Applejack invited her cousins Apple Fritter and Apple Cobbler to help out this cider season. Only Apple Fritter arrives and meets Twilight again, whom she had tried to forget and is now a Princess. Will she finally do the important step?
Applejack invited her cousins Apple Fritter and Apple Cobbler to help out this cider season. Only Apple Fritter arrives and meets Twilight again, whom she had tried to forget and is now a Princess. Will she finally get the courage to ask her out or not? Twilight even invites her on Stargazing and is going to help out on the farm, so Apple Fritter needs to decide soon.. Will the small bond she's created with Twilight break, or will something new evolve from it?
One of my H&H specials. Fic number five of five Collab with SpitfiresSpitfire I created a new ship, right? Cover from DonnEStarside
Applejack waited impatiently for the train to arrive. It was a bit late, but not unusual for the train from Appleloosa. She sighed once the conductor announced the train.
“About time. That darn train is late,” Applejack muttered.
The train came to a halt and only a few ponies left it; one of them a mare with a light-yellow coat and a mane in two different shades of green.
“Cousin! Nice to see you,” Applejack approached her and looked around. “Uh, cousin? Where the hay is your sister? She promised to help us!”
“Glad you came to pick me up, cousin! Apple Cobbler is sick, I’m sorry.” Apple Fritter replied, with a sad smile on her muzzle.
“Well, shoot. Ah was hopin’ for her help. Cider season won’t get far this year without some helpin’ hooves, cousin,” Applejack stopped and thought about it. “Ah could ask my friends if they got some time, but first we should get ya to the farm. Granny an’ Big Mac sure can’t wait to see you again.”
Together they made their way out of the train station and through the city. It was a rather busy day, and many ponies were out on the streets. Both mares went through the marketplace, passed Sugarcube Corner, and reached Twilight’s new Crystal Castle.
Apple Fritter stopped in shock. “Whoa, what’s that? This is definitely new, cousin!”
Applejack smirked. “It’s Twilight’s castle. The old library that used to be there got smashed down by Tirek.”
“Twilight?” Fritter just couldn’t tell where she had heard that name before. “She’s the new princess, right?”
“Yeah, and you’ve met her before, cousin. She was there a couple a years ago at our farm where I introduced ya and the rest of the family to her. You also met her at the wedding in Canterlot.”
Just as they started to continue their walk, the doors of the castle opened and Twilight stepped outside. Fritter’s heart stopped and she blushed. She liked that purple, former unicorn from the first day she met her, but she was just too busy in Appleloosa. Now, the purple alicorn looked even more beautiful in her opinion.
“W-wow, she’s r-really beautiful.” Fritter stammered before she could stop herself.
“What in tarnation was that Cousin?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Uh, nothing.” the light-yellow mare muttered back and Applejack grinned, turning to Twilight to meet her.
“Howdy, Twilight. Where ya headin’ to?”
As Twilight came closer, smiling, Fritter bowed her head “H-hello, Princess.”
Applejack sighed, but Twilight only smiled. “There is no need for that, Apple Fritter. Twilight is just fine.”
“Y-you remember me?” Fritter just couldn’t believe her ears.
“Of course, you were one of the first ponies I met here. Besides, your apple fritters tasted delicious, I won’t forget that.” Twilight said before turning to Applejack. “I’d love to talk to you and catch up, but I’ve got to buy some new quills, so I’m a bit in a hurry. See you later.” And with that she spread her wings, making her way quickly to the center of the town.
Fritter stared at her as she flew away, with her jaw slightly opened. This was a mare to dream of, but for her unreachable. She still stared even as Twilight was out of sight and only snapped out of her thoughts by a waving, orange hoof in front of her.
“Hey, cousin! Stop yer daydreamin’! What the hay was that about?”
Fritter shook her head, trying to focus on Applejack again. “Ah, it was nothin’... let’s move on,” she replied with a slight giggle.
She was stopped by her cousin. “Don’t ya tell me that ya got your eyes on Twilight.”
“Maybe?” came the nearly inaudible reply.
Applejack wasn’t satisfied with that answer, but continued on her way, with Fritter on her side.
“So, how long?” she asked after a bit.
“Huh?” Fritter said after being caught off guard by the sudden question. “Oh…” She was hesitant to answer at first, but Applejack’s wanting look for an answer left her with no choice but to explain herself. “I guess since the first day. Then, she looked so beautiful at the wedding in Canterlot. I thought about asking her on a date, but I didn’t know and still don’t know if she swings that way. And you know we were damn busy at home! Now, she’s surely unreachable.”
