> Melody Orchard
>  by JerseyWest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1, let’s get together (mature)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This idea came from after having a kink for fusions after reading darknight shades fusion series. It’s okay, a bit underwhelmingly detailed and kind of just tells its story. So while struggling to write the farmer and the mermaid (applejackxraity) or record anything, I thought, ah screw it! What else am I going to use this nsfw account for; 



Coloratura took in a deep breath before walking down what many in the music industry called, The Gauntlet. Thousands of screaming fans, hopes and dreams of getting to see their idol up close. Some of whom would even be lucky enough to get an autograph. Once in awhile, a celebrity might of even taken a moment to acknowledge one of them, and assured if they worked hard, they too could become a star one day.

Not that Coluratura hated that or anything. He who says they don’t make their craft publicly not wanting, at least some, recognition for their work is delivering horse shit. However, that didn’t mean it couldn’t get tiresome after a while. Especially when you get to the point where nearly everypony  recognizes you and you can’t not think what angel a ‘new friend’ might have. It left her yearning for a simpler time, when she could get a milkshake without being swarmed by fans. Which as it happened, after tonight. she was going to get that chance. 

As she walked down the gauntlet, smiling and waving and even giving a few autographs, her mind was focused on her somewhat girlfriend, Applejack. By ‘somewhat,”’ it meant that, while they were in love and considered each other a couple, the different lifestyles made their more intimate and personal moments few and far between. So, most of their time together was through letters. Letters, such as the orange one, to help stand out among her other fan letters, Applejack had written to her last week. For context, her last letter was about saying how'd she like a break, but joked about it being impossible unless she was invisible or some other pony. 

Well, funny you should mention that. Being another pony. I think there might be a way. Debated on saying it be easier to say in person, but figured it be best to just say so now and let you decide on if to turn it down or not; we could fuse into a pony.

See, Twilight’s been working on this new spell that allows ponies to do just that. Turned Pinkie Pie and Rarity one day, the next she did it to herself and Fluttershy. Then there was something about some other friends in the crystal empire, but I never looked too into that. Anyways, I'd have to talk to her about it if you say yes, but if you have some time you can sneak on over here it will be a snap to do. Of course, the spell only works for five days, but I suppose five days of a break from fame can’t be complained about. And even if you say no to that idea, well, we can just do the usual when you’re over. ;)

It did sound crazy at first. Not just the notion itself since... Well, this is an anthro in Equestria story. Weirder shit was every other week for this world. However, the more she thought over it, the less insane, and even exciting, the prospect became. To spend the week as not only a different pony, but a body with her love? The thought alone lead to a rather present night sleep for the popstar (if you follow...).

A day later she wrote back to Applejack saying, 

Let’s do it! 

*****  

After the Gauntlet, and a series of exchanging vehicles, sunglasses, and other such ways that allowed her to ‘disappeared’ for a weekend with her ‘secret’ girlfriend, Coloratura arrived at the Apple family barn. Her private home away from home the mares had set up after Applebloom had  babbled on one of Rara’s visited to her classmates. What fallowed was nothing short of a media circus that, even if you asked someone who was there, still had no way to explain what role the giant turkey had it in.

Sweet filly, but that wasn’t here or there, and it led to this. 

Going around back, Coloratura took out a key, lifted a lantern that hid a key-hole, and walked inside to her and Applejack’s secret hideaway that was about the size of a small apartment, having about the basics needs of a bed, bathroom, kitchen, as well a few posters of the pop star. 

To make things even better, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around Coloratura’s waist, and kissed behind her neck, causing the pop star to shutter.

“You just love doing that, don’t you?” Rara giggled, kissing back. 

Applejack chuckled and gave her girlfriend a proper kiss on the lips. “You can always tell me to stop.”

“Don’t you dare.” Rara threatened. Dropping her suitcase and spinning around to return the embrace and bringing Applejack into a deep kiss. 

This lasted for about five minutes before Coloratura pulled away to ask, “So, how’s this supposed to work anyways?” 

“Huh? Oh right!” Applejack led Rara over to the bed where they sat down. “Well, Twilight’s both not here to cast the spell, and she didn’t want to risk interrupting our weekend by, well, being in the same vicinity with a popstar. Eh, she still gets letters about Lord Cluckington.” She laughed nervously. “Anyhow,” Applejack said as she pulled out a green plastic sphere. “Said it was also a good chance to test this. Basically, it’s a condensed spell that you break open, and whoosh!” 

“And,” Rara began, tilting her head at the sphere, “This is safe?” 

“Oh yeah!” Applejack assured. “Saw Twi test it out myself on some lesser spells and then on some critters. She also handed me this counter spell just in case.” She held out a red sphere. “That, and if anything goes wrong, we just call her. But she’ll be back in town tomorrow none-the-less.” With that, Applejack held her breath and took Rara’s hand. “Still, sure you want to do this? I can understand your concerns. Plus, heard from the gal’s separation can be a bit painful.” 

Rara took in a breath and interlocked their fingers. “A chance to spend a week as somebody nobody knows who thinks they’re locked in a hotel room in Prance. By the way, you got a cover story for yourself or something?” 

“Yeah. Family thinks I’m spending the week with you in, well, I guess Prance. Suppose that’s not a total lie.”

They both smiled. 

“So,” Rara said, eagerly reaching for the orb.

“Whoa there! First, we got to undress.” 

Coloratura raised an eyebrow and smirked. 

Applejack started to blush. “Well, it’s just how the spell works. Can’t do clothes. After we’re done here, I got some baggy overalls stashed away before we head to Rarity’s for a fitting.” 

“And, what be the odd’s you would say that, even if we didn’t need to take our clothes off first.” She ran a hand down Applejack’s arm 

“Ah shush!” Applejack playfully swatting Rara away. 

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Coloratura reached down to her shirt and lifted it off over her head. Applejack followed her lead by unzipping her pants, and soon the two mares stood up naked. 

“What?” Rara asked bashfully as she looked over her girlfriend's toned body. 

“Oh, well, you know,” Applejack motioned, admiring her smooth and curvy outline. “Just that, everytime I look at you, I remember why we fell in love.” 

Giggling, Rara said, “Well, if that’s what you think…” before she pulled Applejack for a surprised embrace, pressing their bodies together. “If we’re going to be sharing a body this weekend, it means we won’t have anyone to have sex with. So I was thinking, how about one for the road?” Rara asked as she bashed her eyes, scarlet red in the face before Applejack replied by pressing their lips together and pushed them onto the bed.


A half hour later, both mares laid panting together, smiling ear to ear while gazing into each other's eyes. 

“Hey.” Applejack said through breath. “What are you thinking about?” 

Rara cooed and ran a hand along Applejack’s sides. “The idea that, in a little bit, we’re about to be as close as two ponies can ever hope to possibly be.” 

“Yeah.” Applejack said in kind, tracing around Rara’s ears. “Your eyes, your ears, your noise, will be mine as much as yours.” 

“Your hair,” Rara said back to Applejack as much as yourself. “Your arms, legs,” as she said that, her left hand moved to trace along, while her toes tickled along their entwined legs. 

“That beautiful voice-

“That perfect smile-

“That chest-

“Rear-

“Soul-

“Mind-

“Oh Applejack!” Rara cried out. “I want to be fused with you so badly. Let’s do it! Let’s do it now!” 

“I couldn’t agree more!” beaming, she pulled themselves off the bed and stood in the middle of the room. Their bodies, still pressed firmly together, the two lovers brought themselves in for another kiss. “Still in a hurry there?” Applejack teased. 

Rara laughed and pulled away. “Um, AJ,” Rara said as she smiled warmly. . “Now? Before we decided to knock each up again?” 

“Of course,” Applejack said as she freed her right hand and picked up the green orb. She held it out in front of her while her left hand firmly held onto Rara’s waist. “Ready!” 

A deep breath, Rara freed her left hand to take Applejack’s. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” 

“Then let’s-

Applejack lifted up their hands to chest level. They adjusted so their palms were facing towards each other, and then they applied pressure. 

The orb cracked, and from the cracks in their fingers a light shimmered. It slipped free, and the little light orb started to fly around their heads. 

“Whoa.” Applejack eyed the thing, her right hand now around Rara’s back.

“Aw,” Rara cooed as the cute little orb circled around her head while her left arm rested on Applejack’s shoulder.

The ball of light then started to circle all around them. Criss crossing between their arms, legs, even their chest and bellies (which tickled) accelerating each time it did so. Until it stopped buzzing around randomly and started to sololy loop round and around both of the girls at their midsection. Soon, it started to swirl around so fast that neither of them could make out where the ball was in the ring of light. Which then moved downwards into a vortex that encased both of the girls legs. At the same time, a gust of wind started to pick up that lifted the two startled girls off of the floor.

“Whoa, I-

Rara gasped, holding on tightly to Applejack as the golden vortex started to move up their bodies as. “This is happening,” Rara thought out loud as the vortex reached their shoulders. “This is really happening!” 

“I know!” Applejack cried in glee as the force of the wind caused the pair to let go of one another. They tried at first to hold on to each other again, but the force of the magic had caused their arms to be lifted above them as the vortex encased their entire bodies.

“Wha... AJ! What’s happening?” Rara chortaled as the magic started to tingle their bodies, pressed together by inertia as the vortex started to spin them around.

“I, I-“ Applejack tried to answer, but was cut off as they spun faster and faster, their bodies now aglow as the magic prepared to fulfill their desires. “Oh, Oh Rara, I love, YYYYYOOOOUUU!” 

“AJJJJJJJ!” 

Both mares screamed as they started to stretch upwards like rubber bands. Their bodies snaked around each other as if they were about to become a candy cane, until there was a bright flash, and with one last cry of euphoria, their rubberband body snapped downwards. As it did so, the two girls melted into each other, their arms and legs, skin, bones, and mussels, combining together, until all that was left was their minds. 

Eventually, the magic started waver, and once the wind had died down, a solitary girl emerged from the vortex. Breathing heavily from the experience she had just had, the mare placed her hands to her knees.

“Well, that was,” she started to talk somewhat like Applejack, but covered her mouth when she realized it wasn’t Applejack’s voice.

“Are we-“ the fusion spoke with a voice that sounded like Coloratura. , 

“I think,” the fusion began, this time sounding neither as Coloratura or Applejack as she started to run a hand across her face. Slowly, adjusting to the new shared body, the two in one girl walked over to the mirror. What she saw left her breathless, as the blonde mare with black streaks and toned, yet sleek body, stared back at her with sea blue-green eyes.

“Wow,” she said.
> Chapter 2, West Jersey (no idea why I picked that name tbh)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As it so happened, Rarity didn’t just sell designer gowns to mares. She also had a variety of wear for many occasions. Stallion clothing included. It was because of this, that a local stallion named West Jersey was in her shop that afternoon. His goal, was to look for something nice to wear at his niece's tenth birthday party in two days time.

“By chance you have anything blue?” he asked Rarity once he explained the occasion. “I wouldn’t be too picky, except it’s her favorite color.’ 

Rarity hummed to herself. “Oh, well, if I’m being honest, I think red would be a more fitting color for you. Nevertheless, if it’s what you're dead set on, I might just have something. Would you mind waiting a moment while I search in the back?” 

“No problem.” West nodded politely. Not to say cloth shopping was his least favorite past time. Up there, but he made an effort when it came to the people he cared about. 

As Rarity excused herself to the back, he couldn’t help but think of all the things he’d rather be doing. Watching tv, doing his hobby his parents didn’t approve of, maybe going for a walk, say hi to the ponies he recognized on the street and see how they were doing- 

The shop's bell range. 

“Just a moment!” Rarity called out from the back. “I’ll be right with you! Feel free to look around.” 

Curiously, Wes looked around to see who had entered the shop. Standing before him, was a blond mare with several black highlights wearing a baggy t-shirt and overalls that he had never seen before. His first thoughts being, ‘Pretty,’ even if he was sure her choice of style would have Rarity fainting dead. His seconds thoughts were, ‘Don’t be awkward around her, probably not single anyways.’ With that in mind, he mentaly slapped himself as the mare looked worriedly at him 

‘And of course I put out bad vibes already, cause why not?’ 

Still, he gave her a wave and said, “Hey there.” As if nothing was wrong and as if he hadn't seen her before. Which to his surprise, caused the mare to let out a relieved sigh.

“Something wrong?” he asked without even thinking.

The mare blinked. “What? Oh, no!” she wildly held up her hands. “Wait, no, I mean, that is to say-“ she tapped her fingers together. 

Not sure what to make of that response, Wes added, “It's okay! None of my business. I’m sorry.”

 The mare took in a deep breath. “No, I’m sorry.” She calmly walked up to the counter next to him. “Just… A little jumpy out in public.”

“Avoiding someone?” West asked, seeing as they were now in a conversation.

The mare thought about his question for a moment. “It’s… Not important anymore.”

“Ah.” West nodded before he asked a rather common question for himself. “Do I know you?”  

The mare tensed up at that.

“I mean, sorry if you do!” West interjected.  “I’m just really bad with names, although I don’t think I’ve seen you around town before.”  

The mare began to ease up. “I’m afraid I’ve just come into town for a visit.” 

“Oh.” West smiled, saying, “Then welcome to ponyville.” 

The mare smiled back.“Why thank you, good sir.”

 “Names West,” West threw out. 

“I’m- 

The mare started, before closing her lips. 

Before anything could get too awkward, Rarity walked back into the showroom, light blue outfit in tow. 

“Here we go. Still say red would be a better color, but this I think will do fabulously.” She then spotted the mare. “Why hello there. Welcome to Rarity’s-“ 

At first, she nearly fainted at the mares choice of fashion. Her years of experience being Twilight’s and Applejack’s friend helping in that regard. Then her brain clicked shortly in recognition at the recognizable enough mane. That, along with the baggy clothing she had lent Applejack earlier that day and explained how she and Coloratura were going to fuse. “Oh hey! There you are, dear.”

“You two know each other?” West asked as casually as anybody would normally in such a situation.

 Rarity shuddered for a moment, before relaxing. It wasn’t as if she was actually hiding a world renowned pop-star. “Yes. She’s my cousin actually. From Manehattan. A bit distant, but that’s family for ya.” 

West nodded in understanding. “I feel ya.” 

