> Assumptions
>  by EminenceGris
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter I: A Chance Meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions I: A Chance Meeting

While on the outside the young rainbow-maned mare displayed her usual cool, arrogant, devil-may-care attitude, on the inside, her heart was almost jumping out of her chest and she clenched her jaw to suppress a grin. Tonight was the night. Her companion had treated her to a candle-lit dinner by the Canterlot riverside. The golden hall was filled to the brim with crème de la crème of Equestrian society. In one of the corners, Hoity-Toity and Photo Finish lead a heated discussion about the new fall line. Couple of tables further, Octavia was explaining the finer points of playing her instrument (was it cello or bass?) to Frederic Horseshoepin, seated opposite her, who seemed to be listening, although his expression was somewhat blank. DJ PON3, formerly known as Vinyl Scratch, sat next to Octavia, throwing dirty looks at the esteemed court composer. Deeper still in the VIP section, Prince Blueblood was gesturing wildly, imitating the splatter of a giant cake to a crowd of alarmingly young, giggling fillies. 

But Rainbow Dash had eyes for one pony only.  She looked up at her date, Soarin’. The suave, if somewhat goofy blue pegasus looked across their table and winked at her with his clear emerald eyes. Rainbow Dash gave a little smile, her magenta eyes lighting up ever so slightly. Inside her small cyan chest, her heart melted.

“Soarin’,” she said suddenly, her voice weaker and trembling somewhat.

Soarin’ resurfaced from his apple pie and gave her an inquisitive look.

“There’s a reason I suggested our little get-together,” she said with newfound confidence, her light cyan cheeks blushing ever so slightly.

“No problem,” said Soarin’ waving his hoof. “In fact, I know exactly what you’re after, Missy.” He gave her another one of his mischievous winks.

Then, ever so slowly, he leaned towards her, his lips still pressed in a goofy smile, Rainbow Dash, taking the cue, leaned in as well and closed her eyelids. Surprisingly, however, she felt his warm breath against her ear. After a few seconds, Rainbow Dash’s face became redder, and turned to stone. With every word Soarin’ whispered, her eyes opened wider, her pupils became reduced to mere dots. She looked up at Soarin’ as he withdrew, her lips trembling, her gaze obscured by a film of tears that had started to form in the corner of her eyes.

“You don’t need to thank me at all. She was actually quite keen and curious about it herself. But next time, you can ask straight-up. No need for fancy dinners like this.” He gave her a knowing nudge.

For the first time that evening, Rainbow Dash became completely aware of the noise that filled the famous Canterlot dining hall. All around her were distinguished ponies laughing, holding hooves, leading animated discussions. In the roar of the great wall, her tiny heartbreak was drowned out.  At once her face was blank, her gaze fixated at nowhere in particular. Without a word, she stood up, spread her wings and took off. Any feeling she had left her body, but she could still hear the shatter of glass and yells of pain as she flew outside. She needed air. Fast.

Once outside, her deep breathing, mingled with sobs, produced a little cloud of condensation around her. She leaned against the window of the restaurant, avoiding looking inside. Collapsing into a small heap right where she stood, Rainbow Dash shed a single tear. But before it could run down her cheek, she felt a warm current of air and a small peck on where her tear had made its progress. She opened her eyes and looked up. Before her, a fiery-maned pegasus was offering her an outstretched hoof.

“No thanks,” said Rainbow Dash, her voice trembling.

“Don’t be silly. I don’t bite… hard.” Spitfire grinned. “Just let me help you get up!”

Dash hesitated. If Soarin’ had just told her what she thought he told her, this might mean even more trouble. Perhaps she should just stay on the spot and wallow in whatever ponies are supposed to wallow in. Or maybe she just needed to get up, tell Spitfire it had all been a misunderstanding and fly to her cloud castle as fast as she could. Attack things head on. Sort it out. Clear the air. That was the only way.  As she accepted Spitfire’s helping hoof, something unexpected happened. Spitfire used a little bit more force than was needed to get the cyan pegasus back on her hooves. She pulled her firmly toward her, looked deep into the frightened magenta eyes with her fiery seductive gaze and kissed her. On Spitfire’s part, the kiss had been intended to be passionate and deep. Rainbow Dash felt the yellow mare’s warm lips on her own.  Her pupils dilated again as her jaw clenched shut. As soon as she felt Spitfire reluctantly release her grip, she flung herself away, her hooves getting caught up in her dress sending her falling face forward.

“I’m sorry. I can’t do this” Rainbow Dash whispered, tears streaming down her face as she stood up one last time. She took to the dark November sky, which began to shed unforgivingly cold tears of its own.  

As she sped towards Cloudsdale, the words that Soarin’ had whispered to her kept on repeating themselves over and over in her head.
 I know why you arranged this dinner. I figured what you were as soon as I saw you. No, I don’t think you need anyone’s help to get into the Wonderbolts, you and I know full well that within a few years, you’ll make the team. You just want to get to know your future team mates better, am I right? Somepony has caught your eye? Don’t worry, I know all about it. I told her as soon as you suggested this get together. She’s quite excited to get to know you personally. She likes both, you see. And she’s not seeing anypony at the moment. No need to thank me. That’s what team does for each other. We’re not just colleagues, but friends. But you can be more than that. It’s okay. She’s waiting for you outside whenever you’re ready to see her. Go get her, tigress…

In hindsight, she probably should have told Soarin’ the truth. That she wanted to confess her feelings to him and that her admiration of Spitfire had been innocent. She was a fan, no more. Soarin’ probably thought that perhaps her toughness, her independence and her rainbow mane somehow added up to her liking mares. Rainbow Dash knew that she could not choose the color of her mane, no less than anypony could choose who they were attracted to. She just refused to believe there was any strict correlation between the two. If this had been true, then Pinkie Pie should be the most “frou-frou” pony, as Applejack called it, since she was all pink. Yet the title of the most lady-like mare in Ponyville went to Rarity, with Fluttershy a close second.

She winced as she remembered the rumours. Why would anyone assume anything? She’s had a hard time since she was born. It was always about her mane. She was a natural rainbow, but that meant nothing to other foals. Rainbow Crash! Attention seeker! Rainbow Dash swallowed hard as she remembered all of the ridicule she had to suffer throughout foalhood and adolescence. That’s why she was independent and tough. That’s where her need to prove herself came from. That’s what drove her to flying and racing, and that’s why she was slender and had an athletic body. It was an expression of her whole being and history, not an arbitrary expression of sexuality. And now, her first kiss had been stolen by a mare, albeit one of her idols. She grit her teeth, the wind billowing past her, its terrific roar doing nothing to numb her inner turmoil.

She accelerated once again leaving Canterlot far behind. Her line of vision decreased with every second, obscured by the veil of ever-heavier rainfall. Her wings began pulling her down as they soaked in the cold precipitation. A few more minutes, and she would be in bed, where no one could hurt her. Despite her present discomfort, she could almost feel the warmth of her bed and dreams of a monochromatic mane. Or maybe a stallion who could see past the rainbow. Lost in her thoughts, she felt her wings unable to move, a chilling grip locking them in their position. The storm had been stronger and colder than the pegasi had calculated. Suddenly aware of her dire situation, Rainbow Dash, still cursing her weather patrol colleagues under her breath, prepared for crash landing. This was no longer about getting home.  What she needed was some seriously good damage control…

>>

On the ground, a slender tan pony looked down into the small valley before him. The storm was getting more violent, but despite the late hour and the storm, he could still see the Apple siblings doing a round around their land, despite the hail that obliterated the usual vistas. But it wasn’t the quiet backdrop of rolling hills, or the scent of apple trees that usually swayed in the evening breeze that Caramel enjoyed on his way from work. He looked longingly at one of the farmers and sighed deeply. Besides this pony, I have no reason to stay in this town. He knew he stood no chance. He looked down at his hazy refection in a puddle. A lanky, slouched pony looked back at him. Plus there was his reputation. It was a funny thing, all the premature conclusions that somepony decided to draw someday, somehow began to matter to him. 

He clenched his teeth and trotted on against the wind and hail. He would not see any more of his beloved Apple farmer today. He pressed on his road home, entering a small clearing when he saw faint cyan flash overhead… 

>>

Rainbow Dash was cold no longer control her wings. As gravity pulled her ever closer to the hard unforgiving ground, she flexed her muscles and winced in pain. She turned around to see the ice on her wings cutting into her flesh. She tried to spread her wings once more. Hearing a small crack, she started flexing her wings more desperately than ever before. With great effort, she managed to wring herself from the icy grip.She looked at the ground below her. Row upon row of trees stretched as far as her eyes could see. But they were close. Too close. There was a little clearing in the midst of the apple trees, and on the other end of it, she recognized the Crusaders’ clubhouse. She braced for impact, hoping that the ground would be soft. Just before she closed her eyes, she though she saw a faint beige blur through the hail, walking right in front of where she was supposed to crash. She closed her eyes and prayed to Celestia…

It must have only been a few seconds that she was unconscious. She looked at what had softened her spectacular fall: a slight beige colt, now lying in the mud, bruised and battered. It was a sorry sight. A feeling of pity and disgust mingled in Rainbow’s mind. Sure, she was sorry she had almost killed Caramel, even though in her mind he was probably the lamest, most useless pony in all of Ponyville, if not Equestria. But what on earth was he doing sneaking around the Crusader’s clubhouse? Not that she wanted to know. She’s already heard everything from the villagers, but now she was sure there was some truth behind the rumours. Given her experiences, she should not jump to conclusions, but she could at least know for certain that Caramel did wander around Sweet Apple Acres.

Sure, she practiced her moves above the farm too, but she the reasons should be obvious to anypony. Had she been practicing above Ponyville, a failed trick could result in a lot of collateral damage, which her insurance would not pay, and the thought of selling her parents’ cloud castle was breaking her heart. Practicing above Everfree would mean that, if something were to go wrong, her wings would be up against the dense forest canopy, leaving her in the midst of the woods which were home to some of the most dangerous creatures known to ponykind. Over Sweet Apple Acres, should anything happen, it would only be a tree or two that would get the receiving end of her acrobatics (though Applejack saw it differently), and her orange friend or Big Macintosh were always nearby to help patch her up. In her head, it made perfect sense. Even if some ponies believed that her frequent shenanigans over the farm had a different purpose altogether, namely seeing the mare that she was supposed to be infatuated with.

She looked again at the injured colt. He gave a slight whimper and let out a small, weary sigh. Pathetic, Rainbow Dash thought. He was going to make it, though. Just as she flew off, she heard a sound of four powerful pairs of hooves approaching the clearing. Applejack and Macintosh, she knew. They will deal with him, while she was off to wallow in whatever ponies wallow in. She would be fine tomorrow. Eventually…

>>

Caramel literally did not know what had hit him. He was certain he heard his own bones crack and then he just kept on falling into nothingness. His life flashed before his eyes, A series of bad experiences featuring ponies he’d met  from different walks of life, replayed again and again. Get away from her, foal-fiddler! The lies. Caramel lost the grass seeds again! The disappointments. You know what they say, a colt-cuddler is a mare’s best friend! The rumours. The fact that no matter where he went, no pony would ever look him straight in the eye. The feelings of worthlessness. The fact that he had become so used to all of this, that he accepted it and that he led himself to believe he was unworthy of anypony’s attention. 

Just when he though the film would stop and he would be taken into the light, he could feel his own limbs again, the freezing hail hitting his coat, soaking him to the bone. He could hear a flutter of wings and his own breathing. He could hear a light trot through the mud. He tried opening his eyes and let out a weary sigh. He thought he saw a rainbow. He opened his eyes again, but it was gone. Only the storm remained. Then he heard a gallop in the distance, approaching him. He gathered his strength and struggled to stand up, but weak as he was, it was not enough. As the pungent smell of mud filled his nostrils and his eyes closed, he fell unconscious again.

>>

Applejack and Big Macintosh always went around the farm as the evening fell, even in this weather. Finding all the gates closed, and their precious Apple trees safe, they were finally returning home, their thoughts of warm apple pies and a comfortable fireplace were disturbed by a loud crash nearby. They cantered quickly to see what had passed. Applejack was expecting anything, from a Diamond Dog, a thief, and even perhaps her foolhardy pegasus friend, who was occasionally known to train in weather like this. However, she wasn’t prepared to see a small earth pony, smashed, and lying face down in the mud in front of the Crusaders’ clubhouse. There was nopony else around, and no clues were left as to how Caramel got himself in this pitiful state.

“What in tarnation?,” Applejack cried, inspecting the bruised colt. She ran her hoof across his neck and lowered her face to his. Luckily, Caramel was still breathing, and his heart was still beating. Applejack sighed in relief, but continued thinking out loud. “What is Caramel doin’ here? In this weather? An’ how’d he get in this condition?” She looked up at the clubhouse and her face darkened. “Was he sneakin’ round tryin’ to get a look at Apple Bloom again? Or her friends? Maybe he wanted to get into the clubhouse an’…” Sick images of Caramel rummaging through Crusaders’ toys flooded Applejack’s mind. “Oh sweet Celestia…” A second ago, she could not help but feel genuinely concerned for her fellow pony, now she looked ready to pounce on him, her nostrils enlarged and her hooves clenched..

“Now hold on, sis,” Big Mac grumbled from behind. He knew his sister was perhaps too quick thinking and despite, or maybe because of her honest and trusting nature, she was prone to believe things that were little more than rumours. “Y’all don’t know whether that’s true. Plus you can’t make him hurt any more than he already is…”

“But it’s clear as Celestia’s sun, ain’t it?” Applejack interjected angrily.

“Consider this. If it’s true what they say, and Caramel really is a colt-cuddler and a foal-fiddler, why would he go after our filly sister? It just don’t add up.”

“Well, that orange friend of Apple Bloom’s sure looks kinder like a little colt sometimes,” Applejack mused, but deep down inside she knew she was splitting hairs. There was no denying her brother’s logic.

“What do we do then?” she asked, looking at her brother.

“What else can we do? We gotta get him to the farm and call nurse Redheart in the mornin’,” Big Macintosh said calmly, and when he caught the terrified expression on Applejack’s face he added: “Don’t worry sis. Apple Bloom can sleep with you tonight if yer worried. An’ ya’ll can always lock the door.” Macintosh pleaded as his calm eyes met Applejack’s.

“An’ ya don’t mind carryin’ him on yer back?” Applejack smirked.

“Ee-nope,” Macintosh replied, his face completely serious. “Ya’ll should know better Applejack. Believin’ gossip! Can ya recall what ponies said about us when Apple Bloom was born?” he scolded his sister. “He ain’t done nothin’ to us, and he’s in need of our help now.”
        
Applejack hung her head and looked on the ground. “All right, he can stay the night. But he’s a strange pony, so we’ll need to keep an eye on ‘im anyway. And we gotta ask him how got himself into this mess. Perhaps it’s a new kind of monster, or some other giant varmint. Now help me carry him to the farm.”

And with that, the Apple siblings departed, carrying Caramel between them, heading to their warm farm home.


> Chapter II: It's an Illusion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions II: It’s an Illusion

Caramel woke up. He did not open his eyes yet, but tried to remember what happened. There was still a lingering pain in his ribs. He still remembered the muddy smell that filled his nostrils, as well as the freezing cold and the water saturating his coat before he fell unconscious. But wherever he was now, it was dry and warm, except maybe his nose, which felt a little cold. He took a deep breath and winced at the pain in his ribs. He breathed normally again, and the pain subsided. All right, nothing seems to be broken. Slowly, he opened his eyes, only to be met with two pairs of emeralds, both hovering menacingly close. The smaller, lighter pair of eyes had a distinctly unfriendly look, the brows above them furrowed. The other pair was halfway closed and mellow.
                  
The beige colt had then realized where he was. Lying on the floor in the Apple living room, he quickly gathered whose eyes had been watching him. His face became red the instant when he realized that Applejack had been watching him sleep. He only hoped he did not say anything embarrassing in his sleep as he sometimes did.
         
“Good morning?” he said, forcing a feeble smile.
         
“Mornin’,” Applejack barked.

“Mornin’,”said Macintosh, his voice calm as ever. “Now sis, don’t go losin’ yer temper,” he warned his younger sibling.

“Fine,” she retorted, but nevertheless continued with her planned interrogation of Caramel. “What the hay were you doin’ on our land? And what the hay happened to ya? Why were you sneakin’ around the clubh…” Macintosh threw his sister a stern look and she stopped with that particular line of questioning. “Well, explain yerself, mister!” she challenged and took a step back, still throwing Caramel murderous looks.

Caramel gave a little cough and wiped the cold sweat off his brow..

“Well you see, I, ehm, always walk that way when the shop closes. I live just over the hill, and it’s one of the most scenic routes to go home. I guess you could say it has become a… habit? So I always walk that way… As for the injury, I really don’t remember that much,” he felt his aching ribs and another jolt of pain raced through his body. “Ouch! I mean it was really quite dark when it happened and I could barely see through the hail. If you’re suggesting that I did this to myself, whether knowingly or, I don’t know, falling from a tree that you think I was attempting to climb, you’d be wrong,” he said bitterly. Now that he thought back on it, it did feel like a pair of hooves knocked him down. He finally sat up and the sheets fell down to his waist. And the side of his narrow chest, two dark blue hoof-shaped bruises stood out against his light coloured coat. He looked down at his injuries and said with a relish in his voice at the moral victory: “This wouldn’t have shown up right away, so you wouldn’t see it when you found me. Do you still think I did it to myself?”

Nonetheless, he was wondering what the pony that knocked him down was doing at that moment.

>>

And precisely at that moment, Rainbow Dash lay underneath her fluffy cloud sheets, her mouth half open, drool dripping on the mattress, her rainbow mane tussled.She gave a loud snore and turned clumsily, landing her cheek in the small puddle. She would eventually wake from her alcohol induced slumber. But she gave another satisfied snore as her face contorted into a painful smile and continued dreaming.

>>

Applejack waved Caramel and Big Macintosh goodbye. She still could not believe she made such a fuss, but in her world, it was better to be safe than sorry, and while she did feel a little guilty for treating Caramel so harshly, she convinced herself she was only trying to protect her family. After her little scene, she had apologized profusely, and made both Caramel and her brother breakfast. She sat in the corner while Caramel and Macintosh chatted away. So he’s not a foal-fiddler after all. As the Element of Honesty, she knew that Caramel wasn’t lying when he described the events of last night. Still, he sure did get along with her brother. Whenever she tried to interject, or ask him something, Caramel would either start stuttering, or quickly stuff another pancake into his mouth, giving her a sad look. Too bad he’s got no chance. While Big Macintosh could just as easily have been called Big Softy, she knew that his barn door didn’t swing that way.  In fact, she had a sneaking suspicion he had been eyeing a filly for quite some time, but he was too shy to confess… Anyhow, the way she saw it, Caramel was heading straight for a broken heart.

>>

Applejack insisted that Macintosh accompany Caramel to town. The large red stallion was breathing quite heavily as the fully-laden apple cart had gotten stuck in the mud again. Caramel trotted around nervously, observing Big Macintosh  who was straining every muscle in his body to get the vehicle moving.

“Can I help?” Caramel asked once again.

“Don’t worry. ‘Tain’t nothin’,” Macintosh puffed as he the carriage started moving again. “Ya don’t wanna over work yerself after with them bruises,” he finished a he picked up pace.

“Uhm, Macintosh… Please don’t read to deeply into this, but why are you being so nice to me? Despite what ponies say about me? I don’t like the way your sister treated me back there, but I would say that’s what I’ve become to expect in this town,” Caramel finally asked the question that has been on his mind since the morning.
                  
“What ponies say and what really is can be two different things,” Macintosh answered and rolled his signature sprig of hay in his mouth as his eyes welled up at the memory, but he didn’t elaborate.

Caramel just nodded, feeling it inappropriate to pry any further. 
         
As they entered the outskirts of Ponyville, some of the mares started pointing hooves and whispering into each other’s ears, one or two even giving a silent squeal. Oh boy, here we go again, thought Caramel. Here he was, all bruised and battered, walking into town alongside the most eligible stallion. Against his better judgement, he started blushing again and secretly cursed his fair complexion.
                  
“Thank you, Macintosh, I can take it from here,” Caramel said as they approached the chocolate shop where he worked.
                  
“No problem. Listen Caramel, if ya ever feel down, come down to the farm. I’m sure Applejack feels plenty guilty to fix you dinner sometimes.”
        
“Really!?,” Caramel exclaimed at the prospect of dinner with Applejack, perhaps a little too enthusiastically.
         
“Eeyup.”

>>

It was two in the afternoon and Rainbow Dash’s head was pounding. She tried to open the drapes and winced at the unforgiving sunlight. The pain cut through her brain like a knife. What a horrible, horrible night. She looked around her, and in the semi-darkness she saw the room was a mess. Her table overturned, mirror smashed, and her signed Wonderbolt posters ripped to pieces. On the floor were two empty bottles of Jack Daneighles, the third one still half full, but lying in a pool of what had formerly been inside it. Rainbow dragged herself out of bed. She needed something sweet, greasy and needed it stat. She walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. A single stalk of celery displayed itself, mocking her. She would have to leave the house for sustenance, but before she would go, she needed to go. She quickly ran to the bathroom and hugged the porcelain vessel. Today was going to be an interesting day.

After a shaky descent to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash had already had enough. But abandoning her mission would mean flying back up, so she just dragged her hooves to Sugarcube Corner. While normally, she was quite able to deal with Pinkie Pie’s antics and her helium-pitched voice, she was starting to have second thoughts. Maybe her energetic friend was not what she needed at this very moment. She was just about to turn around, when the door to the Sugar Cube Corner swung wide open, hitting her in the forehead. When she finally dared to open her eyes, her frizzy-maned pink friend’s face hovered barely inches above hers.

“Hi Dashie! Ooh, are you all right? You seem sick. Well, there’s nothing you can’t fix with a good cupcake. Talking of which, I have this new recipe, do you wanna help me bake? Well? Do ya? Huh?” Pinkie squealed in one breath.

“Hi Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow Dash replied weakly, placing her hoof on her throbbing forehead. “I’m just here to grab a quick lunch, and yes, I do feel kinda ill.” She did not have the heart to tell her friend to stop, and figured it probably wouldn’t be possible anyway.

“Well come in then, you silly filly,” Pinkie Pie said, already pushing her friend inside. “Would you like the usual?”

“No, I might prefer something more substantial this time. Do you have donuts?”

“What kind do you want? We have plain, sugary, extra sugary, banana sprinkles, strawberry sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles. Ooh or maybe you’d like…”

Rainbow Dash placed her hoof over her friend’s mouth. “Pinkie… please, one of each,”

The pink mare was barely gone for a second when she returned with a tray piled high with donuts of all sorts. Dash grabbed one from the top of the pile (strawberry glazing) and began chewing. With every bite, her hangover seemed to subside. Pinkie Pie just watched as her colourful friend had silently wolfed down a portion that even she might have trouble with.

“Soooo, it must have been quite a wild party with your Wonderbolt friend last night. Shame I wasn’t there. I really like parties. Maybe next time you go, I could party with you? What do you think?” Pinkie asked, as Rainbow Dash had laid her hoof on her full stomach.
         
“There was no party. I blew it. Or rather, it blew up in my face. But it’s OK now. I’ll move on.” Plus, if I did ‘party’ with Soarin’, I wouldn’t want anypony else to be there. Her friend could be so random and naïve sometimes.

The pink mare’s frizzy pink coiffure suddenly drooped a little bit. “No party? My bestest friend in the whole wide world didn’t get to party at all last night?” And then as though a light bulb went on in her head, her hair had rebounded with even more volume. “I know Dashie, let’s party together, you and me! Oh it will be so much fun. Who needs that big-meanie Wonderbolt? We don’t!” And she embraced her blue friend so tightly she lifted her off her seat.

“UMFWOOOPFGHAAAGH,” Rainbow Dash let out a muffled sound. As she wrestled from Pinkie’s deadly embrace she gasped for air. “I can’t breathe!” But she could not stay mad at Pinkie Pie. She was just being herself. In a better mood now than the rest of the morning, she just beamed at her hyperactive friend and said. “Thanks for cheering me up. You’re the best gal pal I could ask for. And don’t worry, next time a ‘party’ goes wrong, I know I can count on you to cheer me up.”

As the colourful pegasus cheerfully waved Pinkie goodbye and trotted out of the little shop, the pink mare closed the door behind her and let out a disappointed sigh. “Oh Dashie, if you don’t want to party with me, which other filly in Ponyville will?”

>>

Caramel’s day, apart from the morning, had been uneventful. During his lunch break, he had just enough time to visit the clinic. Despite appearances, his wounds were in fact nothing major: just two hoof-shaped bruises and some scratches, but nothing that would require medicine or surgery. So all in all, his day had gone well. Sure, Applejack verbally assaulted him when he had woken up, but she had then made him breakfast, and if Macintosh was right, she might make him dinner one of these days. And speaking of Macintosh, he had found himself a new friend. Maybe he could give him some tips on how to talk to mares. Everypony knew that Big Macintosh was the most well-versed when it came to mares. With a sheepish grin, Caramel had decided to go celebrate. Perhaps after he finished his work, he could celebrate with a drink or two.

>>

While Rainbow Dash was never a punctual pony, turning up at work at four o’clock in the afternoon had set a new record. Needless to say, her boss, an imposing gray pegasus stallion, Storm Cloud, was not pleased.

Rainbow Dash carefully opened the door to his office slowly, her mane obscuring her eyes, her head hanging low. “You called, Mr. Cloud?”
        
The Director of Cloudsdale Weather Patrol, Ponyville Division sat behind his desk, his large corner office overlooking the village down below, his eyebrow raised slightly.
                  
“Ms. Dash, I don’t know what to do with you. Sure, you are one of my best weather ponies, but your results are inconsistent. Last night’s storm, for example…” his voice quiet, full of something far worse than anger: disappointment.
                  
“Last night’s storm wasn’t my fault,” the young mare interjected. “I told them to go over the calculations again. You never need cumulonimbus for a short downpour, especially with the cold temperatures we’ve been having…” Rainbow Dash might not have found a calling in her current occupation, but at least she knew enough to cover her flank.
                  
“That may be so, but why didn’t you check up on them. You always come in late and leave early. Surely, you could have stayed in for an hour or two to showl the junior team how to do their job properly…”
                  
“I had a prior engagement in Canterlot that evening,” Rainbow Dash replied, hoping not to go further into any details.
                  
“That is still no excuse to come to work at four in the afternoon the next day. You’re a grown mare, you should take responsibility…”
                  
Rainbow Dash just sat there, unable to look her boss in the eye, yet not willing to apologize.
                  
“I’ll make it really simple for you. I’ll dock today off from your vacation. Plus, I want you to assess the damage in Ponyville caused by… the hailstorm last night. I expect the report tomorrow by lunchtime. Please don’t let me down again, unless you want me to report this to the Weather Services Inspection Agency.”
                  
“Yes sir,” Rainbow Dash murmured. She knew full well this was her punishment. And while compiling damage reports wasn’t a difficult task, and data gathering in small town like Ponyville could be done within a few hours, it was the most boring job for an active pony such as herself.
                  