“Don’t say that, cousin,” Applejack replied, trying to get her cousin’s spirits up. “Twilight might look like a princess, but she’s really a sweetheart, and she doesn’t get all high and mighty from it.” Applejack smirked and pushed her cousin forward. “Now move along, cousin, cuz we can’t stand here all day.”
They continued their way and soon reached Sweet Apple Acres, where Granny Smith and Big Macintosh were already waiting for them.
“There you are, little one. We thought ya might not be arrivin’ at all, heh.” Granny Smith greeted her with a quick hug.
“Eeyup. Yer train late again, cousin?” Big Mac added.
“Yeah, really late. But I’m glad to be finally here again. Are we starting today or tomorrow?” Fritter replied, taking her time enjoying the warmth of the sun.
“We’ll start tomorrow, cousin. I gotta go to town again, to check on somethin’. You can do what ya want in the meantime. See ya later, cousin.” With that, Applejack waved and returned the way they had arrived.
“You sure must be hungry. Go get you something to eat from the kitchen, dear,” Granny Smith told Fritter before walking back to her country rocker.
Apple Fritter made her way to the kitchen, only slightly remembering where it was. It was really a rare thing for her to be here. She finally reached it, spotting some sandwiches on the table and taking one. It was a nice daisy sandwich, and Fritter gobbled it down quickly.
It was getting late, and somehow she wanted to visit Twilight. Maybe she could at least get to know her better. Fritter didn’t tell her cousin everything. There wasn’t too much to do in Appleloosa to visit Twilight. It was more that she was shocked by her own feelings. Who would still believe in love at first sight? Or that she was a fillyfooler? She’d tried to avoid everything for several years, but now she was sure about one thing. Her feelings for Twilight hadn’t changed. With that on her mind, she left for the road towards Ponyville.
***
Fritter’s walk was quick and without anything interesting happening; until she stood in front of the castle.
She thought about it again. Was it really smart to visit her? What if she was home, could she just ask her out on a date? No, she felt it was a really bad Idea. She looked up on one of the balconies and noticed a telescope there. She’d never practiced stargazing, but maybe now was the right time.
Gulping, Fritter knocked softly on the crystal door, the knock echoing deep back. A few seconds went by before the door opened, a dragon standing in front of her.
“Hello. How can I help you? The court is over already, but you can come again in two days if you need anything.” the dragon told her before waiting for an answer.
“Well, I just wanted to visit Princess Twilight, my name is Apple Fritter.”
“Twilight, there is somepony for you at the door. Her name is Apple Fritter,” the dragon called into the castle, his voice booming from the walls.
“Please let her in. I’m still in the shower, but she can wait at the library,” came a voice back.
The dragon stepped aside to let her in, closing the door and then motioning to her. “Follow me.”
He led her through various corridors until they reached the library, within which both walls filled with hundreds of books. Fritter barely read, but she was still impressed. She looked around and spotted a few cushions on the floor and made herself comfortable on them.
Once she had rested a bit, her mind began wandering again. It was a bad idea to just ask the Princess straight forward. Getting to know her better sure was a fine plan. Besides, she did not seem that much different from her cousin, so everything should go well. But maybe that was the problem at the same time?
Her thoughts were disturbed by Twilight as she came down the stairs, her coat still a bit damp.
“Hello Apple Fritter. If you’re looking for Applejack, she just left about ten minutes before you arrived.” Twilight said before making herself comfortable in front of Fritter.
“It’s not about my cousin'” the light yellow mare started, slightly nervous.
“Well, what is it about then?” Twilight asked, with an eyebrow raised.
Fritter pondered for a moment to just speak out the truth, but decided a slow start would be better.
“I was thinking, that us two could maybe get to know each other better, Princess. I hadn’t quite the time at the rare moments we met.” she said, blushing slightly.
“Oh, okay.” Twilight ruffled her wings before smiling. “A good start would be to just call me ‘Twilight’ and not ‘Princess’. Friends don’t really have to use titles to address one another, Apple Fritter.”
Fritter couldn’t do anything to decrease her blushing. “Friends?” She received a nod from Twilight. “Then you just call me ‘Fritter’, cuz my full name sounds too formal.”
“Excellent! Soo uhm, you come from Appleloosa? I’ve been there before, nice town. Do you have any hobbies? Anything you like?” Twilight stuttered like reading a text fast, but Fritter got most of it.