 “If you wouldn’t mind waiting a moment while I ring up this young gentleman,” Rarity spoke to the mare.

 The mare gave a quizzical look at Rarity before nodding along to the act. “Yes! Of course, cousin.” 

And with that, West made his purchase and started to leave.  “Well, I hope you enjoy your stay in Ponyville,” West said as he waved goodbye, and felt butterflies as the mare waved back to him with a smile.  

“Thanks! I will.” 

It was only after he had stepped outside did he realize he’d never gotten the mares name. For a moment, he’d considered heading back inside to ask. However, worried that might seem creapy, and figuring, since she was only visiting Ponyville, that he’d never see her again anyways, so he put it out of his mind.

 ****  

“Manehattan?” 

“Well I do have a cousin or two there.” Rarity waved off, saying, “The best lies are the ones sprinkled in truth. That out of the way, let’s see how you turned out, darling.” With a gitty, she led the mare into the back and lifted off her shirt. 

“Oh don’t be so bashful,” Rarity chastised as she pulled out her tape measure. “I’ve seen Applejack naked before.” 

“Oh really?” the Coloratura side said. 

“Eh… Well, I’d try and say we never did anything funny before you two started dating, but the whole, shared mind thing.” 

“Well,” the mare flashed her eyelashes, “it wouldn’t be as if you were betraying your friends' marefriend if we had some fun.” 

Rarity turned a shade of scarlet and shook her head. “Yeah, you’re Applejack alright.” She did a few more measurements, unshamefully admiring the framework, before feeling satisfied to start selecting outfits. “So, that will do for now. Although, is there anything you wanted to do here? So I can know what to personally make for yourself.”

 “Well... Actually, that wasn’t really much of a thought either Applejack or Coloratura had beforehand.” She shrugged. “The basics was, they fuse, become me, while Coloratura got a break from the spotlight for a while.” 

“Well,” Rarity hummed, “I mean, I’m not going to judge you if all either of you wants to do is spend all week watching tv. Still, it’s supposed to be a beautiful week, and I’d imagine if Coloratura wanted to do just that, she wouldn’t transform into another pony.’ 

“Well yeah, but,” a thought crossed her mind. “Well, actually, now that you put it like that, there may just be a few things I’d like to try out.”
> Chapter 3, I Am Melody Orchard
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You know the strangest thing about not playing golf? It means you were perfect for a job at a golf course. The logic being that, when you were working, you wouldn’t be envious or sneak off to play while on shift. Besides, the nice weather made for a good walk as Wes hand picked the range. Yes, they had a ball picker for that, but when there weren't a lot of people hitting on the range, this was both more efficient, and relaxing.

“Hey, West! An acquaintance stallion called out to him as he brought the balls in to be sorted back into the machine. “Congrats on your niece.”

“Thanks!” Wes called back as she organized and cleaned the balls.

“How old is she again?”

“Ten” Wes answered as he dumped a bucket of balls into the wash machine.

“Not bad,” The stallion complimented, readying his token for some balls.

“Oh, save that,” West insisted, scooping out a bucket of balls from his picking bucket.

“You sure?” the golfer asked, not wanting to get himself or West into trouble.

“Hey; Less to wash, and more for me to pick to keep me busy. Can’t complain.”

“Well, just don’t be too generous there, mate.” The stallion smiled. “I love your boss, but... Yeah. I won’t lie to yah, he can be a real mule sometimes.”

West held in a snort at the irony that his boss actually was a mule. Not to say all donkeys were like that or that he didn’t have his good days or was never not nice to West. It just made days when, though no fault of his own, something that was doomed to break down, broke down when he was on the clock. So, even if it had been another co-worker who had been too rough on the range picker the previous day, he was the one blamed and never lived down when it stopped working.... 

Although to be fair, he probably shouldn’t have driven it near a sprinkle and assumed he could have avoided it. Then again, whenever anyone but him drove over it, nothing bad happened. He didn't know that they were about to turn on at the time. Didn’t change the fact that, clearly, if his co-worker hadn’t been so rough on any other day nothing would have happened.

He gave the stallion a smile and watched as he walked off. Seeing him, and several others, starting to show up to hit on the range, West figured that now was a good enough time to take a little break. It wasn’t quite late enough to put away the remaining carts, and with his boss not maning the office, as long as he didn’t overdo it, he was free to do as he pleased. Which meant heading to Horseshoes. The golf courses pub, for a little snack. Which he knew his dad would probably chastise and say he needed to work on his diet and money handling, but this was his life and what not.

The pub was settled in from just across the registration office and placed on a patio setting with an outdoor venue for special occasions. Normally, it just be a few steps, turn, open a door, let Malt Shake know he was doing okay, buy something out of the dollar snack bin, drink from the fountain, then get back to work before anyone could complain.

Those plans altered a bit, when he saw, at the top of the steps a familiar pony. By that, a pony who was only familiar to him because he had just met her a few hours ago.

“Oh?” He questioned the mare when he saw her.

“OH!” the mare from earlier at Carousel Boutique said in equal surprise.

*****

“Golfing?” Rarity questioned.

“Well, it’s something Applejack thought about trying. Coloratura has experience with it, but could she only do so for events and such. Now that I’m neither and no one cares where my two halves are at the moment, it sounds like the most fun I can up with on the top of my head.”

“Well, I can’t say that’s my cup of tea,” Rarity admitted, “but I hope you have fun. Dose look like a lovely day for it.”
 
*****

Indeed it was. All things considered, while she wouldn’t even place in a tournament, she didn’t consider herself half bad at golf either. The best part was when she passed by a group of older stallions on a cross section hole, they didn’t even bat an eye her way. Not that, when she thought about it, she could picture many of Coloratura's fans being golfers. Still, it was nice
 
“Oh this is wonderful!” her Coloratura half sang out loudly in the middle of the ninth hole course as the ball landed in a sand pit.

“Maybe a little trying at times,” her Applejack half cut in as they walked into the sand. “Not sure if I’d do this all the time, but a fun nonetheless.” They swung and landed the ball on the green. “And still with three to four days to do… Whatever.” 

Wiping her forehead, she started thinking to herself out loudly, “Although that does leave three to four days to figure out what to do next. Definitely something with water. The lake maybe? Oh! Since I can go to one,” she giggled and beamed, “how about a pool!?” 

From the green, she got it in the hole within three shots, and noticed the courses pup/snack bar right ahead. “Maybe I can see what the other girls want to do. Although now I’m worried if this counts as talking to myself. Ah well. A day of just me myself and I sound about what I need.”

She was so lost in such thoughts, that when this story caught up to itself, she was just as surprised to see the stallion from Carousel Boutique as he was.

“Oh?”

‘OH!” she squeaked.

West took a step back. “Sorry there. I mean, didn’t expect to see you again.”

Nosalunty, she said, “Same to you, stranger.” She looked around, then asked, “You golf?”

West chuckled nervously. “Eh… Not really. I just work here. And before you ask,” he cut off her quizzical expression, “yes, a guy who works at a golf course but doesn’t play. The logic there is I’m not craving a game while I’m suppose to be working.”

“That’s,” she rubbed her chin. “Actually rather thoughtful if I’m honest.” She smiled. “Is that what you were thinking when you applied for the job.”

West twiddled his thumbs. “Actually, it was a family connections thing one summer.”

“Ah.” She nodded. “Anyways, I shouldn’t be bothering you if you were working.”

“Oh no, no!” he insisted. “Was actually on a little break and was heading in to get something to drink.” There was a more cautionary side of West that told himself, no! To not say what he was about to say next.  He reasoned, aside from his parents and boss being disappointed if they happened to stop by, he’d just be getting his hopes up for an already taken mare.  Oh the other hand, running into the same mare twice in one day? Her not immediately being turned off by his presence, and this was only the second time he’d been inside The 19th Horseshoe today? Well, maybe it was a sign. Either way, we was tired of playing safe, and figured it be good life exercise regardless. So he asked her, 

“Would you care to join me?”

Honestly not thinking there would be any harm, and a chance to rediscover what it meant to meet someone new who might have been, subconsciously not, after some angle, she answered,

“That be nice. Thank you.”

“No problem… I ever get your name?” He asked as he held open the pub's doors. “I’m sorry if you did tell me earlier at the boutique and I forgot.”

“I don’t think I did.” She realized. Only to remember that she hadn’t thought of a name for herself yet. Thinking quickly to the names Twilight had told her about the past fusions; Dainty Pleasures and Silent Learner. She pieced together how that applied to her fusions halves, and quickly came up with the first best combination to mind.

“Melody Orchard.” 

There was a pause. A chance to switch it up if need be. However, when she played it in her mind, while maybe a better name could have come to mind later, she honestly didn’t hate it. With a nod of her head, she reaffirmed,

“My name is Harmony Orchard.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Melody. I promise, I’ll try to remember it.”
> Chapter 4, Is It A Date?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One would think a fusion of a local, somewhat famous, farmer and pop star, would have trouble trying to keep such a secret while making a new friend. The solution, it turned out, was to try and always be the one asking questions. When that didn’t work; fallow Rarity's advice on how the best lies work. Of course, with West only having around ten to thirty minutes, they didn’t have time to get too deep into their backstories. He asked her what it was like in Manehattan, and Melody recalled both Applejack’s and Coloratura’s past experiences to paint a basic picture. She then asked back what it was like to live in a quiet town on Ponyville, and he said it was peaceful save for the occasional monster attacks. 

“That is something.” Melody Orchard nodded as she finished off the last of her soda.

“I mean, it makes living here a steal.” West waved off. “How else do you think I can live on my own with a seasonal job like this?”

Melody laughed at that. “I’m surprised then the town doesn’t pay you to live in it.” She tilted her head. “You live by yourself?”

West puffed up his chest. “Yup.” He then paused. Saying that out loud, it’s a bit of a long story why I should be. Mostly just a lot of hard work and determination.”

“Sounds interesting.” She said, a sparkle in her eyes.

Feeling confident, West started his story, before his co-worker in the office walked in.

“Oh, don’t mind me interrupting your date, you crazy love birds.” He placed a bit on the counter and took a chocolate bar out of the bit bin. “By the way, One Shot’s coming by in a bit. Likely five minutes away. Just thought you should know.”

“We’re not—

West started to protest the dating part, before realizing the bigger issues. “Ah! My lovely boss. I mean, as long as I do what I should do, and a good job at it, he won’t fire me. But, it’s usually best to find something to do when he’s around.” He stood up. “Sorry, got to go.”

“Its fine.” Melody assured, and started to pay for her drink.

“Allow me.” West stopped her by placing enough money for his and her sodas. “Think of it as a welcome to ponyville gift.”

“My, what a gentleman,” she blushed.

The complement started to stir something inside of him. And while he knew from past experiences that, this always was the part where, the girl would turn him down, make an excuse why not to if he asked. And he was on the clock. Still… 

Ah! What the hay? He was sure his brother would scold him more if he didn’t take a chance and go his whole life wondering, what if.

“Well, if you’re not busy or have any plans, you want to hang out later tonight? Depending how long golf carters play, I’ll be off in about two to three hours.”

“I’d love to!” Melody answered without thought. “How about I meet you back here when you’re done and you can show me around town?” So far, she had a good impression of him. He didn’t seem like a creep or anything. Maybe a little round in the belly, but his mane looked nice, some decently toned legs, his handsome-

“Great!” West smiled. Fighting to control his excitement and to remind himself he could just be seeing her as a friend. Still be nice then how far he went with most girls. “I’ll see ya around then.” Somewhat oblivious to the blank stare she now wore, he whispered, “if you want, I can hook you up with some free range balls.” 

Not wanting to risk losing the job that allowed for said golf balls, he raced off. “See ya then.” While his luck held out that this wasn’t going to last, he was still going to enjoy every moment he had on cloud nine.

Which, contrast to himself, back on the balcony, Melody began to have inner conflicts. In her case, quite literally.

“What the heck was that?” Coloratura spat out.

“What’s what now?” Applejack asked, somewhat as baffled as she realized the feelings and thoughts they/Melody was having.

 “The fact that we may or may not be crushing on a stallion we just met. Emphasis on the stallion, part more than anything.”

Saying it out loud was what Applejack needed to rationalize it. “Yeah, that is a bit peculiar.” She pondered an idea. “Well, I say we ask Twilight, but my guess is, either the fusioning of two lesbians acted like some sort of, what’s the word… two negative numbers turning into a positive. When you add two gays together you make a straight or something. That, or… I do lean more towards mares, but maybe, like, say, twenty percent of me has some interest in stallions or something? I don’t know!”

“Great.” Coloratura moaned.

“Come on, Rara! I mean, what’s the big deal?”

Despite not having a body within the context of this conversation, Coloratura managed to raise an eyebrow at Applejack. 

“You mean aside from the fact that we’re a lesbian fusion that’s not going to exist in a couple of days who j just led on a stallion she may be crushing on?”

“Ah. Touche.”

That was enough to get Harmony moving again. Realizing that standing in the middle of a bar's front door was not the place to let her two half’s debate this.

“So, I mean,” Applejack continued, “maybe he already has a girlfriend or something and is only being nice.”

“Eh… I don’t want to rule it out, but I think he is single, straight, and if not downright crushing, had some interest in us.”

“You can tell?”

“Um, educated assumption based on experience in high social settings.”

“Ah.”

The next swing Melody took hardly made it off the tee.

“So, what?” Applejack finally asked. “We just turn him down? Get out of here, and if we see him again make some excuse that gives him the hint we’re not interesting.”

Coloratura thought about that for an entire hole before answering. “Well, I mean… Would it be selfish of me to say, maybe we should give this a chance? See what happens?”

 “You serious?” Applejack asked genially. “Well, honestly, I guess that’s a good question. Turn him down, or risk breaking his heart later. Neither sounds like a good option.”

“Isn’t that the conundrum of the start to every relationship?”

Melody shivered and turned beat red at the memory of when Coloratura first suggested the idea that she and Applejack should start dating. How it tore at Applejack wanting to, but knowing it might not work with how little time they could spend together.

“Well, if you’re really okay, with the stallion part most of all among other things, then let’s go see how this plays out.”

“Oh wonderful!” Coloratura beamed. “Don’t get me wrong, dear, I love you, but it’s been so long since I tried genuine flirting with someone.”