I’ll just collect the data tonight and write it up in the morning, she thought. I’ll have a good night’s sleep, and by lunch time I’ll be in Storm Cloud’s good books again. With this final thought, she said goodbye to her superior and flew to Ponyville once again

>>

It was barely half past ten, and Rainbow Dash had all the information she needed. As usual, she went first went to see Mayor Mare. The mayor, although officially ended her work at five, often slept in her office and frequently lent a helping hoof to Rainbow Dash. She was the first one to whom the ponies complained about anything, last night’s unexpected hailstorm being no exception.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay the night… you know, working on your report. My new assistant could give you a helping hoof. Why, I’m staying in as well, so we could have a late night session at the office?” the mayor chuckled as she asked for the last time as the blue mare was about to take off.

“That’s very kind of you, mayor,” Rainbow Dash replied, making a mental note to visit the mayor only during broad daylight the next time she needed something. “But I really need to catch up on some lost sleep”. She stuffed the last of the documents into her saddlebag and took off.

The mayor looked slightly dejected as she watched the filly depart, but as Rainbow Dash became a distant dot on the horizon, the mayor just waved her hoof. “Maybe she’s not… Naaah. As if she wouldn’t be…!” she chuckled again and briskly closed the door behind her.

>>

Caramel was on his third cider and started feeling dizzy. The cider wasn’t particularly strong, but he never had built up much tolerance. The bar was almost empty, save for one pegasus at the other end of the counter, and couple of ponies sitting near the windows. It was a weeknight after all. Suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, two large, leather-clad stallions, about the size of Big Macintosh came behind him.

“Hey gorgeous, come here often? Lemme get you a drink,” one of them offered as he leaned towards him, arching his eyebrows.
                  
“Not really. I have to go now,” Caramel whimpered, and his pupils shrank.
                  
“Come on, hon. The night is still young, here, have another glass.” The other one pressed, taking a step closer, placing a glass of cider in front of Caramel.
                  
“Back off, the lady’s not interested!” Caramel heard a slightly raspy, but surprisingly high pitched voice for what he could only suppose was a stallion behind them.
                  
“Oh yeah, says who?” The first stallion said as the three of them turned to face the pony who had just spoken up.
                  
“Oh and I suppose you wanna try and have a go?” the second stallion burst out into laughter as he saw the rainbow-maned mare standing opposite them.
                  
“No, but I think it’s disgusting the way you’re trying to take advantage of this unfortunate filly,” Rainbow Dash asserted again, her brows furrowed, her yes full of anger.
                  
“But I’m not…” Caramel interjected, but the other three ponies just shot him a look that clearly said “shut up”.
                  
“Oh Celestia, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry…” One of the stallions finally said. “It was a dumb idea to come to Ponyville anyway. Picking up random colts is so much easier in Manehattan. Come on, let’s get out of this lame town.” And with that the two stallions withdrew, their eyes still locked with Rainbow’s.
                  
“Colts?” Rainbow Dash blinked, bewildered. She turned around to see the filly she just saved. As she turned to face Caramel, he waved his hoof at her and let out a silent ‘Hi’.
                  
Not this loser, again, the cyan pegasus thought. Sure, from the distance and in the darkness, he looked a bit like a filly. Sure, a larger one, and maybe not very pretty, but you never know with those out of town stallions. And then, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Rainbow, so proud of her good deed now realized she might have done the opposite of helping.
                  
“Sorry for ruining your night. I really thought those guys were trying to take advantage of some helpless filly. I guess I’m a bit night blind,” the mare smiled as wide as she could, hoping Caramel would forgive her.
                  
“So if you knew they tried taking advantage of a colt, you wouldn’t have stopped them?” Caramel asked, appalled at the hypocrisy.
                  
“Well obviously, but we’re talking about you here, so… Sorry I ruined your night?”
                  
“You know, just go away…”Caramel wasn’t in the mood to explain himself for the umpteenth time. “I’ve had a pretty good day up until now, and I might have gotten rid of those sleazy stallions by myself, thank you very much.”
                  
“Really, you think you’re so tough?” Rainbow Dash gave a little contemptuous laugh. “Lemme buy you a drink. Don’t worry, I’ll order it here, and it’s not like you’re my type anyway… By the way, name’s Rainbow Dash, in case you didn’t already know.” She finished and gave him a smug smile.
                  
Not her type, huh? I probably don’t look feminine enough, Caramel thought. He had indeed heard a few things about this particular mare, but decided that he shouldn’t bring them up now, seeing as she had just saved him from a potentially embarrassing and painful episode. “Caramel,” he muttered reluctantly, avoiding looking at his unwanted companion.
                  
“Yo, two glasses of cider!” Dash shouted to nopony in particular and turned to Caramel. “You know, I almost got fired today, so I guess trying to help a pony like you is just me hoping to scrape up some good karma or whatever... Wow, that was fast” She picked up the nearest glass on the counter and drained it in one go. As she put down the glass with a resounding ‘thud’, Caramel let out a terrified squeak as his jaw dropped.

“What are you starin’ at?” she demanded as she saw Caramel’s  face twisted in shock.

He just sat there, his eyes closed, embracing himself and shaking to and fro. No sooner that the pegasus understood what had happened, her mind went strangely blank. She just drank from the glass that the two out-of-town stallions initially offered to the colt. After that, darkness...


> Chapter III: Listen to My Words
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions III:   Listen to My Words

Princess Celestia hadn’t raised the sun yet, but the smallish beige colt was already up. Even though he liked to sleep in as much as the next pony, he jut couldn’t get enough sleep last night. First, he had to take care of the drugged filly that was now sleeping in his room. And just as he was about to go to sleep himself, he realized he had left Rainbow Dash’s saddlebag at the bar. Thankfully, he had arrived just in time to meet the owner as he was closing down, so at least that disaster was averted. After arriving home for the second time that night, he lay down on the couch, only to remember how horribly uncomfortable it actually was. Of course, nopony ever told him, because nopony ever stayed over.

Wiping the sleep from his eyes and letting out a silent, but long yawn, Caramel dragged himself to the kitchen and put on his old green apron. Making food was one of his few talents, and a chief reason why he worked at The Fudge Factory, the town’s only sweet shop. They made all manner of sweet things, the exception being anything baked, that particular niche being monopolized by The Sugar Cube Corner. Putting the kettle on, he turned around. Quietly he trotted to the door leading to his room. Slowly, he opened the door and peeked inside. His guest lay there, limbs outstretched, her messy mane falling over her eyes, her mouth open. She looked like a peaceful overgrown foal. Then she let out a terrible snore. Not so cute after all, Caramel thought. He closed the door again and tiptoed to the stove.

>> 

The sweet smell of waffles, caramel and apples, coupled with the faint yellow glow of an autumn sunrise tickled Rainbow Dash’s senses, waking the cyan pegasus from her artificially induced slumber. For a moment, she kept her eyes closed, trying to recollect last night’s events. Her assignment for the Weather patrol. Data collection. An evening at the bar. That strange colt that could have been mistaken for a filly. Two out of town stallions trying to take advantage of him. She chased them off, of course. She smiled silently as the last thought crossed her mind. And then that last glass of apple cider. Caramel’s shocked face. After that, nothing but darkness.

Quickly, and without any further thought, her eyes flew open and she darted upwards, only to be met by Caramel’s solidly constructed ceiling. With a loud “THUD” she came crashing down onto the bed. Getting her bearings, she noticed she was in a small bedroom, lying belly-up on a single bed. Opposite her a low reading table, a small chair and one tall bookshelf behind them. Suddenly, giving a slight creak the door began to open. Dash leaped to freedom, only to dive in, hooves first, into a slender tan pony, incidentally the last pony she remembered from last night. As she tackled him, she felt a yank on her left wing. The duo did a couple of somersaults, courtesy of the mare’s momentum. When their spectacular tumble came to its end Rainbow Dash found herself leaning over Caramel, her hooves pressing onto his chest, leaning to the left as her wing was still tangled in his apron.

“Ouch, get off,” the colt cried, and struggled to get free. 

Trying to release himself, he managed to disrupt Dash’s balance, who fell flat on him. For a second their eyes met, the dark magenta staring into the sky blue. After a second that seemed like eternity, Rainbow Dash averted her gaze. This was the second time she had bumped into Caramel. Clearly, she was unlucky. Caramel just kept on staring. He had never been this near a mare, and although Rainbow Dash was not his type, he could feel his cheeks burning up. The cyan filly noticed and once more she struggled to free herself. After a few tugs, she managed to break free from the apron’s bond and sat down next to Caramel, in pain and exhausted and breathing heavily, even though she had just awakened.

“How did I get here? What did you do to me?” Rainbow Dash asked, her voice calm, but firm.

Caramel, upon hearing the accusation in her voice gave a little sigh, and explained, as precisely as he could. “Those stallions from last night spiked the cider. It was meant for me, but you chased them away before they forced me to drink it. It pretty much knocked you out right there and then. I carried you over to Nurse Redheart. She gave you a quick inspection, but said you’d be fine and just needed a good night’s sleep. I have no idea where you live, and even if I did I couldn’t get you there. So I returned for your stuff and brought you here. You slept in my room the whole time; I slept on the couch.”

The blue mare’s suspicions were washing away. Perhaps Caramel isn't as useless as everypony always says. She looked up at Caramel's defiant expression. Nothing like the whimpering loser he was during last year's winter Wrap Up. Lost in the thought, her stomach gave a loud rumble.

“I made breakfast. Would you like to come into the kitchen” her host encouraged her, a small smile on his face.

Rainbow Dash quickly composed herself. “It’s not like I’m hungry or anything, but since you’ve already made breakfast, I might as well,” she answered in her usual cocky tone as she hurried over the threshold. Her head held high, she nearly bumped into the small table, already set for two.

“I realize now that I should have thanked you properly for helping me to get rid of those dirt-bags, I couldn’t have done it myself.”

“Don’t menphon if,” the colourful mare replied, already seated and on her second waffle. She stopped for a second. “If those guys were really bothering you, I guess it doesn’t matter if you’re a colt or a filly, No means no. Am I right?”

“Yes. If you hadn’t been there, they’d have made me drink that cider, and Celestia knows what would have happened afterwards. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have enjoyed it. So don’t worry, you didn’t ruin my night. You can keep your good karma.”

“Glad to hear it. Might need it someday.” Dash replied before moving onto the bowl of caramel oats. Hopefully, my run-ins with Caramel will end soon, she thought. It was as if his bad luck is contagious. “So you actually don’t like stallions?” She decided to point out the elephant in the room.

Caramel face turned a deep shade of crimson. It was a question he did not expect. “N-no... I mean, it’s not that I hate colts, or anything. I just don’t like-like them, you know.” He looked at his guest pleadingly, hoping he had made himself clear.

“I know exactly what you mean,” Dash said. “I mean..,” she quickly added when she saw the confused expression on Caramel’s face “some ponies, well, actually a lot of ponies cannot handle an awesome athlete with a rainbow mane such as myself not being a filly-fooler. But I really do fancy colts. Well, some colts…” her eyes ran up and down the beige pony. “No offence, but you gotta be fit and cool…”

“To be honest you’re not my type either, I would say I prefer my mares a bit more down to earth and a bit more…” he was going to say curvy, but that might be pushing his tact. After all, Rainbow Dash hung around Sweet Apple Acres all the time, and she would probably tell Applejack if he was being ungentlecoltly. His thought were once again flooded with the orange farmer pony, but now, in the presence of the pegasus sitting opposite him, he could not help but compare the two. In his mind, Applejack was perfection. Strong, determined, well-proportioned, modest. The filly opposite him was smaller, more delicate looking, built for speed. But she was loud, brazen and somewhat inconsiderate. But he nevertheless did enjoy her company right now. On some level, he could relate to her, and she to him. And her messy multi-coloured mane was falling straight down into her radiant eyes. He really liked her mane…

“Well then, I best get going. Got lots of important weather and flying stuff to do,” Rainbow said as she wiped her mouth with her hoof and smacked her lips. She looked up at Caramel who was staring at her blankly. “Hello! Equestria to Caramel? I swear, you’re such an airhead… Are you even listening? Could you get my bags for me?”

“Wait… what?,” he said as his thoughts returned to the conversation at hand. “I mean, yeah, the bags are just here”, he pointed to the corner of the small living space. He reached out his hoof to grab it and handed it over to the filly.

Rainbow Dash struggled for a while putting on the saddlebags. Caramel just looked bemused as he watched the determined filly struggle with the simple task. “Maybe I can help?”

“No! I almost got it!”

“Maybe if you spread your wings a little bit...?.” Caramel suggested.
                  
“OH HAY NO!” the filly shouted. She was not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her in a vulnerable position. Finally, she just made sure that the bags were fully closed and took the strap into her mouth. She muttered a muffled goodbye and flew away.
                  
Caramel ran to his window and saw a blurry rainbow trail across the sky. He placed his hooves on his bruised chest. The two small hoofed shaped bruises had by now turned a violent shade of purple. As he inspected them carefully, he noted their small size, but remembered the considerable amount of momentum and force to used deliver that punch. His eyes followed the faint rainbow trail again. It couldn’t have been, he thought, and started preparing for work.

>>        

Applejack had been up ever since the first rays of sun peered over the hills of Sweet Apple Acres. She had already milked the cows, and gave them their morning portion of hay, now that the grass had effectively stopped growing. She also readied all the necessary equipment that was needed for the day’s work of clearing the fallen leaves in their orchard. When she came in, a smell of apple pancakes already wafted through the small farmhouse.
                 
For a moment she worried that Apple Bloom had again decided to go for a cooking cutie mark, but the smell was pleasantly sweet and no smoke was emitting from the kitchen. When she entered, she saw Big Macintosh finishing the last batch of pancakes. Pleasantly surprised, even if a bit puzzled, she sat down to eat.
                  
“Thanks, big brother. But ya know Ah’m on breakfast duty this week” she grinned, and sat down.
                  
“Eeyup, is no trouble at all” the large stallion replied. “Actually, AJ, there’s something we need ta talk about.”
                  
Applejack’s smile froze. It was unusual for her brother to want to talk about anything. What did he want to talk about anyway? Work was finally on schedule, the finances were all in order as far as she knew. Apple Bloom was doing quite well at school, despite her lack of Cutie Mark and Granny Smith was still going strong. As far as she was concerned, there was no reason for worry.
                  
“An what might be the problem?,” Applejack asked.
                  
“Do you ever think about the future, sis? One day, when Apple Bloom grows up, and when Granny Smith won’t be with us no more? What will happen ta us? Will we just stay running this farm as always? Will anything change for you or me?”
                  
“Hold yer horses! Don’t you go speaking none of that? Y’all know full well that Granny Smith is tough as a hoof. An’ AppleBloom would never jus’ take off and go. An why would you not want to stay on the farm? Is our parent’s legacy not good enough for ya?”
                  
“It’s just that I don’t see you or me going anywhere in our lives at this moment. Don’t you wanna have somepony ta call yer own?”
                  
Applejack was completely surprised by his last question. “Ah really don’t know what ya mean? Ah’m perfectly happy with mahself. Ah have all I need right here. Ah never…” Applejack stuttered and tears came running to her eyes. “Well, the truth of the matter is that Ah never…,” she continued, her sobbing becoming audible.  Why is this so difficult to say? she thought. Surely, there was nothing wrong with her lack of interest in relationships? “Ah… never… Ah’ll never… get anything done if we just keep on talkin’” she said and quickly trotted out of the kitchen, embarrassed at her display.
                  
Big Macintosh was stayed seated, baffled. After a few seconds, his bewildered expression went back his usual mellow self. He closed his eyes as Applejack’s words began making sense to him. He smiled gently, muttered his usual “Eeyup” and began preparing lunch for his sister.

>>                   

As the clock chimed twelve, Pinkie Pie left her position behind the counter of the Sugar Cube Corner. Instead of her usual bright pink perm, she sported straight, gray-pink mane, her eyes looking down at the floor.  Muttering a gloomy goodbye to the Cakes, she dragged het hooves across the town, wandering around aimlessly. Lost in her thoughts, she somehow managed to walk straight into a large, round building in the middle of the town.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where each dress is unique, chique and magnifi… Oh, good afternoon, Pinkie. Why so glum on this glorious autumn day?” The dressmaker asked batting her eyelashes.
                  
“Oh, hi Rarity. It’s nothing.” The pink filly sighed.
                  
“Dahling, don’t be ridiculous. I know a sad Pinkie when I see one. Now, there must be something that’s keeping you down,” Rarity insisted. “Surely you can tell your best friend?” She pouted  and paused for a dramatic effect.
                  
“But you must promise not to tell”
                  
“But of course. A true lady never reveals a secret. Well?”
                  
“Pinkie Pie swear?”
                  
Rarity sighed. Not this again, she thought as she remembered the childish routine her party friends always repeated when making a promise. Such behaviour is not appropriate for a grown mare, much less a lady. But as she once again caught sight of the depressed pony, all her inhibitions were gone. “All right Pinkie Pie. Since it’s you. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” she recited while flailing her hooves all around her wildly. “Was that all right?”
                  
“Well, you see... uhm. I just really want to be more than friends with Dashie, She’s my best friend... and, and she’s the only one of my friends who I thought would be willing to help me experiment in that area, since I was sure she would be into it. But I don’t know now... but... I don’t think she’s getting my hints”
                  
Rarity’s jaw dropped. After a few seconds, she realized how unattractive she must look with her gaping mouth and closed it again.
                  
“Pinkie Pie, you want to ehm… ‘experiment’… with Rainbow Dash? I... ehm, I never knew you liked fillies?”
                  
“Well, I think I like everypony. But I already went out with a colt or two before, and I really wanted to try the same thing with fillies, since I read about it in Cosmoponitan magazine you gave me.”
                  
“And are you sure that Rainbow Dash feels the same way about fillies?”
                  
“Well, of course. It’s so obvious. I mean… hello? Rainbow mane?  Athletic? Not a single curve on her body?” Pinkie Pie was now agitated, and her hair started to curl up at the tips.
                  
“Aren’t you being a bit presumptuous, dear?”
                  
“But she totally fits Cosmoponitan’s seven sign’s your best friend’s a filly-fooler checklist!”
                  
Rarity facehoofed delicately (of course) and replied: “Oh Pinkie Pie. Not everything in that magazine needs to be taken seriously. You can be so naïve sometimes”
                  
“Really?” Her hair collapsing again. “But I just wanted to have some fun with Dashie.”
                  
“Listen to me Pinkie Pie. I’m quite certain that you’ll find a filly one day who’ll want to try new things with you, but I’m fairly positive that Rainbow Dash is not her. In fact, if you were to tell her that the only reason you were interested was because you though she was most likely to acquiesce and not because you genuinely cared for her in that way might make matters worse. She is more fragile than she lets on. In the meantime, please do not beat yourself up about it. You are not the first, nor are you the last pony to misjudge our Rainbow Dash. And don’t keep your sadness bottled up inside, it doesn’t suit you. You know you can come talk to me any time.”
                  
“I… I can…?” the pink filly stuttered as a single tear ran down her cheek.
                  
“Of course, you silly filly,” Rarity said as her delicate white hoof wiped the tear from the pink cheek and she pressed the pink pony to her chest. “As your friend, I’ll always be there for you”

After a few minutes, Pinkie Pie calmed down. With every deep breath she took, her hair gained in volume. She almost looked like her normal self. “Thanks for listening Rarity. I need to go now, my lunch break is over. See you soon.”

As the pink pony bounced off, a brief thought crossed her mind. How did Rarity know that Rainbow Dash wasn’t a filly-fooler. Had she simply guessed? But this idea was soon lost among notions of cupcakes, portals and walls as the pink pony bounced ever more vigorously toward her place of employment.

Behind the closed doors of the boutique, Rarity gave another deep sigh. “Her hair looks better straight, even if it is a bit creepy” she muttered to no-on in particular. Looking at the outstretched fabrics and half-clothed mannequins in front of her, Rarity levitated a measuring tape, a pair of scissors and an entire box of pins, forgetting all about her pink friend's troubles. All right, let's get these finished soon, the spring line needs to be ready by next week.

>>

The lunch back at the farm had been quiet so far. Applejack had been eating her hay sandwich in silence, avoiding Big Macintosh’s gaze. She did not know if her brother had her all figured out already or not. He had always been so quiet on the outside, but very perceptive on the inside.

“How’s the clean-up goin’?” Big Macintosh broke the awkward silence.

“Real good,” said Applejack, her mouth full. She swallowed and then continued: “if we keep up this pace. We’ll be done in three days. Just in time anyways, we’ll be havin’ snowstorms soon.”

“AJ. Please listen ta me,” Big Mac pleaded. “Ah’m sorry about this mornin’, Ah meant no harm. It’s just that I’ve been wantin’ to move on with mah life, an’ I didn’t want it to interfere with yer plans. Yer mah sister an Ah love ya no matter what you do or don’t do in yer life.”

Applejack leapt forward and hugged her big brother, her warm tears falling on Mackintosh’s coat. “You big foal. The only thing that matters ta me is that everypony’s happy.”

“But are you?” Big Macintosh asked.

“You know what, Big Mac. Ah really am. As long as I have mah family and friends. Never felt like ah needed another colt or filly to be my own. Ah guess some ponies find that weird…”she hesitated as she looked at her brother. “But in the unlikely event Ah ever fall fer somepony, y’all be that first ta know. Now who’s this filly y’all so secretive about?”

At this question, Big Macintosh turned redder than his already bright crimson coat. “Now come on AJ. These leaves ain’t gonna clear themselves”

“Hey you big oaf. Come back ‘ere and spill the beans,” Applejack shouted jokingly.

“Ee-nope,” the red giant answered as he headed outside for work, Applejack following in his hoofsteps, teasing him mercilessly about an answer he was not ready to give just yet.

> Chapter IV: She Needs to Fly
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions IV:  She Needs to Fly

The group of three small fillies, going by the name “Cutie Mark Crusaders” has long become a stable staple of Ponyville townscape. Yet, their presence behind a gingerbread-like cottage in the small hours of the morning was a little unusual, since most of their misadventures took place after school or in the weekends. They stood in a small circle, facing each other, huddling together against the chilly morning breeze.

“What do we want?” the small orange pegasus demanded, her breath condensing in the chilly morning air.

“OUR CUTIE MARKS!,” the two other fillies chanted in unison.

“When do we want them?” their energetic friend queried, her wings now fluttering with excitement.

“Now!”  the small earth filly stammered.

The white unicorn remained silent, and looked down to the ground. “Are you sure a gravity-defying cutie mark is a good idea?”

“Sweetie Belle, we have been over this. Some of the coolest ponies in existence have had a gravity defying cutie mark. Nelly Hoofstrong, or Laika, or the pony who invented gravity.” Scootaloo replied, irritated.

The small white unicorn stood quite still for a while. She put her front hoof on her forehead, closed her eyes. “But how will Apple Bloom and I defy gravity. We’re not even pegauses... And wasn’t Laika a dog?”

“Don’ worry. That’s why we’re here to borrow Pinkie Pie’s fly-sick-elle…” the yellow filly started, but was soon cut off by her far more enthusiastic companion.

“Yeah, Dash told me about Pinkie Pie being able to fly on a machine. If Pinkie Pie can operate it all by herself, so I’m sure the three of us will do even better! Now all we need is to borrow it for the day.” The orange filly’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she finished the sentence.

“So why do we need to sneak in early in the morning and take the fly-sick-elle without asking? I don’t want a burgling cutie mark!”

“Don’ worry Sweetie Belle. Ya aren’t gonna get a burglin’ cutie mark… I think. Will she?” The young earth pony asked, turning to face the mission’s leader.

Scootaloo looked around her. Both her friends now stood still, their front hoofs scraping the ground, occasionally casting each other worried glances, not looking up.

“Come on you guys. Don’t chicken out on me. Besides, if you’re meant to get an infiltration cutie mark, you’ll get it anyway. I mean, didn’t the adults tell us to try as many things as we can to find out our super special talents?”
                   
Her two friends just stood there, still staring at the ground.
                   
The red-maned filly suddenly held up her head and beamed at her friends. “Ah know how we can get that bike and get around Pinkie Pie, now listen here…”
                   
And as the three little fillies huddled together, the whispers of their new plan rose up towards the sky which they were hoping to conquer.
                   
>>
           
        Pinkie had not been expecting to see customers so early in the morning. As soon as she flipped the sign, declaring the Sugar Cube Corner “OPEN”, a white unicorn filly came in followed by her pale yellow friend, inhaling all of the sweet flavours of freshly baked goods on display. They soon parted their ways, Sweetie Belle still circling the store, while Apple Bloom went straight to Pinkie Pie.
                   
“Good morning Apple Bloom. Isn’t it a bit too early for cakes?”
           
        “Good morning’ Miss Pie” Apple Bloom replied with all the politeness she could muster. “We’re actually here because it’s Scootaloo’s birthday soon, an’ we’re lookin’ fer advice on bakin’ a cake fer her.”
                   
“Ooooooh. Scootaloo’s birthday? But that means there’ll be a party!” The pink pony started bouncing around the shop. “When is her birthday anyway”
                   
“It’s just after New Year’s, actually” the yellow filly answered, and her eyes swelled to the size of saucer. “Will you be able to help us, pleeeaase?”
                   
“Yes. I’ll do everything. The snacks, the games, the drinks, the guest list…” The room’s perimeter quickly dissolved into a pink blur. Suddenly, a voice began shouting from the haze. “A TAIL TWITCH, A KNEE-JERK, FOLLOWED BY A BLINK. Someone is taking something that isn’t theirs to take. Aaaaaaargh…”
                   
The baker suddenly stopped her bouncing and came into focus, about five feet above the ground. Staying suspended in mid-air way longer than anypony should, the two crusaders could see her head turning around in a full circle.
                   
“I’m sorry…”cried Sweetie Belle. “I just saw this cupcake and thought it would be perfect for Scootaloo, so I took it to get a better look at it.”
                   
The baker suddenly landed on the ground and looked at the cupcake in the unicorn filly’s hoof. She leaned forward, balancing on her front limbs, one of her eyes closed, the other one almost in the cupcake. She took a deep breath.
                   
“It’s perfect,” she shouted enthusiastically and jumped up. “Orange pumpkin base with purple blueberry glazing, Sweetie Belle, you’re a genius. I’ll bake a whole batch of these for the party!”
                   
“Thank ya kindly, Pinkie Pie. We’re sorry for bargin’ in like this so early in the mornin’,” Apple Bloom said.
                   
“Sorry for taking the cupcake,” Sweetie Belle apologized as she kept her head low and curtsied.
                   
“That’s okay girls. We’ll discuss the party for Scootaloo later. Have a fun day at school.”
                   
As she waved the two fillies goodbye, another series of twitches ran through her body. Oooh, looks like I’ll see them again today. I hope it’ll be fun.