“I’m working at the bakery in Appleloosa, making apple fritters. My name and my cutie mark comes from it.” she paused and showed her flank.
Twilight looked at it before blushing slightly, turning away and Fritter’s mind collapsing. Had she just blushed while looking at her flank? Maybe it was the light, so she shrugged it off and continued.
“Anyways, I love the stars, although I don’t know very much of it. I’m more the pony for apple bucking and baking. Just that I think about it, why was my cousin here if I might ask?”
“She asked me if I could help you during the cider season and I said yes. I have to take a break from my studies anyways, and I don’t have any duty for the next week.” Twilight replied smiling. “Do you want to stargaze with me?” she asked, making Apple Fritter’s eyes go wide.
Had she just asked her that?
“Uh... yeah, I would love to, but I don’t really know how you do it.” Fritter replied, while Twilight blushed subtly.
“I can show you then. Would you mind coming back in around two hours? I will have everything prepared by then.” Twilight quickly said, trying to hide her cheeks in the cushions.
“I’m looking forward to that Twilight.” Fritter smiled before looking around. “You mind leading the way out? This sure seems really big.”
With a nod, Twilight stood up and made her way out of the Library, the light-yellow mare behind her. She waited at the door and, to Fritters surprise, hugged her lightly.
“Until later, Fritter.” she said smiling, and Fritter made her way to walk a bit around the town before it was time to return.
What she didn’t see, was that Twilight still blushed, and watched her depart before closing the door after she was out of sight.
Twilight was pacing in her castle, her mind busy entangling everything. She felt good with Apple Fritter and she couldn’t tell why. Then her weird behaviour as Fritter just showed her her cutie mark, and her staring while she left. Maybe she was sick?
Shaking her head, she made her way to her library again, searching for some old books. She had to prepare everything for the stargazing, and somehow she was excited, looking forward to seeing Fritter again and spending time doing one of her favourite things with her. She looked everywhere, but she couldn’t find the book.
“Spike?” she called, but no sound returned. “Spiiiiiiike!” she yelled, and soon the purple and green dragon showed up in front of her.
“Yes Twilight?”
“Do you know where that old book ‘Stargazing, a beginners guide’ is?” she asked the dragon while still searching around the shelves.
“Uhm, Twilight, you haven’t touched that one since you were a filly, and it burned in the old library. But we have a newer copy here. Just a second.” he said before crawling up a ladder, looking around the shelves.
He searched only for several seconds before cheering and waving with a book towards Twilight. She reached for the book with her magic, still completely lost in her thoughts, and tried to carry it to her telescope. Sadly the dragon hung on it, so he slammed face first to the ground.
“Ouch! Twilight, what is wrong with you?” he asked, rubbing his nose.
“Haven’t I told you? Apple Fritter, Applejacks cousin, will come here in around an hour to start stargazing with me. Isn’t that exciting?” she replied, squealing happily.
This was a new behaviour and Spike started to worry about her “Twilight, are you sure that everything is okay?”
“Yes! Yes everything is fine!” she replied maybe a bit too eagerly and sighed, sitting down. “Ugh, Spike what should I do? I feel weird with Fritter.”
“What do you mean by weird?” he asked.
“I don’t really know Spike.” she paused and thought for a moment. “I feel good around her, maybe a small tingling feeling in my stomach, although this is scientifically impossible. Nopony can make you feel better… wait that is wrong. Friendship can make you feel better but I don’t know her very well and it feels different than with Applejack.”
“Twilight, a tingling feeling in your Stomach?” he raised an eyebrow and Twilight nodded. “It’s kind of... the same I feel for Rarity…” he continued, but was stopped by a jumping Twilight.
“What? No! No that can’t be! There must be a scientific explanation to this!” Twilight said, her voice reaching a high tone.
“Geeze Twilight, calm down! Before we expect the worst, how about you just spend the time with her and then you look what will result from it?” the dragon said, afraid her anger would reach a critical high once again.
Twilight’s eye twitched. “Just…. just spend the time with her?” she approached Spike who backed away, gulping. “This is not that easy Spike!” she yelled the last sentence.
“That wasn’t what I meant Twilight, and you know it! I was saying that you should wait and see what happens today, and maybe you’ll see things clearer?” he replied, hoping she would calm down.
Twilight stopped and sat down, face buried in her Hooves. “But what if everything goes wrong? I don’t want to loose this new friendship.”