“I’m torn how to feel about that. Except, I’m just as excited as you are about the prospect.” 

Their mutual feelings put just as much of an extra bounce into Melody Orchards step as well.
> Chapter 5, Nightcrawler's
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ah, great,” West grumbled as he counted up the put away golf carts. One short. Which meant, nightcrawlers. 

It fascinated him to no end that, even with it due to being pitch black in minutes, people would still. He swore it would take nothing short of a thunderstorm or pandemic to get any pony to stop playing. Truthfully, they would still probably play if they weren’t told not to. Well, it was irritating, but a few extra minutes on his timecard wouldn’t hurt. Except for the fact she had a date tonight.

Maybe. He reminded himself not to be too optimistic. Regardless, he thought to himself as he walked to the pro shop, it felt nice to want to leave early for a reason. That was, if she actually- 

As he headed to the picnic benches by the office to sit and wait for the last cart to come in, he was genuinely surprised to see Melody Orchard sitting there. 

“Oh hey!” He waved. “You’re still here?”

Melody jumped. “Oh! Oh! Sorry. Yeah! Why wouldn’t I be?” Her smile dropped a little in recalling that she had earlier debated with her two halves on if she was going to show or not. Still, she was here now. Whatever happened, she was going to enjoy herself. 

“Well,” West gulped. “I mean, I wasn’t sure if you might have had other plans or something.” Hesitantly, but trying to show confidence, he took a seat next to her. When Melody didn’t protest, he continued, “So, play a good game?”

Melody shrugged. “For a first timer, I don’t think I did terribly.” 

West laughed. “Yeah. Although, heads up in advance, we might be here for a while.” 

“Why’s that?” 

West let out a sigh. “Nightcrawlers.” As Melody stared blankly at him, he continued.

“Eh, it’s what we call golfers, particularly those who rented out carts and keep us here later, that play until it’s pitch black out.”

“Whoa.” Melody’s eyes widened. “How can anypony still be playing this late? I can barely see with what little light is left.”

West rolled his eyes. “You’d be surprised what ponies will play through unless you tell them otherwise.” 

Melody laughed. “Sounds like you have an exciting life.”

West started to answer, but then saw the last golf cart on the final hole. “Ah, there they are! Looks like there’s just one golfer, so we should be able to get out of here in about five to ten minutes. Um, is there anything you were wanting or thinking of doing tonight?”

“Actually,” Melody said as she rubbed at her shoulders, “I did have some earlier plans.” She kicked around the ground. “I was going to meet up with some friends at a bar after the game, but I’d love it if you would come with me.”

West Squinted his eyes. “I thought you said this was your first time here.”

 Melody tensed up.

“Let me guess; Pinkie Pie? Oh wait! You said you were cousins with Rarity back at the boutique too.”

Melody let out a light breath. “Yeah! That’s it. Um, I mean, Rarity set me up to meet up with some of her friends after golfing.” 

“Ah! The elements. I mean, I don’t know them personally, but you’ll definitely like them.” Noticing how the last golfer had reached the green already, he added, “I’m sure you will as well.”

The rest of the conversation was just of Melody asking West about life in Ponyville. Most of which were things she already knew, but as long as it kept him from asking her more about where she came from. Which she was doubtful she could hide for long, but for the moment, it was all about her; Melody Orchard. Not the Element Applejack, or the popstar Coloratura tonight.



As the last cart came in, the guy inside commented on PJ’s, ‘lady,’ friend, to his dismay. A quick wash and lock up, and the two ponies were off. The bar in question not being too far away from the golf course as it turned out. The other elements in attendance, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, already sipping on some cider and beers when they arrived.

“If I never hear that oatmeal joke again,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Well in anycase,” Rarity interjected, before noticing Melodies and West’s advance. “Ah! There she is now!” Her smile diminished when she realized the stallion next to her, was clearly company. “Melody! So glad you could make it.” She looked to PJ, saying, “And you brought a friend I see.” 

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash picked up her head from the table. “She did?”

“Looks like it,” Pinkie Pie replied, indifferently, but more in a cheerful direction. 

“Um, yeah,” Melody Orchard said nervously. “Hope you don’t mind.” She took a West’s arm, surprising him but  truthfully had started to feel a little awkward at Rarity’s gaze. “Guys, this West Jersey. Kind of meet him earlier today at the boutique, and then we bumped into each other at the golf course.”

“I recall.” Rarity added with a sip of her Manehatten. “I could use a little freshening up. Darling, would you-

“Melody.” Melody Orchard pointed out. Realizing West was the first pony whom she had shared her name with. “Melody Orchard.”

West laughed. “If it means anything, I’m just as bad at names.” He sucked in a breath at Rarity’s quizzical expression. 

“Yes, of course!” Rarity responded as if she had just gotten some joke. “Anyways, Miss Orchard, would you care to join me?” Before either she or West could protest, she had dragged the poor girl off, leaving a bewildered West, Rainbow Dash, and- 

“I think I’ll join them.” Pinkie Pie added, realizing something. “Be right back, don’t you go anywhere!” 

Not really seeing anything better to do, and thinking that, even if what they were about to talk was bad news related to him, following them wouldn’t have helped. So, he took a seat adjacent to Rainbow Dash.

“So,” Dash questioned, while somewhat aware of the situation, not at all as invested in who or what had happened. “You golf?”



Meanwhile, having been dragged into the ladies room, Rarity began a bombardment of questions related to the stallion Melody Orchard had brought with her. Somewhat assuming more than guessing this was some kind of date. Alongside the fact that she was supposedly a fusion of two lesbians. 

“Rarity, chill!” Melody commanded as she pushed the mare off of her. “I already had thought of most of those things beforehand.”

“But, I mean,” Rarity started to protest further, until Pinkie Pie bounced into the bathroom. 

“Hey, girls,” the pink mare waved. “What I miss?”

“My guess is Rarity here is questioning my dating life.” Melody said with a huff as she crossed her arms.

“Well,” Rarity commented, “you can’t blame any of us for being surprised.”

“Ah, Rarity, who cares?” Pinkie pointed out. “Does it really matter? Or,” she smirked, “You forgot what it was like with Twilight when we were Dainty Pleasures?”

Melody Orchard’s jaw dropped. “You both did what now as Dainty?!” 

“Not that point!” Rarity deflected. “I’m just pointing this out as the voice of reason.” She sighed and turned her attention back to Melody. “Well, if this guy does like you, then how do you plan to explain to him who you are?”

“Well, hehe.” Melody twiddled her fingers. “I... Look, it’s not like I haven’t thought of that.” She leaned back onto the sink. “But I just want to enjoy tonight. Alright? I’ll deal with the whole fusion thing later. For now, this is my first chance to meet somepony without them thinking about my fame first. Or, I guess that more Coloratura's. But Applejack’s too with your girls more localized fame.” She let out a sigh and placed a hand on her head. “That made me sound rather hallow, didn’t it?”

“No.” Rarity said, crossing her arms and looking away. “I suppose I understand a little. Still,” she looked back to Melody, “feels wrong, if I’m honest.”

“Come on, Rares,” Pinkie Pie walked over and gave Melody Orchard a half hug. “I mean, it’s not like it’s the end of the world if you only go on one date with someone and that’s the end of things. Fusion or not.”

Rarity bit her lips. “I suppose you’re right.” She took in a breath. “Look at me! I practically became my father when Sweetie Belle started dating.” 

Pinkie Pie and Melody Orchard laughed at that. 

“Still,” Pinkie Pie pointed out, “maybe we should head back? Before the poor guy thinks we’re helping her ditch him?”

“Yes, indeed.” Rarity nodded. “Sorry about that, dear.”

“Thanks, Rarity.” Melody nodded with a smile. “I can understand where you’re coming from.” She looked downwards. “Although now I can’t help but worry-

“Stop!” Rarity blurted, causing Pinkie Pie and Melody Orchard to jump back.”You will not let me worry there. We are going out there, and giving you your first best day ever! Then after, I will be making you an apology dress.”

Melody chuckled nervously. “You really don’t have to, Rarity.”

“But I must!  No, it’s already decided. Oh!” Rarity’s eyes started to sparkle. “I already have some ideas!”

Melody started to protest, but a tug on her head and look at Pinkie shaking her head told her that it would be futile to fight it. This was her night, and she wasn’t going to let any worries about what would happen later stop her.
> Chapter 6, First Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “So then I was like, of course I’ll sign your forehead!” Rainbow rattled off between cider cups. “Why wouldn’t I?”

West groaned and nodded. Fascinating as that sounded, he couldn’t but look towards the restrooms to see if the girls would be coming back or not. Then again, they could've just been hoping Rainbow Dash’s buzzed rammelings would be enough to scare him off. He had never felt so relieved when he saw the three mares exit the bathroom and head back to their table.

“We’re back,” Rarity said with a smile. “Now then, West was it?”

“Yes, it was,” West answered, straightening himself up as Melody took a seat next to him. An extra broad smile on her face as she did so. “... Rarity, was it? Yes! Just bought an outfit for my niece's birthday party from you earlier today.”

“Oh!” Pinkie Pie perked up. “Birthday… Wouldn’t happen to be for that ten year old filly in a few days at the community center?”

“Yeah. For Kaydence. Not to be mixed up with the princess, mind you. She was born before that whole Canterlot wedding fiasco.”

“Oh don’t remind me,” Melody said as she cringed at the memory.

“You were there?” West questioned innocently enough.

‘Ah,” Applejack said within Melody’s head. ‘Sorry.’

‘I got this,’ Coloratura said with an eye roll.

“Well not so much, there,” Melody explained, recollecting where Rara was during the event. “I was actually planning to go. To Canterlot, that weekend. But then… Other things came up and when I found out, I was thinking that a close one.”

That, other thing, being Coloratura's manager at the time not being able to score a performance at the event. To which all the other mares, Applejack from within Melody’s head included, look on intrigued at the explanation.

Which, fortunately, West didn’t notice. “Oh, well, I guess a close call like that will be something you won’t forget.”

“You have no idea,” Applejack let slip out of Melody’s mouth. 

“We're going to order some food?!” Rainbow Dash butted in. 


With that, they did so. Between ordering and getting their food, West couldn’t help but feel…

He wasn’t sure what the right word was. Third wheel? Being danced around. Although he never felt uncomfortable, he did feel as if they were being careful with what they said. As most of the conversation was directed more about him. Asking who he was, what he did, not what he wouldn’t expect. They would also tell them about themselves when he asked. Most of the awkwardness, he seemed to notice, came from Melody. Whenever he asked something about her, she would try to deflect back to him or one of the elements. If it seemed like one of the elements were about to acknowledge her, they switched around the conversation.

“-so then I had to improvise,” Rarity said as she recalled of an experience in her Manehattan store. “Fortunately, the customer liked it.” She beamed and looked to Melody. “Would you say that- I mean, that’s a manehattan minute for you.”

“Yeah,” West sighed. Having had enough. “Hey, Melody?”

“Huh?” Melody blinked.

“Would you like too…

He scanned the bar for a decent excuse, but figured to just be straight. “Can I talk to you about something? Privately?” It didn’t surprise him that the mares started to look uneasily at each other. 

Melody fidgeted and started to protest. However, she felt a hand on her leg. She looked next to her and Pinkie Pie, who gave her a reassuring nod.

“Sure,” she answered, following West as he stood up from the table. Glancing one last time at her friends who tried to seem assuring.

Rarity spoke first. “You think-

“We’ll just have to wait and see.” Pinkie Pie said, spinning around her beer bottle.


West led Melody back to the game corner of the bar, which was thankfully empty at the moment. Although he had to think if this was a good idea. Maybe not, he could already see his dad, if he ever found out, scolding him right now. However, he decided if he didn’t get it off his chest, it would drive him nuts. Besides, if this had just ruined any chance with her, he might as well go fill out with experimenting with sharing his concerns.

“Something wrong?” Melody asked as West turned to face her.  

“No. Not at all! It’s been a really fun night,” He promised. “It’s just that… Well I don’t know, it may just be me, but, are you okay? I’ve been feeling like your friends are trying to, what’s the word? Um, they seem to not let you talk? Or ask you to talk? No! I mean-

Melody became suddenly fascinated in her feet.

West sighed. “Is it me?”

“What?” Melody’s bear shot up “No! No. I promise, you’re doing nothing wrong.Njt,” she rubbed at her neck.

West raised an eyebrow. “But?” 

 Melody griminching. “It's complicated.” She regretted it before she even said it. 

West sighed. “Hey, if I’ve made things awkward, it’s fine. I really didn’t want to ruin your night. I can take a hint. I’m sorry if I came on too hard with you.” 

Melody felt her stomach tightened. “It’s not that! No, it’s-

She reached out her hand and saw him flinch back. When she recoiled, she had a thought.

“I'm a fusion of two mares.” she spat out before either Applejack, Coloratura, or herself could think twice about it.

Why she was thinking first, the way things were going if that’s how he was feeling. Sure, she could probably make some other kind of excuse. However, truth be told, she was having a miserable time. She couldn’t talk about herself because she didn’t want to accidentally slip, and all that did was make her unhappy. She wanted to talk, enjoy herself, get to know this stallion, and if no matter what she said would be bad, why not just tell him the truth.

“What?” West asked, genuinely confused by that.

With it out there, Melody took in a breath, and explained; “I actually a fusion of a mare the elements know about.” Keeping the identity of who those mares were for the moment. “A spell Princesses Twilight Sparkle knows.” She had closed her eyes at that last part. When she opened them, a bit of relief that West didn’t look angry or in disbelief.

“You… Believe me?” She asked when he said nothing.

“To be fair,” West shrugged, “when it comes to living in a town with the elements, this is hardly anything.” His words having taken him out of some kind of trance he had been in, he shook his head. “Although, this isn’t some kind of excuse or lead me on or to say you don’t want me around or something?”

“Heck no!” Melody snapped. “Sorry, I mean,” she said as she took in a deep breath. “Actually, with that out there,” she bite her lips. “West, do you think I’m pretty and see this as a date?”

West reddened. “Well! I mean, I didn’t want to come out as too forward, but,” he replied as he noticed her arms were being held behind her back. “Do you want it to be? I do think you’re rather pretty, and from what little I've gotten of you so far, you seem like a cool mare to hang out with.”