>> 
           
        The bare branches of trees in the Ponyville Park soon became spiky black silhouettes against the faint orange sunset. Caramel looked around him, but nothing remained of the couple of small colts and fillies that had played there few hours previously. He dropped the bag he was carrying in his muzzle and dropped it onto the hard ground. He opened it and surveyed its contents. A few boxes full of bon-bons, truffles and nougat cubes sat there, their use by date indicated they would be unfit to sell tomorrow. He looked around the park again, craning his neck to see any hint of a small colt or filly that would be willing to take the store’s unsold confectionery and share it with their friends of siblings. The park was eerily still. Funnily enough, whenever Caramel arrived, there were always some foals, along with their mothers, but they always seemed to leave just after he arrived, their voices hushed, the foals avoiding looking in his direction and trotting very close to parents, while the mothers shot him murderous glances.

Caramel looked into the bag and sat down underneath a solitary lamp in the middle of the park. He took out the one of the cocoa-coated champagne truffles and took a bite, his troubles melting away together with the chocolate on his tongue.

>> 

“Are you sure it’s gone? You didn’t just put it in the cellar or something?” Rainbow Dash asked, her eyebrow raised.

Opposite her, a pink mare was nervously bouncing around the empty counters, on which greasy paper and a myriad of crumbs were left after a long work-day.

“I’m positive. I always keep it in my entrance hall, you, know. That way I always see it when I use the back door to my apartment. But when I went there today it was gone. But I know for sure it was there in the morning, because, I was just thinking about strawberry frosting and you know my flycycle is pink and…” Pinkie’s mouth was silenced with a cyan hoof.

“All right, can you remember when you last had one of your twitches?”

“Must have been in the morning. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came in. Would you believe it, they want me to throw a birthday party for Scootaloo after New Year’s.  So I was like: ‘I’ll organize the party and bake’ since I really, really love parties, you know…” The small light-blue hoof once again met Pinkie Pie’s lips.

Rainbow Dash’s brow furrowed. “You know, the kid’s birthday is in the summer. You were away, so we just threw a little something in the library…”

“So they didn’t want the Scootaloo cupcake?”

The pegasus hesitated. She really wanted to hear the rest about this Scootaloo cupcake, but on the other hand, if the crusaders did somehow manage to get their hooves on one of her friend’s contraptions.

“Okie, Dokie Lokie. We can go look for the together, and when we find them, we can celebrate in the bakery, just the two of us,” the pink baker shouted and threw her hooves up into the air with jubilation.

“No Pinkie Pie. We’ll need to split up. I’ll go to Applejack’s and you go to Rarity’s. If they’re not there, we’ll meet up at their clubhouse. GO!”

As the faint rainbow trail blazed out of the Sugarcube Corner into the night, the pink mare looked at it longingly for a split second, before her own blurry pink trail extended in the other direction.

>> 
           
        Apple Bloom was circling the strange machine, now parked in front of their clubhouse. Every so often she bowed down to observe minute details on the chassis or the two small platforms that now adorned the front and back of the bicycle.
           
“Are ya sure it’s all right, Sweetie Belle?” she asked, unsure.
                   
“Yeah. I fixed an extra seat above the first set of pedals, so that two of us can use it at once”
                   
“But ponies have four legs, Sweetie Belle…” Scootaloo objected. “This thing only has two pairs of pedals. For two ponies”
                   
“I’m not stupid. We’ll just have to sit like that green unicorn and only use our hind legs…”
                   
“Ah dunno…” The little earth pony started backing off slowly. “Seems kinda dangerous. It only has one sled. It’ll topple over before we even take off”

“Don’t worry Apple Bloom. I put little side sleds at the back, and if we go downhill, I’m sure we’ll have enough speed…”

“An where will Scootaloo be?” The yellow filly asked, the hesitation in her voice was slowly diminishing.

“I’ll sit at the front, since I know the most about flying!” The orange filly’s chest puffed up as she fluttered her small wings.

“All right, let’s do this. CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS GRAVITY DEFIERS!” the trio shouted as they put on their helmets and straddled the strange contraption. As the machine started moving down the device vibrated vigorously with every bump on the road, sending shivers down the fillies’ spine. Apple Bloom gulped. This wasn’t going to end well.

>> 
           
        Rainbow Dash could hear the three fillies’ voices in the distance. She accelerated over rows and rows of apple tress towards their clubhouse. She landed with a loud THUD. Her mane was frazzled and dripping with sweat. She looked around frantically. The clubhouse was empty. A thin groove in the muddy dirt road was the only clue of the direction they were heading in. Rainbow Dash whipped her mane back and speeded towards Ponyville Park.

>> 
           
        The blank-flanks lost control of their vehicle. Scootaloo was fluttering her underdeveloped wings wildly, but to no avail. Sweetie Belle’s face was screwed up in concentration, trying to conjure up magic that simply wasn’t there. Apple Bloom was pedaling backwards frantically, which only turned the propeller in the other direction, but did not manage to slow down the flycycle, which was now sliding down the muddy slope. Just before a sharp turn in the road, the ground had leveled somewhat and sloped up, forming a little ramp.
           
For a few brief seconds, the crusaders defied gravity. Flying over the hedgerow that separated the road from Ponyville Park, Scootaloo actually managed to launch herself into the air, propelling herself into a nearby pond, landing with a spectacular splash. Sweetie Belle chose to duck to the side, landing in a pile of hay that the park wardens did not clear up yet. She did a few more barrel rolls, but the worst of the impact was already absorbed by the time she hit the mud.
                   
Apple Bloom, noticing the desertion of her friends, yanked her hind legs from the pedals, ready to jump off as well. Her left leg came free, but right leg was yanked back by the strap. Uh oh. The ground was now approaching fast. She saw a thin tan colt in the distance, running toward the site of the crash. The small yellow filly closed her eyes, clenched her jaw and prayed to Celestia.

>> 
           
        The aftermath of the flycycle ride was not a pretty sight. On the edge of the pond, a small pegasus was covered in mud and reeds and shivering wildly. A look of horror and regret was etched on her face. She looked around, and seeing not one of her companions, began to sob uncontrollably. A small white unicorn emerged from behind the pile of hay, her mane disheveled.
           
        “Hold on Scootaloo” she shouted in desperation as she limped towards her friend, producing a small jolt of pain cursing through her body with every step.
           
        Both fillies now looked around, seeking their third companion. They trotted frantically on the spot, not knowing where to turn. A shuffle of hooves behind the rose bushes alarmed the two largely uninjured crusaders. “She’s behind there! Come on, we need to help!” The pegasus pointed her hoof at the shrub. I hope she’s all right. She will be. She needs to be.
           
        Whatever the two fillies might have expected, they didn’t expect to see a grown colt leaning over the shattered remains of the flycycle, from which two streaks of red hair protruded.
           
        “Hey, what are you doing?” Scootaloo demanded as they galloped to save their friend.
           
        The slight beige stallion slowly turned his head. “Well, I was just over there and I… I heard noise and… I thought I could help. I found her like this. I… I think she needs a doctor, but somepony better stay by her side. You know, to make sure she doesn’t…” He suppressed a large lump rising in his throat. “I have no idea how serious it is, but she doesn’t move…”
           
        “Apple Bloom!” the orange filly shouted.
           
        “APPLE BLOOOOOM!!!” The unicorn’s pale green eyes welled up with tears as she stood above her friend.
           
        A barely audible whisper rose from the wreckage. “Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle? Ya’ll all right?”
           
        The three ponies breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Are you all right, Apple Bloom, do you feel anything?” Caramel enquired, his voice still quivering.
           
        “Ah’m fine, Ah guess, ‘xcept Ah can’t move with all this stuff on me. An’ who’re you any…” The pile of rubble moved slightly as the filly squirmed. “Ouch, mah leg!” Apple Bloom wailed and continued sobbing quietly. She tried sitting up, and clenched her jaws, her eyes closing as another sharp jolt of pain reverberated through her body.
           
        Caramel and the two fillies started removing the wreckage, carefully, piece by piece. Soon, the yellow filly was free to sit up.
           
        “You girls are in serious trouble,” a voice spoke behind them. The ponies turned to see a cyan pegasus, hovering menacingly above them.
           
        “Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo squealed eagerly, only to back down.
           
        “I’m here too!” a high pitched voice materialized, followed by a bouncing pink mare. “What you fillies did was very silly. I mean, the flycycle is a very dangerous machine if used in the wrong way.”
           
        “Pinkie, take these two home,” Rainbow Dash ordered. “I’m sure their parents would want to know what they’ve been up to.”
           
        “Okie dokie lokie. Come on girls…”
           
        “But Pinkie, your bike, we’re sorry,” Sweetie Belle whispered.
           
        “Don’t worry, my little ponies. I can fix it up in no time. Just promise next time you want to loan something from somepony, you need to ask first.” The pink mare was once again bouncing around.
           
        The three fillies nodded frantically.
           
        “All right, off you go,” she nodded at Pinkie Pie. “Caramel, you stay with Apple Bloom while I go fetch nurse Redheart and Applejack.”
           
        The small farmer filly watched as Rainbow’s trail disappeared behind the horizon. She then turned to Caramel. “So yer Caramel? The pony who sneaks around the park tryin’to give candy tah little foals?”
           
        Caramel facehoofed. Although it does seem that way. “Well, now that you say it, it sums it up pretty neatly.” She sat down next to her and smiled gently. “I bet you don’t know why I do it. You see, my boss does not believe in throwing food away. So every time we have some unsold chocolates, we try to distribute them. He figures if more ponies knew of our products, they might come in and buy more. But of course, it does come across as a little creepy.” He gave a small laugh.
           
        “Do ya have some left?”
           
        “Sure. Here you go.” He handed over a small box of caramel cubes.
           
        “Thanks mister. An’ sorry for the trouble. Ya see, mah friends and Ah are jus’ tryin’ tah earn our cutie marks.” Her ears drooped in an apologetic gesture. She sat still for a while, sniffling quietly. A small cloud floated above their heads and stopped, as if contemplating its next move.
           
        “Well, you did a pretty dangerous thing there. Everypony gets a cutie mark eventually. Even I did, so a group of young bright fillies such as yourselves shouldn’t have any problems.”
           
        “How’d ya get yer cutie mark?”
           
        “It’s a strange story, actually. You see, I have two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister and all three of us have the same cutie mark and we all got it at the same time. We are triplets, you see. When we were about your age or just a little bit older, we went on a nature camp with school. We lived in the city, so it was a big adventure for us. Anyway, during one of our outings we got a little sidetracked admiring some rare plants. We got left behind, and being the foals we were, all three of us forgot to bring a map, or a flashlight, or anything really. My sister lost our lunch along the way too, so our situation was pretty dire. After some panicking, we decided to stay put, hoping the camp leaders would find us. My sister made us a small tent, I gathered some berries so we had some food and my big brother just slept, but kept watching over us when the night fell. They found us in the morning, and we found we all had our cutie marks…”He pointed at his flank, adorned by three blue horseshoes.
           
        “Wow,” Apple Bloom said, her eyes sparkling. “But I don’t get it. What do horseshoes hafta do with yer talent?”
           
        “Well, you see, I think each of us sees our cutie mark differently. The way I see it, it reminds me that no matter how bad the situation seems, no matter what your talent, you need to be able to help and work with other ponies to resolve it.”
           
        The small filly looked at Caramel, and then towards the horizon. Two figures galloped towards them.
           
        “Apple Bloom!!!” one of the approaching ponies shouted in a familiar drawl.
           
        “Applejack!” the small filly shouted and tried jumping up, but Caramel put his hooves on 
her haunches and shook his head. Apple Bloom looked up to him, but remained seated.
           
        The two mares arrived a few seconds later. Nurse Redheart was still catching her breath after the long gallop, while Applejacks strained face showed signs of relief of finding her little sister in a relatively good state.
           
        “Apple Bloom,” the orange farm pony finally spoke. “We’ll talk ‘bout it later. Ah’m just glad yer alive and conscious.” And without any further thought, she hugged her little sister fiercely, crushing the small filly under weight of her emotions and tears.
           
        She then turned to the beige colt. “Thank ya fer keepin ’an eye on ‘er.”
           
        “It… it was nothing” Caramel stammered.
           
        “Don’t say that. She means a lot to Mac and mahself. We raised her since she was a tiny foal. So... thank you.”
           
        “Well, I… I guess I better get going…” he turned around to leave.
           
        “Thanks Caramel. Ah'll see ya soon, Ah guess.” Applejack waved him goodbye.
           
        He turned around to look at the scene one last time. Nurse Redheart was orbiting the little filly, examining the extent of her injuries, while Applejack was giving lecturing the little filly, Apple Bloom nodding her head every so often. The little cloud overhead had since gone. Carmel looked up at the setting sun. Against the dark blue sky, a light blue feather floated down and landed on his muzzle, tickling his nose. He gave a little sneeze, and left for home, but not before he deposited the feather in his bag.

>> 
           
        Rainbow Dash was propelling a small cloud forwards with a considerable speed. She felt a tiniest tingling in her belly. Time for dinner. Or so she thought.


> Chapter V: If I Ran Away
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions V: If I Ran Away

The light yellow pegasus trotted briskly toward the Ponyville Library. She kept looking around her frantically, making sure that nopony was watching. Her modeling career might have been over for some time, but that did not mean that some of the more obnoxious fancolts did not whistle at her on the street from time to time. Why, not two weeks ago, she was harassed by two young colts. Fortunately, she was walking with Cheerilee after patching up her pet mouse, and the young teacher recognizing the two delinquents and promptly took care of the whole situation.

But today was different. She was just going to borrow some books. Flesh eating slugs have recently invaded her cellar, and she needed to save her supplies of apples if she was to continue catering to her cuddly patients. She took a deep breath and opened the library door.

“Welcome Fluttershy,” a baby dragon’s familiar voice greeted her. “What brings you to town?”

“Uhm, well… I was looking for a book on pesky little animals. You know, the kind you don’t want in your house, but you don’t, uhm, want to hurt them, of course. Do you have a book like that? That is, uhm… if you have time to help me, please?”

“Sure, we actually got a new one last week. It’s called Goldenmane Lockhoof's Guide to Household Pests, but Twilight read it already and immediately threw it away, which never happens. Must have been quite a terrible nook. But I’m sure there’ll be something on the subject in the Supernaturals series, ” Spike replied.

“Uhm… thank you very much for your help, Spike. By the way, would you happen to know where Twilight is? Please?,” the yellow Pegasus pleaded.

“Oh, she’s in the back helping another customer find a book. Knowing her, it will take another fifteen minutes before she even finds the right shelf, especially now that the library has been enlarged,” Spike shook his head in disbelief. “It’s really strange that an organized pony like her would not know where to find the right book.”

A sound of books falling down in the corner of the library alarmed the duo. Spike and Fluttershy quickly hurried toward the source of the commotion. A bookshelf had overturned, showering two unfortunate ponies in books, and know\cking them down to the gorund. The unicorn librarian was lying on top of the massive red stallion, her muzzle pressed to his neck. When she saw her assistant with one of her friends, she suddenly jumped up, a few books flying off her into further reaches of the library. Macintosh’s unfazed expression also changed, his calm face suddenly losing some of its color, his dark emerald eyes opening wider and wider, but still lying on the spot, petrified.

Fluttershy quickly hid behind her mane. “Good morning Twilight,” she whispered, her voice softer than ever, and completely seemed to ignore the large red stallion. How could I greet him now, when I caught him red hoofed? Messing around with Twilight in the library. I guess it’s true what they say, he really is a player, she though, holding back her tears.

“Oh good morning Fluttershy,” Twiligh briskly replied as she levitated some books back to their original position. “Big Macintosh here was just taking out a book he saw, but I guess his hooves are simply too large to take out such a small book... Sorry about the mess.” The librarian now looked at Macintosh, expecting an “Eeeyup” or at least a nod, but he just lay there, still staring blankly at Fluttershy, who did not see him through her mane.

“Is everything all right? Would you still like that book, Fluttershy?” Spike asked.

“Uhm… That is…” Fluttershy just stood there, embarrassed and feeling stupid. What could she now say to Macintosh? Should she pretend she just didn’t see what had happened? Are you all right Macintosh? Which book were you looking for, if you don’t mind me asking? Since, uhm, you and your sister have a farm, would you know a natural way to keep out flesh-eating slugs? Or should she just acknowledge what she saw. Oh dear, I didn't know you had a coltfriend, Twilight? I always knew you two would make a cute couple.

Macintosh, on his part, was thinking too. What should he say? This ain’t what it looks like. I was just lookin’ fer this book here, and I couldn’t help mahself when Ah saw it. Or should he just greet her and pretend nothing happened. Good Mornin’ Miss Shy? Fancy meeting you in the library? Ah’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle ya. What book are ya lookin’ fer, maybe Ah can help?

Suddenly, everypony’s train of thought had been interrupted as Fluttershy turned around and galloped out of the library, but not before she whispered a teary “thank you for your help Spike,” the baby dragon running after her.

Twilight looked to the mess on ground. Big Macintosh, was able to get up as soon as Fluttershy was out of sight, looking incredibly disheartened.

“Thank you miss, Twilight, Can Ah take out this book”. He handed her a small, thin booklet.

“Of course you can. After all, you wrote it,” Twilight sighed and trotted to her librarian’s desk.

“Miss Twilight, can you also loan me the book that Miss Fluttershy was lookin’ for?”

“Ok, I’ll have Spike get it for you. SPIIIKE…” she shouted as she pondered the little scene she had just witnessed. “By the way, should I still come at 6 tomorrow?” Twilight asked.

“Eeyup.”

>> 

That very same Friday morning, another scene was unfolding in Caramel’s kitchen. An unwelcome visitor, who dropped in almost every day, was eating her way through another portion of Caramel’s meticulously prepared breakfast.

“Hit me up with another round,” they cyan visitor shouted as she held out her bowl in anticipation of more caramel oats.

Automatically, the earth pony took the bowl and headed for the stove, before turning around and taking a proper look at his visitor. “Now hold on, who invited you anyway?”

Rainbow Dash looked taken aback by this question, as if her presence at his breakfast table had been the most normal thing. “Well, it did start when I woke up here a week and a half ago.”

“Yes, but that was obviously an exceptional situation. Why do you even bother coming down form Cloudsdale every day?” The last few times, Rainbow Dash had always found an excuse to come down, ranging from forgetting her work-pass the previous day (which Caramel never even saw), to her asking when he would be free to take care of her pet tortoise, while remarking on her pet’s and his similar levels of agility.

“Actually, we’re kinda neighbors, dummy. You must have noticed that cloud that always hovers above this building? Well, that’s where I live,” her small chest swelled with pride as she pointed her hoof out of his window toward her own cloud castle.

Caramel gave it a thought. He was warned that there was always a cloud overhead when he was looking to move in, which was part of the reason the rent was so cheap, as it blocked the warm midday and late afternoon sun. I’ve been living with a curse above my head, he though as he turned his attention to the pot in which he prepared the oats. He didn’t mind, breakfast was more fun with two of them, even if he could barely stand her antics sometimes, except that…

“WHAAAT!!!” The beige colt shouted in horror as he examined the empty pot. “There’s no more left! I could have sworn I cooked enough for three days.”

Behind him, he heard a guilty chuckle. “Oops, sorry. I guess I’m hungrier when I have to fly to get my breakfast. You shouldn’t complain really. Plenty of ponies would give their right hoof to have breakfast with me. You know, the resident hero, the element of loyalty, the only pegasus to have pulled off a Sonic Rainboom?”

“Then why don’t you eat it with somepony who cares?” Caramel gritted through his teeth.

“Didn’t catch that. You have to speak up.”

“I mean, what about your pink friend. Isn’t she a baker?” Caramel asked, hopeful.

“Nah,” the filly shook her head. “Lives too far, plus her stuff is too sweet sometimes.”

“Okay then,” Caramel sighted, resigned. “For the time being, I’ll do the cooking, the groceries and the washing up afterwards. If we could just split the bill… please?”

“Fine, whatever,” the filly answered, but secretly she was quite glad. Beats celery any day. Plus she finally got to talk to a colt who didn’t judge her. Sure, he wasn’t strong or agile, or a Pegasus, but the company was nice anyway.

“Hey, you lost in your thoughts again?” Caramel asked with a grin on his face as he saw the Rainbow’s groggy expression.

“I’m just thinking that for the weakling that you are, you’re pretty awesome.”

“Right. I’ll take that as a compliment, coming from you,” Caramel replied dryly.
        
“Oh and one more thing…” Rainbow Dash said just as she made her way to leap from the window-ledge.

“What you want now, a packed lunch?,” Caramel scoffed sarcastically.

“You would do that for me?,” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously, before returning to her more usual arrogant tone. “I mean, it’s not like I want it, but since you offered! That’s settled, you can make me lunch starting next Monday. Better make it awesome”

She paused for a moment as Caramel was trying to catch his breath. He let out a small whimper, and hung his head. No more sarcastic suggestions to Rainbow.

“Oh, yeah. That wasn’t what I originally wanted. Applejack is hosting a dinner party tomorrow evening, since Applebloom just got released from hospital after her latest crusading misadventure. She said they really wants you to come.”

“Really?” Caramel asked as his frustrated mood seemed to change in an instant to giddy.

“You wish,” the pegasus said under her breath. “Uhm, yeeah. I found it a bit odd, actually. I mean, since when have you had anything to do with the Apple family? Well apart from those rumours about you and Macintosh…” Dash trailed off.

“Actually I was attacked at Sweet Apple Acres not two weeks ago. Also the two found Apple Bloom after she and her friends crashed that.. thing a week ago. I’m sure Applejack just wants to thank us” he said, and looked around the room dreamily.

But at the mention of Caramel’s accident,  the blue filly’s eyes suddenly darted across the room. “Oh right, we did find them. Sorry to hear that attack… I mean, why would somepony do that?” she stuttered, remembering her unfortunate first run-in with her breakfast companion.

“Yeah, I don’t remember much, except...I never said it was a pony who attacked me.” He stopped as the dots finally connected. The small hoof-shaped bruises. Attack from the air. The faint flash of rainbow. He turned around to face his new friend and looked deep in her eyes. For the first time, he saw something else than pride or arrogance in them. There was a heartbreaking sadness and genuine regret in those eyes, like she wished she could erase something. Her big, dark magenta orbs sparkled with tears that were almost large enough to fall down on their own.

Caramel’s determined gaze caught Rainbow Dash off guard. He was such a pushover that she would never have expected the colt to freeze her up like that. She wanted to say something, something that would make it all right, but couldn’t think of anything as she lost herself in Caramel’s icy, resolved look. When the colt finally turned away, she pushed herself off of his window ledge, and with a big downward swoop and a quiet sob made her way across the sky.

>>

Normally Pinkie Pie would just literally roll out of her bed downstairs into the shop that was the Sugar Cube Corner. These last few days, however uncharacteristically, she took a little walk in the morning to try and soak up as much happiness as she could before returning all bouncy to her work. This morning was no different. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lyra and Bon-Bon, she looked noticeably more cheerful and started bouncing back to work. She was almost there when, out of nowhere, a light-blue Pegasus swooped from above, almost knocking the pink party pony off her hooves.

She thought she heard a quiet sob as the rainbow trailed off in the general direction of Cloudsdale. Looking in the opposite direction, she saw a thin beige colt leaning out of the window. She knew him by name, of course. She also knew he worked at the chocolate shop.
“Hey there Caramel. What are you looking at? Is Rainbow Dash performing some neat tricks again? Does she fly by often?”

“Morning Pinkie,” Caramel said as he remembered the name of the only pony who had ever thrown him a party. He was still somewhat upset at Rainbow Dash and wasn’t really in the mood to talk to anypony about her. Although maybe, this filly might know, he thought. “Never mind that. Say, do you remember what Rainbow Dash did the day after that awful storm about week and a half ago?”

“Ooooh. Let me see. She was out partying with one of the Wonderbolts that night. It didn’t go very well, because the next day she came to the Sugarcube Corner some, time after my lunch break, I think. She didn’t look so good, like she got beaten up? I guess flying in that weather is no picnic… What do you think? Why do you even ask?” The pink pony, unbeknownst to herself, was a wellspring of information.

“I think she crashed into me that night,” Caramel replied. And she didn’t even say sorry.
Pinkie must have noticed the slightly sour expression on the colt’s face.

“Put that frown upside-down, Caramel. You’re both all right, aren’t you? I mean, if it was me, I’d be happy it wasn’t anything serious. But at least now you know Rainbow Dash as well. Everypony can always use new friends, right?”

Caramel thought about her words. Without Dash’s accident, he’d never have made friends with the Apples, or have breakfast with another pony or have been talking to the resident party mare of Ponyville. And Rainbow Dash isn’t the kind of filly to apologize. Caramel was now completely lost in his thoughts. “I guess you’re right Pinkie Pie,” he finally said, but the pink pony was already bouncing off.

“Of course. Anything that leads to more friends and fun is always good,” she shouted, her high pitched voice resounding in the chilly autumn air as Caramel was left to ponder how to keep his newfound, rainbow-maned friend.

>>

Rainbow Dash flew straight to work. Although her flight was relatively short, it still helped clear her head and dry her tears. She needed to get her act together. While with hindsight, not apologizing to Caramel was a little inconsiderate, she honestly did not plan on hanging around when they first met at the bar. In fact, if somepony had suggested that she would now become a regular at his breakfast table, she would have laughed them off, the thought of spending her precious time with a weak and generally useless pony like Caramel absurd. Although, he did just catch her off-guard, didn’t he? Seems like he could be assertive when pushed to the edge. And he was a really good cook, which also meant he isn’t completely useless. She’d just have to get back on his good side, and maybe she’d still be able to get him to make lunch for her next week. I’ll have to be subtle, but I can’t let him think I’m weak. But subtle wasn’t exactly her thing. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, she’d need help from a certain white unicorn.

>>

Rarity was just about to close the boutique for the day, when a cyan pegasus filly flew through the door of her shop, almost tearing it out of the hinges. Rarity crossed her hooves as Rainbow Dash skidded toward her in the last few seconds.

“Good afternoon, Rainbow Dash. And what brings you here at this hour?” she inquired with a stern look, clearly annoyed that her scheduled me-time would probably have to be re-scheduled.

“Hi Rarity. I might have a small favour to ask of you,” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her hoof. “It’s no biggie, so if you’re too busy, I can come back later.”

“Oh, I suppose I have some time left. I might even be a little glad that you finally had the nerve to come visit me again.” The unicorn gave a little sad sight.

“Hey, it’s not like it bothered me so much, I’ve just been… you know… busy,” the Pegasus said, even if she hesitated a little when choosing her words.

“Well, I am glad we have finally resolved that little miscommunication. I’m certainly over it and have moved on to bigger and better things,” Rarity proclaimed, closing her eyes and raising her head higher for a dramatic effect. She did not notice Dash snort at the words “little miscommunication”, so she continued: “Well, what is troubling you my dear.”

“Uhm… It’s kind of complicated. You see, I have recently made a new acquaintance. But before we got to know each other, I got him into a little accident, that I then forgot to mention to this pony. And now, this new acquaintance has found out, and… I want to make it up to them.”