Spike put a claw on her back as she began to sob “Don’t you think that you sometimes think too much about such things? Why can’t you just stop thinking about everything and let it happen? I’m sure it will be great, I’ll help you!”
“R-really? You would do t-that for me?” she asked, raising her head.
“Of course Twilight!” the dragon replied with a smile.
The Alicorn jumped up and hugged Spike, causing him to fall onto the floor while she quickly muttered ‘thank you’.
“Heh, it’s no big deal Twilight.” he said, returning the hug. “Now prepare what you have to and I will get some sandwiches and juice done for you two.”
Twilight beamed at him as Spike let go and turned to the kitchen. She was glad to have him. After thinking a few seconds about her number one assistant, she decided to concentrate on her problem. What Spike said sounded easy, but was it really just that?
“Maybe Spike is right, I should just let it happen.” she said quietly to herself while she prepared some pillows and the telescope.
It was getting dark quickly, soon it would be time for Apple Fritter to show up again. Twilight set up the telescope and arranged the sight on Orion. It was the easiest to see at night, so she would start with it. Just as she was finished preparing, Spike came up with a plate full of sandwiches and two big bottles of apple juice.
“Thanks Spike! You’re really my number one-” the loud sound of knocking interrupted Twilight and Spike hurried downstairs.
Twilight heard the door open and a surprised Spike. “Hi Apple Fritter. Mhh what do you have there? It smells delicious!”
She couldn’t hear what Fritter answered, but soon the mare walked into the room, a plate on her back and a smile on her face.
“Hey Twilight. Sorry if I’m a bit late, but two hours was a bit short for them.” she said and put down the plate. “Since I know that you like my apple fritters, I made some real quick.
“Oh Fritter, these really look delicious!” Twilight replied, saliva starting to pool in her mouth from the nice smell. “Spike also made us some sandwiches. Make yourself comfortable, please!”
The light-yellow mare settled down on some pillows, making herself comfortable and watching Twilight, who opened a book and laid down just in front of her.
“Stargazing is something I’ve been doing for years, but you are new to this so I will try to stick to the basics. Or maybe you just want to watch with me?” she asked, blushing a bit.
“Just watchin’ with you sounds really nice, Twilight.” Fritter smiled sheepishly at Twilight, which only increased the lavender mare’s blushing.
Fritters mind went into a panic. Is she embarrassed by her? Maybe she was going too far. Or, though it seemed to be less possible, she shared the same feelings. She quickly shook her head to clear it and concentrated on Twilight again. It was impossible that a princess would feel something special about her.
Twilight gulped and turned a page open. “This is Orion, the one you can nearly always see at night. He’s a good one to start with. Look through the telescope.” she then said, motioning for it.
Fritter stood up and walked to the telescope, looking through it as Twilight continued explaining. “Orion is easily recognizable by his brightest stars, also called Rigel and Betelgeuse. Rigel is a blue-white, and Betelgeuse is a red supergiant, so you can differentiate those two.”
Twilight continued, not seeing that Fritter had stopped looking through the telescope and was focusing on the lavender mare. She just talked until she was finished, before she met the gaze.
“Something wrong Fritter?” she asked, blushing a bit. “Is my coat dirty or do I have something on my nose?”
“No, no, everything’s just fine Twilight.” Fritter replied, a heavy blush creeping up her cheeks. “I was just… just admiring your coat in the starlight, you know.”
Twilight’s eyes went wide. “What was that?”
Before the lavender mare could react, Fritter stormed out of the room, quickly hurrying downstairs and leaving the castle. Twilight just laid in shock, not knowing what she should do.
“Oh no, I just screwed everything.” she muttered, accompanied by soft sobs into the pillows.
***
Fritter kept running, tears running down her muzzle before dropping of, leaving a sparkling trail in the light of the moon and the stars. Her mind was numb, pretty sure that she just bucked everything up and would never be able to return anymore. She just said the sentence she didn’t want to, and then Twilights expression…
She kept running until the Everfree came into sight, slowly turning to a soft trot, continuing her way. Her heart ached, burning deep with the knowledge of unrequited love. What had she done? Her plan was to just spend time with Twilight, not acting that dumb!
The light-yellow mare suddenly found herself in a small clearing, staring right into the statue of Nightmare Moon. Her legs burned from the long run and walk, so she laid down in front of the statue.
