Who was...” She stopped as the obvious answer presented itself. “Oh.”
“Yea...” Applejack scuffed a hoof in the dirt. “Ah kinda told ‘Shy Ah had a crush on, well, you.”
Twilight felt her heart skip a beat and a wave of giddiness wash over her. No. Don’t do this to yourself. You know she’s in love with Rainbow Dash. She fought to keep a straight face as the reminder brought her emotions crashing back down.
“Sorry ‘bout that.” Applejack looked up apologetically. “Don’t worry, it ain’t true or nothin’.”
The unicorn felt an icy stab of pain in her chest. “Well, that does explain Fluttershy’s visit the other day.” She replied mechanically, straining to keep her voice level as tears threatened to overtake her.
The farm-pony winced. “She came by already, huh?” Her eyes shot open as her mind replayed the evening, highlighting every action that could harbor romantic undertones. “She... she didn’t say nothin’, did she?”
“No.” Twilight shook her head. “She wanted to know if there was anypony I was interested in.”
“Whew...” Applejack relaxed. “Sorry ‘bout that... again. Ah just didn’t want ya thinkin’ anythin’ funny was goin’ on.” She smiled playfully. “So, is there anypony ya got yer eye on?”
Yes, you! Twilight dropped her gaze to her hooves and bit her lip. I can’t lie about this again. It’s one thing to lie to Fluttershy, but AJ... On the other hoof, I can’t tell her without making things horribly awkward.
Twilight looked up and forced a smile. “No. There’s nopony right now. Just me and my books.”
“Well, don’t worry none. Ah’m sure you’ll find yer special somepony eventually.” Applejack stood up and adjusted her hat. “Thanks again fer everythin’, Twi. Ah’ll see ya ‘round.”
Twilight stood up as well, and grabbed Spike’s order of fries with her magic, placing it in her saddlebag and placing the bag across her back. “Take care, AJ.” The pair parted ways and the unicorn headed back toward the library. Why couldn’t I just be honest with her? I’m taking advantage of her while trying to not take advantage of her. She let out a heavy sigh as she plodded down the road, tears pooling in her eyes. An image of Rarity and Fluttershy passed through her mind. I don’t even know where to start with that. I should talk to Fluttershy about it before jumping to conclusions... but I don’t want to stick my nose in other ponies’ business.
She arrived at the library and pulled the door open. The soft sound of snoring drifted down from the bedroom. Looks like Spike’s already asleep. She walked into the kitchen and placed the bag from Dine’s cart on the counter. She quietly tiphoofed up the staircase, trying to avoid making any noise. Twilight sneaked into her room, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of Spike laying in his basket. She made her way over to the baby dragon and leaned down.
“Goodnight, Spike.” She whispered, kissing Spike on his forehead as a single tear fell from her eyes and landed on his nose. She quickly wiped her eyes and climbed into her own bed before letting her feelings run their course. She cried softly as she went through the day, sniffling every time she was hit by another wave of guilt and shame.
“Oh, Applejack...”
Twilight froze, listening for a snore from the foot of the bed. After a few seconds of silence, she heard a single soft snore drift up. She let out the breath she had been holding and descended back into her tears. She tried to be even quieter, but couldn’t quite contain her sniffles. She pulled the blanket tighter around her, imagining the sheets were strong orange forelegs. Her breathing grew deep and even as exhaustion finally washed over her.
“Applejack...” Twilight half-whispered to the empty room, her eyes sliding closed. “I love you.” Moments after the words passed her lips, she drifted off into a fitful sleep.
Poor Twilight...
Man I feel bad for Twilight, And now she has no idea how to approach both problems I can't wait for the next update I'm liking the story Very much.
Yeah, the only way this can all end well is a 6 way polyamorous relationship! Otherwise there's heartbreak everywhere.
Cmon, girls! Convince Rainbow!
1656910Poor derpy
I feel so so bad for Twilight, Rainbow and Applejack.