“Well, then apologize to the poor mare.” Rarity looked shocked. Sure her friends could be a little uncouth from time to time, but she had always thought they had some basic manners.

“Well, that’s the thing. This pony is pretty weak and has only me to look up to. So I don’t want to show any signs of weakness.” Rainbow Dash looked up at Rarity again, who looked at her in shock.

“What have you done to Scootaloo?,” the unicorn demanded, her tone icy.

“No, no. Rarity, you’ve got it all wrong. Scootaloo’s just fine. Why do you think I would… Anyway, I’m just wondering. Does it matter if this new friend is a mare or not. I mean surely, in this day and age… right?”

Rarity raised an eyebrow and then gave a slight smile. Aha, two can play this game. Plus, she always loved putting on a show anyway. “Well of course, dahling!” Rarity exclaimed so over-the-top, that anypony would understand what she was playing at. Anypony but Rainbow Dash, apparently. “It certainly matters. A lady should only apologise if she had done nothing wrong. But you said it was an accident. If so, a true gentlecolt would never be so vulgar as to demand an apology for an unfortunate accident. Unless of course, the lady who so unfortunately got him involved in the accident did nothing to help him afterward, and later took advantage of his kindness.”

Rainbow Dash lowered her head. Sure, she hadn’t helped Caramel that night, but what about when she took care of those stallions at the bar? And at this point, a little voice inside of Rainbow Dash’s head activated. But you did not know it was Caramel you were helping. It just happened to turn out that way. Plus, he was an absolute gentlecolt the way he took care of you after you had passed out. She blushed a little, only partially from shame. Rarity noticed.

“Anyway dear, mare or stallion, it does not matter if you really want to apologize. But there are other ways of showing you care… Maybe you could prepare a nice meal for your new friend?”

Rainbow Dash though of the single celery stalk that had been at the back of her fridge for weeks and shook her head. Besides, what could she cook for him that Caramel could not make himself, and make it better?

“Oh, I see. Cooking’s not exactly your forte. Maybe something that this pony might need would be helpful. That way, it’s meaningful, but not excessive. What have you got to offer that this pony might also need? Think about it”

The blue filly’s face grew focused. What did she have that other ponies didn’t. What did she have that Caramel needed. Certainly, she might perform some of her tricks for him, but he probably wasn’t a Wonderbolts fan. What else besides flying and weather control would she have to offer?

“Are you all right, my dear,” the white unicorn said as she saw Rainbow Dash standing in the middle of her shop, motionless for more than five seconds.

Rainbow Dash’s train of thoughts had been interrupted. She looked around, annoyed, when she realized where she was: shelves and racks of the most fahionable merchandiese in Equestria. Style. That’s what Caramel needs. And boy does he need it bad. “Rarity you’re a genius,” the blue pegasus squealed and started fluttering around the boutique.

“Oh yes, tell me again,” Rarity said in the same overly dramatic voice she had used for the final portion of their conversation, only to notice that Rainbow was busy paying attention to something else in the corner of her shop. “See something you like?”

“No!” The blue pegasus jumped up and turned to leave. “Thank you for your advice Rarity!” And with this final exclamation, the speedy mare was gone as quickly as she had arrived.

Rarity walked toward the small glass case whose contents her friend was admiring not two seconds ago. “Ah, stallion bow-ties,” she sighed. “I wonder who the lucky colt is.”  


> Chapter VI: Try To Hide It
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions VI: Try to Hide It

It was almost too easy, Rainbow Dash thought as she looked at the silk stallion bow-tie. It was truly a beautiful accessory, even if her knowledge of fashion was rather limited. Anyway, it’s not fashion that is important. It’s style. And she had obtained this bow-tie with style. Or rather, taking a cue from Rarity, she manipulated her way to obtain the prized object. Little did Scootaloo know that there was no such thing as a personal shopper cutie mark, but she was happy to get it for her nonetheless, no questions asked. Of course, Rainbow Dash was no monster, and after a successful mission (on her part anyway), they bemoaned the lack of cutie mark on the little filly’s flank and got some ice cream to soothe the emotional pain. Now all she had to do was to give it to Caramel. She took a deep breath and looked into the mirror. Cool as always. Just look unphazed, and he won’t even know you’re trying to apologize.

>> 

Caramel had been Pondering Pinkie’s words ever since Friday morning. Sure, he’d like to tell Dash that maybe he overreacted, and it was better to leave the incident behind them and move on. Naturally, he didn’t know whether the loud, cyan mare would show her face. but like every morning, he prepared breakfast for two, and opened his window, hoping that the sweet smell would lure her in. He could have seen her at Applejack’s dinner party tonight, but of course, due to their recent confrontation, Dash had neglected to tell him when the dinner took place. Breathing a deep sigh, he took out a cookbook and began reading the “Quick lunch recipe” section.

It was almost evening, and the sun had already set below the rolling hills of the Sweet Apple Acres. Caramel had fallen asleep, his notebook now filled with notes about potential lunch dishes. However, a loud knock on the window woke him up. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he approached the window and saw a cyan pegasus, suspended in mid-air. He opened the window and Rainbow Dash quickly flew in.

“Hey, get ready, the dinner starts in an hour…” she said, annoyed.

Caramel looked at her again. There was none of that insecurity and regret in her eyes that he saw last time. Instead, it was the good, (was it good?) old Rainbow Dash, throwing a disapproving look at his dishevelled mane. He stuttered, but the filly cut him off.

“Cut me some slack all right. When I bumped into you, I knew for a fact that AJ and Mac would get you, I saw them running towards you, and I didn’t wanna cause them any worry, because I was a bit of a mess myself that night too.”

Once again, Caramel sighed, knowing that this was probably as good an apology as he was ever likely to get. He looked up at Rainbow Dash and asked nervously: “But what should I wear? I don’t usually wear anything…”

“You’re lucky, because I have something that will make you stand out for once,” she said and began to hover in self-importance. And without further ado, she presented to him the brand new bow-tie.

Caramel looked at the delicate object. It seemed almost unlikely that Rainbow Dash could ever own such a thing, and the fact that she was giving it to him seemed a little more than just off. “Where did you…?” he began, but his questions were cut short by his guest.

“Now look here mister. You’re a mess. Go fix yourself up and put this on before I change my mind and dash off by myself.”

Caramel, suddenly realizing the time he had left, quickly grabbed the bow-tie, stuttered an awkward thank you and disappeared into the adjacent bathroom. Rainbow Dash quietly landed on the floor and smiled to herself. Perfect. We’re still cool, and I’m still in charge here.

>> 

The twenty minutes seemed like an awfully long time to Rainbow Dash. While she wasn’t exactly big on make-up or grooming, she did carry some basic supplies in her saddlebag. She was done with her eyes and mane in about five minutes, and spent the rest of the time preening her wing-feathers. By the time she was done, she looked quite spectacular. Her straight eyelashes extended and framing her large magenta eyes, her mane silky and smooth, falling down in coloured strands onto her face, and her wing feathers unruffled and shiny. Naturally cool and beautiful.

Almost as soon as she finished, the bathroom door opened, a small cloud of steam rolled out before she caught a glimpse of Caramel. He looked quite dashing, his mane combed and shiny, his beige coat gleaming. When he entered the room, he took a deep breath, straightened his otherwise slouchy posture and half closed his eyes. The elegant bow-tie now didn’t look all that out of place.

“And…?” he asked, his voice still trembling.

Rainbow Dash just stood there, unable to say a word. Her wings, however, had a will of their own. Already sensitive from all the preening, they raised themselves ever so slightly. Rainbow Dash, realizing her situation, blushed deeply for a split second and then started fluttering her wings, dispersing the last remnant of the warm steam emerging from behind Caramel.

“Phew. What shampoo did you use. It’s quite strong!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as her wings kept on flapping, even though she found it quite difficult to do so.

“It was just nettle shampoo. It’s really quite mild…” Caramel said sadly, looking at the ground and lowering his ears. Have I messed up again? Was I trying too hard?  

“Whatever. I’m sure the walk to Sweet Apple Acres will get rid of any excess fragrance, ” she proclaimed, turning to leave.

At that moment, Caramel looked up and saw Rainbow Dash, groomed to the nines. As she opened the door to go outside, shivers ran down his spine, though it wasn’t only from the cold that was starting to set in in Ponyville.

>>

The trot to sweet Apple Acres was a quiet one. Rainbow Dash half-cantered, half-flew, seeming to put a lot of effort into actually moving her wings. Caramel just followed her, his head bowed down trying to ignore her silky mane glittering in the moonlight. As they approached the farm, Rainbow Dash had broken into full gallop. All the blood flowed to her leg muscles now, allowing her to regain composure, and by the time Caramel arrived, she was already standing by the front door, grinning ear to ear.

“Ladies first,” she said in a mock Canterlot accent, gave a deep bow and pointed at the door.

“Oh, ha ha,” Caramel retorted, his otherwise sarcastic tone betraying perhaps just a little bit of sadness.

Caramel took the large ornate brass knocker and into his hooves and banged it against the door the door. Just as he was starting to admire the old-fashion ornament, the door had swung open, and with it, a warm, sweet waft of apples and cinnamon.

“Howdy sugar cube!” Applejack greeted Rainbow Dash merrily. “Good evenin’ to you too sir,” she turned to Caramel and curtsied.

Caramel blushed visibly, still managed to stutter “G-good e-evening, Miss Applejack…”

“Don’t you go callin’ me miss, mister. Applejack’s fine,” she gave him a polite smile, and Caramel’s ears seemed to let out a little bit of steam.

“Don’t mind him,” Rainbow Dash cut in. ”He just sometimes switches off completely. And you can just call him Caramel. He’s certainly no sir.”

“Ah just jokin’ sugar cube. well come on in, yer letting all the warm air outta the house…” she said and ushered her guests inside. “Everypony’s here already, we’ve just been waitin’ fer you two…”Applejack said.

At this, Rainbow Dash blushed a little, but said “Well, it seems we are neighbors. I saw Caramel trotting along, so I thought I’d join him. After all, it’s dangerous for a girl to be out all alone after sunset.” Rainbow dash burst into a fit of giggles after this joke, but Applejack just looked at her in disbelief.

“Whatever ya say…” clearly not buying it. “Well then, take a seat.” Applejack gestured to a large table as they entered the farm’s spacious dining room. The old oak table was creaking under the weight of every imaginable apple-related treat, with the exception of about three large trays which were covered with pink-frosted cupcakes. At the head of the table, a little yellow filly with a scarlet mane, her right leg in a cast sat, giving the room a huge, self-satisfied smile. Next to her, her two friends, an orange pegasus and a white unicorn sat, also smiling, but occasionally looking guilty. There was, of course, the immediate Apple family and all of Applejack’s friends, but also an older zebra mare. Everypony was beaming at Apple Bloom, who was now explaining the finer points of hospital food  to her two friends, their delight at her story only matched by the shock of what she was actually describing.

“An’ then Ah said to the nurse: ’Maybe if y’all let me cook here, Ah can get a cookin’ cutie mark instead’, but she just looked all funny an’ said: ‘Cookin’ cutie mark? Why ah never saw anypony in our hospital kitchen with one like that!’,” she finished, as her friends exploded with laughter.

Applejack smiled tenderly, and looked at her little sister. “Now settle down sugarcube. Yer very lucky it was just a broken leg. Ah sure hope ya learned yer lesson.”

“There is no such thing as a gravity cutie mark…” Applebloom sighed, but became distracted again, as Rarity started admiring her cast, and levitating a few small red rubies, attaching them to the cast to the general delight of the party.

“Now that’s right. Even yer great-great-great-great-great Uncle Isaac had a plain ol’ apple cutie mark, an’ he was the one who invented gravity.” Applejack finished her lecture and turned to her guests. “Ah hope y’all came on an empty stomach, because nopony’s going nowhere until everything’s gone.”

>> 

During the dinner, Rainbow Dash and Caramel were separated. Caramel was seated in between an elder zebra and Big Macintosh, who in turn sat next to a timid, pink-maned pegasus. Rainbow sat opposite him, but was entirely absorbed in conversation with Applejack, and for some reason, Pinkie Pie, who did not even have an assigned seat, but seemed to have found a system of bouncing around the table and literally plunging her face into any morsel that took her fancy.

Unlike Big Macintosh, who was even more pensive than his usual self, Zecora had actually been an excellent dinner companion, even if her constant speaking in verse did irk Caramel ever so slightly, he had to admit it had a certain kind of melody to it. Her stories ware certainly interesting too. She had moved from the savanna, where she trained as a healer, to the north, where she hoped to further her extensive medical and botanical knowledge.
           
        “In this land, controlled and neat, it’s hard to find plants I really need. In Ev’rfree forest I must stay, a place where nature has its way” she explained to Caramel.
           
        “And what exactly do you do with these plants?” Caramel inquired.
                   
“With some of them I brew a tea, to release their special property. They cure ailments of mind and body, but require further study. Other plants, I must admit, can be quite tasteful to eat. The forest is full of riches, and devoid of Zebra witches.” She proceeded to give a hearty chuckle.
           
        Caramel remembered, that not so long ago, everypony would shudder with fear and hide at the sight of this exotic stranger, but that all changed some time ago. He was ashamed to admit that he had been one of the ponies that, at the time, fostered this irrational fear.
           
        “How did you…” he began but froze-mid sentence. Surely, asking Zecora about how she overcame her obstacles was too personal a question.
           
        But Zecora, true to her wisdom had sensed his hesitation. “I was very lucky, you see; a little filly reached out t’ me. To battle hardships to the end, you need to begin with one friend.”

Caramel pondered her words. He looked opposite him at Rainbow Dash, who looked a little uncomfortable talking to a marshmallow-colored unicorn. He wanted to reach out and thank her… Even though he had made acquaintance with the Apples before, was she his first true “friend” in Ponyville? Or was it that she just grew on him with time? Lost in his thoughts, he took another bite of an apple fritter, and delved into another conversation with Zecora, this time about his experience of working as a young candy maker.

>> 

On the other side of the table, Rainbow Dash was not so lucky. Ever since she had entered the room with Caramel, her fashionable friend had been casting her suspicious looks.

“I must say, your escort looks quite dashing. Very minimal, but effective. If only he carried himself with more dignity…” she sighed, her eyes falling on Caramel’s neck. She smiled to herself, and looked up from her plate at Rainbow Dash, expecting an answer.

“Hello, Equestria to Rarity? He’s my downstairs neighbour. We met on the way? And… dashing? Who are you kidding?” Rainbow Dash answered, stealing a glance at the colt. Surely, he looked OK now, with an elegant bow-tie and all groomed, but her ideal stallion, needed to be… well, a stallion.

“You might not know this, but his look is quite the rage in Neighpony…” Rarity continued prying.

“I’m surprised. The first time I met him…” she lied without any hesitation, “I was sure he was an overgrown and not very well-proportioned filly.”

“Exactly. Plus I do love his get-up. So simple, so elegant. I must say, even if I am kind of a maximalist myself, it somehow suits him. I wonder where he got it…”

The pegasus’s cheeks started burning up… She looked around furtively, avoiding Rarity’s piercing gaze. 

Rarity knew full well where the bow-tie came from. She could spot her own hoofwork from miles, and Rainbow Dash was the only one who actually stopped to look at her new line of bow-ties. But for the sake of their friendship, the white unicorn dropped the matter, instead focusing on the apple strudel in front of her. She looked at it and smothered it in a generous portion of cream.

“Say, Rainbow Dash, have you patched up those things with your new acquaintance?”

“Of course I have, and we’re still cool about it,” she replied as she shot a side glance at Caramel.

>> 

After about two hours Apple Bloom declared she was full, and that she and the crusaders needed their sleep, so they can devise “new cast-friendly crusading techniques” in the morning. She then went around the table to thank everypony for coming and wished them good night. As she passed their spot at the table, Zecora whispered: “Good night little Apple Bloom, don’t let the mark become your doom. Just remember little dear, what you seek can be quite near…”

“Now why would ya say that Zecora?” Apple Bloom. “Ah wanna make sure Ah absolutely get the right cutie mark.”

“Sometimes it takes time to see, what’s meant to be your destiny…”

Apple Bloom threw her hooves up, but laughed. “Y’all grown-ups are all the same. Waiting... Humph... Goodnight everypony!” She waved one last time before all three crusaders walked up the stairs into her bedroom.

“All right everypony! This ain’t no Pinkie party, so there’s actual dishes than need cleaning. Now, In order to keep y’all entertained, Macintosh and Ah will take shifts behind the sink, but we’d really appreciate if anypony volunteered to help us. The faster we’re done, the faster we can all enjoy ourselves” Applejack spoke and stood up from behind her seat..

Caramel, seeing this as an opportunity to spend some time getting to know Applejack raised his hoof. Across the table, Rainbow Dash gave him a startled look, but raised her own hoof as well and whipered across the table: “I can use these babies,” she nodded her head at her wings “to dry the dishes in like ten seconds flat.” 

Caramel just shrugged and stood up to follow Applejack into the kitchen thinking about pegasi wings, and why in Equestria Rainbow Dash liked to show them off at one moment, but would prefer to keep them under wrap the next.

>> 
                   
Applejack immersed her hooves in warm soapy water and gave a satisfied sight. “That sure was some dinner… What about you Caramel, enjoyed yerself?”
                   
Caramel, treaded carefully and slowly. His back strained under the weight of the dishes he collected in the dining room. “Uhmm, yeah. I never really knew any of Rainb…, I mean, your friends very well. It was nice seeing everypony together, I guess.”
                   
Applejack’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Well, Ah’m gald ya had fun. Ah’m sorry ‘bout Mac. He’s a quiet one, but only rarely completely. If Ah’d known ya and Rainbow were comin’ together, Ah’d have y’all two seated next tah one another.”

A teacup from the top of the pile of dirty dishes on Caramel’s back slipped, perhaps perturbed by a slight, but sudden movement of its carrier. Caramel froze as the dainty piece of china accelerated towards the hard, wooden floor. The shatter of porcelain followed a split millisecond later.

“Must’ve been the teacup. That was the last one…” Applejack remarked in an off-hoof manner and continued splashing about in the sink…

“I’m… I’m so sorry. I just… It’s my fault… I …” Caramel quickly set down the rest of the plates and cups on the table, his chest started rising up and down quickly, followed by a quick succession of short shallow breaths.

Applejack turned to see Caramel sitting on the floor, staring at the ceiling and close to hyperventilating. “Oh, no sugar cube… That’s not Ah meant. T’was a gift from Rarity, some years back. Of course, porcelain like that ain’t got no place on a farm. Ah’ve always said so, but she insisted. T’aint nothing, really.”

“Really?” Caramel caught his breath and reached for the tiny white splinters.

The farmer pony, however, had been quicker. As soon as his extending hoof brushed against Applejack’s, he recoiled and turned redder than Big Macintosh. His hostess, however, remained unperturbed, her muzzle down at the floor as she squinted her eyes to spot any sharp fractions.

“Really.”

“By the way, there’s nothing between your pegasus friend and I. She just told me you invited me and then came to pick me in the afternoon, since she forgot to mention the exact time when she first told me.”

“Told ya? But Ah gave her all the invitations in envelopes. She was just supposed to deliver them.” Applejack scratched her head. “Well, anyhow, we can let these stay here for a while” she nodded at the dishes stacked neatly in the drying rack. “Rainbow and Macintosh will take care of the rest in a while.”

>> 

The pink party mare was now bouncing in circles around her light-blue pegasus friend. Twilight and Zecora had been sitting opposite each other, Twilight’s quill frantically blazing across her notepad as the older zebra mare continued with some advanced botany lecture.  Rarity simply sat on the divan in the corner, levitating a glass of red wine, her eyes half-closed, but slowly moving from one pair of ponies to another. Her eyes now focused on the couple of ponies in front of the fireplace.

The large red stallion was lying on his stomach, his eyes directed into the flickering flame. He held a book in his front hooves. On the side and just outside of Macintosh’s reach (if he were to extend his hooves to her, that is), sat a light-yellow pegasus, her long pink mane obscuring side of her face, but her head was nevertheless turned towards the glowing fire, her tail flickering to and fro nervously.

Rarity’s azure eyes suddenly stopped on Caramel. The wineglass she was levitating suddenly swirled slightly and pointed to him. Rarity threw her head back, her luxurious purple mane falling backwards, revealing her exquisite face. She pointed her white hoof at a wine bottle on the dining table. Caramel advanced slowly, carefully wrapped his hoof round it and brought it to her.

“Thank you dear, but it wasn’t at all necessary…” she said as the cork magically floated out of the bottle and the burgundy liquid started filling her glass.

“Seems like you enjoy the attention anyway. Just like last year…”

“Oh please. Tell me you’re still not upset that carriage thing.” She waved her hoof dismissively and took another sip of wine.

“I didn’t mind that part. More the part where the six of you disappeared for the entire night and we were stuck there waiting…” Caramel remarked bitterly.

“That’s not what I heard. Lucky said he had a great night out on the town…” the unicorn objected.

“Yeah well, Lucky got … lucky”

“You colts are all the same.” She gave a small contemptuous laugh.  “Well except him, maybe…” he gestured towards the large red stallion staring into the fire. “So boring…”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. The two of them are so boring together” she pointed at the yellow pegasus who seemed to be shivering, despite her proximity to the roaring fire. “Don’t get me wrong, individually, and with other ponies around, they really can be quite charming, but together… there’s nothing there.”

“I seem to think it’s rather sweet. I didn’t know they were an item…”

Rarity let out a mean-spirited little cackle. “They’re not, and at this pace, they probably never will be. I do not know why exactly, but I think they have some irrational reason for holding back. But if you were to consider, let’s say Rainbow Dash ” She pointed at the cyan pegasus who was now rolling on the floor, surrounded by a fuzzy pink blur and Caramel felt his cheeks burn up. “And, oh, I don’t know, anypony? You’ll have a more interesting dynamic. Rainbow can only hold herself in for so long, and despite appearances, she is actually very caring… She’ll never let you forget she’s there. She’ll dominate everything. The power struggle is the spark. And it will always be there.”

“But what about them? What if not everypony needs passion? Maybe understanding is just enough” Caramel pointed at the quiet non-couple in front of the fireplace.

“I don’t know. But what would you want?”

Caramel looked around, his eyes once again stopping on his breakfast companion. He took a glass in his hoof and Rarity poured him a drink. “Both,” he said resolutely as he sat down next to Rarity and watched the other ponies in complete silence.

After a few minutes, the large red stallion stood up without making a sound, the two books that were between his hooves now laying on the ground. He lowered his head, his muzzle pushing the larger book towards the shy pegasus. He kept his head lowered for a while and took a deep breath. “Come now, Miss Dash, better finish the dishes”

The cyan mare stood up and saluted: “Yes sir!” and followed Big Macintosh into the kitchen.

Fluttershy stood up and looked at the tattered book by her side. Supernaturals: Household Pests. She picked it up  and pressed it close to her heart, swaying to the side as she squeezed it, taking a deep breath.  She then held the book in her muzzle and trotted happily towards the kitchen door. When she was about to open the door,she heard a loud giggle. Her eyes darted across the room. Everypony was still busy. She then pressed her ear to the door, the voices on the other side becoming clearer...

“It goes where?” Rainbow Dash’s voice spoke out, full of surprise.

“Miss Dash, ya must have done this before” Macintosh answered in his slow southern drawl.

“Only with Applejack once, but that was a long time ago”

“Maybe ya should focus on those hard-tah-reach spots, while I’ll stay down here. If yer unsure, just ask.”

“Thanks. Wow, this is big!”

“Well, if you want to fill twelve ponies till they’re bursting in seams, it has tah be…”

Fluttershy suddenly felt tears spring from her eyes. First Twilight in the library during broad daylight and now Rainbow Dash in the kitchen with all their guests behind the door. He really is no good. He’ll just break my heart. There’s no way a mare like me could ever satisfy a stallion like him. She turned around, tears streaming from her large turquoise eyes.

“What’s wrong Fluttershy,” Rarity spoke out across the room, noticing her friend’s distress.

“N-nothing” she whimpered and slowly trotted through the dining room.
>> 
                   
Meanwhile in the kitchen, the pegasus held a large black pot in her hooves. “So why exactly do you keep it all the way on the top shelf?” she asked.
                   
“We hardly ever use it. Only once or twice a year during family reunion. Now, Miss Dash, next ya can take these fancy plates here and place them on display above there,” Macintosh pointed toward a long ornate shelf just below the ceiling.
                   
The filly saluted yet again and started flying around the kitchen, stacking the dishes into appropriate shelves, while the crimson stallion placed the silverware in the drawers underneath the kitchen sink.

>> 
                   
“Fluttershy, are you sure you don’t want someone to walk you home. You know it can get pretty dangerous out there.” Rarity pressed yet again, as Caramel nodded behind her.
                   
“You are too kind, really,” she replied, faking a smile as she turned around and opened the door, “but I can take care of myself”
                   
“Macintosh is almost finished in the kitchen. I’m sure he’d love to go,” Caramel offered.
                   
“N-no, I am sure he is quite busy with Rainbow Dash and I would not want to disturb them.”  She let out a small squeal and disappeared into the night, her quiet sobs masked by the howling wind.
                   
Rarity looked into the darkness. “This might be just what they need,” she mumbled to herself. “And this…” she said as she approached Caramel, “might be what you need.” The alabaster unicorn’s face approached his, her soft mane brushing against his neck. “Let me get a closer look…”
           
        Caramel stood there, petrified. The cold December wind was rushing past his burning ears. He felt Rarity’s warm breath at the base of his neck. She was so close her long eyelashes brushed against him, leaving faint traces of mascara on his coat. He felt his blood rushing though his veins at an increasingly faster rate. Rarity slowly worked her way up, her eyes half closed, she leaned in and went for his ear. “Ask Rainbow where she got that bow-tie” she whispered.

At that exact moment, Rainbow Dash burst through the still-opened door. “I heard some commotion? Did Fluttershy just…” She stopped in her tracks as she saw her elegant leaning against Caramel. She blinked once… twice… three times.

“Hey Rainbow Dash, is everypony OK?,” a rich husky voice carried itself from the inside.

The pegasus mare just stood there, her legs shaking, unable to move, her tongue petrified.

“Dash?!”

“No... I mean yes, Applejack, they’ve gone home,” she shouted.

Rarity slowly withdrew from the earth pony and looked her friend straight in the eyes, a thin, dark smile playing across her face. What will you do now, Rainbow?


> Chapter VII: Let Me Be Your Guide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions VII: Let Me Be Your Guide

What are you going to do, Rainbow Dash?

The question, though unsaid, hung in the air. Rarity inched away from Caramel, staring intently into the pegasus’s eyes. Rainbow Dash just stood still, the wind playing with her mane, waving the coloured strands of her hair through her unblinking eyes. Caramel’s eyes darted from one mare to the other, his head shaking slightly, as if from the cold.

“It’s not wha…” he managed to stutter, before being cut off by the unicorn.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash. You know that’s not true. We’re still here,” she gave her a vicious little smile. “Or is it maybe that you don’t want to admit there being another mare around Caramel?”