Melody smiled as she said, “Thanks.” She sighed, continuing, “The thing is, before I cause any harm if you want to back out; I’m a fusion of a lesbian couple, and I’ll be defusing, not by choice, in four days.” She frowned as West's jaw slacked. “Yeah. Although, I don’t think you’re bad looking yourself. Don’t ask how that works being two gay mares, plan to bring it up with Twilight when she’s back in town. Anyways,” she took in a breath, “that’s, kind of the deal.” She hugged herself. “I actually wouldn’t mind if you wanted this to be a date, however, well, actually, the plan was for me just to enjoy the night before I had to drop it on you that I can’t promise anything we do or feel may continue in four days,” Melody said as she cringed. “Yeah, doesn’t sound any less selfish out loud.”

“Well, I… I don’t think so...” West started to say. This was crazy. Assuming her story was true. Which would have almost been worse with the idea that their relationship would have a time limit. Then again, was that really so bad a trade off of she was interested in her.

He made up his mind. “Now that I know, would you, maybe, like to start over.” 

She looked up to him hopefully. 

“Actually,” West coughed, “since we seem to have a lot off our chest, would you like to go out on a date with me, miss Orchard?”

“Really?” Melody held back a chortal. “Not that I had any other plans.” She tried to sound tough, but failed miserably as they both let out a laugh. “But seriously. I mean, are you sure? I really don’t want to set you up, and in four days-

In a bold move, West reached out and took Melody’s hand. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes. How about tonight, we just have fun? Okay?”

It proved to be too much for her, as she lunged forward and embraced him. To which, surprised, but just as happy, he returned the hug. 

“So, a fusion?”  he asked once they pulled away. “Who with?”

“Uh…” Melody shrank a little. Then she came up with a fun little solution to her problem. “Now where’s the fun if I just told you that?” 

“Ah, come on!” West pouted. “I thought we were being open about things. Please.” 

“Nope.” She booped his nose. “Think of this as a means to work on that name memory problem you have.” 

West scoffed, but accepted defeat. “Alrighty, Miss.” He booped her back and was rewarded with a giggle. “Challenge accepted! But for now,” he offered him his hand, “shall we get back to this date properly so I can learn more about Miss Melody Orchard, and whomever she may be.”

“Let’s.” Smirking, she took his hand, and allowed him to lead her back to their booth. To which, On the outside, Melody Orchard was radiating with joy. On the inside, however;

“We can’t hide that truth from him forever, Rara.” 

“I know. Still is a weight to at least have the fusion and time limit thing out of the way. Now maybe we can enjoy this night and let this guy fall in love with who we are, not what we are..” 

“And then?” 

“…We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.”

***

Back at their table, the three mares sat around worriedly.

“You think everything’s going okay back there?” Rarity asked.

“Maybe,” Rainbow offered. “Still, if not, may be for the best that we don’t have to tip-toe-

“And they’re back!” Pinkie cut off. All three of them straightened up as West and Melody took their seats.

“Hey,” West said. “We miss anything?”

Each of the three mares said their no’s in their own hesitant way.

“Things alright with you two?” Rainbow asked quizidly.

Melody and West looked to each other, then back to them.

“It’s alright,” Melody answered non-saluanly

“Oh yeah.” West nodded in agreement.

The mares only slightly easing up.

“That’s good,” Rarity began. “So, West, what kind of-

“Actually,” he cut off, “I was wondering if we could talk more about Melody.” He held back a laugh as the mares tensed up. “You know; like who she is. Where she comes from. What’s her favorite and least favorite fruit and vegetable? Maybe some funny stories from you ladies?”

There was a moment of silence.

Melody rolled her eyes in bemusement. “He knows. Told him everything except who I am. Or rather, which two mares created me.”

A collective sigh of relief radiated across the table.

“Oh that’s good!” Rainbow Dash said. “So he doesn't knows your-

“Ah ah!” Melody Orchard ried out, reaching across to flick Rainbow Dash on the head.

“Hey!”

Melody glared before relaxing. “I mean, didn’t want to spoil all of the fun for him in one night.” She playfully nudged West with her elbow.

Rarity, more aware than Dash why she would want to keep that a secret for a while, added, “Well of course. A lady must have some secrets of her own.” Her face turned more neutral. “So, this is really going to happen between you two?”

“Oh joy!” Pinkie Pie smiled. “First comes love, then comes marriage, then-

“How about we just get through our first date tonight!” Melody cut her off, both her and West already red in the face. “And to answer at least one of your questions, West; My least favorite fruit is the Strawberry.”

With that stress out of the way, the night became far more enjoyable for all five of them. While the elements still tried their best to keep Melody’s identity of Applejack and Coloratura a secret, they could at least be a little more open and would even share a few funny stories that didn’t give too much away. Although, most of the remaining night after that was getting to who Melody Orchard was herself. Turned out, she was a rather forward mare who wasn’t afraid to speak up about what she wanted. A mare who somewhat liked golfing and even singing. A stubborn mare, who wouldn't let it go when Rainbow Dash challenged her to the bull. A caring mare who happily nursed West back to health when, in a bit of ego, attempted to beat out the two mares, and was thrown off halfway across the bar. Probably didn’t help that this bull was a real four legged animal West kicked too hard and unwisely insulted it too.

Most of all, Melody Orchard was a rather optimistic mare who could be easily made to laugh. Something West did as often as he could, sometimes to the annoyance of the other mares, but it was worth it to hear her beautiful laughter. While making Melody aglow when he said as much.



This continued until eleven p.m. when the bar was set to close. The five of them parting their separate ways one by one, until, likely intentionally seeing as Pinkie Pie, to Applejack's memory, took the long way home, left West and Melody by themselves. The former of which was leaning onto the other still in a little bit pain.

“You’re an idiot,” Melody complained as they stumbled while she helped him walk.

“But, I’m your idiot, right?” West asked sheepishly.

Melody rolled her eyes and let out one of her beautiful laughs. “Something like that.”

West smiled as they continued on down the street. “Well, otherwise, and even that was worth it, I had a rather fun time tonight.”

“Yeah,” Melody replied as she nodded in agreement. “I did too. Thanks.”

“Um, my place is right, there!” West pointed downwards at the end of the street. “Also, isn’t the stallion supposed to walk the lady home after the date?”

Melody clicked her tongue. “Well, I mean, if you’d want, and then have to walk home by yourself.”

West chuckled nervously. “Or I could just spend the night at yours.” His pupils shrank as Melody bit her lips. “Sorry, SORRY! Too much?”

“Eh,” she started, “yeah, maybe just a little.”

West let out a breath. “Well thanks for being honest before I really crossed a line.” He frowned. “You wouldn’t have been the first. Although I swear, it’s never intentional”

Melody adjusted her grip on him. “Oh… Sorry to hear that, partner.”

“It’s okay. I mean, live and learn, and it’s because I’m not with anyone that I got to meet you.”

Melody blushed. “Well any mare that broke up with you over a misunderstanding of what boundaries she is and isn’t comfortable with, is a fool.”

He smiled at that. “Thank, Melody.”

Of course, those situations were far more complicated than a few one time off-putting sex jokes, but he figured those were details she didn’t need to know.

“No problem,” Melody said as they reached the front door of his place. “So…

“So,” West started, leaning against a rail for support so he could look directly at Melody. “Was, tonight good enough that you’d want to try this again?”

“I’d love to.” She said. Simply, with a grin. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“Eh, I have work in the afternoon. Although I have the next two days off after. How about we meet up at Sugarcube Corner to plan out the week.” He kicked at the ground. “So, we really only got four more days together?”

Melody Orchard looked down. “I really am sorry I can’t give you more.”

West took her hands into his, fighting through the pain to stand straight up. An effort that wasn’t lost on the girl. 

“Then I’ll just have to make them the best four days of your life.”

Melody teared up. Just a little, mind you.

“Thanks.” She blushed, taking his hand. “Wasn’t really expecting to meet anyone, mare or stallion, to be honest. I’m glad it got to be you.”

“I’ll do my best not to mess it up.” He added, taking her other.

“Do so.” Melody added with a wink.

The two laughed at that. When their laughter dies down, the two gazed longingly at each other. Their faces drawing closer and, not wanting to waste a moment longer or wanting fate to cause something to happen, Melody crossed the distance for them as she quickly pressed her lips onto his. West jerked in surprise at the suddenness, but was all too happy to return the favor as they stayed connected for about a minute. Smiling goofily at each other when they broke apart.

“Well, goodnight!” Melody waved. Letting go of his hands and walking home before it became too tempting to ask if she could have just spent the night with him.

West himself stayed on his patio for a while, even once Melody was out of view. A far off, dreamy gaze in his eyes, that Melody would share all throughout the rest of her own night.
> Chapter 7, Day 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 2

West Jersey had a very pleasant sleep that night. In fact, he found himself waking up at five a.m. the fallowing morning all on his own. Also, while most days would have had a desire to return to sleep like he might, he felt full of energy. Spending a good two hour tidying up his house, and another working on something he hadn’t in a long while. Then about a half hour before he was due to meet up with Melody Orchard. It felt like nothing could go wrong.

Almost as if the forces that control cliches could be, his phone rang. Knowing who it likely was before he even answered, the stallion took a moment to take a few deep breaths, figuring it was better now than when he was on his date.

“Hello?” He calmly answered, remembering for a moment how the person he thought might answer back said he shouldn’t always assume things.

“Morning, West,” His father answered back. “How’s it going, son?”

 On the other hoof...

West took in a deep breath before answering, “Fine, fine, is all fine.” He wiped his forehead. “What can I do for you?”

“Can’t a father just check in on his son?” 

‘Only when it’s to see how I’ve fucked up this time or to encourage me to move back in,’  He proudly thought to himself, rather than say out loud. 

Reminding himself about what laid ahead, West casually answered, “Oh, no, everything’s great.” As he said it, his foot started to tap as his fingers played with the phone. 

“Great.” His father answered with a jolly laugh. “So what are your plans today?” 

He was about to respond with his usual, nothing, which may or may not have led to his father asking if he could come over to help with some chores. Which he could have said no too, only to get a, ‘Why not? Is something wrong, son? Maybe we should look into a therapist you can’t afford son,’ response. Versus saying he was working on his hobbit’s. 

Unfortunately, he actually did have plans that day. In less than an hour actually. However, if he knew his father and mother, if he told either of them that, they would then just go on and on asking a million questions. Then, without even telling them about the lesbian fusion bit, would find some way to suggest falling in love with her was a bad idea. It was part of (although not entirely) the reason he was single prior to Melody, believe it or not.

So, how could he tell his overprotective father that he had a date that morning? 

“Um… Nothing really. Have some plans to clean my house and such.” Not a lie, since he had spent the whole morning cleaning, and was even getting into the habit of doing something every day. 

“Ah, yes.” West could tell his father had nodded at that, and was probably rubbing his chin between the pause. “Well then, how about... You clean out your gutters today?.” 

Having already planned to clean the bathroom, West tightened the hold on his phone. “Sure thing, dad.”

The phone went quiet as West realized just how much bite he had let slip in those last couple of words and started to mentally slap himself. 

“Oh, well, if there’s something else you’d rather do-

“No, dad, it’s fine!” he tried to add with a little more cheer. “That sounds perfect.” 

“Alright… I’ll leave you be and check in on you later. Oh! Have you gotten the outfit for your nieces party tomorrow?”

“Yeah. I’ll be there. Still ten o'clock?” 

“Hasn’t changed.” His dad confirmed. “Alright then. I love you, son.”

“Love you too, dad,” West replied with as much energy as he could. He let out a breath as he hung the phone up. A bit too close for comfort, although the underwear he immediately saw on the floor after he thought he’d taken care of anything in case his dad did a surprise visit didn’t help.


****** 


“Really?” Twilight Sparkle asked on her end of the phone. “Wait! Aren’t you gay?” 

“I thought so too,” Melody Orchard shrugged as she played with the phone cord in her underground barn apartment. “At least, yeah, you’d think so because my two half’s are, but no! My guess is either Applejack or Coloratura might have been a little bit bi. Or it’s that thing where you add a negative number with a positive number, whatever that’s called.” 

“It's just called multiplications.” Twilight answered. “But getting back on topic- 

“I’m aware of all the why nots, Twi. But I told him last night and,” Melody let out a dreamy sigh. “he said he doesn’t mind, and wants to give this a chance anyways.”

“Um,” Twilight said, before realizing that it wasn’t as if there was a serious reason they needed to keep fusions a secret. Although there was one secret she was sure was supposed to be kept hidden. “Ah! And, does he know who you are?” 

Melody paused a bit before saying, “Not yet. I made it a little teasing game for him to guess. I’m willing to bet it won’t take him long to figure out I’m part Applejack. As for the half I’m really worried about him finding out… I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” 

“Alright. Well, you enjoy your date with him this morning, and I’ll see you later this afternoon for an examination.”

“Sounds good, Twi. I’ll see yay then,” Melody replied before she hung up, and took a long look at herself in the mirror. It was too early to be anything but excited.


*****    


“Hey!” West waved, spotting Melody at one of the outside tables.

She looked up at him from her coffee cup with a smile. “Morning, handsome. How’d you sleep?”

“Good,” Weste said, leaving out some details that made it ‘great’ for tac. “So,” he swung into the chair adjacent, “how has your morning been, miss Applejack.”

Melody eye’s widen, before relaxing into a teasing grin. “How’d you guess?”

“Well,” West answered, rubbing his chin. “At first, when I was thinking about your name, and where I might have recognized you before learning about the whole fusion thing, I thought; Orchard? Actually, my first guess was that carrot and strawberry farmer.”

Melody gave him a death glare.

“For the fur colors!” West insisted, holding his hands up. “Then I thought, but carrots and strawberries don’t grow in orchards! Then I realized we had an apple farm in town. It wasn’t until I looked up a photograph of the elements in a paper that I was confident enough to make the assumption.”

“Well fancy that,” Melody whistled, booping him on the noise. “I found me a smart boy then.”

“Yeah.” West chuckled, sitting up straight in his chair.

Pinkie Pie zoomed in next to them, asking “Hey, guys! So, what can I get you two love birds today?” She gave them a wink.