“What should I do now?” she whispered quietly. “She’ll hate me now for sure… argh, how can somepony be so stupid? How can I be so stupid?” she buried her muzzle into her hooves, unaware of the cold wind.
Time passed by and she went into an unsteady slumber, dreaming of her future without a loving Twilight. She dreamed of a Twilight that hated her for the rest of her life. Fritter didn’t care about the numb feeling spreading in her body because of the cold, she just wanted to forget the day and rest.
***
Twilight sat there, jaw wide open in shock. Did Fritter really say that she was beautiful? Shaking her head she just caught the tail of Fritter hurrying out of the room.
“Fritter stop! Please come back!” she shouted, but it went unheard.
She jumped up and went to the window, looking out and seeing Fritter running out of the castle and straight to the everfree forest. Twilight, who knew what creatures could be in the everfree forest quickly darted downstairs.
“Spike! I’m going out for a bit. Don’t wait for me, and please clean up my stargazing room.” she yelled before leaving the castle, making her way to the everfree forest.
Just the thought of what could happen to Fritter made her heart ache and she hurried up. She definitely felt something for Fritter, but what she was unsure of. She quickly cleared her mind and continued her way, soon reaching the forest.
“Ugh walking in there will be a pain- wait! I have wings…” she felt the urge to facehoof, but instead spread her wings and raised unsteadily into the sky.
She was still not really good with the flying, but here even her barely existing experience came in handy. Twilight quickly flapped and shot over the Everfree forest, looking out for a yellow spot in the usual dark ocean under her.
After scanning the forest for some time, she started to lose hope, causing her heart to shrink in her chest. It couldn’t end like that. Twilight increased her speed, flying faster than before, and soon a small opening appeared in front of her. The lavender mare slowed down and spotted something yellow.
Twilights heart made a small jump, happy that she found Fritter, but it quickly stopped. The light-yellow mare just laid in front of a statue, not moving at all. Fear shot through her body and Twilight maybe landed a bit too hard, hurting her right rear leg.
She hissed and hobbled to Fritter, laying a hoof on her shoulder. she was icecold. “Fritter? Fritter are you alright?” the lavender mare shook her, but without any response.
The alicorn quickly tried to think of some spells that she could use to help Fritter and found one to check on vitals. Twilight casted it and her heart froze completely. The spell told her that Fritter was near hypothermia and was unconscious.
Her mind went completely into panic-mode and she had no idea what she should do now. Twilight paced around until she remembered Spike’s words. Maybe she should just act and not think so much. She cleared her mind and raised Fritter in her magic grip up to her back, causing her more pain due her hurt leg.
Ignoring the pain Twilight slowly hobbled out of the opening into the deep forest. She wasn’t used to extra weight while flying and knew she couldn’t hold them both in the air, so she just went by hooves. Thankfully, her trip wasn’t accompanied by any dangers and she left the forest with Fritter unharmed.
The lavender mare sighed and continued on her way to the library, her leg hurting more and more but she still ignored it. Nothing was more important than Fritter. As she opened the door of her castle it seemed that Spike was already asleep, every light was out.
Twilight hadn’t had time to furnish the endless amounts of rooms since she’d gotten the castle, so she did the only thing in her mind. She walked up the stairs and turned right to a big crystal door with her cutie mark on it. The door opened and revealed her bedroom. She slowly picked Fritter up in her grip and laid her down on the bed, quickly covering her cold body with various blankets.
Once she was done Twilight rested on the other side of the bed, watching Fritter carefully. Her feelings rumbled and she knew that there was something for Fritter. She smiled at the thought and focused on the light-yellow mare again. Only once she was sure that Fritter was heating up and her breathing went steady again did she allow herself to rest.
The last thing Twilight saw was a bit of green hair covering a beautiful face, then she went to sleep, a small smile creeping up her muzzle.
Apple Fritter felt warm, laying on something soft. Her mind couldn’t understand it, being sure that she had fallen asleep in the forest without any cover. Her mind still groggy, she tried to figure it out and soon she felt something else. She was covered in something, and there was a soft, tingling feeling over her muzzle.
As she opened her eyes, Fritter only saw purple. Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, she saw that it were purple feathers and her mind went crazy. She jumped up, but the blankets that she were covered with hindered her movement, causing her to fall onto the ground snout first.
Fritter looked up and saw Twilight, laying on the edge of her bed, right wing stretched over a place that seemed to be where she had been laying. She felt heat rising in her cheeks and a question appear in her mind that she couldn’t answer. Why did she do this?