“Come on Rarity, it’s not like that…” he protested feebly.

“Really Caramel, then how is it? You are so…” Rarity whinnied as she pressed herself towards him.

“Rainbow…” The colt craned his neck forward, but the pegasus had already turned around and walked into the house.

“Hmph” Rarity backed off, a sly smile on her face. “So, that’s how it is…” she whispered to herself as she turned around, not even giving Caramel a second look.

>>

Caramel was lost in his recollections, barely noticing the motion of the train.

“What a blizzard!” a voice called from in front of him. “Too bad your pegasus friend couldn’t arrange some better weather.”

Caramel did a double take. His eyes focused on the light blue stallion sitting before him. Lucky was pointing out of the small window of the cargo hold; giving is companion a quizzical look.

“She’s not my friend!” Caramel finally spurted out.

“Right. That’s why you eat breakfast and dinner together almost every single day. Don’t fight it, Caramel,” the other colt teased.

“It’s not like that. She just comes as she pleases. It’s not like I have a choice…” Also, the last two weeks she hasn’t said anything at all. Just ate her food and left

“You always have a choice. You could throw her out. But you don’t. What do you think that means?” the light-blue colt enquired playfully, as the first snowflakes fell gently onto the landscape passing in front of them.

“What it means is…” Caramel started, but found himself incapable of finishing the sentence honestly and simply gasped for air.

“Exactly,” Lucky continued, taking his cue from his fellow traveler’s prolonged silence. “It’s cute that you follow her like a small dog, but sometimes you have to colt-up and take charge…”

“Whatever. Just shut up, or this train ride will give me a headache" Caramel replied irritably. "Or do you not want me to help you with Rarity’s bags?”

Lucky giggled. Nothing could ruin his day. Not even hauling is neighbor’s substantial amount of luggage through the streets of the capital. Actually, it was on a night like this, some months ago, when he met the pony of his dreams. The memories of his night on the town came flooding back, giving him the strength to push through the piles of fluffy white snow that began forming on the road. Maybe I’ll propose tonight. I wonder if Caramel will be there and how he’ll take it.
>>

Inside one of the coaches, six mares were preoccupied with their own preparations for the Annual Hearth’s Warming Play. Twilight Sparkle, slouched over a large book, levitating a thick red marker, hastily scribbled a few notes into it and then leaned in even further; shaking her head as she meticulously reread every word. Applejack, seated next to her, craned her neck to see the script, her lips silently mimicking the lines she knew she had to deliver.  The slamming sound of a page being flipped tore through the tense atmosphere of the coach. Pinkie Pie, who had previously been shaking vigorously, focused on the book and extended her neck over it with a silent ‘Oooooh’. Fluttershy was curled up into a bundle so tight her entire body was covered by her mane. Rainbow Dash was glaring at Rarity, who was just looking out of the window.

“Say girls, why so quiet? I’m quite certain we’ll do the annual Hearth’s Warming play justice. Please, ‘tis the season to be jolly, after all, isn’t it?” Rarity sighed as she looked at her friends. It’s so aggravating. Who knew they’d be this nervous? Quiet is one thing, but this is discomforting...

“I’m sure all of us will do great. We’ve been practising our lines, doing rehearsals and once we put on the costumes we’ll be proper stars,” she continued with her pep-talk.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you…” Rainbow Dash growled from the corner, still keeping her eyes on Rarity, her brow furrowed.

“Oh dear, I told you, it’s not like that at all…”	 

Twilight, now shaking her head, put down her book and took a deep breath. “Could you please not argue? Either just sit still or explain yourselves and make up.” She dove straight back into her reading.

“Well, I have nothing to explain…” the speedy pegasus burst out, finally taking her eyes off Rarity, now looking in the opposite direction.

“So what is wrong with you?” Twilight’s eyes, finally tore away from the heavily-scribbled pages as she slammed her script.

“Nothing!” the pegasus stammered.

“Yer sure that’s the truth, sugar cube?”

“Well, it’s just… Rarity once again arranged for Ca… Lucky and Caramel to come with us to Canterlot, this time to haul her baggage to the palace. She just thinks it’s OK to wiggle her flank and any colt will do anything for her!”

“Aha... sure that’s it?” the farm pony enquired.

“Yeah, what else could there be?”

“So this is what it’s all about…” Rarity giggled.

Rainbow Dash threw her another glare. You know this is full well this is not what it’s about.

“Don’t you worry, dear. Lucky is actually visiting the pony of his dreams whom he met in Canterlot last time he brought us around. And Caramel will be having a little family reunion. But of course, you’re just neighbours… So you wouldn’t know this? Right.”

“Don’t be silly, they’re friends. I spoke to Caramel as he was watching Dashie’s tricks one morning.” Pinkie jumped in, seemingly from above. “Speaking of which, would any of my best friends want to party with me tonight after the play?” She quickly leaned towards Rainbow and raised her eyebrows. “AAAAAAnypony at all?”

“You know what Pinkie, I’ll party with you. Canterlot can be quite stuffy sometimes. I’ll stick around a bit after the play, but I can go with you if you’d like,” Rarity interjected.

“Oh,” the pink mare whispered as her mane deflated a tiny bit.

“Don’t be so disappointed. I can be… err… fun” the seamstress looked around for approval as she bit her lip.

Her travelling companions looked at one another, then back at Rarity, then at one another again, their faces blank. Suddenly, a helium-high pitched roar of laughter cut the silence, followed by a hearty, drawling giggle. Within a split second, the rest of the ponies followed suit, and even Fluttershy, nervous as she was, gave a timid, barely audible chuckle.

Pinkie Pie was holding onto her belly as she fell down onto the floor of their coach. “Oh hay! It guess it really is just the play that’s getting to us. You’re right Rarity, let’s kick some major flank on that stage.”

“Well, it is Hearth’s Warming. I guess I can forget about our little strife for a moment,” Rainbow Dash huffed.

“Hear, hear!” Applejack shouted and leaped across the coach to hug her multi-coloured friend. “It’s Hearth’s Warming. Let’s just enjoy it.”  

And just like that, the holiday spirit touched almost everypony inside the carriage. Among the chatter and the laughter, Rainbow Dash looked out of the window. In the distance, she saw the warm, twinkling lights of Canterlot castle. As the coach made a its last sharp turn to join to the avenue leading to the great city, she caught a glimpse of the train’s cargo carriage, a its small window illuminating its otherwise dark prismatic form . She blinked and saw her own reflection in the window, her large eyes sparkling, her mouth slightly open and unwittingly curving into a tender smile.  


>>
                  
“You know what? I’ll close the window,” Rainbow Dash said and flew across the room to stop the current of cold air from penetrating further backstage. She grabbed the brass handle and pushed against the icy current. Easy. Now, why Twilight couldn’t use her magic to close the window is beyond me. She looked out of the window one last time. The street outside was teeming with ponies, huddling close together, trotting home after yet another successful performance of the annual Hearth’s Warming play. Only one pony stood still, underneath a mistletoe-clad street light, his blue eyes looking expectantly into the window she just closed. He raised his front hoof nervously and gave a tiny wave.

>>

                Caramel stood underneath a street light, facing the back side of the Royal Theatre. For a moment, he thought he saw a faint dash of rainbow behind one of the windows. He raised his hoof, but it was gone just a soon as it had appeared. His ears drooped and he hung his head down again, returning to his usual slouched posture. Of course, she’ll just want to stay there, with her friends. It’s not like she wants to hear what I have to say. A gentle tap on his haunch interrupted his train of thoughts. He slowly turned his head, only to find a pegasus mare, suspended in mid-air, upside down, her magenta eyes staring deep into his.
         
       “Boo!!!” she boomed, so that stallion took a few hapless steps back.

       Caramel almost collided with a couple of regal-looking unicorns. He managed to stutter an apology and the turned to Rainbow Dash. “You c-came? I thought you’d be busy with your friends.”

“Nah, they’ll be fine tonight. The official banquet is tomorrow evening anyway. And most of my friends will be busy. That’s why they call tonight Hearth’s Warming Eve, you know. So, what do you way?”

“W-well, since it’s Hearth’s Warming, I figured I’d tell you the truth. Y-you see, after the dinner at Applejack's, you just eat your breakfast in silence everyday and leave very quickly. I just want to say I’m sorry about what happened at Applejack’s. Rarity and I ran after Fluttershy, and then she got really close when you showed up. It all happened so quickly…”

        “You know, I really don’t care if there’s anything between you two. Plus it’s Rarity, she’s the most desirable mare in town.” Rainbow Dash interrupted.

      “The truth is I like Applejack. I don’t know what happened with Rarity or why it did. I mean, it was nothing, really. I’m sure she was just teasing. So…”

        Rainbow Dash looked at her friend, confused and replied mechanically. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell AJ.”

        “Thank you. You’re the best,” he breathed a sigh of relief.

        “But of course, I did just leave my friends…”

        “That’s all I wanted to say, you can go see them if you want,” Caramel said as he turned to leave. He shuffled his hooves and took a few steps.

        “Where do you think you’re going?” Rainbow Dash’s face was once again upside-down, opposite his. “Twilight is now in the Royal Library with Princess Celestia while Applejack and Fluttershy are being given a private tour of the Royal Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Knowing  Pinkie, she’s probably terrorizing the cooks and bakers in the kitchens; eating through all the food that was supposed to be served tomorrow while Rarity’s going through Celestia’s wardrobe for ideas for her upcoming winter line. She wouldn’t shut up about it on the way here…”

        “So that means, you want to be with…me?” Caramel pointed his hoof at his narrow chest, puzzled.

        “N-no!” the cyan mare stammered and shook her head a little too intensively, avoiding Caramel’s gaze, “It just means that the pegasi of the Royal Guard are not the Wonderolts. And anyway, you need to be more confident. There’s no way that a mare like Applejack would ever fall for somepony who doesn’t consider himself worthy of her. Now come on… Take me wherever you wanted to go!

        “Well, I was going to take a long walk, and then meet up with my siblings for a small family reunion in town”

        “Do you think they’d mind if I tag along?” the pegasus asked, unsure.

Rainbow Dash trying to be considerate. That’s a first. “Of course not. Now come on. I’m pretty sure you haven’t seen Canterlot from the ground, I’ll show you all of my favourite spots,” he offered.

          Caramel took a deep breath and the freshly fallen snow cracked underneath his hooves as Rainbow Dash swirled fluidly around him, her multicoloured mane peppered with tiny ice crystal glistening like diamonds in the bright city lights.

>>  

The howling wind had long ceased, but the snow kept descending from the night sky. The pegasus was still swirling around her companion. Caramel, for his part, just trotted on, and tried to ignore the mare’s fluid acrobatics. The city around them became a blur, a stream of ponies, carriages and light that had settled itself into the wide avenues of the capital. Every now and then Caramel had stopped to point out a landmark building, but Rainbow just continued her strange dance, her mane flickering back and forth, her joyous laughter filling his ears and blocking off city’s noise as her presence seemed to envelop him. Some of the ponies on the streets started noticing the strange couple, pointing hoofs and smiling in spite of themselves, as they pulled up their coats and scarves. As the strange couple entered the quieter quarters of the city, a few foals took their cue from the colourful mare and trotted around Caramel for a while, before squealing in joy and cantering back to their homes.
          
        “Why are we stopping?” Rainbow Dash asked, breathless, facing Caramel head on.
          
        “Look behind you,” he pointed his hoof into the distance.
                  
The mare turned around. She was now flying over the edge of a sharp precipice. Beneath her, stretching to the other side of the valley, an intricate, illuminated network spread out, stopped by the pitch black outline of the mountains on the other side.
          
        “So?” Rainbow asked as she flapped her wings and landed next to Caramel.
          
    “When you’re a small, clumsy earth pony, you come here and look at this view. It reminds you of all the beauty that other ponies take for granted, because they’re so used to seeing things like this all the time. Even if it is actually breathtaking.” He looked into her eyes. “It sounds pathetic, I know. But it’s the little things like this that make me happy.” He paused and turned his head towards the sky. He opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue.
          
        “What are you doing?” the mare asked, puzzled.
          
    He turned to her, his tongue still sticking out. “Don’t tell me you never tried catching snowflakes on your tongue as a kid.”
          
    “Not really,” she waved her hoof,  “We don’t have any real weather in Cloudsdale, we just make it for other ponies. Besides, I know from experience that most of our products aren’t exactly fit for consumption.”
          
        “Try it, it’s quite fun, besides, you’ll be able to catch many more if you fly to the ones you want.”
          
    “I think I’ll just stay here. You know, do it the earth pony way,” she gave him a small wink, looked to the dark sky and opened her mouth. They sat next to each other in silence, the melting snowflakes tickling their tongues.

Suddenly, Caramel tapped Rainbow Dash on the haunch.
          
    “It’s time for dinner. It’s just here” he pointed at one of the lager houses on the other side of the road that overlooked the valley.
                  
She turned to him, her eyes half-closed and chuckled. “Lead the way.”

>>
          
Inside the restaurant, a trio of ponies looked outside. Two of the ponies looked almost exactly identical in every aspect but their stature. The large, broad stallion and the slim mare, their coats beige and manes chocolate-brown, three blue horseshoes  adorning their flanks observed two ponies with great curiosity.. Between them sat a light-blue stallion with a spiky black mane. All three were craning their necks at the scene outside.
          
        “Who is she?” the mare asked, eyes sparkling.
          
    “Who, her? She’s Rainbow Dash, the Ponyville’s chief weather pegasus,” the blue stallion replied. “They’re never this friendly though. I swear, this holiday brings out the best in everyone. Isn’t it romantic, Lot?” He turned to the large stallion and winked at him.
          
    “Well, I’ll be damned. Our little Mel and a filly. Who’d have thought he’d ever get this far.” the large stallion grumbled, his low voice resonating inside the small restaurant.
          
    “Now don’t be mean, Chance-A-Lot. We don’t want to scare her off.  Just be nice. They’ll be ready when they’ll be ready…” the mare gave the large stallion a stern look, at which he lowered his ears.
          
        “Yes sis.” He sighed.
          
        “Now then,” she continued briskly as she glanced out of the window once again, “looks like we’ve got company, be nice.”

>>

          When Caramel and Rainbow Dash entered the restaurant, both giggling like foals, the sudden temperature increase seemed only to improve their joyous spirit. Caramel waved his hoof enthusiastically as he spotted the table with his siblings and… Lucky?
          
    “Evening Toffee,” Caramel greeted his sister, “Chance-A-Lot,” he nodded at his older brother. “… And Lucky? What brings you here?”
          
        “You’ll find out soon enough…” maybe you should introduce your lady friend to your family” he said as he nudged Caramel.
          
    “O-oh, sorry. Everypony, this is my, ehm, neighbour,” he replied heavily emphasizing the word neighbour, “Rainbow Dash. She never really saw the city, and I had some time, so I told her she could tag along.”
          
    Dash shot Caramel a piercing glare. “What he meant to say is: I had some time off before the Royal Banquet tomorrow, so I allowed him to show me around.”
          
        The smiles of the three seated ponies around the table froze as they looked at each other, blinking in confusion.
                  
Toffee was the first one to break the silence. “In that case, I hope my stupid brother didn’t cause any trouble,” she offered, punching Caramel jokingly in the flank.
                  
“Nah, he was OK,” the pegasus beamed.
          
    “Very funny,” Caramel protested, and gave his sister a wide grin. “Now,” he said as he gestured Rainbow Dash toward her seat, “tell me again Toffee, how are things in Appleloosa…”

>>
          
    “And now, fillies and gentlecolts,” Toffee said theatrically, “the piece-de-la-resistance of this evening: Caramel Cake,” she finished, her front hooves spread out as the waiters brought each of the diners a large plate of a sponge cake smothered in caramel. “It’s his favourite,” she leaned in and whispered into Rainbow Dash’s ear as she pointed at the slighter of her brothers.
                  
The pegasus took a bite. The warm, silky sauce perfectly complemented the light, fluffy texture of the cake as the desert seemed to caress her palate. She closed her eyes and exhaled in bliss. At least he has a good taste in deserts. I wonder if he could make it for me once. She looked at Caramel who was so focused on his desert that it looked as if he was staring it down. She smiled gently and felt her cheeks burn up as she lost herself in the delight. Her experience was abruptly interrupted by a loud gasp.
          
        “Is this what I think it is?” Chance-A-Lot squealed in an uncharacteristically high tone.

Toffee, Caramel and Rainbow Dash turned toward him. Lucky just was grinning ear to ear, as the broad-chested stallion fished out a large round object from his portion of the desert. The giant’s eyes welled up, as he turned around to face the Lucky.

Lucky beamed at him, his chest puffed up. “Lot, will you make me the happiest pony in all of Equestria?”

Chance-A-Lot leaned to the smaller blue colt  and rested his head on the smaller stallion’s shoulder. “No silly. It is I who will be the happiest pony in Equestria,” he whispered gently into his coltfriend’s ear as the couple lost themselves in a mutual embrace.

Toffee nodded her head in approval. Caramel and Rainbow Dash simply stared at the happy couple, their mouths hanging wide open.

“What? This?” Lucky nodded towards the stallion still locked in his embrace. “I didn’t really know I was into stallions as well until the night of the Gala when I met this big lug. After that, we hit it off. And then when I won the lottery this fall, well, I knew exactly what to spend the winnings on.” He motioned towards the ring, which still partially submerged in the desert.

“Well, congratulations to you both!” Rainbow Dash regained composure and raised her glass.

“Why didn’t you tell me? You’re my big brother?” Caramel asked, a speck of resentment mixed with hurt in his voice.

Chance-A-Lot resurfaced and sat up straight again. “I just didn’t want to upset you. Toffee’s already married, and I didn’t want you to feel left out by telling you I was seriously seeing someone. I guess that was stupid, sorry.” He muttered, his head sinking low.

Caramel considered this for a while. I can’t be mad at him for trying to keep me happy. On top of everything, it is Hearth’s Warming today… “I can’t stay mad at you. As for you, Lucky…” he raised his voice, feigning anger… “You better treat him right. I know where you live…”

>>
                  
It stopped snowing by the time Caramel and Rainbow Dash had left the restaurant. Caramel dragged his hooves through the white blanket, leaving behind something akin to a miniature canyon.
          
        “Are you OK? Rainbow Dash asked as she slowly trotted by his side.
          
        “I’m fine. It’s just that now I’m officially the last loner in the family.” he sighed.
          
    “And you will be, unless you do something about it. You’re not as lame as you think. As I used to think.” She lifted his chin with her hoof and looked into his eyes. “You just need to be more confident. I’m sure then you’ll win Applejack over.” The pegasus finished and gave him a friendly pat on the back.
          
        “You think so?” he asked, hopeful.
                  
“I know so. In fact, I could help you a bit, if you’d like,” she said cheerfully.
          
    “Th-thanks.” He stuttered and looked her straight in the eyes. He stared at her for a second, and blushed. “This reminds me, I have something for you.” He turned around and rummaged through his small saddle bag, producing a small, yellow envelope. “I might not have won the lottery, but I was able to get you a front row ticket to see the Wonderbolts in the Cloudiseum. It's their first show this coming season… I know how much you like them. Seriously, I had to explain to those salesponies why an earth pony would ever purchase a ticket for a Cloudsdale show…” He threw up his hooves in frustration.
          
        Rainbow Dash just stood there, dumbstruck. Little did Caramel know that she was a life season ticket holder and had a front-row seat at any Wonderbolts show. But that wasn’t her only worry. Am I ready to see the Wonderbolts after what happened? Despite her fears and inhibitions, she extended her hooves and embraced Caramel, pulling him close. 

“Thanks,” she managed to whisper, “it means the world to me” 

> Chapter VIII: Nothing Can Stop Me From Trying
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions VIII: Nothing Can Stop Me From Trying
  
Caramel looked around the room, his vision still blurry. He’d never been there, but it felt strangely familiar. The dark wooden panelling on the walls had a delicate of pattern of apples and apple blossoms carved into it. He tried to sit up, only to realize he had been lying on a bed. He took his front hooves out from underneath the thick, old-fashioned quilt. He turned around, only to face a long, flowing, platinum-blonde mane poking out from underneath the quilt next to him. He did a double take. He then leaned closer to the mare he’d just apparently spent the night with. The closer he got, the stronger the smell of cinnamon and apples filling his nostrils became. He extended his hoof, which was now shaking wildly and his heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest. Reaching out, he felt the flaxen texture of the mare's luxurious hair. Just as he tried to get a closer look, his companion turned around.
  
“Good morning, Caramel.”
   
The stallion suddenly froze up. His pupils dilated as his jaw dropped. From underneath the long, blonde mane, a pair of large magenta eyes, set in a small delicate cyan face looked at him, puzzled.
           
“What are you staring at? Oh, I bet you never had a mare in your bed, huh? Maybe I was wrong… You are too lame for Applejack”
   
“Now hold on, sugar cube!” a husky voice from the other side of the bed objected.

Caramel turned around. A pair of large emeralds, set beneath a silky-smooth multi-coloured mane now pierced the mare on the other side of his bed.

“Yeah, what would know? You barely even notice him,” the light-blue mare huffed.
“At least Ah don’t treat ‘im like dirt half th’ time.”

“Yeah, well…,” the blonde mare was at loss for words. She sat up, opened her wings and jumped at the orange mare, knocking Caramel out of the bed.

Caramel did a back flip, and felt himself falling remarkably slowly, as if he was suspended in some liquid. He suddenly felt cold. The last thing he saw before he hit the ground were the two mares, gnashing their teeth and pulling  at each other’s hair.

>>

With a low thud, Caramel hit the cold, hard floor. He inhaled a few times; the warmth and the smell of apples and cinnamon now definitely gone. He opened his eyes only to see the bottom of his own night-stand. He looked around to see his small, familiar room.  He crawled back onto the bed and shook his head. What a crazy dream. What the hay could it possibly mean?
   
A few abrupt knocks on his window interrupted that train of thought. He stood up and trotted towards the window, stretching his hooves and yawning. Pulling the drapes open, the sharp unforgiving sunlight blinded him for a while. What time is it anyway? Blinking a few times he yawned once again, not even covering his mouth. He looked up at the source of the noise: a delicate hovering figure with a flowing mane.
   
The small cyan hoof once again pounded against the glass pane.
   
“Hey! Let me in!” Rainbow Dash shouted; the sound of her voice muffled by the closed window.
   
Caramel opened the window, his expression still groggy. “What…?”
   
“Uh. It’s half past eight already. Please don’t tell me you’ve just woken up. If I don’t have breakfast now, I’ll be late,” the mare replied, pushing her way inside.
  
“WHAT!?” Caramel screeched. “Oh Celestia, I overslept! What will I do?” He started pacing around his room, shaking his head and muttering obscenities.
   
The mare landed in front of him and put her front hooves up on his shoulders. “Look at me. Look… at… me!”
   
The stallion reluctantly looked at her. She wasn’t exactly smiling, but seeing her face up close calmed him down.
  
“Now, stop acting foalish. Go and put together something simple, in the meantime,” she said with a sense of mission, inhaling deeply, “I’ll make us some tea.”

>>

Rainbow Dash looked at her fruit salad. The hastily chopped bits of apples, oranges, raisins and a generous portion of stalk celery mocking her from the bowl which usually held a sweet, steaming portion of caramel oats. Helping herself to some honey, she looked at Caramel, who still had a shock of horror on his face.

“You… you burnt the tea… I didn’t even know that was possible…” he whimpered as he poured her a glass of cold milk.
  
“None of this would have happened if you didn’t keep on sleeping in. Seriously, you’ve been acting really weird since Hearth’s Warming,” Rainbow Dash countered. “It’s been two weeks! Are you really that upset about your brother and Lucky?”
   
“Not at all. It’s just,” he paused for a minute, pushing the memory of his dream out of his consciousness, “I’ve been having these horrible, horrible nightmares.” He shuddered at the mental image of Rainbow Dash with Applejack’s hair.
   
“What about?” the pegasus inquired, as she dived straight into her bowl, sending bits of celery flying through the room..
   
Charming, Caramel thought. “Uhm,” he hesitated. Should I tell her the truth? “Uhm – I guess you could say that a certain pony keeps on disrupting an otherwise perfectly pleasant dream.” His face relaxed in a goofy smile, ears drooping sheepishly as his eyes lost focus.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, noticing the vacant look on her friend’s face. “Snap out of it!”
   
Caramel blinked as the cyan mare disturbed his peace once again. “I guess you’re right.” He sighed.

“Of course I am,” she said, wiping her muzzle with her front hoof. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m late to work.” She turned to leave.

“Dash!” He extended his hoof as she turned to leave.

Rainbow Dash felt heat rising into her face, her cyan cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. He called me Dash. She did not turn around to face him, simply standing on the spot. “Wh-what is it?” she asked, her voice suddenly weaker.

“Y-you remember you said you might help me become a better stallion for Applejack,” he blurted out. “Would you?”

Rainbow Dash suddenly regretted her words from two weeks ago. “Fine, but just this once. I’ll come after work. There better be dinner,” she replied, her tone hollow.

Caramel wanted to thank her, but the mare was faster. With considerable speed, she ran into his room and flung herself out of his window, blending into the blue sky..

Stupid Caramel. She stretched her whole body as the wind came roaring past her body, whipping her hair into her face, causing her to tear up. But if that’s what he wants…

>>

Big Macintosh looked once at the crumpled letter in his hoof. He gave a deep sigh, and reread it once again.

Dear Mr. Macintosh Apple,

We are sending you this letter to remind you that (a) book(s) you have borrowed from Ponyville Public Library are overdue. The book(s) in question is/are
Supernatural: Household Pests
Taken out on December 9, to be returned before or on January 9.
We urge you to return this book, as we will be charging a nominal fee of 0.1 B a day until returned.
           
Yours Faithfully,
           
Twilight Sparkle
           Librarian
           This is an automatically generated message, please do not respond.

He put the note down on the richly decorated mantelpiece and took a seat in front of the fire. The book was already a few days overdue anyway, and it’s not like would miss those few bits. However, he’d have to get it back first.
   
The living room creaked silently, and his grown-up sister entered. “Heya, big brother. What are ya doin’ here? It’s almost time fer lunch.”
   
Macintosh passed her the note and nodded at it gravely. Applejack screwed up her eyes in concentration and bobbed her head from side to side as she read the note. She scratched her forehead. “So, yer book is overdue? Why not just give it back.”
  
“Ah-Ah lent it tah Miss F… Ah mean somepony.” He answered, avoiding Applejack’s skeptical gaze.
   
“Well why don’t ya go get it back from this pony?” She shook her head, surveyed the note again and added jokingly. “Is mah big brother scared?”
  
Macintosh froze, shivers running down his spine. “Eeyup” he muttered under his breath.
  
“Exactly… What!?” Applejack jumped up, startled. “Now who in Ponyville might you be scared of? Yer the largest, strongest stallion around.” She mused. “Unless it’s one of them unicorns with some mighty powerful magic. But that’s only Twilight, an’ if she had the book she wouldn’t want it back. So who has it?”
   