Blushing, the pair ordered pancakes before being left alone again.

“So,” West continued, “one of the elements, huh?”

Melody tensed. “And, what’s that’s supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, nothing!” West tried to defend. “Well, I mean, I definitely would have thought out of my league, to be honest.” 

Melody huffed and crossed her arms. “Don’t knock it until you try it.” 

“I’m being sincere!” West groaned. “Come on! You mares seem like ponies any guy would kill to be with.”

 “That’s sweet and all, but,” Melody leaned forward, “before you found out who I was, and if you had a say and picked over which of us would be hottest… 

West averted his gaze. “I mean… I’m with you now, and it’s not if I had thought I’d stand an honest chance with any of them before.” 

Melody narrowed her eyes. “Humor me.”

 “Is that you, or your Applejack talking?” West gulped. 

“Say it.” 

“I don’t really think- 

“Say it.” 

“Is this really-

“Come on, now, sugarcube, no need to be shy. The fact it wasn’t immediately Applejack says enough already.”

“I just don’t think-

“Say it!”

“You are really persistent, arnt-”

“Say it!!”

“Alright!” West caved. “Rarity! If I had to pick it be Rarity!” He covered his mouth, as Melody slumped back into her chair. She then laughed out a loud laughter that caught everponies, including Pinkie’s who was just coming to them with their pancakes, attention. 

It was attention West didn't like. Knowing in one way or another it would reach his dad. 

“Alright, alright! Quite down, please!” he begged. 

Melody righted himself as she realized how nervous he looked at all the attention they were receiving. “Oh… Oh! I’m sorry.” She rubbed her neck. “Not the attention seeking type?” 

“It’s,”West said with his tone sounding a bit upset, but chilled at Melody’s concerned expression. “It’s nothing. Just complicated.” 

“Ah.” Melody said, as Pinkie Pie sat their food down onto the table.

They ate in awkward silence, before he said, “Well, Applejack was definitely my second favorite.”

Melody let out a relieved sigh. “Under the circumstances, I’ll take that as a compliment. Even without I can admit you have good tastes.”

West blushed and smiled at that. “Thanks,” He leaned forward. “So I guess one down, one to go?”

Melody held her fork in mid-air between bites.

“I would have thought maybe one of the other elements, but aside from meeting half of them last night, just didn’t match your color or Melody part of your name. I have a few guesses, but none of them-

“You work today?” Melody cut off,. “Cause if not, I was thinking, maybe we could go for a swim somewhere.” She winked at him, and West’s face turned scarlet.

“Um… Yes, actually, I do. Two o’clock. But then I have the next two days off. Although the one tomorrow I have reserved for my birthday nieces party. It’s what I was doing at Carousel Boutique to begin with.” 

“Aw!” Melody coed. “You have a niece?”

“Yeah,” West answered with a giggle “Sweet little thing. It’s her tenth birthday.”

Melody smiled and cupped her hands. “Well that sounds like a great idea.”

West blinked. “Say what now?”

“Your nieces party.” Melody smiled as if nothing was wrong, before realizing how that might be. “I mean, if you can bring a guest that is, I’d be happy to be your plus one.” She frowned at PJ’s shortness of breath. “Oh, sorry! I over-step-

“NO!” West interjected. “I’d love to, but-

What, was he supposed to say he had pride and daddy issues? That the last thing he wanted was for his dad to pester him over something like this? Then again, she was honest about the fusion and how this might not last after things, he supposed he owed her the same.

“I just kind of have some… Family complications. Nothing bad!” he assured her. “If anything, when I say it out loud, it’s kind of piety.” 

“Oh?” Melody scooted closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You want to share?”

West sighed. He really did. “Well, I guess long story short, my parents can be a bit overprotective. Good hearted, but it’s always trying to dictate my life to the letter. Always judgmental if I like-

His pupils shrank.

Melody tilted her head. “Like what?” 

This was getting better and better. Still, if she really was part element of honesty, lying would do no good. If she was going to realize this wasn’t going to work out, now be the time. 

West took in a deep breath. “Alright, well… I’m kind of into… animated, kid shows.”

“Oh, really?” To his surprise, she sounded rather excited before flinching back. “I mean, may be a mood killer, but,” she fidgeted with her hair, before saying softly, “My Little Human?” 

West’s eyes widened. “You’re a fan too?” 

They both perked up, smiled, and then laughed. 

“Oh, thank Celestia,” West said as he shook his head. “I mean, yeah. If there was anything I was the most afraid of ending this relationship, it be that and, maybe also like to write fan fictions about the show for its fandom.” He said fast and softly, hoping Melody wouldn’t hear.

However, she did.

“Sound interesting, honestly.” Melody beamed. 

West stared. “Really? I mean, it’s not like I’ve ever sunk so low as to write or read any of the porn, I assure you.”

She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Eh... Well, regardless, if I had, I’d at least make sure it was well written and not just sex but a story that just happens to have sex in it.” He coughed. “Although it sometimes feels no one cares or is interested even when I do that now-a-days.”

“Hey,” Melody assured, reaching out for his hand. “Don’t give you that easily.” Her more Coloratura half spoke up. “Doing what you love may not immediately get you the results you want. But stick too it, and you’ll never know where it may take you. Personally, I wouldn’t mind giving your stories a read sometime.”

West’s face brightened up. “Well thanks. Means a lot... Although you’re taking this whole thing rather well.”

Melody shrugged. “It was my favorite show as a kid. Even then, there’s nothing wrong with liking whatever you want. I still watch it on the road sometimes. Although it’s another getting someone else into it.” She groaned. “I still trying to get Applejack more into the newer generation.”

“Road?” West questioned.

Melody fidgeted, before saying, “Well… So who’s your favorite character?!”

The rest of the morning was spent with them nerding out, talking about fan theories, while West shared some of his fan fiction premise ideas that Melody seemed to like and even through out some suggestions he’d have never thought of on his own.
> Chapter 8, It’s Your Party, pt. 1 Day 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Weren't you hesitant about this whole dating thing a day ago?” Melody groaned as Rarity continued to measure her. 

“Darling,” Rarity said gidally, “I may be a friend with your best interests, but I’m a hopeless romantic and artis first and foremost. Now hold still for a little longer.” 

Melody huffed. “I mean, it’s just a date to his nieces birthday party.” That he was nervous about being judged by his family, she reminded herself.

“Dear, sweet Melody,” Rarity waved a hand, “A stallion inviting you to be his plus one to any such event is not, just a date. No, no! If you two really have gotten that far already, it’s more or less destiny.”

 “Easy there, Rarity,” Twilight added as she conducted her own test on the side. “Let’s not overwhelm her. Would you mind sticking out your tongue?” 

Melody rolled her eyes as she let Twilight look down her throat. “So, anything I should worry about?” 

“Seems like everything is alright.” Twilight noted as she wrote on her clipboard. “If you mean with the whole sexual attraction thing; still only speculation. Although I suppose at the end of the day romance is all about how you feel rather than any science.”

“It’s not how, I, will feel that I’m worried about.” Melody sighed.

Rarity and Twilight looked at each other.

“I mean,” Melody tried to explain, “I, we, they, are attracted to him while I’m me. But, well- 

“We know the feeling,” Rarity assured. “Why, take Fluttershy and Spike after Silent Learner came and went.” She winked at Twilight. “Or you and me from time to time as Dainty?”

“Rarity!” Twilight flushed. “Regardless, Melody, for right now, it is what you want to do. It’s great you care about this stallion to be worried about him after this is all over. However, you said he understands, so it’s better to live and love now while you can, than regret never having been later.”

“My, Twilight,” Rarity giggled. “And here I thought I was the romantic.” 

Twilight bemusedly shook her head. While Melody found herself able to bear the rest of the dressing and testing.


*****  

 Day 3

Looking in the mirror at himself, West took in a deep breath. Hair, check. Shoes, check. There was sure to be something he’d- 

There was a knock at his door.

“Coming!” He shouted down. Guess there would never be good. Only good enough. 

He opened the door, and the sight in front of him nearly took his breath away. Rarity really knew how to dress someone up. 

“Hey,” he said, short of breath. 

“Hi,” Melody beamed. Pleased to see all the pain Rarity put her through seemed to be paying off. “That outfit really does you good.”

West blushed. “Same can be said for you.”

She giggled. “Well, are we just going to compliment how hot we are, or keep your niece waiting?”

“Right!” West shook his head. “Shall we?” He extended his arm. 

Melody hooked her arm into his. “We shall.” 

They started off their little walk to the party at the community center with smiles. The closer they got, the more knots that formed in West’s stomach.

“You okay?” Melody asked.

“I guess. I mean! I’m sure they’ll love you.” He let out a click. 

Melody squeezed his arms. “If it’s that much of an issue.”

West breathed. “No. I want to. Believe me. I do. Besides, if and when you first meet the family, it might be better in a larger, public, setting than to just have my dad surprise crash one of my dates.”

“Hey!” Melody brought them to a stop and unhooked his arms to stare him dead in the eyes. “Look, I’m nervous too. Maybe not with the same thing you are, but in other ways about all,” she waved her hands in the air. “But we can either worry about the what if’s, or, we can enjoy the moment. Your parents can say whatever they want about you bringing a mysterious mare on a date to a birthday party, and App-My two halfs can sort out how they feel about you later.”

West nodded. “Okay… Actually, you’re very right! Also,” he took her hand, “I promise, whatever happens, thank you. You’ve been the best thing that’s happened to me in a log time.” 

Melody raised an eyebrow. “Better than the season two mid-fnale to My Little Human?”

“Well,” he drew out with a wave of his hands. “I mean, if I really had to choose... 

They let out a relieved laugh, and Melody gave him a kiss on the cheek. West blushed, and they continued on their way. 



By the time they made it to the community center, the birthday party had already started. With popular music being blasted loudly enough to be heard on the other side of the park the center was postponed at. The first thing the pair of the saw was a bounce house out front. As they got closer, they could pick out foals from West’s nieces school running around playing tag. A sight brought a smile to both his and Melody’s faces. That was, until, the first couple of adults started to notice West. Or rather, the fact that he hadn’t come to the event alone.

“Hey, West!” One of his aunts spoke up first. “Who’s your friend?”

 For a moment, he started to tense up. This wasn’t good. He couldn’t have negative attention around himself! That meant ponies would talk. And if ponies talked, they might say he looked silly! And if he looked silly, he was sure to-

Sensing West’s dismay, Melody gave his arm a soft squeeze. Turning to look at her reassuring and warm smile, melted away, momentarily, any fears he had. Of course, by then, even more family members became interested in West and his mare, friend he had brought. Walking arm and arm with no less.

So, to Melody’s delight, he answered honestly, “This is my date, Melody Orchard. I hope that was okay.”

His step brother, father of the birthday girl in question, also drawn in by the fact his normally recluse and interverted brother, brought a, rather preaty looking date, responded.

“No, man, it’s all good, bro.” He offered his hand and name, to which Melody returned the gesture.

“Hello there!” A small voice said from beneath them.

“Aw!” Melody coo’ed and looked down at the filly with a crown marked, Birthday Girl. “West, is this your adorable little neice you were telling me about?”

Kaydence let out a giggle. “I am.”

Melody smiled. “Well, happy birthday then.” She then pulled out a small brightly covered package. To which Kaydence cheered.

For a moment, West started to relax and enjoy himself. 

“West?” His father called out to him. Ruining the moment.

“Dad.” West said with a cringe, turning to his dad. “Hey, lovely day.”

 “Yeah,” his father smiled, looking at the mystery mare besides him. “Who’s your friend?”

Melody blinked and turned to look at West’s father. For the moment, despite how tense West seemed, she couldn’t notice anything wrong at first glance with his dad. Perhaps it was just generally father son strains. Then again…

“Melody Orchard,” Melody offered with a hand and warm smile. “And you must be West’s father.”

“Yes,” his dad said, giving Melody’s hand a bit of a firm shake 

“Um, yeah.” West gulped. ‘She’s… She’s, um- 

Melody frowned at his nervousness, and began to feel uneasy at his father’s quizzical gaze at herself. So, to get to the bottom of things, she swiftly threw out,

“His date!” To empathize her point, she grabbed onto his arm.

West’s eyes widened at Melody’s forwardness, but not wanting to give his dad anything else to complain about, he held in his shock.

“Um, yes,” he spoke above a whisper. “Yes she is.” Holding onto Melody tightly, he could tell from his dad's expression that they were about to have a long talk. 

“I see.” his dad said with a smile. “Hey, West, you think you can lend me a hand with something really quick?”

 West sighed. “Sure, dad.” He answered dryly, knowing fighting it wouldn’t help.

“I’ll join you!” Melody beamed on the outside. As on the inside, all she could do was fight to not lash out, as she was not about to leave her stallion when it seemed like he needed her the most. Which was all the more confirmed when his father broke his smile.

“Thanks, miss, but you don’t have-

“I insist.” she hissed, starting to walk forward with West in tow. Causing both West and his father to be taken a back.

West, however, held her back. “Mel, it’s fine. You should just enjoy the party.” he nervously chuckled as ponies started to stare. 

Melody gave him a stern stare that West tried to return, only coming across as more terrified. Causing Melody for a moment to consider doing just that. 

However, it was his father who broke the stand off.

“Alright.” he said to their surprise he said. “Just a little help inside with the stage and karaoke machine. Shouldn’t take too long.” He then turned his back to them and walked inside. 

As he did so, he whispered into Melody’s ear, “Thanks. You really don’t have to. It’s not like he’s not going to eventually get alone together with me sooner or later.

 “Hey,” she assured, following his dad inside as she stroked his arm. “It will be fine.”

West clicked his tounge, but said nothing to that.

*****. 

Once inside, not to West’s surprise, his dad tried everything to get Melody to leave even just for a minute. Well, he did try to be all friendly, ask how she and West meet, where she came from, the likes. But he would also ask her to get something or another that was away from the stage they were working on, and that stubborn mare always found a way to not leave either of them alone.

His dad ask for a power drill he ‘might’ of left outside, shed pick up a screwdriver and just as easily screw in the screws. Could she go see if she could get someone to help life a table, she shout at someone passing by, or prove between the three of them she was strong enough. Had to run an extension cord outside? Giving his dad a deadpan look, she plug the speakers into a power outlet that was hidden under the stage.