The lavender mare stirred and stretched her limbs a bit, causing Fritter to jump up in fear that she woke her up. Thankfully, she relaxed again and the light-yellow mare released her breath, unaware of even holding it. She had no clue what she should do now.
Deciding to freshen up, she snuck out of the bedroom in search for the bathroom. She closed the door quietly, careful to not wake Twilight up. She turned around and found herself in a long corridor with various doors. How would she find the bathroom here?
While she tried to get oriented, a sweet smell filled her nostrils, causing her stomach to grumble. She followed the scent downstairs, reaching the kitchen to find Spike preparing some pancakes.
He looked up and smiled. “Good morning Apple Fritter. How are you feeling today? We were really worried about you.”
“I don’t know.” she replied. “What happened after I left?”
“You’ll have to ask Twilight that. I just saw her carrying you to her bedroom last night.” he replied before pointing to the pancakes. “Hungry?”
Fritter’s stomach grumbled again, causing her to blush slightly. “Very, but I should take a shower first. Can I use the bathroom?”
The dragon smiled. “Of course. It’s the second door on the right after Twilight’s bedroom.”
With a quick thanks, Fritter rushed up the stairs, passing the bedroom and reaching the bathroom, opening the door and entering it. It was quite big, a shower big enough for two ponies and a bathtub that looked more like a giant whirlpool made out of crystal in it.
Fritter sighed and went under the shower, turning it on and setting the valve on hot. The water immediately heated and she enjoyed the warm trickle on her coat. She guessed it worked with some kind of magic to heat up that quickly.
The light-yellow mare shuddered as the water dripping from her coat turned dark. She slept dirty like that in Twilight’s bed. Looking around she found some shower-gel. It smelled like oranges, decent, but still nice and recognizable. Smiling, she used it, enjoying the feeling of it over her coat as she felt all dirt washing off of her.
Once Fritter was satisfied she turned the shower off and stepped out, dripping on the floor. She was making a mess and quickly looked for a towel, which she found on a small closet. After rubbing her coat, mane and tail dry she left the bathroom, heading downstairs again.
Spike was nowhere to be seen, but at the table two plates were prepared, both with a stack of pancakes on, and a glass of juice next to it. Fritter sat down and took a bite, savouring the taste. They were delicious! While she ate her pancakes, Fritter heard some hoofsteps and her heart froze immediately. She was deeply afraid of turning around.
***
Twilight woke up, blinking against the light that made it’s way into her bedroom. She wasn’t really rested, the nightly trip to the Everfree and the flight taking it’s tribute. As she slowly fought against her fatigue, she was aware of something. The breath she’d felt against her right wing whole night over was gone. Shocked, Twilight quickly lifted her wing just to find nothing.
Trying to calm down, the lavender mare spoke to herself. “She just went back to the farm I guess.” and with that she made her way into her bathroom.
Looking around, she found the floor really wet and she cursed Spike for his long bubble-baths. She went for her shower and noticed the bathtub being dry, while the glass of the shower was wet. There were also wet hoofmarks leading from it to the door.
Twilight’s mind rumbled. Spike never showered, he only took bubble-baths. Also he had claws and feet, no hooves. Confused, she continued her way and found a wet towel hanging on the shower door and her shower-gel open. Maybe it was Fritter?
Her heart jumped slightly and she quickly went into the shower to get done, eager to see the light-yellow mare again. She enjoyed the warm water before stepping out and drying her coat with a new towel. As she went to the door a quick spell washed over the room, leaving everything dry and cleaned behind her.
Twilight went down the stairs, the smell of pancakes meeting her half-way. It smelled like Spike prepared a good breakfast and she quickly made her way to the kitchen. As she walked in, a familiar light-yellow pony sat on the table, eagerly eating some pancakes. Twilight’s heart jumped, but also froze slightly. She spotted the mare tensing a bit, so she walked forward and sat down next to her.
As Twilight started to eat, Fritter turned around towards her, tears shining in her eyes. “Twilight, I’m sorry about-” she started, but was stopped by a lavender hoof.
“Don’t be, Fritter. My reaction wasn’t quite the best response, so it’s only my fault.” Twilight said, her ears folding back.
Fritter wanted to argue about that, but instead she asked, “What happened last night?”
The lavender mare gulped, slowly answering. “Well, you ran into the everfree forest. I went after you and found you near hypothermia in an opening. I brought you back and kept you warm.” she blushed a bit while explaining.