“Uhm…” There was no point of hiding it. Applejack would find out eventually. “Miss Fluttershy,” he murmured.
   
Applejack exploded with laughter. “R-really, big brother. Yer-yer scared of Fluttershy?” she tried to stifle her giggles "Sure, she can stare them critters down when she’s scared, but yer just gonna get a book back. There’s no reason tah be afraid of Fluttershy…”
   
“She-she’s the one.” The stallion whispered, turning a deeper shade of crimson.

Applejack did not seem to notice, her eyes closed, her hooves crossed, as she continued to lecture her older brother: “She’s the one… what? She’s the one who has yer book. Now you go out there mister and make this right, Ah don’t want Twilight tah think we’re dishonest ponies, not returnin’ her… wait…” Applejack’s mind connected the dots. She opened her eye to see her mountain of a brother reduced to a pitiful pile on their living room floor. “Well, in that case even more reason to go talk to her. Now come on, let’s make the final preparations for that zap apple harvest. Ya can get ready tah talk to Fluttershy after we’re done.” She finished resolutely.

Applejack trotted out of the room happily, while Macintosh was left lying on the floor, pondering. He closed his eyes and grit his teeth. Im not stallion enough for her. How could she ever want a simple farmpony like me? Surely, she’d want one of her own kind, or somepony with magic. He stood up, his legs shaking like foals’. He took a few deep breaths and regained his composure. He stood tall now, his mane falling nonchalantly across his forehead. He rolled the hay sprig in his mouth and half-closed his dark emerald eyes. Eeeyup.

>>

Big Macintosh walked slowly towards the Everfree Forest as just as the sun was setting behind the rolling hills of Sweet Apple Acres. The cold had set in, and the soft breeze caused chills to run down the red giant’s spine. Well, that, and the thought of confronting Fluttershy. What will Ah say? Better just ask fer the book an’ go home. With every step, his pace became a bit more unsteady, his mouth drier and his eyes opened a bit wider. Eventually, he just trotted on without purpose, just placing one unsteady hoof in front of the other. Lost in his thoughts, the massive stallion collided with the solid oak door of Fluttershy’s cottage. The unexpected impact sent him falling down on his haunches. He made no effort to stand up, instead he seated himself and waited, his eyes slowly closing with each passing second as he struggled to find inner peace.

Fluttershy stood with her back against the door, her heart pounding wildly against her ribcage. She already saw him coming through her window, but wasn’t prepared for him to try and force his way in. What does he want from me? Why did he try to break the door? Has Ponyville finally run out of mares? Her head was spinning. She couldn’t believe that such a pony could be Applejack’s brother. She took a deep breath. Come on Fluttershy, you have defeated a dragon. What chance does he stand? “Wh-what is it? What do you want?” she wheezed.

On the other side of the door, Macintosh was certain he heard a voice. It was so quiet, so gentle, but he couldn’t make out the words. “Miss Fluttershy? Are you there?”

“Ye-Yes,” she whispered.

“Miss Fluttershy, do you mind me askin’, do ya still have that book Ah gave you?”

The yellow pegasus holding back the door gave a big sigh of relief. He just wants his book back. “Wh-why? You need the book back?”

Big Macintosh could barely make out the words, but being a quiet pony, he’d learnt to listen, something he was now thankful for. “Eeeyup. It’s from th’ library, and Ah need tah bring it back. There might be other ponies needin’ it.”

The red stallion exhaled loudly. He had no idea why Fluttershy was acting the way she was. What have I ever done to her? Sure, we haven’t ever talked, but that’s no reason to be so fearful. He waited for a reaction. He strained his senses, yet he couldn’t hear a thing, save for a faint flutter of wings on the other side of the heavy door.

“Uhm, Big Macintosh,” a faint voice from the other side replied.

“Eeeyup,” the stallion replied, his tone hopeful.

“I’ll just try to slide the book under the door for you. Is that okay?” Fluttershy asked and started sliding the book under the door. Why don’t I just open the door and give it to him? No, no. It’s best if I never see him again.

“Eeeyup,” the stallion replied. He looked closer at the gap between the ground and the door. It was a narrow slit of light, through which warm air wafted into the dark cold evening. He lay down and inspected it more closely, pressing his face against the door. He could feel the warm air tickling his face, an intoxicating mixture of inexplicable aromas of fresh hay, lemon, vanilla and butter filling his nostrils. He inhaled deeply and the heat rose into his face. He closed his eyes and laid down his head by the narrow slit.

On the other side of the door, Fluttershy was struggling to push the thick encyclopedia through the narrow gap. After a few futile moments, she sat down to lean against the door, panting. I’ll just have to open the door. I’ll just give him the book and shut it again. She took a deep breath and called out. “I’m opening the door now!”

The stallion, lost in his thoughts of the shy pegasus heard a faint sound emanating from the other side of the door. He raised his head slightly. “Huh?”

BANG!

The door of the cottage swung open, with full force of Fluttershy’s strength behind it, hitting Big Macintosh squarely on his forehead. His vision became blurred as he drifted into unconsciousness. Wow. She’s got some strength in her.

For a few seconds, Fluttershy stood at the door, puzzled. She looked around, but there was nopony there. She expected to be met with the sight of the stallion’s broad chest, such was their size difference. Was he gone? She was sure she heard a response from him, and she opened the door as fast as she could, mustering all her strength. Then she looked down and let out a shocked gasp.

In front of her, the large pony laid on his stomach, unmoving, a thin scarlet thread winding down from his forehead, running down along his orange mane. Fluttershy reacted on an instinct, her hoof automatically pressing against the stallion’s neck. She searched for his pulse, her hoof moving up to his lower jaw. She found the spot. She could feel his warmth, his heartbeat increasing with every second her hoof laid on him. She exhaled, thanking Celestia. The wound is just a small cut, and the rest is probably just a concussion. She inspected the stallion again, walking around his impressive, motionless physique. For the first time, she could truly appreciate his size. There was no way she could carry him all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. He’d have to spend the night.

“Angel bunny!” she called inside her cottage. “Could you please fetch the first aid kit?” She gritted her teeth and leaned against the earth pony, moving him ever so slightly into her cottage. She panted. This was going to be a tiring night.

>>

Rainbow Dash led Caramel well outside of Ponyville. If he wants to impress Applejack, he’ll have to act like a real stallion! Her tail flicked irritably as they reached the edge of Whitetail Wood. Caramel simply followed her, keeping quiet, sensing that his companion was in no mood for conversation. The closer he got to her, the faster she flew, so that eventually, he ended up galloping after one of the fastest pegasi in the land.

“S-Stop. P-please,” he huffed as he collapsed onto the ground.
“You know… I cannot expect you to look like Big Macintosh or your brother,” she paused and pondered the thought of well-built Caramel, but quickly dispelled these thoughts waving her hoof in front of her face, “but you have to put a bit more effort into yourself. A little bit of exercise never killed anyone.”

“What are we doing here?” Caramel asked as he looked at the edge of the forest, the tall leafless trees standing menacingly tall before him, their sharp black silhouettes disappearing into the dark blue sky.

“Well, we’re here to improve your stamina and your make you more determined” the pegasus declared. "Now, you will follow me on a circle around Ponyville. Then we’ll return home and you can warm up the dinner. Also, remember, we’ll be running this course every evening, and… I won’t go easy on you.”

Caramel looked at Ponyville in the distance. He gulped. “Is-is that all?”

“Yes and you better keep up with me. I’m doing this in my free time and out of the goodness of my heart,” the mare replied, a small malicious smile playing across her face. She noticed the pony’s doubtful expression. “Look here. Do you want to be with Applejack or not?” she snapped.

“Let’s do this!” he replied, hoping he won’t regret it later.

At that instant, Rainbow Dash darted off, leaving a rainbow covered trail behind her. Caramel had barely blinked, and the mare had already become a small spot on the horizon. He groaned, but nevertheless broke into a gallop.

>>

After an exhausting run around the Ponyville town proper, Caramel felt ready to breathe his last breath. He never imagined the town to be quite so expansive, but he secretly thanked Celestia that he hadn’t had to do a similar gallop around Canterlot. When he finally arrived at his door, Rainbow Dash was already hovering above it, shaking her head in disappointment. “You still have a long way to go, mister. Anyway, let me in. I’m really hungry.”

His hooves still shaking, the earth pony unlocked the door. The mare darted inside and seated herself behind the small table. Caramel entered, dragging his hooves, and turned up the oven, and then  flopped into the other seat opposite Rainbow Dash, his whole body seemingly turning into jelly as his limbs fell to his side.

“So, what are we having?” the blue pegasus asked, unperturbed.

“Well, you’ll be having a hay casserole. As for myself, I can’t think of any food now.” He gagged slightly at the thought of food.

They sat there in silence for some minutes. Caramel had recovered a little bit, but not enough to be his fussy self. Rainbow Dash served herself a double portion of the meal ("since it would have been a shame to let it go to waste", she claimed), but poured herself and her host some water.

“So,” she said as she laid the dished in the sink, filling them up with water, “what’s so special about Applejack?”

“Well,” Caramel responded sluggishly as his companion sat back down. “Well, for starters, she has a great personality. You know, she’s there for her family, she’ll always help anypony if they ask for it, and once she sets a goal she’ll stick to it.” He stretched his hooves out and yawned.

“There are many other ponies who are loyal to their friends and help them out,” Rainbow Dash asserted coldly, as Caramel slumped further into his seat.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that…” he yawned again and closed his eyes. For a minute, all Rainbow Dash could see was his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. He spoke again, almost whispering “You know… One day, I just want to talk to her like this. You know, like we’re meant to be. It should be so effortless. Like... like talking to you.”

Rainbow Dash blushed wildly and turned away from him. “You know,” she whispered, “it can be like this…” She slowly approached him, her chest trembling.

Caramel simply sat there. Suddenly, his head slumped to the side and fell backwards. His mouth fell open, emitting a loud snore.

The mare stopped in her tracks, baffled. Idiot!. She looked at him, Caramel now sleeping soundly. Well big boy, looks like you’ve had enough for today. She smiled and embraced Caramel. Then setting her wings quietly aflutter, carried him to the bedroom. She looked at him once again, as he instinctively pulled his blanket over himself. She turned around to leave and closed the door behind her slowly, making as little sound as possible.

“Thanks, Dash” he mumbled from his sleep as he turned around to face the window.

> Chapter IX: Nothing Equals Nothing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions IX: Nothing Equals Nothing

The sunlight silently pierced his heavy eyelids, its warm rays tickling his tired mind from unconsciousness. As soon as the stallion became aware of his being, a sharp headache split his forehead in two. He winced and opened his eyes to stare at a beamed wooden ceiling, suspended slightly lower than he was used to back home. He tried to sit up, the piercing headache chipping away at his resolve. Slouching, he looked around the cosy room, noticing the small, worn out divan and a few simple bookshelves, filled to the brim with books about animal care.

He turned around slowly, his hooves meeting a heavy object, which slid across the floor towards the exit. The red stallion flexed his muscles and stood up.  He dragged himself to inspect the book which he had just accidentally kicked away. Supernaturals: Household Pests. A small, pink note had been attached to the front cover. Big Macintosh zoomed in on the delicate, shaky script.
   
Dear Mr. Apple,

I trust this is the book you’ve been looking for. If you need to pay the fine, I will of course repay you, or your sister. Thank you for your kindness.

I sincerely apologize for yesterday’s incident. I may have been too eager to return the book, which resulted in your injury. I’ve taken care of it to the best of my abilities, but should any complications occur, do not hesitate to go see nurse Redheart, as I am not a properly trained to tend to ponies.

Also, I’m sorry I could not be there when you finally wake up, I have some emergency duties over at Foggy Bottom Bog that needed to be handled early in the morning. I trust you are able to show yourself out.

Sincerely,

Fluttershy

He re-read the note again. She didn’t wait. She can’t even stand the sight of me. He slowly made his way to the door, which swung open with incredible ease, expelling him from the dwelling of the mare his heart dwelt on for so long. The world was basking in the glorious winter sunshine, but the colt turned away from it and trotted on. The physical pain had gone just as quickly as it had come, but the emptiness in his chest squeezed the breath out of him. As he emptied his lungs, a wail of desperation condensed in the air, sounding over the valley that lead to Sweet Apple Acres.
    
Fluttershy watched silently from above, peering over the edge of her thatched roof. She looked longingly at the retreating stallion, a small needle piercing her heart with every step he took. He doesn’t care about you, a voice inside whispered defiantly and deviously. See how fast he took off, he only came for the book. You shouldn’t try to force anypony to love you. Fluttershy was shaking wildly, and turned away, laying her head on the smooth, moist, moss-covered roof.

“Please-please don’t go,” she whispered to herself as her tears rolled down the roof of her cottage, her pleas lost to the distance and falling on deaf ears of Everfree Forest’s thick canopy.

>>

Caramel trailed off home after a busy day of work. Every step he took was agony, his muscles resisting his every move. I can’t imagine how making me ache all over for the past two weeks will improve my chances with Applejack. He clenched his teeth and trotted on, hoping to slump into bed before another one of Rainbow Dash’s crazy workouts.
    
Tossing his saddlebags down behind the door of his apartment, he noticed a draft and a faint smell of cloves wafting through his apartment. He froze, his heart beating wildly, his ears pointed upward in alertness. Somepony has broken in. He took a cautious step forward, trying to make as little sound as he could. As he shifted his weight onto his outstretched hoof, the floor gave a high-pitched squeak. DARN IT.

“You might want to work on your stealth technique,” a slightly grating, but strangely monotonous voice called from above, causing the tan stallion to jump up. Recognizing the voice, Caramel looked up, the rainbow-colored strands of hair hanging from the mare above now tickling his muzzle. She did a graceful somersault in mid-air and landed next to him.  

“What are you doing here? Don’t we usually go exercise a bit later?” he whined.
   
“I know, but there’s been an emergency. Applejack’s been away for a week now and we just received a letter from her she might not return… B-but don’t worry. All of us girls will go looking for her,” she quickly added as she noticed Caramel’s jaw drop.
    
The rest of his face remained expressionless. “Why is she gone?” he finally blurted out.
    
“Beats me,” the mare shrugged “I’m just here to tell you to continue your training while we’re gone, but…” she continued after seeing a sly smile on Caramel’s lips “don’t you dare think you can slack off now that I’ll be gone. You’ll be helping Big Macintosh with his chores after work.”
    
“And he’s not against it? I mean, I’d probably screw everything up anyway…” he protested weakly.
    
“I wouldn’t worry too much about that. It’s just repairing and moving some of the tools that will be used for this coming Winter Wrap-Up. I think it’s a bit too early, but Twilight wants to do everything according to some plan…” she waved her hoof dismissively, as if the whole idea of making plans was completely ridiculous.  “Anyway, Macintosh isn’t doing very well. He completely broke down when we received the letter. I think he just needs somepony to keep him company…”
    
“I’ll do my best…”
    
“I’m counting on you.” She placed her hoof on his shoulder and lowered her head. “I hate seeing them all sad like this,” she whispered, her voice broken.
    
“Don’t worry Dash, it’ll be fine,” he raised her chin up with his and looked into her eyes.
    
She looked back at him and gave him a tiny smile. “We’ll find her. We’ve had worse,” she spoke, her voice almost her confident self. “I’ll see you soon, I guess?”
    
“Yeah... see you” he mumbled as the cyan pegasus departed in her usual fashion, gliding through his bedroom window into the setting sun.

>>

Caramel heaved under the weight of a large crate full of gleaming ice-skates. He looked at his large, red co-worker. “Wait, Macintosh!” he called out at his companion. “I think that snow plough has already been taken out and inspected.”

“Wha-?” the crimson stallion asked absent-mindedly and stopped pulling the piece of equipment, now standing in the middle of his farm’s large barn.

“It’s just that our preparations for the upcoming Winter-Wrap up have been somewhat slower than planned, we can’t afford to continue screwing up.” He pointed at the large parchment pinned to the barn door. There, the original, conscientious script has been almost obscured by various scribbles, including NO NEED TO HAVE DONE ALL THIS TWICE, CHECK BAGS FOR HOLES BEFORE PUTTING IN SEEDS and ORDER MORE STRAW FOR NESTS, BM USED THE REMAINING STOCK AS FUEL (HOW AND WHY???).

Macintosh turned around and approached the list with suspicion. He squinted and gasped. “We’re five days behind. How is this possible?”

“I have no idea, especially seeing how we’ve only worked for four days,” Caramel spoke, barely managing to suppress the sarcasm in his voice. “I guess it’s just the combination of my non-existent farm-work skills and you being constantly distracted.”

“Ah… what?” the red stallion looked around, more confused than ever.
Caramel took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a minute. “You’re the most reliable and responsible worker in town, but here you are, messing up half the chores on the list. Can you at least tell me what’s going on?”

“Ah’m… Ah don’t know,” Macintosh whispered.

“Is it Applejack?” Caramel asked as he patted his work partner on the back.

“Eee… not entirely,” he panted pathetically.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Caramel asked, his voice strained. He bit his lip. Even before the other pony spoke, he knew he has gone too far.

“Eenope. I’ll be just dandy,” the red giant grumbled, his snout scrunching as he let out the blatant lie. He looked away from Caramel, “why do ya care anyway what a big brute like me thinks?” The floor of the barn shook as his weight collapsed down on it.

“Everypony can always use more friends,” Caramel replied as the thought of a pink pony flashed through his mind. “I might not know what got you down, and you might not be ready to tell me, but I’ll try to help you in any other way I can. If that means making a mess of this year’s Winter Wrap Up, so be it.”

“Thanks Caramel,” the farmer grunted as he got up. “Now, where are those ploughs?”

“We’ve just inspected them,” the small stallion threw his hooves up in the air and pointed at the heavy piece of machinery still positioned in the middle of the space. “Maybe we should take the day off. Let’s go to town and order that extra straw… You know, clear our heads,” he motioned at the door, raising his hooves off the ground, beginning to trail of slowly.

The red giant followed Caramel. The air outside was still, the apple branches of the orchard were covered in the white powder, unmoving. The only sound was the shuffling of their legs and their hooves crushing the frozen snow cover beneath. Caramel was trotting quite slowly, deliberately placing one hoof in front of the other, careful not to slip up. He stopped to admire the scenery. The vast silent landscape was strangely overwhelming. Only a red dot in the distance indicated a presence or another pony. Not again…

“MAAAAAC!” Caramel shouted, releasing a small cloud of condensation, “Hurry up!” Unbelievable, usually, I’m the forgetful one, he sighed and trotted on slowly, hoping his companion would eventually catch up. What’s his problem anyway? Applejack has been away for days on end before. Is he always this mopy when she’s gone? Isn’t he pretty much living every stallion’s dream? Caramel exhaled deeply. There must be more to this.

Both stallions lost in their own thoughts entered Ponyville. Caramel, still making over-exaggerated, deliberate steps, Big Macintosh following a bit behind, his head drooped down as he dragged his hooves through the snow. Caramel was past the point of caring any more, and just wanted to get home as soon as possible. As Celestia’s sun began to set, the windows of the buildings began forming radiant yellow blots against a deepening blue background. The smaller stallion, realizing the lateness of the hour, broke into a light gallop in the direction of the post office. As the small building appeared in sight, they could see lights emitting from all the windows, and broke into full gallop.

The building was approaching fast now. Instinctively, Caramel tried to stop, but his hooves slipped on smooth compacted snow, sending him flying into the door of the post office, which swung open under the impact, sending Caramel sliding on the floor into the middle of the small waiting room. He looked up to see a giant red mass hovering momentarily overhead. Macintosh, evidently trying to avoid bumping into Caramel just a second ago, had slipped in a similar fashion. The smaller pony winced and braced for impact.  

Luckily, the large Apple stallion landed by his side with a low, loud thud, both of them escaping relatively unharmed. Caramel broke into a silent giggle, not bothering to stand up. The ponies around gave them inquisitive looks, some of them leaning towards each other, whispering something in each other’s ears.

“What is he doing with Big Macintosh?”
    
“Doesn’t he usually hang out with that tomboy?”

“No, I think he formed a support group with her or something…”
    
A mint-green mare with a golden lyre cutie mark gave a silent squeak at the sight of the two stallions sprawled on the cold stone floor. Caramel ceased his giggles and closed his eyes, but could see a large shadow pass his eyelids. Big Mac standing up. He then felt a light breeze across his face and heard a faint flutter of pegasus wings.
    
“Dash!” he shouted, voice full of joy, as he swiftly sat up and opened his eyes. As the mare came into focus, his wide smile became a thin, straight line. Opposite him, a gray mare, with golden eyes and equally radiant mane looked back at him. Or, one of her eyes did anyway. The other seemed to be surveying the rest of the room.
    
“You got the D right” she said in a slightly low, nasal voice. “What can I do you for?”
   
 Macintosh just stood next to her, thoroughly puzzled, as she hovered erratically a few inches above the ground.
    
“Wha- Excuse me?” Caramel muttered.
    
“Name’s Derpy,” the gray mare took a deep breath, her chest rising with pride, displaying a badge with D. Hooves written on it “and I work for the Equestrian Postal Services. How may I be of assistance?” she finished the practiced phrase, her left eye still focused on Caramel.
    
“O-Oh, of course. We need to send a telegram to Appleloosa… could you help us please?”
    
“Yes, sir.” She saluted and flew off behind the desk.
    
Like Dash, Caramel thought, his mind strangely calm, or maybe all pegasi are like that. “Anyway,” he turned to Big Macintosh, “do you remember the address of the farm supplying the straw?”
    
“Eeyup,” the farmer replied after a while and slipped Caramel a small piece of paper.
    
At that same moment, Derpy came back with the form. “OK, I’m ready when you are”
    
The tan stallion took a pencil into his mouth and composed a brief message. He then slid it across the counter to Derpy. She looked over the message and gave Caramel one last glance, then looked down at the telegraph. She nodded her head and handed to to one of her colleagues. She then swiped the coins Caramel had placed on the counter that. “You be good to Rainbow Dash,” she muttered under her breath as she counted the bits.
    
“What?” Caramel replied flustered as heat rose into his face.
   
She looked at him, both of her golden eyes focused on him, piercing him for a few seconds. Her right eye then slowly drifted off to observe the ceiling. She closed her eyes and gave a wide smile. “Next!” she shouted and waved the two stallions goodbye.

>>
    
Rainbow Dash? But I’m doing this for Applejack, aren’t I? Caramel wondered. He walked on home, completely unaware of the larger stallion following him. Just as he was about to unlock his door, a low grasping voice caught him unaware.
    
“Caramel” Macintosh asked. “Why are ya doing this for Miss Dash?”
    
Caramel jumped up and turned around to face the crimson stallion. “I… No!” he shook his head adamantly, but could not stop himself from blushing again.
    
“Are ya doin’ this for Applejack?” the farmer continued.
    
“I’m… I’m doing this for her. And for you, for all of you.” Who am I doing this for again?
    
“That’s mighty nice of ya, Caramel.” The large stallion spoke as he stepped forward, closing in on Caramel. “Applejack an’ mahself are always glad when a friend helps us, and we in turn, will always help our friends.”
            
Caramel couldn’t help but notice Macintosh was putting a great deal of emphasis on the word “friend”.
    
“Ah just don’t want there to be any disappointments on anypony’s side. Besides, ya heard Miss Hooves just as well as Ah did.” He gave Caramel a friendly punch on the shoulder and walked off, in the same downtrodden manner he walked into town not an hour ago.

Caramel just stood on his doorstep, befuddled. He shook his head vigorously and opened the door. I need a drink.

>>

Rainbow Dash looked out of the window. Another day, another train ride. At least we found her. Applejack sat opposite her, looking out onto the landscape. Her face still bore a guilty expression, but her big smile countered it quite well. The dry desert scenery in on the outside was slowly replaced with more temperate landscapes, and eventually the snow-covered forests of the Ponyville proper. They were almost home.

Five minutes before their scheduled arrival, Twilight and Fluttershy had already gone to wait outside their compartment, impatiently trotting up and down the corridor, glancing outside in the process. Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack nervously and a knot formed in her throat. She gulped loudly. Now or never.

“Say Applejack; what do you think of Caramel?” she asked, feigning innocence. Needless to say, her enquiry lacked any of the intended subtlety.

“Ah guess he’s a good pony. He helped Applebloom when she broke her leg crusadin’, an’ he was a perfect gentlecolt during our little dinner.” Applejack replied; the implied question lost on her. “Ah hope ya still don’t believe all that nonsense ‘bout him bein’ a foal-fiddler. I felt pretty silly believin’ it mahself”

The pegasus mare ground her teeth in frustration. This is not want I want to hear. I already know all this. “Don’t you think there’s something strange about him?”

“Well, everypony handles their problems differently. Some act all tough on the outside and others just become a little bit withdrawn. Why does it bother ya?”

“It doesn’t… Why should I care?” the pegasus snorted.

“Ya tell me.” The farmer mare said gravely and winked at her cyan friend.

Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow. Applejack is possibly even more oblivious than that idiot, she thought. But does that mean she doesn’t like him? Will she reject him, or not?

“Ah’m just glad y’all got me to come back. Ah really can’t wait tah be back at the farm. Jus’ me and mah apple trees and mah friends. That’s all Ah ever need to be happy. Ya know?” The train came to a halt at the Ponyville station and the earth pony put on her signature hat as she stood up to leave.

“Is that really all you want in life?” Rainbow Dash asked and looked up at Applejack.

“Eeyup… though beatin’ ya in the next Iron Pony Competition would be pretty sweet too,” the orange mare smiled at her friend.

“Yes, yes it would” the pegasus answered and threw herself at the confused farmer, almost knocking her down. “Now come on, we have a little surprise for you.”

>>

“Oh my gosh! I totally have it. Maybe I should name them Chimmycherrychangas. That would solve all my problems, although maybe that name might be too long for some ponies to remember. I really, really have to make them in when I get back to Sugarcube Corner. Maybe I should try making them with apples, you know to help AJ and her farm. But then I’d have to rename them.  What do you think Rarity?”

Rarity sighed. Here she was, in the middle of nowhere, sweat dripping down her luxurious mane, her whole body aching from operating the pushcart. Being with her overly hyperactive pink friend was just a cherry on top of this whole mess. Stupid puns, she thought and continued pushing down the lever. I thought she’d get tired and shut up eventually, but even without a steady supply of sugar, Pinkie is unstoppable.

“Anyway, we just need to get to the next town over. Can you believe we chased Applejack this far out? Wow, I wonder when we'll arrive at… ”

Suddenly, the pink pony’s flood of words stopped. Rarity had leaped over the lever and kissed Pinkie Pie squarely on the lips. Locked for a few moments, the unicorn eventually withdrew and wiped her mouth with her front hoof.
    
“Now if you’ll excuse me, we have a train station to get to and some place where I can at least take a shower… And we’ll get there quietly” she said in her usual, autocratic manner, pushing down the cart’s lever with new-found vigour.
    