‘Gods, she's beautiful!’ West thought to himself as she would always smile at him when one of his dads attempts failed.

Still, as turned on as he was, he still couldn’t relax under his dad’s wandering eyes. Waiting, thinking, knowing, and to cope, he was starting to shut down emotionally. Only answering in, “uh huh’s. “Sure.” And, “Yups.” 

Although what really tip the scales was, while asking how they met, West told him about their first run in with Carousel Boutique. To which, his father questioned if a ‘dress shop’ was really the best place for a stallion to get an outfit.

Melody stared slack jaw at that statement. She then continued the conversation, with as much control of her emotions as she could of.

“Well, I mean, it’s not as if the shop only stokes dresses for mares, sir.” She let out the, sir, part through gritted teeth. “The element of generosity has great taste, if I do say so myself.” She smiled at West, who relaxed at that. “So then I decided to go golfing, and wouldn’t you know it, there he was again! It was almost as if someone wrote it out to be so.”

To her surprise, his father seemed less than thrilled at that.”

“So,” he spoke to his son, “you were flirting when you were supposed to be working? Also, miss, you think you can find us some water bottles?”

Melody snapped.

“Okay! If you have some kind of problem with me, you can say it to my face rather than trying to get me to leave.”

 “What?” the stallion said alarmed. “Of course not. You’ve been a great help-

Tired of the acting and wanting to get it over with, and seeing it was only the three of them within earshot, memories flooding back to West.

“What?” West protested. “You don’t want to talk to me about how I should of told you first I was going to bring a date? Or maybe before I got another girlfriend?” He huffed. “Or maybe something else I did that was wrong and silly.”

His father sighed, looking from his son to Melody. “What? No! I’m glad you bought somebody. Although, you should have told me ahead of time.”

 “Yeah, like I have to do with everything in my life no matter how small.” West fumed. “Or maybe just me being happy is too much for you. 

Hi father bit his lip. “You know, you’re not being fair. I’m just trying to help you. Why do you have to fight me?”

 “Because whenever I do, you always find something wrong with it.” 

“Well, I’m sorry if when I do so your house is always a mess.”

“Well I’m sorry if I can’t have every single suffice-

“Would you both stop acting like foals?” Melody injected.

Both stallions jolted to attention.

“Yeah, both of you.”  she glared at West, but then turned back to his father. “I may not have the whole picture, but I can already tell you that if my little sister brought a surprise colt to a party as a plus one, I wouldn’t be all over her and act like she should of told me every little detail about her life.”

West chuckled, but regretted it when she turned on him.

“As for you-

Seeing there was no one else to talk to, West asked, “What, me? How am I suddenly in the wrong here?”

“Hey,” she motioned to his dad, “it's not as if you’ve been acting any less rational or whining throughout all of this.”

Angry, West spat out, “Well I didn’t ask you to get in the middle of this.” He hated himself the moment the words left his mouth.

Melody blinked. She then said, “Well… Fine. I’ll leave you two alone then.” She curtsied to his dad. “A pleasure, sir.” She then walked away.

“Mel, wait!” West called out starting to chase after.

“Hey, we’re not done here.” His father said.

West felt a ton of bricks in his feet. Knowing that if he chased after Melody, there would be consequences. However, to his and Melodies surprise, he ignored his father, and followed behind his marefriend.

****

They found a quiet corner of the community center to be alone in. Both ponies trying to get their bearings on what had just happened.

“West-

“Melody-

They both blinked, unsure of who was suppose to go first.

“No,” Melody beat out, “that was unfair of me. I can see why you have a lot of stress with you dad more.”

West lowered his head and laughed. “Hey, as much as it hurt, it wasn’t as if you were wrong.” He sighed. “I know deep down, he wants to help me. It’s just-

“He cares too much?” Melody pulled on her dress. “You want to be more independent? Yeah, that bit about my sister, Applejacks Applebloom… Yeah, AJ could get really overprotective sometimes. Hey,” she stood closer to West, “he still shouldn’t treat you like that. Although, and please try not to take this the wrong way, but, why do you put up with him?”

West cringed. “It’s… Well, if I’m honest, next to the homie thing, it’s a story I’m scared will turn you off from me the most.” He lowered his head. “It’s what happened with me ex.”

Melody placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Okay.” West breathed. “So, that whole My Little Human thing, yeah, he didn’t take that well when he found out. I think I was singing out loud to the happy song and hadn’t realized he was home at the time.”

“Oh my.” Melody blushed. “That, must of been a talk.”

West snorted. “Oh yeah. Truth be told, I was still living in my parents basement, somewhat content with my life and in no hurry to leave the safe, cheap, comfort of home. Then I discovered the show and many other ‘foals’ program, and even learned I could practice my writting skills with fan fiction. Kind of somewhat a dream of mine to be an author… A very work in progress.”

Melody chuckled. “I’d still love to see your works one day.

“Thank you.” West smiled. “Although, even before then, I was kind of always the odd kid. Never really fitting in, a ton of mental problems, and as I became an adult who still lived with his parents, yeah.”

“I’m surprised then that they wouldn’t be the type who’d actively try to kick you out then.” Melody said.

“Eh,” West scratched his head. “Like I said, I do think they want what’s best for me. Kind of dose lead me into my current mess where he’s still ridding me though. After he and mom found out I was a Homie, as happy as it made me, they gave me every reason you can think of why a grown stallion shouldn’t watch kid shows.” He swished his tail. “Ponies calling you freak, pedo, stallionchild, ‘I didn’t realize your son was that autisic… Actually, the more I say it, the more i think they care more about their inmagine than mine.”

Within Melodys mind, she pictured a young Coluratura who was told over and over again by her own parents that she would never make it in the music industry. The foals who’d teased her for some of her outlandish outfits. From the time-

“So it was then and there I decided, was time to leave.” West continued. “Of course, I did have some plan beyond just pack up and leave. Wouldn’t of been easy, find an apartment, ask for a raise, find some extra income. I work in the winter at barnyard bargains for the hoildays. However,” he cringed, “dad got wind, and he, well, didn’t stop me. However, he said” he coughed and told the next part in a mocking tone, “I could get an apartment. Or, ‘ could wait a year or two, save up, and let him help me buy a house instead. And, as eager as I was to get out, and maybe because I was, still am, a little spineless and not liking to argue, agreed to it. Which means, yeah, I got a house instead, but it’s in his name too. So if I try to go against him or do anything he dosn’t like, then I’ll be up a creak without a paddle.” He sniffled. “Sorry. I know it's a bit of a sob story.

Melody let out a laugh. “Hey now, I don’t think you're pathetic.”

West raised an eyebrow at her.

“At least, I get why-

She paused, and realized that what she wanted to tell him came from Coloratura's memories. Still, if he was brave enough to share all of that, she owed it to him as a reward to let herself be vulnerable.

“Well, I have experience as well of parents and even foals saying what I wanted to do in life was stupid and silly, and how gettting started took a lot of risk.”

West squinted. “Is this your other half’s story? Cause, from what little I know, doesn’t seem like Applejacks.”

Melody breathed. “It is. Although no, you’re not getting a name that easily.” she teased to let off some tension. To which West acted all mad, but smiled.

“Anyways,” Melody continued after giggling. “Yeah, and I mean, maybe you should of gone with the apartment and not have to worry about your dad. Also, I’m far from saying he’s in the right here, but it still sounds like you’ve had better support than I did. Although,” she lowered her head, “it is the struggles that make us who we are. The fact that, even if you did need your parents help, you were able to move out, and do what you love despite any backlash is something to be proud of.”

“That’s,” West said a smile as they held hands. “Yeah. Thank you. Really needed to hear that, Melody. I... Wow. Never realized how little self-esteem I’ve had.”

Beaming, she leaned over to him and gave him a kiss on the lips. “Of course. And hey, while my secret half,” she winked, “is happy where she is, she had low confidence too. I just said what I could have used when she first started.”

“Well, you and her are an incredible mare.”  West happily returned the kiss, and they held each other for a moment as the sound of karaoke could be heard from the main hall.

“Although,” Melody said as she pulled away with a devilish smirk. “If you’re looking for a way to boost your self confidence, as well as to stick it to your dad on what makes you happy, I may have a somewhat crazy idea.”

West titled his head. “What are you up too?”

With a giggle, she led him back to the main room and made an assumption on what she had in mind.

“Eh,” West dug in his feet as the sound of uncle singing One Way, vibrated through the building. “You sure this is a good idea? I mean, I just-

“Oh,” Melody frowned. “I mean, well, you know, if you’re really that uncomfortable with singing some karaoke with me, that’s fine. Was just an idea.” 

West started to say so, but then remembered something he had read and, ironically enough, his dad had mentioned. Now, it varies in every situation, but, if there’s one thing that all mares found attractive above anything else, it was confidence. 

Which wasn’t to say a stallion couldn’t show fears or insecurities like West had just done. However, as scared as he was at Melody’s idea, the look she gave told him it was now or never for him to show some balls and face his fears.

While West knew she wasn’t going to say or act it outright if he didn’t, truthfully, he told himself, if he didn’t get up on that stage with her and risks public humiliation, and possible several hours of long conversation with his dad about not looking silly in public, he might as well of ended it right then and there with her. 

“You know what, Melody.” He squeezed her hand and stood up from his seat. “Maybe it is time I stop acting so scared and hesitant to do stuff.” It wouldn’t change how his dad was sure to chastise him about it later. Frankly, at least at that moment, he didn’t seem to careZ

Melody smiled wildly. “That’s the spirt.” Hand in hand, they eagerly raced to the stage.
> Chapter 9, it’s your party pt. 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“No, no, and no!” West hissed under his breath. “Did I say no? No? Well, no!” 

Melody Orchard gave him a raised eyebrow. “I thought you wanted to work on your self confidence as well as stick it to your dad?” she said picking up the mics.

“I mean,” West fidgeted, looking at the eyes now on them, “if we’re going to do this, can’t we pick something a little more…

He looked at the karaoke machine. On its screen, was displayed a cover from the show, My Little Human. The song of Melodies choosing, Taking Over Midnight. A dance number that was really technically a part of the show. Rather, ironically enough, a song that the characters in the show had reluctantly sung karaoke too when the fate of the world was on the line. It made more sense in the context of the episode. Although it did spin off some genuine good covers like the one Melody had just recommended.

 “-mainstream?” West continued to plee. “I’m not backing out, but maybe this is a little too fast? I still have to live here when this is all over.”

Melody thought about that for a moment. Indeed, wondering if maybe picking a Little Human song was overdoing it. However, in the crowd, she happened to catch a glance of West’s father. The stallion watching them in a way that brought back some painful memories to Coloratura, while ignoring the stubborn fire that was Applejack’s personality when a challenge was accepted.

 “Come on, West!” She hit the play button without a second thought. “Trust me?” she asked, handing him the mic as the music started to play. 

 Heart racing a mile a minute, no way out of this apart from making a bigger deal, Melody’s warm smile, West took in a breath.

“Okay.” He nodded

Melody beamed and turned to the screen, just as the first lyrics came up.

Melody began.

“Friday night, and we’re gonna party till dawn.”

She gave West a nudge with her to pick up. 

With a gulp, West sang,

“Don’t worry, daddy, I got my best… gown on.” He gulped as, sure enough, serval ponies in attendance snicker.

Melody frowned, but kept the song going

“We’re Roll to the party, the stallions lookin our way,”

She gave him a shoulder bump, however, West had become frozen in fear. Inside his mind, all he could think about was how much of an idiot he looked. What everyone would say afterwards for singing a kids song. The long talk his dad was sure to have-

“We just keep dancing, We Don’t care what they say!”

Melody sang in a way that was meant to get West’s attention. Stressing the last couple of lyrics to their situation.

It was enough to snap West out of his stupor. Turing to look at Melody who was giving a stern, yet caring face. So what if his dad or family thought he was looking silly just then? He was looking silly with a beautiful mare, who had no problems looking silly herself with him.

“Those other guys are a bore,”

West confidently sang out. Holding tight to his mic.

“let’s show them the door,”

He looked over to Melody again. His face beaming with confidence that was infections to the mare as she sang.

“We’re taking over, the dance floor!”

They pumped their fist into the air, and sang together,

“Oh, oh! We do what we like!

Whoa, oh! We’re taking over tonight!

Oh, oh! We do what we like!

Whoa, oh! We’re taking over tonight!”

Glancing for a moment at the crowd, he was pleasantly surprised to see not as many judgmental faces as he might have feared. A few who had no idea what they were singing, sure. However, the bulk were either the foals who recognized the song, or a few adults, clearly more curious about who, when he looked past his fear, West realized they were more interested in who he was singing with, opposed to what he was sung. 

With that little boost, he took Melodys hand, and they sang their next part in perfect synch.

“We’re kings and queens of the disco!

Oh, oh! We’re taking over tonight!”

Melody squeaked in surprise as West lifted up her hand and spun her around. She laughed as they snug, 

“Whoa, oh! Taking over tonight.”

After that verse, the song then took a momentarily slower beat. West took the lead there, looking longingly at Melody as he sang,

“When I first looked at you, I knew it was true.”

“The first dance tonight, was a real fright,” Melody sang with a sparkle in her own eyes as she looked into his.. “But here next to you,”

Hands still held, they took turns between each verse.

“I was feeling so blue.”

“Now the hour is midnight,” 

This feeling is right,

Together again, on the highest of clouds, they finished off,

‘Here on the dance floor!

Whoa, oh! We’re taking over tonight! Whoa, oh! Taking over tonight! Whoa, oh! Taking over tonight. WHOA, OH! Taking over tonight.”

The music started to die down, and, unaware of how they had started to dance a little, ended up singing the last lyrics face to face.

“Taking over tonight.”

With that, the song ended with a bunch of clapping and cheering foals. Realizing how close their faces had gotten, then bashfully pulled away to bow to the crowd.

“Thank you!” Melody shouted. High on energy, she threw her fist into the air. “We’ll be here all night!” 

West laughed. Haven’t having that much fun and not care what anybody had to say in… Ever. He was sure his dad would find something negative to say about him sounding like a fool to a kids song. However, he couldn't be happier. Melody living up to the first half of her name with a nice pair of lungs. Although, now that he was thinking about it, he started to wonder about who those lungs might of belonged to. 