For sake of our faint hearts please don't make it any worse than it already is
Normally Fluttershy evokes a sense of protectiveness, that 'moe' charm.
Right now I just want to drop-kick her. Being greedy and indecisive, hurting the entire group. What if another deific threat showed up right here and now? There's no damn Harmony between them, Equestria's last line of defense is out of commission.
1657223 She tried for the harmonious solution. Now she has no other choice but to choose which of her best friends to hurt.
1657284
She didn't choose. She told both of them she ditched the other, and is enjoying the benefits of essentially having two girlfriends without the other knowing.
If she'd chosen, this would be settled. One would be snubbed, but they'd get over it in time. The sooner she's hurt, the sooner she's over it. One could stop there and not blame Fluttershy, given her natural personality faults.
Problem is, she is enjoying what she's doing. It's gone beyond the realm of panicked, confused, not wanting to hurt dear friends.
If she'd been honest before all this started, it wouldn't be as big of an issue. "Hey Rarity, Dash, I'm going to take each of you out on a date apiece and see where we stand." No need for secrecy. It would have hurt to be rejected in favor of the other girl at first, yeah... when it was a competition, but now each of them believes they ARE with their loved one. Instead of not getting what they wanted, one of them is going to have it, and then lose it just as she's getting used to the idea that she finally has the relationship she's always dreamed of.
There is little more cruel than that. Obviously Fluttershy doesn't mean to be cruel, but that means jack shit when it's the result anyway. Fluttershy's the only one enjoying herself in this situation, with the getting drunk and sexual advances and knowing she shouldn't be doing either.
Dash or Rarity is going to be utterly torn asunder. Hell, they probably BOTH will, since they'll learn that Shy was essentially playing both of them unintentionally. AJ has to sit by and watch the love of her life be off with another woman... while Twilight is forced to sit by in the friendzone when she so desperately wants to be loved by AJ.
And when Pinkie gets wind of all this, what do you think it'll do to her? Five out of six of the group are in/going to be in shambles, due to Fluttershy's enormous character faults. So, I think I'm allowed to have my opinion of wanting to drop-kick her. There's a point when too much 'kindness' is a bad thing. Several points, actually... mollycoddling and this... whatever this is. This is a situation where you're going to have to be kind of mean in order for everyone to be happy eventually, and she's gone and screwed it up because she can't handle her business the way she should be able to.
Do I understand that she's scared and confused? Yes. This has been thrust onto her and it seems she doesn't have any experience in the field. Okay, I get that. But she's overstepped that the moment she started letting go and having fun with what she's doing, as if trying to ignore the consequences. I no longer feel pity for her situation, because the situation could have been handled far more elegantly a dozen times by now and all she's doing is making the eventual crash ten times worse. Everyone is/will be suffering at this rate, there's nothing that can be said against that fact. However well-intentioned Fluttershy may be, this is wrong. And not slap on the wrist "Don't do bad things okay?" wrong, this is the kind of emotionally traumatic situation wrong that can fuck someone up for life. Emotionally and mentally speaking, her five friends can be forever damaged by the outcome of this debacle if it doesn't swing into a polyamorous relationship where everyone is happy, loving each other, and at peace with the arrangement. There is no point that can be argued in this.
1657324
Mah nigga. Calm the fuck down. If the author writes it so that Fluttershy leans towards favoring Rarity, and chooses Rarity, that's a plausible and possible outcome of the story. It's not deus ex or author fiat if that happens, it's something that always had an equal chance of happening anyway.
If Dash doesn't get more of a shot than Rarity, that was just as much a possible outcome of the concept as Rarity not getting as much of a shot as Dash.
1657324
Agrees with anyone/everyone who tells you to calm down and stop ranting.
Besides all that, it's pretty ridiculous to accuse the author of having a Flarity bias considering that the story that led me to read this one was 'The Walls Came Tumbling Down' which is a very well written FlutterDash.