Pinkie Pie blinked several times and ceased operating the vehicle completely. She touched her lips, where not a moment ago, her marshmallow friend’s lips met hers. She gave Rarity an incredulous look. The unicorn just kept pushing the lever mindlessly, avoiding all eye-contact. The Pink Pony nodded slowly and resumed her duties, this time in complete silence. The only sound that could be heard for for the rest of their journey was the swift motion of the cart though the warm desert air.
    
Rarity breathed a small sigh of relief. At least she’s quiet now.

>>

The walls and columns of the Apples’ barn was covered with half-ripped streamers, remains of colourful confetti mashed on the ground. The welcome party was over, and Applejack stood in the middle of the barn, opposite her brother, beaming. He almost failed to return her smile, the corners of his mouth simply twitching upwards, then falling back down.

“Ah’m sorry, but Ah’m back for good now. Can ya forgive yer sister fer bein’ a foal?” the orange mare pleaded.

“That ain’t it,” the stallion replied, looking down at the ground. “Ah could never stay mad at ya”

“Well what’s wrong then?” she enquired.

“Remember the time Ah went to get the book back from Miss Shy? Remember I didn’t return ‘till next mornin’?” the stallion sighed.

“Sure. Mah brother: no mare can resist ‘im” She said, swelling with pride, extending her hoof to her brother, expecting a high-five.

Macintosh remained motionless, except his head, which sank low. “She knocked me out openin’ her door. When Ah awoke in the mornin’ I found a note tellin’ me to go away.” His front hoof met hers, and he gently brought both to the ground. “Ah’m just glad yer back.”

“Don’t ya fret Mac. She’ll come around. And if she don’t, it’s her loss!” Applejack said resolutely and embraced her brother. “If Ah’d known, Ah would’ve come home the instant the rodeo was over,” she whispered as she pressed him tighter, large tears once again falling from his eyes. “It’s gonna be all right. Shhhh…”

>>

Outside, a small yellow filly was peering through the cracks of old barn the door. Gee, big brother seems awfully lonely and sad. She sat down, a strange weight pressing on her chest as she observed her two elder siblings crying it all out. Pondering the situation for a while, she took a deep breath and a huge smile slowly appeared across her face, her eyes lighting up. I know what will cheer him up…



> Chapter X: I Guess You've Always Known
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions X: I Guess You’ve Always Known

ANNOUNCEMENT: Even though canon Caramel was revealed not only to be desirable, but also to have a girlfriend, I will finish this story. I’ll pretend those few seconds never happened. And after Assumptions are done, I promise not to ship Caramel ever again.

>>

“Are ya sure this is a good idea?” Apple Bloom asked her unicorn friend for the umpteenth time.

“You heard Miss Cheerilee. She hasn’t got a special somepony, and we all agree that it simply isn’t right for a mare like her not to have anyone to share this special day with.” Sweetie Belle explained .

The orange crusader by her side nodded eagerly, her tiny wings fluttering from excitement. “Besides, you said Big Mac needed cheering up as well.”
            
“Ah did… didn’t Ah?” Apple Bloom replied, bowing her head. I just thought we’d make him a big heart like we did Miss Cheerliee. She looked around the town square full of happy couples holding hooves and nuzzling. Only their teacher trotted idly by them, nopony by her side.
    
“Good afternoon fillies,” she greeted them, smiling from ear to ear.
    
“Good afternoon Miss Cheerilee” the three fillies returned her smile, only brighter and worryingly mischievous.
    
She’s real nice. Apple Bloom though as the crusaders watched their teacher trot back to school. What can possibly go wrong?

>>
    
Caramel observed himself in the mirror. He was wearing the bow tie that Rainbow Dash gave him, and has again groomed himself to the nines. He smiled nervously, and approached the mirror, tilting his head to the side and licking his teeth.
    
“What are you doing, trying to kiss yourself?” a familiar, mocking voice spoke behind him.
    
Caramel turned around to see his cyan friend hovering inches above the ground, a playful little smile playing across her face.
    
“N-no!” he snapped back. “I’m just… do I have something stuck in my teeth?” He turned around, his muzzle leaning very closely to the mare’s.
    
“Your teeth are fine!” she stammered and turned around as heat rose to her face, painting it pink. “Now go before I have to drag you there myself!”
   
 “A-Are you sure it’s okay?” he asked and put his hoof on her shoulder.

She shifted nervously and shook him off. “Yes, for Celestia’s sake!” she shouted desperately, as Caramel finally turned to leave.
    
Rainbow Dash sat in the middle of his room for a while, defiant, as the shuffling of hooves and finally a slamming of the door could be heard from the kitchen. She sniffled as her face twisted itself in anguish. Just let it be over.

>>
    
A single beam of setting sun penetrated the large barn through a crack of the open door. Inside, an orange mare stood perfectly upright, awaiting the arrival of the one who summoned her. A knock on the door suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Slowly, the heavy wooden door opened with high-pitched creak, letting in more sunlight, illuminating her luxurious blonde mane. Against the last luminous rays of light, a slight, dark figure of an earth-pony emerged, slowly pacing towards the mare.
    
“C-Caramel?” the mare asked, surprised.
    
“Yes,” he answered resolutely,, his determined gaze piercing Applejack, “I need to talk to you about something…”
    
“Ah was afraid ya would, sugarcube,”she sighed. I hate doing this. “But hear me out first, please.”
    
The stallion was not expecting this and his practiced posture broke down. Once again, he was slouching, his eyes nervously flitting from one place to another. “B-but, this is serious. Applejack, I …”
    
“Please, Caramel. Don’t make this harder than it already is.” She looked at him, her eyes watery sparkling orbs, “Big Mac told me what ya said that night y’all went to order straw.”
    
“That’s not what I… I mean, I’m here to tell you that I-” he managed to stammer before the mare interrupted him again.
    
“Caramel, have ya ever wondered why ‘bout sea ponies?” she asked sincerely.
    
“W-What? What does that have to do with anything?,” he asked, bewildered.
    
“Well, ya see,” she continued, “sea ponies are not just an old mare’s tale. There are plenty ponies out there that see them. They are most definitely real. Why, mah Marestralian cousin Grenade Apple that sees ‘em every day when she goes divin’ in them reefs,” she continued as tears began forming in her eyes. “But you see, despite there bein’ actual seaponies, and mah friends havin’ seen them, Ah’ve never ever saw or felt the need to see one mahself.”
   
 Caramel looked at her in disbelief, his eyebrows raised, his jaw fallen. What is she going on about? I’m talking about love, not sea ponies…
    
“Now some ponies might find it a mite strange that a mare like me has never seen a sea pony, an’ there was a time when ah felt that bein’ like this was a bad thing. But then Ah remembered that no matter what, Ah still had mah friends, mah family and mah farm. Ah should not want something just because ponies think Ah should…” tears were streaming down Applejack’s face. She gritted her teeth and gave a wide, defiant smile. “Yer a good pony, Caramel, an’ Ah know there’s good mare out there for ya. But Ah just can’t be her. Ah can never be nopony’s mare,” she gave a quiet sob, “But ah’ll always be there for my friends, Ah’ll be there for ya, just as ya were for Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh.”
    
Caramel just stared blankly, the only sound his own heartbeat, as Applejack wiped tears from her eyes and took a deep breath.
    
“Ah’m sorry Ah’m such a mess. Ah hate bein’ the bearer of bad news, especially to good friends. Ah hope ya can accept this situation.”
    
“Applejack…” Caramel suddenly froze up. What should I say now? “I had no idea. I’m sorry…” he looked away and turned to leave.
    
“There’s nothin’ to be sorry ‘bout, sugarcube.” She trotted towards him. “Come ‘ere.” Extending her hooves, Appejack embraced the startled stallion “It’ll all be good. Don’t worry.”
    
Caramel froze up as the orange mare pressed herself against him. A million unexplained impulses raced through his brain, his chest collapsing onto itself as a tiny vacuum had temporarily replaced his heart, a strange suffocating sensation taking a hold of his being. But as Applejack’s warmth enveloped him, and a trail of tears fell onto his shoulders, he regained control of his body. He closed his hooves around her, stroking her flaxen hair.

“Thank you, Applejack,” he whispered softly into her ear as he continued patting her back.
    
As they tore apart, Applejack once again surveyed her friends with a huge grin, her eyes bright and happy, despite the recent veil of tears.
    
“Well, I guess I’ll see you around, or something…” Caramel muttered and slowly took off, not turning around to look back, his eyes focused on the ground.
    
Applejack looked at the retreating stallion, wiping tears from her eyes. At least now he won’t be pining pointlessly. She sighed and turned around to leave as well. Suddenly, another thin beam of light shot down into the cavernous space, originating from the thatched roof above. Applejacks crooked grin was now reduced into a gentle smile and her tears stopped flowing. Oh Rainbow Dash, she thought to herself, I wondered whether you’d show up.

>>
    
Above, seated atop the barn’s roof, Rainbow Dash withdrew from the tiny hole she had used on numerous occasions to spy on the Apples (especially close to cider season - not that that ever did her any good). She wanted to smile, but found herself physically unable to. Instead, warm tears started trickling down her cheeks, matting her coat. She looked down at her hooves, which seemed to move in slow-motion. Her wing, neatly folded, would not unfold. Standing there, the only movement was her silky mane being whipped up against her face by the chilly February wind. I wanted this, didn’t I? Applejack was right, though. It will be all right, eventually…

>>
    
The pink-maned pegasus trotted down the main street in Ponyville. While on any other day, her elegant, delicate figure would draw at least a few longing glances from the town’s stallions, an on some occasions even mares (though these glances were sometimes of the jealous variety as well), Hearts and Hooves Day seemed to be one of those exceptional days when the citizens of Ponyville only had eyes for their special somepony. But this wasn't new to her and actually worked in her advantage, as she tried to keep her private Hearts and Hooves ritual a secret.

She passed another set of giggling couples, seated outside and sharing an oversized, pink mug filled to the brim with hot cocoa, just as easily as she passed the rustling hedges on the way by the park. Had she not been so absorbed in her own thoughts, she would have heard a few more high-pitched squeals and the seen freshly fallen snow falling off of the dense foliage bordering the road to Sugarcube Corner.

I wonder if they'll have ice cream this year. Maybe I’ll just get that rich chocolate gateau as I always do. I don’t need to worry about my figure anymore anyway. With her thought fixed firmly on her future feast, she entered the bakery, barely noticing ‘one of those couples’ seated in the far corner, now apparently nibbling on a single cherry. Urgh. She barely noticed that she had made it to the counter, when her thoughts were interrupted by a plump blue mare.

“What can I get for you, dear?” the shop’s proprietor enquired, while throwing an nervous side glance at the couple seated in the corner.

“Uhm, nothing special. M-maybe just… a large chocolate cake,” Fluttershy whispered, turning her head to make sure nopony but the baker had heard her order.

“Well, I’m afraid we’re all out of heart-shaped ones,” the baker said apologetically. “Would a normal round one be all right?”

“No… I mean, I don’t need a heart-shaped one, actually,” the timid pegasus sighed sadly “the round one would be perfect, as always, thank you.”

“All right sweetie, I’ll just get one from the back,” she turned around and trotted to the kitchen.

Fluttershy exhaled deeply and took turned her head around. For the first time, she noticed the explosion of bright-pink streamers and hearts that seemed to have invade every last square inch of the small space. She was the only customer, save for two ponies, who only had eyes for each other. Both of them looked very familiar, though their mannerisms and contorted poses looked almost as unnatural as the snippets of conversation that managed to carry themselves to her Fluttershy’s ears.

“… my lovey-dovey silly-smoochy honey-bunny” a perfectly polished female voice said.

That sounds like Cheerilee, the pegasus mused as she furrowed her brow and bit her lower lip. But of course, she’d never say something that silly.

“… yer mah schwoopie-doopy sweety-weety pony pie,” a low, drawling voice grumbled.

This is just beyond silly. The pegasus mare took a few steps forward and closed in on the couple. Seated on two chairs, opposite each other, their flanks raised high up in the air, with a large empty milkshake glass were Cheerilee and Big Macintosh.

Fluttershy felt as if all air had suddenly left her lungs, leaving her gasping for more, but physically unable to take a meaningfully deep breaths. No - not you too Cheerilee. She heard a faint noise and turned around to see the tip of  Mrs. Cake’s hair, the rest of her being obscured by a large chocolate cake she held in her hooves.

“Are you all right, sweetie?” the baker asked, after putting the cake onto the counter, a small tremor quaking the immediate are of the counter.

“Y-yes…” Fluttershy managed to wheeze. “Thanks for the cake.” She threw a couple of bits in the general direction of the counter, completely missing the marks. Proceeding to stuff the cake into her saddlebags and reducing it to a pitiful brown mush, she galloped out, leaving the proprietor with a puzzled look on her face.

“Oh my,” Mrs. Cake muttered to herself, “I hope she’ll be fine.” She then turned her head to face her customers and gagged a little bit. “This holiday…”

>>

As the had already began its downward journey, Rarity looked around her shop. A large number of wedding dresses have been strewn across the floor, and broken pieces of furniture blocked pathway into one of the cabins. She sighed and shook her head, her silent magic levitating the clothes into their rightful place on the shelves, the broken pieces of furniture being swept into the corner.
           
        She surveyed her shop again. Well, it’s as good as it will get, considering… She levitated the cleaning equipment into her cupboard and trotted towards the entrance, trying to close what was left of it after Cheerilee’s had her way through it. Unexpectedly, something small and light bounced off her mane, landing on her doormat. I hope to Celestia it’s the last piece of this debris!
           
        She zoomed in on the small object in fierce concentration. It was no larger than a hoof and had a smooth light-pink surface, dotted with dark pink sprinkles. An enticing aroma of strawberries reached the dressmaker’s nostrils. “A-a cupcake?”
           
        “Oh hi Rarity!” a frizzy mane, along with the rest of Ponyville’s party mare suddenly materialized from thin air.
                   
“Good afternoon, Pinkie Pie” the unicorn responded nervously. “What can I do for you?”
           
        “Well, I was just wondering what you’re planning on doing today?” The pink mare nodded her head enthusiastically, her voluminous coiffure bouncing to extravagant heights.
           
        Besides drinking copious amounts of red wine? “Well, I was actually going to take some time off…” Her blue eyes darted across the room, “from cleaning.”
           
        “Because I was wondering, whether you’d maybe like to bake cupcakes with me. We could make plain cupcakes with blueberry topping and strawberry cupcakes with strawberry topping and put them next to each other, also, I kind of liked that thing you did on the pushcart in the desert, so if you still feel that way maybe we could do that again some….”
           
        The pink pony was once again silenced by her marshmallow unicorn friend, as their lips met for the second time. Pinkie closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment. When Rarity finally withdrew, she just opened her eyes and panted silently, staring at the seamstress.
           
        “Kitchen, now!” Rarity turned around and trotted inside. “Come on, we haven’t got all day,” she called to her friend as she whipped her tail seductively.
           
        Pinkie Pie blinked a few times, and took a small, uncertain step inside. Stepping over the threshold, a feeling of million butterflies, released from her stomach, floating silently to every part of her body, tickled her sense, sending a large happy grin to her face. Yay!

>>
    
Fluttershy woke up to a loud knocking on her cottage door. She shook her messy mane and looked around. Her hooves were covered in chocolate, though they rested neatly folded on her bloated belly. She tried to shift her head and a jolt of pain shot through her neck. She tried turning around, but simply managed to fall down onto the floor from her old love-seat.
    
“Coming!” she shouted as she tumbled forward, nearly tripping over her chocolate-covered saddlebags, which were strewn over the floor haphazardly.
    
She hurried towards the door and swung it open. Through her morning haze, she could make out a dark violet pony with light violet mane, brushed neatly, the visitor’s large green eyes wide open, unblinking, probably staring at the sight of the usually elegant pegasus in the state of complete mess.
    
“Good morning, Fluttershy,” Cheerilee said brightly and smiled, her perfect enunciation irking the pegaus. “I just thought I’d drop by before school starts, but I think I’ll come back later.”
    
“Fluttershy surveyed herself again, and after a few seconds, her eyes went wide. “Oh sorry, I must look like such a mess, but I’m fine, don’t worry about me. I’ve just had a small snack before going to sleep yesterday.”
    
Cheerilee raised an eyebrow as she spotted the large chocolate-covered platter lying in the middle of of Fluttershy's bedroom. “Well, I guess… It’s just I need something for Mickey, you know, my pet mouse. Do you still have that cream from last time. It seems his tail got caught in a trap, and it just doesn’t seem to heal well.”
    
“Oh, sure…” Fluttershy paused for a while trying to remember. “Please wait here while I get it for you…”
    
Cheerilee nodded as Fluttershy ran off into the kitchen. The violet pony peered inside through the open door, observing the state of the room. The yellow pegasus came rushing from inside, carrying a tube of the ointment in her mouth. She passed in onto Cheerilee, who deposited the item carefully inside her bag.
    
“Rough night yesterday?” Cheerilee motioned at the mess in the living room.
    
“Not really, I was just feeling a bit under the weather, so I didn’t bother cleaning up.”
    
“Well I hope you’re feeling better than I do. My whole body's killing me after last night” Cheerilee said.
    
Fluttershy’s ears suddenly stood up. "Oh Cheerilee! I'm so sorry. I saw you at the shop yesterday, and I should have warned you... Ooh, this is all my fault..." she started shaking her head.

"Excuse me?" Cheerilee looked at the distressed pegasus who was now banging her door against the solid oak doorway.

"I should have warned you against Big Macintosh the moment I saw you two in the Sugarcube Corner, of course. Now you'll just get your heart broken as countless others." she leaned in and embraced her friend, stroking the back of her head gently. "Don't worry, I'll be there for you if you need me"

Cheerilee just stood there, unmoving. "What are you talking about?"

"You and Big Macintosh, of course. I know he seems like a good stallion, but he'll never be satisfied with just one mare. He's always messing around with other fillies. Why, this winter I caught him fooling around with Twilight Sparkle in the library in the broad daylight. A-and then, when his sister invited all of her friends over, he had his way with Rainbow Dash in the kitchen."

"Fluttershy, are we sure we are talking about the same Big Macintosh?" Cheerilee probed, a nervous, worried smile stretching across her lips.

"Yes. Why, one night, he tried to break in to my cottage. He's come for a book, but of course, he probably wanted much more. He can never make a good mare like you happy. Let him go, before you get hurt." Fluttershy hugged the schoolteacher and began sobbing quietly.

"Fluttershy" Cheerilee protested. and pushed the pegasus away. "What you saw yesterday was the two of us tripping on some Love poison..."

"Love poison?" the pegasus sniffled and wiped tears off her cheeks.
    
“Yes. Can you believe it? Big Macintosh's little sister and her two best friends thought that Big Macintosh and I should be each other’s special someponies, because we were both alone.So they secretly served us some quite strong Love Poison. It was quite embarrassing when we both sobered up, but nothing dramatic actually happened” She finished and beamed at the pegasus. 
    
“Oh, I didn't know.” Fluttershy spoke quietly, he matted mane once again swinging across her face. "B-but just be careful around him."
    
Cheerilee looked at the pegasus. "Listen Flutterhy, I don't know what you've heard or seen, but Big Macintosh is actually not like that. Did you know he attends every parent-teacher conference for Apple Bloom. It's really one of the few times that he ever goes to town. He prefers not to anyway, because whenever he goes, ponies stare," the violet mare finished.

"How-how would you know?" Fluttershy asked, taking a step back from Cheerilee.

    	"After the Poison stopped working, we felt it was best to have a talk, not to leave things hanging between us, and affirm our mutual friendship." The mare was quite forceful now. " I am sorry, but if you can't bring yourself to face him, you'll never know the truth about him."

Fluttershy blinked and hung her head in shame. “Thank you Cheerilee, ooh.. I simply must clean this mess, and then take a shower. And give my regards to Mickey.” The pegasus simply closed the door behind her.
    
The schoolteacher walked on to work quite agitated at the thoughts of the quirky veterinarian, but these were quickly being replaced by those of yesterday. It might be nice to have a special somepony… someday.  

>>

The sun had already risen above Ponyville when Rainbow Dash pressed her face against the glass, trying to get a better look into Caramel’s room. Her eyes darted from one corner of the room to the next. Sure, the bow-tie had been thrown unceremoniously onto the floor, and the stallion seemed to be huddled into a tight ball underneath his blanket, but the room was tidy as ever. Rainbow Dash paused for a while, thinking about the mess she’s made when she was rejected the last time. He’s far too uptight…
           
        Looking up at the sun, she decided that the hour had come and knocked on the window. The glass panes rattled within the wooden frame, making enough noise for passers-by to look up at the source of the racket. The pegasus just shrugged in an unapologetic gesture and banged on the window once again. She began giggling as the stallion suddenly shot up and, running towards the window, tripped on the blanket which was still wrapped around his limbs.
           
        “Morning,” he said as he opened the window, his monotone voice stopping Rainbow Dash’s laughter.
           
        “Hi. I guess it didn’t go well?” she asked cautiously.
           
        “Well, I’ve been barking up the wrong tree all this time. At least she didn’t let me embarrass myself by letting me say it...” Caramel sighed, and once again turned his gaze towards the ground.
           
        The mare flew inside and sat down by his side. She took her hooves and pressed his head to her shoulder, her hoof now running down his mane onto his cheek. “There, there. It’s going to be all right.”
           
        “I know. I Don’t really know what to expect. But I thought this whole thing would be a bit more… you know… tragic. It’s still sad, but it’s not like my heart was broken. I still feel it… you know?” He looked into her large magenta eyes as she smiled back at him.
           
        “Well, maybe…”Rainbow Dash felt heat rising to her face as she closed in on Caramel, “she wasn’t the one… maybe you’re meant to be with somepony else,” she whispered into his ear.
           
        “You think?” he looked up at her again, his brows furrowed, his mind whirring. Somepony else? “Maybe with time, yeah…”
           
        “Caramel?” Rainbow Dash asked, her hoof still stroking Caramel’s cheek. “How would you…” she turned to face him. “How would you like to…”
           
        The stallion instinctively started closing the distance between them. “Yes?”

“How would you…” she blushed and took a deep breath, “like to come see the Wonderbolts show with me after Winter Wrap-Up?” She smiled at him.
                   
His body looked as though it had been petrified, his mouth half opened, his front hoof mid-air. It took him a few second to blink. “What?”
                   
“Well, you remember that ticket you gave me? I actually have a season pass, so I’d have gone anyway, but you just looked so sad, so I didn’t want to pile it up by saying your gift is essentially useless to me…” She gave an apologetic smile and scratched her head.
                   
“Oh”… he muttered and slumped against her. “I really can’t do anything right, can I?”
                   
“Nah, I think it’s really cute when you try. Now come on, let’s fix up some breakfast or I’ll be late for work.”
                   
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, you and cooking,” he raised his hoof in a feeble act of protest. “Also, how will I get to Cloudsdale?”
                   
“I’ve picked up a few tricks from you. As for flying… there’s a pony for that!” the pegasus shouted as she hovered into the kitchen, humming a joyous tune.
                   
Caramel followed, not wholly convinced either plan was a good idea. Upon stepping over the threshold of his room, he stopped dead in his tracks. Did she just say I’m cute?

>>
    
“B-Big Macintosh!” the yellow pegasus shouted over apple tree tops, although to the retreating red stallion this sounded more like a whisper.
    
“Eeyup,” he turned around, acknowledging the mare, but focused his gaze onto the red farmhouse in the distance. The delicate mare landed opposite him, his expansive shadow covering her body, sending shivers down her spine.
    
“I would just like to apologize for the way I treated you when you came for the book. A-and also before that. And... well, I-I talked to Cheerilee and I think it is wonderful that you two have become such good friends. I also heard about the Lo-love Poison,” she added, the volume of her voice dropping dramatically with those last words. “I’m so glad you’re…, I mean, b-both of you are fine. She also told me some other things about you. Things, things I didn't know before”
    
“Eeyup.” the stallion nodded, and sat down, his face coming down to Fluttershy’s level. "Miss Shy. Ah don't know why we've never talked before, but ya always seemed to avoid me. Ah always thought ya preferred bein' alone, not wasting her time on us simple ponies," 
    
“Oh no... Please forgive me. I've just listened to others and not to myself. And I guess that-that… as much as I definitely enjoy solitude, I wouldn’t mind, perhaps, spending a little time with you… sometimes. That is, if you and Cheerilee wouldn’t mind either. I'm so sorry” she finished and lowered her head, her pink mane falling across her face, obscuring the deep shade of red that had taken place of her usual pale complexion.
    
The stallion sighed and shook his head. Well, at least we can start with a clean slate.“Deal,”he growled and smiled gently.
    
“R-really? T-thank you.” She beamed, but immediately hid her face behind her pink mane again. “I am really sorry about earlier. I hope I can make it up to you somehow… Well, if you need anything, you know where to find me.” 

The pegasus threw her hair back and craned her neck, her sparkling teal eyes now reflecting in Macintosh’s murky emerald ones. Her lips curved into a smile as she slowly turned around, prancing quickly from the hilly orchard, uncharacteristically taking to the skies and performing graceful loops in the air as the thoughtful stallion watched from the ground with a sheepish grin plastered across his face.



> Chapter XI: Call My Name
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumptions XI: Call My Name
           
        “So tomorrow morning by the Rainbow Trout Pond?” Caramel once again asked the pegasus sitting opposite him, her portion of pancakes reduced to a few greasy crumbs.
           
        “Hmmmph,” the mare puffed and nodded all the while licking the last remains of sticky caramel sauce still clinging to her plate.
           
        He shifted uncomfortably as his guest finished her meal with a satisfied lick of her lips. “Are you sure? I haven’t gotten the usual letter from the Winter-Wrap  Up committee this year.  You think it got lost in the post? I mean, we both know the local mailmare tends to… well you know. Space out.”
           
        The rainbow mane opposite him flicked gently from side to side. “I guess, even though Derpy’s just clumsy, not forgetful. I should know…” she groaned and once again ran her hooves through her wings, wincing slightly and closing her eyes.
           
        “Are you okay Dash?” Caramel asked, concerned.
           
        “Of course, don’t be absurd!” she stammered and turned away.
           
        Since when does Dash use words like absurd? “Are you sure your wings are strong enough to lead the weather team tomorrow?” He approached her and ran his eyes up and down her delicate wings.
           
        “Yes, yes. I’ve had plenty of time to recuperate!” she barked and kept her back turned to him, as blood started rising into her face.
           
        “I know. Still wish I could have seen you in hospital. Maybe bring you some better food…” he offered and poked his companion into her side. “You like my food, don’t you Dash?” he grinned deviously.
           
        “Listen, Caramel,” she snapped. “I dislocated my right wing again and had a hairline fracture in the humerus. The last thing I needed was a clown like you coming in and distract me from rea… healing!”
           
        “All right. Celestia! I was just kidding around. But are you sure you’re ready to wrap up winter?”
           
        “Yeah, I’ll be cool. I’ll be leading the weather team, so it’s more of a managerial position than anything else” She waved her hoof dismissively. She took the dishes in her mouth and trotted towards the sink, putting them down carefully.
           