At that moment, the karaoke machine started to offer up a list of recommended songs for the next pony. One of which being a cover by the pop star, countess coloratura. The celebrity face and upper torso holding a microphone and winking. 

Perhaps if he wasn’t just then thinking about the question, he wouldn’t have noticed how both Coloratura and Melody shared the same raven hair. Or how it looked like if you mixed a little orange in you may have gotten a color very similar to Melody’s. As well as a few other details that made West put two and two together.

“What?” Melody questioned. Still breathing heavily and smiling full of adrenaline. “Is something-

She turned to look at what West had been staring at. It was from the Fame album. Not one of Rara’s more memorable photoshoots. Really should of gone with the a different shade of purple for the hats that day.

Goosebumps racing up Melody’s spin.

“You’re,” West started, eyes widened. “Count-

“No!” she placed his hands onto his. She then noticed the crowd who was still clapping and did her best to give them a warm smile and wave.

“Not here.” she whispered to him.

West remained slacked jawed. However, a pleading look from Melody as she held his hand while she waved told him enough.

 “Okay.” he assured, squeezing her hand and waving to the crowd. 

*****   

“So, The Element of Honesty, and Countess Coloratura?” West said in amazement once they had excused themselves outside for some much needed fresh air.

“Wow.” He grinded. “That’s really-

He stopped himself when he saw Melody was shuffling uncomfortably. “Something wrong?”

Melody flinched away when West reached a hand out to her.

“Melody?” West questioned, a sinking pit in his stomach. 

“Well,” arms crossed, Melody let out a breath. “Yeah, I’m a celebrity. Isn’t that awesome?” she said in a clearly sarcastic way. “I bet you’re now thinking about all of the ways you can get rich and famous by me.”

“What? No!” West protested. “What makes you think-

“So you weren't thinking, gezz, I’m dating a famous pony?”

West tried to say no, but knew he honestly couldn’t. 

“Well,fine!” He nodded. “But why is that a bad thing?”

Melody huffed and crossed her arms. “You wouldn’t understand.”

It took a bit of effort for West not to get angry at her. Not that he wasn’t. However, all a shouting match would do was draw unwanted attention, and it wouldn’t solve why his marefriend was so troubled by this revelation.

“Well,” West started with a breath. “I’d like to. I really didn’t mean to make you upset just because I figured out who you are.”

Melody started to say something mean, when she froze at West’s concerned gaze. That, and, she knew this conversation was inevitable from the beginning.

“Fine!” the mare said, throwing her hands up. “And you know what? That was unfair of me.” She leaned against the building. “To be honest, it’s the whole reason Aj and Rara fused into me in the first place.”

Not quite understanding yet, but more than eager to listen so he could know how not to upset her, West rested against the wall.

“Coloratura wanted a little break from the spotlight,” Melody continued. “Applejack thought of the fusion spell, suggested it as a way she could hide herself in public, and, well, here I am.”

She sighed. “I mean, it’s not like the celebrity life, at least for me, is all bad, but it gets tiring after a while. Also, to be fair,” she nervously played with her fingers. “They didn’t think they’d meet anybody while Rara was on her little vacation. So, when you came into the picture, um, it was exciting.” She looked up to the sky. “Someone interested in me, who didn’t see me as some prize or stepping stone to fame.”

“Does that happen often?” West questioned with a frown.

Melody turned and gave him a deadpan look, but thought better of getting sarcastic.

“Well… Actually, most ponies are too intimidated to even ask Rara out. So I guess the ones that do are either in that category, or are the more obsessive fan types.” She shuddered at a few of Coloratura's creepy fan mail. “Anyways,” she looked downwards. “Sorry. It wasn’t as if I was naive enough to think you would never find out or I wouldn’t tell you, but it was still my biggest fear.”

West shuffled in place taking on everything she had said. True, he had thought just the fact she was an element of harmony felt awesome enough, but now as a pop star? Yeah, he could see why she’d be so nervous for him to find out.

“So, how do you feel now?” West asked. “I mean, I can't act like it isn’t cool. I can try to tone things down, but,” he swallowed. “Would that be too much of an issue for you?”

Melody clenched her fist. “No. I,” she turned to look at him. “I really don’t want it to be.”

Propelled by the forces of the unknown to crate conflict, from the door they were adjacent to, West’s father stepped out. The stallion had been looking for them.

“Hey, West,” his father started. “Miss-

 “Not now dad,” West said rubbing his forehead. “I’ll listen to whatever you have to say about looking like an idiot out there later, but right now Melody and I are in the middle of something.”

 To his surprise, rather than seeming angry, his father seemed taken aback.

“Is… Is that what you think?” he asked.

As much as he didn’t want to deal with his dad and marefriend right now-

“You don’t think telling him what he should and shouldn’t do wouldn’t have some effect on his self-esteem?” Speaking of said marefriend, Melody glared at him.

His father's eyes widened and suddenly West both felt very scared, while somewhat aroused at the same time.

Taken aback, but still remembering that he was the father in this situation, the stallion pressed on, “Excuse me, young lady. I’m just trying to help my son.”

“Oh, and you’ve been doing a fine job.” she sneered.

“Melody!” West grabbed her shoulder. “Don’t. I appreciate the support, but this is my battle, not yours.”

She pivoted to let her coltfriend have one, but the look of determination on his face cooled her down.

“Fine.” Melody reluctantly moved aside. 

“No.” To West’s surprise, his father said, “I’ll leave you two alone. I just wanted to say, I’m sorry.”

Both Melody and West stared slack jawed.

“I mean, I do wish you would of told me you were bringing a date-

“So you could tell me not to?” West interjected.

His father huffed. “Well, I… Look, I’m really not trying to ruin your life. I care.”

Anger boiling up, West let out. “Oh it really feels like that sometimes. Saying I’m never good enough, one minute saying I shouldn’t act all silly and the next chastising me for acting too anti-social!” A tear rolled down his face. “Always nagging me to keep my house clean, but whenever I do there’s always something I miss, saying I can do better at my job… Saying I should have broken things off sooner with my ex rather than let things get as bad as they did.”

His father frowned. “Okay. And, I can see why that would frustrate you. But if I didn’t think you could do it, would I have helped you buy your house?”

Of course, there was the mater that once his dad found out he was a homie anyways, he had planned to move out, and saw the house buying as some way to still keep control over him. Still, on the other hand, it wasn’t as if his dad was that often wrong on how he could better himself. It was a mixture of his own flaws and how on him his dad could feel at times.

“I’ll leave you two be,” the stallion said heading back inside. “I thought I would at least say, you two looked like you had fun up there. Also, if you’ll believe me, I am glad you found someone. She seemed like a good mare.” He smiled and closed the door behind him.

Melody and West remained in stunned silence for a while. Both trying to figure out what the actually fuck just happened.

“You know,” Melody said at last. “If I’m honest, with those fears I had, I thought I would be the one with the most baggage in this relationship.”

West snorted. “Um, I’m the one who tried to blame his ex problems on my dad. Well, I mean, it’s not as if he wasn’t direct fault somewhat, but yeah. It was also me not realizing the problems sooner.” He fell onto the wall and sank to a sitting position. Melody followed by sitting down next to him. “So, where do we go from here? We still, good, or...

“Um,” Melody pounded. “For all the stress, I still really like you.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Can’t say those insecurities, of mine own with you thinking I’m famous! Yeah, they’re still an issue.”

He took her hand. “I promise I’ll work on my issues with my dad to make myself and these family outings less stressful, if you promise you’ll trust me. Or at the very least, I promise not to  go around acting like I’m dating one of the hottest elements of honesty, and the most talented mare in equestria.”

Melody laughed loudly at his attempt at flattery.

“You know,” she said, cupping his chin so they could be eye to eye. “I think that’s a fine idea.” The music in the background changed from something that had been fast and upbeat to something more soft and romantic.

It was also sung by Songbird Serna.

“Oh of everything in this Celestia-damned universe that could have played right now!” Melody fummed.

West raised an eyebrow. “Some kind of celebrity rivalry thing?”

“Eh,” Melody chuckled nervously. “Actually, it’s a much funnier story than that. I’ll tell you some other time. For now, maybe we can just try to enjoy the rest of your nieces birthday party.?” 

West responded by taking her hand, and bringing their lips together.

“I’d really like that.”
> Chapter 10, The Meaning Of Life (Day 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To make a long story short; They did. The highlights ranging from seeing West’s nieces opening his and Melodys present, to Melody being introduced with several of West’s other family members. A little more karaoke, and even some genuine okay moments with his dad. However, they decided not to stick around long after the cake. Which West’s father showed no objections to.

The couple exited the party, and went for a simple walk through the park for the rest of the afternoon. Most of which of which was spent talking and really getting to know one another. With nothing more either of them felt like they had to hide, both ponies were free to share the stories they had been scared to tell prior about their lives. West sharing both unpleasant, as well as many more happy memories with him and his father, while Melody told him funny stories about her celebrity friends.

While it had beena great day, by evening, the two decided to take a little break. Only so things wouldn’t get too overwhelming. Even the most in love couples don’t want to be merged at the hip. Which, when Melody put it like that, they both had a laugh at the irony that she was just that.

They left with a kiss, and West spent the rest of his night with some creative writing to unwind, while Melody enjoyed a night with Applejack’s friends.



The next morning, after not getting a call from his dad, which almost made West as worried, but happy for the space, the two lovers meet up at Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. With nothing else going for themselves, Melody suggested a swim at some of the Sweet Apple Acre ponds. West doing his best not to think his marefriend was the most gorgeous thing in the world as she strutted in her one-piece.

By around lunch time, the two were wet (in the clean way!) and had taken a break from all of their swimming and splashing.

“Well that was fun,” West smiled as he dried his fur off. Hiding his blush as Melody flipped her wet mane over her head. Which she clearly noticed.

“Oh?” she said to West with a smirk. “Like what you see?”

West struggled for words.

“Well,” Melody laughed, sitting down on the shore next to him. “Look at the little cutie pie I’ve wrangled.” She leaned forward and kissed him.

“Going a little Applejack there, Mel?” West smiled dumbly as she pulled back.

In a Canterlot ascent, Melody answered, “You sure about that, sir?”

West rolled his eyes. “Okay! I’m a stallion, not a moron. And even I know Coluratura doesn’t have a Canterlot voice.”

“Or that could just be Melody Orchard,” she snickered, playfully sticking out her tongue.

“You tease.” West accused. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask about that.” He placed his hands on the grass. “What’s it like? Being a fusion? Are you, Applejack and Coloratura in one body? Or are you more of your own pony? Because sometimes I’m sure it’s one, but then then you do something like that, and it makes me think its the other.”

Melody rubbed her chin. “Um… I guess maybe the simplest answer would be; yes. I am me. I am my own pony. At least, I'm pretty sure I am. But I’m also Applejack and Coloratura. Who tell me what to do. Even though I’m sure I’m in control of my own actions.” She looked at and wiggled her toes. “Like, when ‘I’ was debating if I should give you a chance, they were talking about it among themselves inside of my head. If they had said no,” she rubbed her head. “While there was nothing stopping me from just going out with you, I would have felt compelled not to.” She sighed. “I’m sorry if that sounds- 

“Like a pair of parents to their child what to and not to do and they bring too young to properly protest?” West cut in. 

Melody raised a finger to protest, but instead said, “I wouldn’t say that an accurate comparison, but honestly, it’s not too far off the mark.” She smiled. “Well done.”

West beamed. “Does that mean I’ll be dating your parents when this is all over?” West meant to say as a joke. His expression dropped at Melody’s unease. “I’m sorry! Forget I said-

“It’s fine.” Melody waved off, taking a deep breath. “I mean, it’s not as if that hasn’t been a fact ... Yeah.”

After a couple of minutes of silence, West asked, “I just killed the mood, didn’t I?” 

“No!” Melody blerted out. “Maybe. I just,” she took a hold of West’s arm, “I really don’t want a minute of our time together to go to waste worrying.” Even as she said it, the knots in her stomach tightened. 

“Yeah,” West brought her into a hug. “Me either.”

Sadly, the mood didn’t lighten up for the rest of the afternoon. Not for a lack of trying, however, with the genie out of the bottle, they could do nothing about the air of dread. Nor of the fact that Melody Orchard only had two left of existences. In the end, they called it quit from the lake, and started to head back to the barn. As West was about to say goodbuy for the day, Melody jerked onto his arm and pulled him into a kiss as she pushed him towards the barn.

“Um, Mel,” West spoke up between breaths. “What are you- 

“If I’m going to die in a few days, I’m at least not going to die a virgin.” She giggled when she looked up to see West’s dazzed look.

“I,  um, whoa! I, oh.” He shook his head. “Isn’t this moving a little too fast? Also, Rara and AJ okay with this?’

“Oh, they’re going into overdrive at this moment.” Melody shrugged. “But they can deal with it. This. is my choice.” Her eyes glowed. “This, is what, I, want.”

If there was one thing West could say he didn’t regret, it was saying, yes. He told her that he loved her. She told him that she loved him too. They made their way into the apartment under the barn. With the little time they had left, they showed each other how much they meant to one another.

***** 

“Darling?” Rarity said reaching out to Melody the next day at the boutique. 

With West at work, Melody had walked through the streets of Ponyville by herself. That was, until she ran in Pinkie Pie, who had offered to hang out with her Carousel Boutique with herself, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Twilight doing… well, nothing, really. Just being together like friends sometimes too. Thinking it was better than being alone, she accepted, only to sit on a chair looking distant the entire time until Rarity opted to say something.

“Huh?” Melody blinked back to reality.

“Is something the matter?” Rarity asked, drawing Twilight’s and Pinkie’s attention. 

“Um, no, I’m fine.” She lied.

Now to be fair, Twilight needed to be sometimes as clueless about reading cues to not think what she said next was unfair to ask.

“Maybe it’s an effect of diffusion?” The Princess suggested. While she had grown into recognizing cues and such, she was still prone to saying the worse things at the worse times without realizing it. 

“Shouldn’t be happening for another day. But maybe if you’re not feeling well-

“Yeah! Rub it in why don’t you?” Melody snapped. Instantly regretting her outburst as her friend’s reactions. “Sorry.”