So, well, yeah.
You Lovely Brilliant person I was tearing up for Twilight Sparkle. Damn if twilight somehow DOES get together with Applejack, It will be a Torturous journey, I'm Shocked AJ Hasnt Caught on yet, i mean twilight isnt the best at being emotionally controlled.
1657324
24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc7wi29d7j1rokywzo1_500.jpg
mlponline.net/attachments/2630_youmad_jpg-610x0-jpg.4099/
1657324 TL;DR
google.co.uk/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&q=troll+face&oq=Troll&gs_l=img.1.0.0l10.2365.3428.0.4931.5.5.0.0.0.0.168.660.0j5.5.0...0.0...1ac.1.UvruV2lcuD4&biw=1024&bih=672&sei=0QKtUIiPG8uY1AW8u4HYCQ#biv=i|5;d|uQTYX-JrLMyu_M:
Meh, I look at the story as a whole and It is one sided. I see Shafdogg's point, but I don't think it's worth abandoning the story for. Just try to even the playing field, because right now it looks like this.
councilagainstmedicalschemes.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/unfair-advantage.jpeg?w=584
Rarity has an enormous three up on Rainbow because of the fact that she hasn't been written in enough, and even then it was still one sided.
i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/250/034/a67.jpg
1657370 It was a bad solution its true. But letting them think they were competing leads them to try to sabotage the other. There was no good answer for any of this. And you're right, when they find out it will be a shitstorm.
Alright so...all of them have romantic feelings for another, except Pinkie Pie.
Now watch as either next chapter or another chapter later on says that Pinkie is in love with Twilight.
I would laugh my ass off
Wonder what will happen with Fluttershy now...
No matter what happens at least one pony is gonna be left alone.
1658009 which is why it failed at the beginning of the story.
so basically FS is the wildcard here because
A. if she chooses RD, then AJ will be heartbroken but it would give twi an opportunity if AJ was willing and rarity would be sad
B. if she chooses rarity, RD would be heartbroken but she already knows about AJ so she wouldn't lose completely (per se, because she may just say no to AJ) but then twi would miss out
C. she could just avoid picking favorites and pinky could be dating them all w/out them dating each other, so it wouldn't be polyamorphos, pinky would just be a lady pimp or FS could do that
1657635 No, Pinkie Pie needs to go for Rarity in order to complete the symmetry. Then we can have a whole heap of drama!
This is getting very interesting. It's not even a love triangle. It's more like a love hexagon. Somebody's going to have to make a choice or this won't end well.
1657067
.............Five way actually.......Pinkie's had nothing to input so far.....
Come on, Twilight! Why can't you get your feels out? dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/sillyfilly_Twilight_Sparkle.png
1658437
At the rate this is going? Just a matter of time!
What the fuck is going on?!
alltheragefaces.com/img/faces/png/misc-jackie-chan.png
Where's Pinkie Pie?! She needs to bring an end to all this nonsense!
Why is everyone a lesbian?! Why are the elements of Harmony in love with each other?!
Why do the elements compete for ONE pony?! Why are RD and Rarity so mean?!
Why is Applejack so insensitive?! Why is- *breaks*
1657455 those are some awesome images you sent me. I'll have to return the favor someday(to add to the humor, not to be mean). The images lifted my spirits, can't thank you enough.
As for the story itself, I'll just wait and see what the next chapter brings. Now that Twilight knows about Rarity and Fluttershy dating, and kissing, will she tell Rainbow or will she seek Fluttershy first. It will be a huge decision nonetheless.
Lastly, I want to wish everyone and their families out there a happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. If any of you plan to go out with your friends and alcohol is involved, please have a plan. It's not worth risking your life or the lives of others because you thought you could get away with it (even if it's a 5-minute drive).
Thank You and God Bless.
Just to gather my thoughts...