Fritter couldn’t quite follow everything, but her heart felt warm at the thought of sleeping all night under Twilight’s wings. “Hypo-what now?” she asked.
Twilight stared into her eyes, and Fritter thought seeing some tears but it could also been imagination. “You nearly froze to death, Fritter. I searched far and wide for over an hour for you.” she finally said, her voice shaking.
“Y...you saved me?.” It was barely a whisper and Twilight nodded.
Fritter didn’t know what to say anymore, so she did the dumbest and maybe smartest thing in her life. She leaned in and pressed her lips on Twilights, softly pushing forwards. To her surprise Twilight didn’t resist, the lavender mares lips slowly brushing against hers. It was an incredible moment, both mares felt happy like never before.
It seemed like an endless moment, but it was destroyed by Fritter’s fear. Twilight was a princess, she just couldn’t be with her. As her mind rumbled, the light-yellow mare broke away, leaving Twilight gasping.
“I...I’m sorry Twilight.” Fritter started and she thought for a moment that Twilight looked hurt. “We better should get going, Applejack will be waitin’ at the farm and we lost some time.” with that she stood up and slowly walked to the door.
Twilight just looked before following her, a small tear dropping from her muzzle, unseen and alone.
***
“Cousin, Twilight! About time you two get here! ah’ve been waiting for several minutes now. What took ya so long?” Applejack yelled from the orchard as she saw the two walking towards her
Both mares walked in and looked around, finding Big Macintosh and Granny Smith already preparing everything. The machine they’d used at the cider-challenge with the flimflam brothers stood ready.
“Breakfast took longer than expected Applejack. Nothing to be concerned about.” Twilight said, smiling awkwardly.
“Twilight? You’re nearly as bad of a liar as I am.” Applejack replied, looking sceptically at her.
Fritter was already at the machine and out of hearing range, so Twilight leaned in “Fritter kissed me. And I liked it… very much.” she whispered, blushing slightly.
“Whoa nelly! Who would’ve thought of that? I’m happy for ya Twil-” Applejack cheered, but was soon stopped by a wing.
“She broke the kiss and apologized… I even leaned into the kiss and she still seems unsure.” Twilight said, her ears folding back.
Applejack put a hoof around her friend, nuzzling her friendly. “Twilight, Fritter is afraid! She’s liked you since the first day and never got the courage to ask you out. Now that you are a princess it seems like an impassable barrier for her.” she explained.
“B-but what can I do? I never felt something like that before! Is there a book I should read about love and relationships?” she asked, panic starting to drip in her voice.
“Twilight! Calm down! Just do what yer heart tells ya, alright?” the orange mare said, snickering. “Always tryin’ ta find the answer in a book. You’ll never change Twilight!
The lavender mare blushed, looking at the orchard where Big Macintosh just took his goggles on. “Oh they’re about to start, let’s go Applejack.”
Both mares walked to the others and they started their work, bucking the Apples and putting them into the machine to pour them into cider. It took them the whole day to produce cider from all of the Apples in the west orchard, but in the end they all sat together, exhausted but happy.
After some rest, Twilight helped Applejack and Big Macintosh store the barrels in their apple cellar so they would stay fresh until it would be served. Once they were done, Twilight spotted Fritter laying under a big tree, looking up into the sky. The lavender mare looked to Applejack who smirked and nodded. Shuddering, Twilight made her way to the tree and laid down besides Fritter.
“Fritter?” she asked, but no reply. “What are you afraid of?” Twilight continued, although she knew the answer.
Silence for a few minutes, then Fritter looked up, locking their gazes and Twilight lost herself in those emerald eyes. Just as she wanted to leaned in, Fritter answered.
“You are a princess. I’m not good enough for you.” she nearly cried, tears appearing in her eyes.
“Fritter?” Twilight asked, softly wiping the tears away.
“Y-yes?”
Instead of talking, Twilight leaned in and closed the gap between them, lips pushing against lips. Fritter gasped in surprise, but quickly melted into the kiss, enjoying it deeply.
As they broke Twilight smiled and whispered softly in her ear. “Don’t be so stupid, you’re wonderful!”
At that moment, Fritter felt like the whole world could end, as long as she was with Twilight. The sun was slowly going down and Twilight watched it for a bit, before turning back to Fritter, smiling.
“How about we try stargazing again tonight?” she asked, nuzzling Fritter softly.