        The sound of running water brought certain peace of mind to the stallion. He kept on staring at the cyan pegasus with a blank expression on his face.  After a few blissfully calm minutes, Rainbow Dash began putting the clean dishes on a drying rack. Caramel’s head was now laying on the table on one side, a silly smile gracing his muzzle as his cheeks turned involuntarily pink.

                   “I’m done here. Winter Wrap-Up starts early tomorrow, so I won’t make it to breakfast. Just make sure to bring some food with you for the day. Oh yeah, after we wrap up, we’ll go see Twilight about getting to Cloudsdale.”
           
        “Clouds-what?” the stallion replied, his focus somewhere else entirely.
           
        “Uh, you know, the Wonderbolts’ Season opener?” she threw her hooves up, throwing Caramel a condescending look and trotting over to the opened window in his room.
           
        “Oh that. Right. It’s… uhhhh” he once again lost his focus as his eyes started at the mare who was now arching her back, ready to leap off the window ledge.
           
        “In three days, you moron!” she shouted as she took off to the skies.
           
        Caramel sat up and shook his head vigorously. Yawning, he trotted over to the sink and automatically turned on the water. He shuffled his hooves inside, expecting to brush against porcelain any time. Baffled at finding none in the sink he looked around, bewildered, only to finally find what he was looking for neatly stacked by his side. Did she just do the dishes?  Pondering his thoughts for just a minute longer, the heat rose to his cheeks once again. She wouldn’t, would she?  He found himself staring out of the window longingly and once again tried to shake off that hazy, warm feeling.

>> 

Caramel once again surveyed the bouncy pink mare in front of him. She was beaming brightly, her eyes closed, the corners of her mouth stretched back to her ears. In her mouth, she clenched two pairs of sharp steel blades. Her whole being seemed to vibrate with some latent energy, as she stood in front of the stallion.
                   
“Are you sure you want me to be on the ice-scoring team for this year’s winter wrap-up,” he finally spoke, hesitant. I mean, I did pretty well last year, except that one thing…
           
        “Uh-huh.” the pink mare nodded frantically and dropped the skates, which landed in the half-molten snow. “Well, it’s not like you were the first pony that came to mind… Besides, the farming team does not really want you after last year’s fiasco. I know Applejack and Big Macintosh tried to talk some sense to them, but in the end they were the only ones… I mean; seeds. Who cares, right?” She paused and shot an inquisitive glance at Caramel who now looked somewhat crestfallen. “Oh Caramel, put that frown upside down! I’m sure you’ll do great. I mean, I’m pretty sure you’ve ice-skated before. I know last year Twilight had some trouble, but that was only because she hasn’t done much skating, even before, because she’s always buried in books, that filly. She really needs to get out more. Not that it’s a bad thing, studying magic, mind you, but still…”
           
        The stallion chose to ignore the rest of her cheerful monologue and concentrated on the four sharp blades now lying on the ground before him. Canterlot was more known for its waterfalls, so ice-skating wasn’t something he’s done on a regular basis. He looked doubtfully at Pinkie Pie. “Isn’t it usually the mares that do the ice-scoring, since stallions are too heavy for the thinner ice?”
           
        “Oh no you silly! Maybe if Macintosh tried skating he’d fall though, but you’re nowhere near as big and heavy as him. Why, I’d even say you’re closer in size to a mare than a stallion!” Pinkie Pie beamed at him again, completely oblivious to what she just said. “Anyway, even though you’re staying on the ground you’re officially on the weather team now,” she pulled out a blue vest out of nowhere. “You might wanna put this on! Also remember the line of command, First Twilight, she pretty much runs everything and approved your placement here. Then there’s Rainbow Dash, she’s the commander of the weather team and the sole reason you’re here. She’ll send someone to warn us to get off the ice before the pegasi direct sunlight onto it. And lastly, there’s me; Pinkie Pie. Even though I’m just the ice-scoring time manager, you’ll be dealing with me most of the time!” She once again grinned at Caramel as if her life depended on it, her frizzy pink mane seeming to expand with every breath she took.
           
        Caramel was only half-listening by the time she finished her speech, and had already fastened the ice-skates on all of his hooves. “All right,” he grunted and stood up, trying to find balance in the melting snow. He hopped on to the ice surface, treading carefully onto the cold slippery crust. He flexed his muscles as he felt his legs sliding apart. Determined, he started  propelling himself forward, remembering how he skated when he was a little colt, slowly regaining confidence.
           
        “Woohoo. You go Caramel! See, I told you you’ll get in the hang of it. Now do a triple axel!” Pinkie Pie shouted at him from the shore, waving her hooves in support.
           
        “You know,” Caramel shouted while still looking down at his hooves, “I can’t actually figure skate, but that was never part of the job description anyway... right?”
           
        “Shame, Dashie told me she was sure you’d be able to figure skate. Oh, never mind. You’ll do just swell” She finished and giggled, the cold air carrying her helium-pitched voice to Caramel.
           
        Very funny, Dash, he though, but a tiny smile spread across his face. He pushed on, leaving a smooth, cut curve behind him as he joyfully soared through the cold air.

>> 

“Uhm, well…” Fluttershy looked at her two partners. The violet mare’s green eyes were wide open and a genuine smile playing across her face. The giant crimson stallion beside her simply closed his emerald eyes and rolled the sprig of hay from one side of this mouth to another. “I guess this is your first time on the Animal Team. We’ll be reporting to Sparkler this year, again,” she motioned towards the young pink and purple mare standing some distance away, surrounded by other Animal Team members.
           
        “Fluttershy?” Cheerilee raised her hoof. “I don’t want to pry, but I’ve always wondered why you’re never in charge of the Animal Team.”
           
        “Oh no, that’s OK. Sparkler is actually really good with animals, the position of the Team Leader includes other responsibilities, but I prefer being out there with the little critters as much as I can.” She smiled gently at her companions. Cheerilee beamed back while Big Macintosh just rolled the sprig of hay around again.
           
        “And,” Cheerilee raised her hoof again, “how exactly do we go about this?”
           
        “Well, first of all, before the animals went hibernating, Twilight and I went around marking where each animal would sleep, since Twilight wanted to avoid… surprises” she shuddered her head at the memory of panic that the lavender unicorn caused when she, unbeknownst to her, woke up a pack of snakes. “Anyway, here’s the chart with all the positions we’ll be taking. If there’s an animal that you feel uncomfortable with, just let me know and I’ll wake them up for you.” She reached into her saddlebag for the maps and provided each of her teammates with a sheet of paper.

Cheerilee scanned the sheet. “There’s a bear here,” she gasped in shock.

“Don’t worry Cheerilee, that’s just Harry. He’s a friend, but he tends to be grumpy, so I’ll wake him up.” Fluttershy nodded he head gently as Cheerilee still looked on, sceptical.

“Snakes,” a low grumble emanated from underneath the coppery mane.

“Why Big Macintosh, do you have a problem with that?” The pegasus approached the red gaint. “Are you afraid of snakes?”
           
        “Eeyup,” he exhaled heavily and hung his head down.
           
        “Don’t worry, we shouldn’t come across any vipers, but this time of the year it’s still quite cold, so they’ll be somewhat slow.” She patted him on the back and felt heat rising to her face. She shook her head to hide behind her mane. “Do you want to talk about… maybe?”
           
        “Eenope…” he whispered.
           
        “Will you… will you be okay? You can go back to the planting team if you want to. I think they’d be quite happy to have a strong stallion like you… I think.” Fluttershy spoke calmly and broke the embrace. “Chin up, Big Macintosh,” she cupped his cheek in her hoof. “we’ll just take this one baby step at a time.”
           
        The stallion looked up into her large, reassuring, turquoise eyes and stood up. “Let’s go!”
           
        Flutteshy withdrew her hoof and followed after him. She turned back and gave Cheerilee an inquisitive glance. Cheerilee simply shrugged and both mares looked at the retreating stallion with concern and shuddered as a strange sense of unease crept over both of them.

>> 
           
        Rainbow Dash lay on a fluffy cumulus cloud above the Rainbow Trout Pond, half-asleep. Winter Wrap-Up was progressing quite well, and even Caramel seemed to be doing quite well with the ice-scoring. Maybe because he doesn’t have anything he could lose, she thought to herself and chuckled heartily. She tried scooping some of the cloud onto herself and snuggled to it to keep herself warmer. Suddenly she felt a tug on her hind leg.

“Stop it Caramel…” she mumbled and giggled.

“Uhm… Rainbow Dash?”a soft, flustered, female voice enquired. “It’s me, Fluttershy…”

The cyan pegasus shot up and shook her head as her daydream dissolved into the fresh, thin air. Her yellow friend was leaning above her, a concerned look on her face.

“Yeah. Oh hi Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash replied, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. “What’s up?”

“Well, uhm… Sparkler sent me to tell you that they finished waking up the animals and the clearing the snow in Ponyville Park ahead of schedule, so she was wondering whether you could maybe clear the clouds above it, to melt the remaining snow… if that’s OK with you”

“Right…” she looked down at the pond, which was now deserted. Pinkie Pie’s team must have finished scoring it and moved on. She felt a slight pang of sadness in her chest. “Yeah, I’ll get right down to it.” She looked at the sky to see a few of her pegasi sitting on a cloud nearby. “Hey you!!!” she shouted in their general direction. “Ponyville Park, clear!”

Luckily, Rainbow Dash was well out of earshot, otherwise she’s hear a few expletives uttered at her person by a few disgruntled pegasi. This job’s easy. “ALL RIGHT!” she shouted once again, this time at nopony in particular. “I’LL BE OVER AT THE FIELDS TO CHECK THEIR PROGRESS.”
           
        The rest of the pegasi resting on the clouds above the pond breathed a collective sigh of relief as the  rainbow-maned pony manoeuvred between the left-over clouds, constantly turning her head. Where the hay is he?

>> 

                   Fluttershy looked down on Ponyville as she glided from Rainbow Dash’s cloud. The ground beneath her was buzzing with activity as a great number of colourful points could be seen running around, the white cover slowly replaced with green and brown patches. Fluttershy landed softly near the edge of the Everfree forest, not far from her own cottage, where Big Macintosh and Cheerliee were supposed to wake the last remaining animals on their list before the three of them would go distribute the newly-made nests to the Southern Birds. As she approached them, she saw the large crimson stallion being quite stationary, his head now resting on the shoulders of the violet mare, who was now stroking his mane. Fluttershy fought the urge to flee the scene, as she would have done a million times before.
                   
“Uhm… Cheerilee,” she asked as she trotted to face the schoolteacher, “What’s going on?”
                   
The violet mare turned around with a concerned expression on her face, but still continued huddling close to the stallion. “There was a mistake on the chart…” she said flatly. “Big Macintosh awoke a family of snakes.”
                   
The mighty stallion was now reduced to a tiny ball of fear, rocking back and forth in Cheerilee’s embrace.
                   
“Shhhhh…”she patted him on the back. “I think he’s gone into a shock. He was just a bit hazy afterwards… I don’t know how this could have happened.” She turned to the stallion and lifted his chin with her hoof. “Big Macintosh, Fluttershy is back.” She nodded encouragingly, but the stallion shook his head and kept looking at the ground.
                   
“Oh my,” Fluttershy gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her hooves. “This is not good. If we’re lucky he’ll snap out of it within a few hours at best. Oh…” she bit her lip and continued trotting in place as she bobbed her head. “Cheerilee, I need your help. Could you please fetch nurse Redheart and tell Sparkler what happened? I’m sure she’ll make the right decision. But first…” she flanked at the incapacitated giant and shuddered.
                   
“Yes?” the schoolteacher asked, worried.

“We need to get him to my cottage. I’ll keep an eye on him, if you don’t mind. It’s just here…” she nodded at the roof of her cottage poking over the canopy of a nearby group of trees.”

“Well, I suppose it’s for the best” Cheerilee nodded and gently let go of Macintosh. I wonder if any good will come out of this, she thought when the pegasus nodded at her and the two of them supported the giant stallion, steering his unsteady, wobbly walk to safety.

>> 

The sun had long reached its peak and started its slow descent towards the horizon. The winter was almost wrapped up, the uniform blanket of snow revealing the rich earthy colours underneath. All that remained was for the ice scorers to cut the ice on the Ponyville River, and the party could begin. Rainbow Dash, perched on the sole remaining cloud, looked down on the frozen ribbon below. The river snaked its way through the dense Everfree forest, before meandering through the fields and eventually the centre of the town, where the impatient and exhausted crowds were already lined up on the embankment, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the last ice-scorer.
                   
Rainbow Dash might have just as well been looking at a miniature city inhabited by a large number of pastel-coloured ants. She squinted her eyes and looked towards the Everfree forest, tracing the steely surface of the still-frozen river. Out from beneath the trees, she could make out a fast moving pink point whose erratic motions would have made no sense to an outsider, but Rainbow reminded herself that the bouncing dot was in fact Pinkie Pie, and that the way she seemed to bounce off the riverbanks was simply a method to cut the ice as much as she could. Behind her, a much slower, very slightly larger brown dot moved more or less in the middle of the river, effectively dividing the strips of ice the pink cannonball had cut into still smaller pieces.
                   
Pinkie dot continued in her erratic motions, while Caramel dot kept its slower, more serious pace. Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and started to push the small cloud above her downwards, towards the ice-scorer’s finish line. She flapped harder, the small cloud offering almost no resistance to her movement. Finally, it’s almost over, she thought as she reached the canopy level. Having already lost Caramel out of her sight by the time he’d passed underneath a bridge, she concentrated on her pink friend who was only about quickly gliding toward the finish line.
                   
“Wooohooo,” the pink pony shouted in her helium voice as she did a triple axel over the finish line, not even breaking the ceremonial red tape that that the Mayor stretched there just a few minutes before. Eyes of the whole town traced her graceful arch, and as she landed, they awarded her with a thunderous stamping of their hooves.Pinkie Pie took a bow and curtsied to the mayor, who gracefully nodded her head and trotted onto the stage in front of the city hall.
                   
“That was awesome!” Rainbow Dash squealed as she pushed the little cloud to the ground, reducing it into countless miniature droplets and trotted towards her energetic friend, who now stood on the edge of the crowd as everypony’s attention focused on the mayor.
                   
“Thanks Dashie. I’m glad you think so,” she beamed and jumped out of her skates, leaving them standing vertically in the ground. “It’s really a shame Caramel can’t figure skate. I really wanted to try and do the Steel Cupcake.”
                   
“The steel cupcake?,” a polished, high class-voice called from behind.
                   
“Oh hi, Rairity,” Pinkie bounced up and nodded fervently as Applejack and Twilight also trotted up from behind her. “It’s this super difficult move that nopony has ever pulled off, but I thought that Caramel might be able to, since  Dashie told me he was a figure skater.”
                   
“I was just messing with you.” The cyan pegasus waved her hoof dismissively. “Speaking of which, where is he? Last time I saw him he just went underneath the bridge…” she bit her lower lip. He was slow, but not that slow. Her thoughts were interrupted by another applause.
                   
“And now everypony, if you will stomp your hooves one last time along the riverbank, so that we may break the ice and usher in the spring!” the mayor announced and dramatically swung her hoof into the air, making the first loud stomp.
                   
Underneath the bridge… “I know…” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed victoriously. “You see, during the night, the ice in rivers and lakes is exposed to the cold skies which radiates extremely cold temperatures producing thick ice shells on bodies of water that are exposed to the sky. However, underneath a low, wide bridge, such as the ones we have in Ponyville, the water cannot receive the cold radiation from the sky, which means the ice is slightly thinner there, so a larger pony, who might otherwise easily skate on the exposed areas might actually… fall… through-oh” she finished her enthusiastic speech and bit her lower lip.
                   
Rainbow Dash gasped in surprise. “No, no… he, can’t have…” she screwed up her face in agony and tears started flowing from her eyes “I won’t let him! Caramel!” she shouted and kicked off the ground with incredible force, producing a powerful gust of wind. She accelerated and couldn’t even hear Twilight raising her voice in warning.
                   
The pegasus flew over the river, just as large chunks of ice started to fall apart and move towards one another. He’ll be closed in! As she approached the bridge, she saw a single hoof twitching, trying to reach the surface of the freezing water. Rainbow Dash drew a deep, sharp , breath. It was now or never. The ice sheets began encroaching upon the already small hole in the ice.
                   
The next few seconds were the ones that she’d barely remember. The icy water piercing her body as she plunged in and collided with a floating, limp body of her friend, embracing him with one of her forelegs as she extended the other one up, and kicked her legs. Emerging from underneath the water, she flapped her wings, and with the remaining momentum, swung both of them onto the grassy riverbank, as the sharp edges of the ice carried down the river cut into her chest.
                   
For a second, she lay on her back, but quickly remembered the gravity of the situation. She looked at the soaking wet stallion beside her, who seemed to exhibit no signs of life. She started shivering and shaking her head and pushing her hooves on his chest.
                   
“Breathe, Celestia damn it!” She collapsed onto him and broke down. “Breathe!”

And once again a series of violent, uncoordinated thrusts of her hooves landed on Caramel’s unmoving torso, sending his body into a small coughing fit, as he spurted out water from his mouth and his chest started rising in and falling in small, quick successions. She rested her head on his chest and listened to the sound of his heartbeat, as embracing him and collapsing onto the ground.

For a few seconds, the exhausted mare just stayed huddled next to Caramel, but in a few seconds, her friends caught up. They looked relieved to see the stallion alive. Pinkie Pie looked strangely demure and took a step toward the pegasus.

“I’m so sorry, Dashie. I should have looked out for him.”

“Well you didn’t,” Rainbow Dash growled. “You think everything’s just fun, talking about cupcakes and pranks and… figure skating.” her voice was becoming louder and angrier.
                   
“But I know that…” the pink mare sobbed and reached out to hug the pegasus.
                   
The cyan mare pushed her away. “You think life is just some huge party and that when things go wrong, you’ll just wake up the next morning take an aspirin and be fine? Well guess what, you were in charge of him, you should have looked out for him, but instead you talk about acrobatics and nonsense! Get away from us!!!”
                   
“B-but Dash,” Pinkie Pie’s lips quivered as her mane lost all of its volume and started obeying the laws of gravity.
                   
“I said go away!!!” the blue pegasus exclaimed, casting a murderous look in her friend’s direction.
                   
“I’m sorry, I never meant to…” She bowed her head and turned around slowly trotting away, slowly picking up speed before breaking into a full gallop, and crying into the evening.
                   
“Ya might have gone a bit overboard sugarcube…” Applejack spoke up.
                   
The cyan mare remained defiant and continued holding on to Caramel. “Will somepony get a nurse? Now!” she snapped.
                   
“All right, come on Twilight, Rarity, let’s go!” Applejack shook her head and gestured to her friends. “Where is Rarity? Never mind, let’s go and we’ll worry about the rest afterward!”

As the two mares left Rainbow Dash alone she pressed herself closer to Caramel. Thank Celestia he’s fine. For a moment there I really though I lost him. A small tear rolled out her eye as she pressed her face into his wet mane and whispered: “I’ll look out for you.”

>> 
           
        The warm spring sunset illuminated the azure skies, and shouts of celebration and joy could be heard from down below, yet the alabaster unicorn continued trotting up the rolling slopes of Sweet Apple Acres, her usually coiffured mane flat, full of odd stalks of straw and minuscule lengths of colourful ribbon. She stopped her gallop and looked back on the town of Ponyville. She blinked as the twinkling party lights reflected and seared her eyes.
                   
Bringing a hoof to her mouth, she screamed desperately: “Pinkie!” Craning her neck and perking up her ears to hear a response that didn’t come. She continued to trot deeper into the orchard, and the sound of the revellers was soon drowned out by the sheer distance she’d put between them and herself. The sun began setting, and the moment she descended down a small outcrop, its rays were blocked off completely, immersing her surroundings into deep dusk. She winced slightly and started trotted nervously in one place as she contemplated her next move.
                   
“What do you want?” a weepy voice called out from behind a screen of trees.
                   
“Is that you, Pinkie?” Rarity called out and trotted towards the source of the noise.
                   
“What do you want?” the voice called out again, this time Rarity could tell she was getting close.
                   
“Why aren’t you at the party, darling? You worked so hard to organize it…” She trotted towards and imposing apple tree, a straight, grey-pink tail poking out from behind it.

The unicorn trotted around and lit up her horn, just to see a pink pony slumped in the gnarled roots of an old apple tree, her dark-pink mane flowing straight down, obscuring her face.

“It’s all my fault. Caramel almost….” The pink mare sniffled. “And now Dashie is mad at me. She’ll hate me forever…” She reached for her head, only to wipe tears from her baby blue eyes.

“Oh darling,” Rarity sighed, “you can’t blame yourself. Rainbow Dash was just angry and exhausted, so she took it out on you. Everypony’s fine now.” She paused and took a step toward her friend.

“But, what if all the other ponies will hate me?” Pinkie Pie looked up, large tears rolling out of her eyes.

“Oh no they won’t…” the unicorn looked at the muddy ground, and slumped down next to the earth pony. “You’re Pinkie Pie, they could never hate you.”

Pinkie Pie looked into the unicorn azure eyes. “You think so?”

Rarity held out her hoof and swept the pink mare’s hair off her face, revealing a cautious, doubtful smile. “I know so. They’re already all celebrating. I’m sure everypony will have forgotten by tomorrow… Well, maybe you might have to bring some cupcakes to Dash and Caramel, but they’ll be fine too.”

The party mare giggled, but stopped abruptly: “And you?”

“Me what, dear?” Rarity asked, perplexed.

“What about us?” Pinkie sighed and gave her marshmallow friend a serious look.
                   
The unicorn blinked, but the pink mare simply continued.
                   
“B-because I like you. Sure, you might not be the most fun pony to be around, but you try your hardest. And you’re always there for me. But sometimes I have the feeling you just put up with me. Like if somepony classier would come along, I’d just go back to being a regular friend…”
                   
Rarity sighed. “I’ve been looking for my prince Charming for a very long time, and we both know how that ended. Afterwards, I don’t know... I guess I decided to stop planning these things and just let go and start trying new things. I asked Rainbow Dash for advice… She had no idea what I was talking about, the poor filly.” She waved her hoof and blushed at the remembrance of the embarrassing conversation. “And then you came into my shop, asking about her, and all I could do was let you down. But the next day you were your happy self. And you never stopped being happy and trying to get her attention. That dinner at Applejack’s… Why even as we rode to Canterlot, you were making off-colour remarks to her. And I was jealous. You seemed so happy despite your efforts coming to nothing, and I was wallowing in self-pity. And your energy on that pushcart was so overbearing. I guess I couldn’t stand it any longer… I know it seems stupid”
                   
The pink mare’s face inched towards her. “You silly filly,” the pink pony spoke slowly, her lips finally curving into a gentle smile. “You really need to let loose sometimes. I was kinda surprised at first, but now, when I’m with you I feel all giddy. I mean, I’m always smiling and laughing and bouncing, but with you it’s different. It’s more on the inside… you know?”
                           Rarity surveyed her friend, with a puzzled expression, but nonetheless slowly nodded.
                   
“Ohnevermind…” Pinkie Pie dove in and gave Rarity a small peck on the nose. “Just promise me you’ll play fair, and whenever you’re feeling down, you come to me.
                   
The white mare smiled. “Thank you, Pinkie I’ll be more honest with you… and myself as well, I suppose.” She stood up and reached out to her pink friend. “Come Pinkie. Let us go to the party.”
                   
The part reached out her hoof in acceptance but stopped half-way. “You know what Rarity. Let’s just get out of here and watch the sun set. I don’t need to go to that party,” she giggled when she saw Rarity’s confused expression. “I’m plenty happy when I’m with you.”
 
>> 
                   
The skies had already turned dark purple, and Fluttershy was still waiting in her cottage for nurse Redheart. She and Cheerilee managed to lay Big Macintosh down on her sofa. The stallion didn’t pose any resistance, but spent the next few hours absent-mindedly gazing at the ceiling. Not even when the time came to feed the animals, and the room was swarming with little critters, did he acknowledge any presence it the room other than the ceiling’s. Fluttershy, sat by his side, her large aquamarine eyes fixed on his emerald one, but apart from occasional blinking, he remained completely motionless.
                   
The pegasus’s vision was becoming blurry, and eyelids extremely heavy. She yawned and her head slumped. Just as she was almost about to topple over and collapse onto her patient, a her mind was torn from its stupor by a loud knock on the door.
                   
Yawning once again, the pegasus made her way groggily through the living room and opened the door. The nurse looked just as tired as her, but still carried herself with a sense of purpose befitting her profession.
                   
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come earlier. There’s been a few minor accidents in town, but they kept me busy this whole time. Cheerilee told me he was safe with you, so I assumed it wasn’t anything too urgent…” she rushed towards the stallion to check his vitals.
                   
“Will he be all right nurse Redheart?” Fluttershy asked, worried.
                   
The nurse continued with her inspection and automatically replied to Fluttershy. “Yes, it’s just shock. Normally this time he should start snapping out of it. What set it off?”
                   
“He woke up some snakes, I think. They must have startled him, I think he doesn’t like them.” Fluttershy whispered.
                   
“Hmmm,” the nurse nodded thoughtfully, “that’s why he was always working the fields, even if he isn’t bad with animals. I suppose his sister had him put on the animal team…” she shook her head in disapproval. “We had two stallions down at the field who fainted from exhaustion after pushing those ploughs. That’s another reason why he always did the snow-clearing. Well I guess there no reason to cry over spilled milk, is there?”
                   
She took out a small, thin injection and without hesitation plunged it into Macintosh’s flank. “It’s a relaxant,” she explained upon seeing Fluttershy’s face twisted in horror “It should… ease him, so that he can fall asleep. He should wake up just fine tomorrow, even though he may be a bit unsteady on his hooves.” The crimson stallion groaned. “It’s okay big boy,” she took out the injection and discarded it in her bag, while simultaneously slapping the giant’s flank.
                   
The nurse was almost at the door. “There’s a party in town in honour of celebrating the second consecutive successful Winter-Wrap Up. Just thought I’d let you know.”
                   
“No thank you. I think I’ll just stay here. Well, uhm, good night and thank you, nurse.”
                   
The nurse just raised a hoof in recognition of the greeting and dragged herself outside, slamming the door behind her.
                   
Fluttershy looked at her patient. He was blinking more slowly now, and his new had loosened, allowing his head to roll more comfortably to the side. She reached out and stroked his mane. He groaned softly.
                   
“Ya know them snakes,” his whisper slurred. “Ah don’ like ‘em.” He drew a deep breath and closed his eyes. “They’re… they’re the reason why it’s jus’ AJ an’ me runnin’ the farm.” He gave a long sad sigh and yawned. “Ah know this couch” He squirmed and shifted a little, the drug obviously starting to take effect. He snored a little as he gave the tiny giggle. “How Miss Fluttershy could think Ah was a player… when Ah’ve never… even…“
                   
With these words, the stallion finally fell asleep. The yellow pegasus looked at him, tears of joy and sadness mixing in her eyes, and laid her head down on his chest, the rising motion and the beating of his large heart sending her to the land of dreams.