Twilight is in love with Applejack, which is in love with Rainbow, which is in love with Fluttershy, which is in love with Rainbow and Rarity, which is loved by Spike.
...eeyup, this is pretty severe.
Awaiting further releases. And somepony fix this damn problem!
Oh poor twilight, she got friend zoned big time!
Huh. I suppose Twilight has a bad memory, then.
Excerpt from Hindsight (Interlude):
Fluttershy already told her what was going on!
Maybe her mind is just befuddled from luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurve.
"I need more data" such an egghead statement. Many people would say information, but data; come on Twilight, are you trying to sound like a nerd.
Also, “Sorry ‘bout that.” Applejack looked up apologetically. “Don’t worry, it ain’t true or nothin’.” BAM arrow to the heart Poor Twilight
I don't mind that Rarity gets Fluttershy, even if Rainbow Dash tried harder -she did- and put more effort into it -she did-. Because Dash deserves better that the Fluttershy of this fic. The drunk, weak Fluttershy of this fic. I was hoping Twi would tell Applejack about how she saw Fluttershy with Rarity, because that way there was bound to be a flank whooping in Flutters future, but oh well. Still curious about how is this all gonna turn. Awaiting next chapter.
Wow, things are getting more tangled then two octopi in a wrestling match. Poor Twilight.
1658918 Glad you enjoyed them. And seriously Shaf... you seem to be slightly overreacting to the fictional love life of fictional characters. This chapter wasn't even about Shy and Rarity. It just briefly had Twilight see them... We all get it by now, you don't ship Flarity, and you are tired of seeing them. But it's a story, let it be written. Heck next chapter could feature this:
fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/320/d/1/oh_thank_you_dear_fluttershy_by_velglorth-d4gewcg.jpg
or this
t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQX4gY1hbqfOFPK3MsNZlDDosZvOl_I0aE9cDOXDil4Z6FeeyrSXhvKXu7_ow
or even this.
fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/151/d/9/i_love_you_raridash_by_blueshinelady-d51qrlp.png
now wouldn't that be silly?
NUUUUUU TWILIGHT TELL HER YOU LOVE HER!!!
The last image brings to light the concept of a possible threesome. Rarity would seem open to the idea, if only to keep Fluttershy happy and stay on her good graces. For Rainbow, it may take some getting used to due to her past; not to mention having to be more than just nice to Rarity.
Even if a threesome occurs, I see Rainbow and Rarity competing to spend time with Flutters day-to-day while completely avoiding the idea of getting intimate with each other.
1660664 Well that's the thing. A threesome that works takes more than two ponies who love a third. Rainbow's parents come to mind. That relationship failed, and that's why Dash won't even entertain the idea. I wonder what went wrong?
1658074
Well, that comment was posted after reading the first two chapters, and I've seen harem endings wreck several otherwise brilliant fics in the past, so I figured I might as well post my thoughts as a reader at that point in the narrative.
Having read the rest now... I really don't know what to say. Drama, drama everywhere, and Fluttershy is behaving inexcusably badly. Who wants to compete for a skank who's just playing with you and lying to you?
Spoiler: It has the same ending as School Days
Pinkie Pie... What's your claim in all this madness?
Fluttershy... I'm sorry... you've earned yourself a trip on the Handbasket Express.
If you'd told them that you wee trying to decide, you'd have ben honest and kept the moral high ground. If they tried to sabotage each other, that would just make the choice easier.
But this? No way around it hon. You are officially a cheater, and one with a bit of a drinking problem too.
Poor Pinkie. She knows what's coming, but like Cassandra, can do naught to change it.
Bah, pinkie is too busy pining after spike in the corner to care about this mess.
Personally, I wanna see more of Twilight trying to figure out what to do about AJ, and at least one more chapter from RD's point of view.
Then I wanna see Fluttershy be miserable when Rarity and RD both leave her for two-timing them, cause that shit's just not cool.