“I would love to Twilight.” came the cooed response, followed by another deep kiss.
They laid there until the moon went up and the stars appeared, everything shining brightly, as they would celebrate this inconvenient love. As they walked back to the library, they did it head on head, coat on coat. Together was everything that counted at that moment.
They walked slowly back to the library, enjoying the small walk together. Neither mare had ever felt so happy before, just glad to have the other. Twilight’s mind still rumbled, but she was pretty sure that she felt way more than friendship for Fritter. It was like a new kind of spark ignited in her, way different than the one of friendship. A spark that warmed her whole body, tingling in her stomach and made her feel that everything was perfect.
The whole walk they leaned against each other, keeping themselves warm while the wind brushed their coats. Fritter still couldn’t really believe it. Twilight kissed her, and it felt great. Never had she felt such immense butterflies or aching desire.
As they reached the library, it was in the middle of the night and Fritter yawned, causing Twilight to look worried.
“Are you tired Fritter? We could go to bed immediately, or we could still stargaze.” she said, a small smile on her lips.
“As much as going to bed with you sounds promising, I would say we talk a bit first. What we’re going to do now, you know.” Fritter replied, unaware of the small blush on Twilight’s face after the first part.
“Let’s go upstairs then. We can lay down and watch the stars while still talking.” the lavender mare suggested and they made their way up.
once they were comfortable on the cushions, Fritter looked into Twilight's eyes “What does this makes us now Twilight?” she asked.
“Well... as far I’ve read about it, it makes us marefriends?” the lavender mare blushed a bit.
“And what about… about your…” Fritter started, but lost her words.
Twilight understood enough to complete the question. “about my status as a princess? I don’t know yet. Would you mind if we keep this a little secret until I spoke with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? Maybe asking Cadance would be a good idea too.”
“I don’t mind Twilight. As long as you allow me to be with you I don’t mind at all.” Fritter said, her voice confident, and pecked Twilight on her muzzle.
“Aww, you’re sweet.” Twilight replied the peck and blushed. “Anything else?”
“We can talk about the rest later I think. How about some nice stargazing now?” Fritter suggested.
“Anything you want my love” the lavender mare replied, cooing softly into Fritter’s ears, causing her to shudder slightly.
Twilight reached for the book she had prepared last night and opened it. “Remember what I told you about Orion?”
Fritter pondered for a moment before answering. “Orion is the one that is nearly always to be seen at night. You can recognize him by his two brightest stars.Rigel and Betelgeuse. Rigel is a blue-white and Betelgeuse a red supergiant, so you can different them really easily.”
Twilight’s jaw nearly fell down. “You… You remember everything? You’re the first pony that actually listened to every single word I said. Well, besides Princess Celestia and my friends. But you… you surprise me Fritter.”
The light-yellow mare leaned forward, locking lips with Twilight. As she broke away, she smiled. “I think I love to surprise you, Twilight.”
Twilight blushed once again before returning her gaze to the book. Fritter enjoyed the sight of her newly found marefriend so excited to share her knowledge.
“You know what?” she said, smiling. “I guess I just want to be with you tonight and enjoy it.”
The lavender mare looked up and smiled back, closing the book. “Am I that exciting?” she asked, cocking her head slightly.
After a small, but lovely peck Fritter nodded, then something came up in her mind. “What will we do once this is over?”
Twilight was shocked, for a short moment not realizing what Fritter meant. Then, it was clear. “You mean once you are back in Appleloosa? I don’t completely know yet, but as a princess with wings it shouldn’t be too difficult to visit you from time to time. It will still be a hard time though.” she nearly choked on the last sentence, a lonely tear making it’s way down her muzzle.
The light-yellow mare quickly leaned forward, kissing the tear away. “I can stand it for us if you can too.” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
“I can and I will Fritter. You are the first pony I’ve ever felt like this about.” Twilight admitted, cheeks slightly red.
“You are simply amazing Twilight. I never want to lose you.” came a low whisper near her ear.
Maybe it was early, but Twilight couldn’t stop the next words that came out of her mouth. It just felt right, a urgent need to let it out.
“I love you Fritter.” she cooed, her heart jumping slightly at the lovely gaze from her marefriend.
“I love you too, Twilight.” came the soft answer, followed by a deep, passionate kiss that felt like it lasted for an eternity.
Both mares were happy, trying to enjoy this beautiful night. A night they wouldn’t ever forget.