And while we're at it, how about a Pinkie chapter?
1661514 now now, don't jump to conclusions just yet.
1662106
i.qkme.me/352bp7.jpg
Seriously such anger lol. Her two friends love her, she loves her two friends. She messed up, but she's still trying to somehow work this out. There was a distinct lack of outcry on Dashie's date, but on Rarity's my goodness Shy is a cheater and needs to suffer. How about her two friends who forced her into this position? No responsibility there eh? Double standard much?
1661514 No Shy has a problem with saying no to the ponies she loves. She asked for Rose Water, Rarity wheedled her into wine. Dash got her drunk too. And yes, she lost count when they kept refilling her glass lol.
1663104
Fair enough.
Though... no, the responsibility isn't on Rarity and RD. They put Fluttershy in a difficult position, yes. However, that does not excuse cheating. Like I said - Fluttershy would have been just fine if she'd been honest and up-front with them about wanting to try going on a few dates with *each* of them to see how it works out. They might not have liked it, true. It would have hurt if the other was chosen, true.
But right now?
Best case scenario: If Rarity gets picked, then Rainbow is going to think that it's because she didn't put out when Fluttershy was drunk. If Rainbow gets picked, then Rarity is going to think it's because she did (at least to the point of sloppy makeouts). That's if they don't find out that Fluttershy was two-timing them the whole time, and it results in each one being crushed on a far more personal level than just "I'm sorry, but you're making me decide, and I can't help that you don't like my decision! Please don't hate me!"
Second worst case scenario: They do find out, they both freak out, and Fluttershy probably loses them both.
And, frankly, the biggest problem right here is that Fluttershy has no exit strategy Had she been up-front, she always had an honest way out. Now, however, she's in the position of having to *keep* cheating on *both* of them in order to avoid the whole thing blowing up in her face. Not because of vengeful ex-mistresses, but because both of them think they're her legitimate marefriend... what are they going to do when they find out that Fluttershy is breaking up with them?
Worst case scenario: Fluttershy breaks one of their hearts (either by being discovered or breaking up with one of them), and the other finds out about it either due to a vengeful (and rightfully pissed off) ex-mistress saying something, or a mourning one going to the other to tell them that the field's wide open since Fluttershy broke up with them. This has the added damage of them not finding out in some mutual way; if they *both* discover it, then the band-aid is ripped off, as it were. Maybe Fluttershy comes clean with them, and there's still a way to salvage it (say, they realize that while Fluttershy was in the wrong, she was motivated by love for them both, and that they put her in the position of having to make a choice). But if one finds out, and then the other, then damage control is largely out of Fluttershy's hooves.
And, of course, it being me, there's always....
Extra special dark-turn worst case scenario that nobody else is likely to be warped and twisted enough to take, I hope for Fluttershy's sake: One of them finds out, and holds it over Fluttershy's head like the Sword of Damocles to make her take them instead of the other.
1660455
Oh, come on - why not all three?
Drunken Fluttershy ends up waking up with Princess Luna, Celestia ships somepony off to the moon (maybe Luna, to prevent another Nightmare Moon incident after finding out about it all?), and Rarity and Rainbow end up together! It's perfect, isn't that right Scootaloo?
See? And Scootaloo never has bad ideas!
1663104 Eh, maybe I reacted a little strongly, but I just have extraordinarily low tolerance for those who aren't 100% honest and loyal in a relationship.
So anyone else think Pinkie will enter the love 5 way, seems kinda bizarre she only acts as an advisor to Fluttershy while every mane 6 has a deep dark secret. Oh and Fluttershy really needs to confes fast or someone else needs to because this build up is pretty ridiculous by now
1664100 Sadly not every story is going to have perfect symmetry. 1 pony loving one pony is a good romance, but two loving 1 while another loves one of the two and a third loves that one is dramatic. Pinkie will just have to settle for all the stallions in ponyville