“Not at all,” Rarity spoke as Twilight was taken aback. “But, if I may; bottling up your emotions is Rarity healthy. So please,” she wrapped an arm around the mare. “What's been on your mind?”

Melody bit her lips. “It’s… I’m scared, alright.” When nopony followed, she elaborated. “To not exist anymore.” Her eyes started to water up. “It wasn’t even really something I was worried about until West brought it up yesterday.” 

Her eyes started to water up. “Oh Celestia! I just realized saying that I’m talking about dying.” Covering her head, she ranted, “No, no, no! You know what? This isn’t fair! I only get to live for five days, and then I’m just supposed to die while Rara and AJ get to live for years?!” 

“Melody, clam down!” Twilight, in a way she might not of been socially smart, interjected. 

“Don't tell me to calm down, Twilight!” Melody snapped, rising to her feet. “You of all ponies. Why?” She gave Twilight a shove. “Why did you have to create that spell? Why did it have to work in the way that it dose?” As Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie tried to hold Melody back, the mare started to cry. “Why was I even born if I was just going to die?!” Her breathing grew heavier. “I… I don’t want to die.” Broken, she dropped to the floor. “I hate you! I hate this! I hate twilight for making this spell unfair, I hate the fact she created it in the first place. I hate Applejack for suggesting this, I hate coloratura for agreeing to it more. I hate West for making me love him, his dad for making him feel bad, for even being born, I hate-

The four mares watched as she cried her eyes out. Pinkie Pie dropping to her knees to offer their friend a hug. Melody Orchard all but accepted.

Twilight Sparkle, for her part, was lost for word. Was this what it was like for all fusions? God. No, the way Melody had put it, she had just been playing God this whole time. A God who didn’t honestly care about his creation. Rather, a cruel and wicked God that enjoyed tormenting with torment and death as she watched from down below. 

“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, tugging at Twilight’s shirt. 

Twilight Sparkle looked at her. The expression of abject horror clearly painted on her face. 

Taking her friend's hand, she led Twilight into the back to give Melody some space as well as to resolve her.

“She doesn’t mean it.” Fluttershy assured as they heard one of Melody’s ‘hates’ being directed at Twilight again.

“Doesn’t she?” Twilight snorted. Celes- No! Not even Celestia would of done something this cruel to anypony. It’s not as if I asked for the spell to have a time frame on it.”

“Exactly.” Fluttershy pointed out.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Does it matter?” 

Fluttershy clicked her heels. “If I may? Perhaps, there is a way to find out what happens to a fusion afterwards.” 

Twilight crossed her arms.  “How do you propose I do that? Create and torture another- 

She cut herself out as she noticed the blush spreading across Fluttershy’s face. 

“Oh… Oh! I mean, you sure? I admit, it has been something I’ve been curious about. Although, I can emphasize with Rarity and Pinkie that the splitting action is something they wouldn’t want to repeat.”

With no hesitation, Fluttershy nodded. “Absloutly. For our friends, anything.” 

Sucking in a breath, Twilight nodded. “Okay. We, um, I suppose we should get undressed first.”

“Of course.” Fluttershy said quickly. Her meekness causing Twilight to laugh. Declutching, the two of them stood nude in the back of the store for a moment. With a final bit of assurance from fluttershy, Twilight activated her magic. 

Much as before, Fluttershy felt the spell grabbed herself and drew herself close into Twilight. She wrapped her arms around her friend, head resting on Twilight's shoulder. As she felt a cold, but pleasuring feeling, she looked down to their bellies to see them bubbling and merging together. 

Fluttershy let out a moan as she felt a belly button and pair of breasts expand out of her own back, as both of their sweet spots merged and formed into a single unit.

They then felt a sticky sensation at their faces, but when they tried to pull away to look, neither mare was able too. As their faves and minds started to merge into one another, before the pair blacked out…

****

“Hey,” Pinkie Pie said to Melody. About a minute had passed since the mares breakdown. Which seemed like a good time as any to see how she was doing. 

Melody looked up from the floor. Tears still in her eyes, as Pinkie Pie sat on one side of her, while on her left, Rarity had been holding her hand. 

“N, no.” she whimpered. “Then again,” she added with some bite, “you’re not dying tomorrow.” 

“I wouldn’t quite say that.” A new voice interrupted. The three mares looked up at the stranger. Only for two of them to recognize her sooner. 

“Silent Learner?” Pinkie Pie questioned. 

Melody Orchard blinked. “Wait, that’s Silent Learner?” Her eyes widened. “You and Fluttershy- 

“Yes,” Silent nodded. “Twilight had been somewhat curious about your questions before, and this seemed like the perfect time as any to find out.” 

“That’s,” Melody rose to her feet, beaming. She then shrank. “I mean, did you, had you, or…

“Is there some kind of life after our, death, for lack of better word?” Silent let out a sigh. “Well, although, I’m sorry if this is a little insensitive.” She pulled out a recorded and pressed play. “You don’t mind if you record this? For understanding later, of course.” 

Melody glared. “So you can create more fusions and have them die too?” 

“Young lady!” Rarity spat. 

“It’s okay, Rarity.” Silent held up a hand. 

Without a no, she took that as enough of a yes to press the record button. “Anyways, dear, and to whom it may concern, it is something to be back.” She flexed her arms.

“Although, to answer one Melody Orchard’s question… Well, having both Twilight’s and Fluttershy’s memories makes it feel like I was never gone. And,” her face heated up, “Oh my. Eh, some things are kind of coming at me all at once. But back on topic! Well, I think I’ve never been dead, truthfully, it has felt more like I was back at the crystal empire one moment, and now I’m here. As if I’ve been asleep for a very long time.” 

Melody Orchard lowered her head. “So, I mean, I guess the idea that maybe I can exist again brings me some comfort, but, I really won’t exist anymore.” She scoffed. “Actually, you make it sound like there’s nothing for me afterwards. No soul, no meaning- 

“Hey hey! Of course you have meaning.” Silent Learner interjected. 

Melody rolled her eyes. 

“You’ll always live inside of Applejack and Coloratura. Okay, that sounded a little cheesy and only a bit true… Alright, I think I may have a better one. Yes, the idea of not existing is scary. Now that I’m think about it. But you know what? You are something special; You got to exist, while for a short time, yes, but you got to live.”

“Something that, when you consider all the ponies in the world, how many possible fusion combinations there could have been, but will never be. Even in a, hypothetical situation, where the spell becomes common place and fusions happen all the time, it still requires two or more ponies to be willing to undergo and want to do it with their friends and partners, and even then, that’s thousands of possibilities that will never gt a chance, to have their moment in the sun that you are having, 

Melody slowly looked upwards. “Still didn’t seem fair I only get a short time compared to others.”

“No.” Silent agreed, but kept smiling warmly at her friend. “But, miss Orchard, got to have friends, play golf, found love, and got to live. Then, when it’s all over, while you may not physically live on in others, that doesn’t mean they won’t carry you with them any less wherever they go. 

She offered Melody a hand. “That help?”

“A… A little.” Melody sniffled, taking  it and standing up. “I guess it was silly of me to freak out over something I can’t control.” 

“Oh, darling,” Rarity added, “you shouldn’t feel bad about being afraid of what we all must face one day.” 

“Still,” Melody turned to Silent. “I’m sorry I snapped at you like that, sugarcube.” She spoke more towards Twilight. “I’m… I am glad you let me exit. Although… I could do with a little more sunlight now that you mention it.”

They all laughed and smiled at the idea.
> Chapter 11, The Final Day...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next twenty four hours for Melody Orchard were some of the best of her short life. Her friend’s treated her to a boat ride in the park, along with a movie that West joined in on after work. The following night, neither he nor Melody got much sleep. While they were sure their parents (for lack of better word in Melody’s case) would have issues with them later, they both agreed that it was worth it.

The following day, with only twenty four hours left on Melody’s clock, and neither she nor West wanting to spend any time apart, they ended up helping West’s father with some home improvement when called West to ask for some help. Which actually turned out to be Melody who insisted that they go. While both didn’t want to spend all day with his father, it wasn’t a bad time either. Melody could tell West and his father still had issues, but that they were getting onto better terms. Maybe when she was gone, they would be able to be happy all the time as well. The best part was when he, unofficially, gave her his approval of dating his son. Slightly soured when it came up that she’d be leaving that day. Which did cause him to do a double take. They could both see in the stallions eyes that he wanted questioning why West would fall for someone if the relationship would last. However. was polite enough to tell them to get out of their and enjoy their last day together.

After that was done with, when West had to, unfortunately, clock into work that day, there was sadness between then.  Not helped that for his entire shift, West found himself fighting to stay awake. A similar problem Melody faced as she hung out with her friends. However, they were able to keep themselves from drifting off despite their friends' protest. Which, even with bags in their eyes, couldn’t have been better.

Sadly, all good things come to an end sooner or later. When West clocked out of work that night, Melody and the other bears, minus Twilight and Fluttershy who were still Silent Learner, were waiting for him. Much to his co-workers' surprise. The look on their faces was one West would never forget.

For Melody’s final meal, they went to the same bar where it had all begun. Where she ordered their largest rib and brisket basket, with a side of bottomless fries. The sight nearly made Rarity faint. There was much drinking, as well as dancing. Their favorite moment was to a slow song as Melody and West held each other close. A truly priceless moment. Next to when West beat Rainbow Dash on the bull. Although they both ended up losing to Melody. It was a night none of them wanted to end. Then the clock chimed it was time to close. They didn’t have to go home, but they couldn’t stay there. As such, five mares and stallion stood outside the bar, and said their goodbyes.

“Well, darling,” Rarity said, taking her hands, “It has been a pleasure. I’m sure we will meet again.” She smirked at West. “Was an honor to bring you crazy kids together.”

“Oh stop!” Melody laughed. “Still, thanks.” She pulled Rarity into a hug.

Rainbow Dash stepped forward next. “Yeah, well… We’re so going to have a rematch some time.”

West shook his head. “Looking forward to it, Rainbow.” He gave the pegasus a firm handshake.

“See ya,” Rainbow said as calmly as she could when doing the same with Melody. 

“Of course,” Melody promised as Pinkie Pie kicked at the dirt.

“It was really fun.” She said quickly, tears forming. “You… I wish there was something I could do to give you more time.” She cried.

“Oh no. No Pinkie, no!” Sniffing, Melody brought the Pie in close. “I had a wonderful time. Come on, Pinkie, smile for me. You've done all and more to make these the best days a pony could’ve asked for.” She held back from a full on sob, although the tears were evident.

The other girls, save for Silent, pooling into the hug. Speaking of the other fusion, and Twilight and Fluttershy in general once her friends stepped aside.

“Melody-

Said fusion, very much now on the clock, held up her hand. “It’s okay. Thank you. For everything.”

Choking up, the two fusions embraced. Silent then looked to West. “I’m not sure what yours, her’s, or to an effect Applejack’s and Coluratura’s, future may be,” she spoke in Twilight’s regal tone. “However, as surprising as your romance may have been, love, no matter what forms, or how fleeting, is a treasure beyond measure. Thank you for giving my friend that gift in her time in this world.”

While the last couple of words were probably not the best choice for West at that moment, he appreciated the meaning nonetheless.

“Thanks, Princess. I mean Twilight- No! Learner… Fluttershy?” He shook his head. “Just when I was sure I had gotten it.”

All the mares laughed at him. And, despite a pit in his stomach, years of his dads ‘help’ had caused him to worry about what people thought of him, he found himself not caring, and laughing along.

“Well,” West sighed, taking his girlfriend’s hand, “thanks again. Goodnight.”

They all said goodnight, not bye, as well, and departed in their own directions. Melody and West, taking a more scenic route to the barn. Holding each other close, walking in quite, as the stars and fireflies lighted their path, simply being in that moment.

They arrived at the barn at one in the morning. Tired, but not wanting to sleep, Melody pulled West into a forceful hug. To which he returned as they wrestled down into the room. Clothing torn off and tossed carelessly across the room until nothing remained. Then, they fucked like rabbits who had no tomorrow.

“Hey,” Melody smiled, hours later, breathing heavily, from atop of West. 

“Hi.” West smiled back. 

The two of them kissed, and  Melody rolled her naked body onto the sides of West’s.

Looking to the clock on the far side of the room, West noticed the time was 5:36.

“So,” he asked, holding Melody’s hand. “When do you got to, you know?”

“Well, Melody sighed, pulling out a red marble sized orb that was pulsing with magic from a nearby drawer. “According to Twilight, I have to defuse soon. The longer I wait, the more painful it will be as my body deteriorates.”

West scooted closer, wrapping her into a hug. “You feeling alright now? Like, do you have to leave right this second.”

“Hey, I feel fine. Give me a second and we can probably go a-

She sucked in a breath and clenched her stomach.

“Melody?!” West shot up in alarm

“I’m, oh... ugh.” She squinted her eyes, clearly in pain, despite her attempts to look at him with assurance. “Hehe... Yeah. Its probably going to get a lot worse the longer I wait. But for I think I can survive a few more hours. Oh! I don’t think we’ve tried reversed mission-

He took one of her hands and gave her a deadpanned look. “Mel... I think we’re just putting it off at this point

“No,” she protested, taking his hand with both of her’s. “No, no, no! I don’t want to leave you-yet! Yet!” She ran a hand through her hair. “I’m just saying-

She freed her hands and placed them on her head.

West embraced and stroked her mane. “That’s sweet of you. But I really don’t want to see you put yourself through any additional pain because of me. Please, Melody.”

She sniffled and dug her face into his chest.

“Okay.” she contended as her left leg felt as if a knife had been plunged into it. “But,” she said as she picked up the red marble. “Will you stay with me? Until the end?”

“Of course.” He kissed her forehead. “I promise. Thank you, for everything. I had a great week with you.”

“No.” She pulled back to kiss him on the lips. “Thank you. For letting me know, in the short time I had, the same love my mothers had.” She looked into his face. “I really hope either of them might be interested in you after this.”

“Well, I mean, did we ever establish it would be like dating my girlfriends parents after we broke up?” he mused.

Melody punched him in the shoulder. “Oh stop it.” she laughed, then cringed in pain.

West stopped laughing, and pulled her into one finale hug. “Goodbye, Melody. Until we meet again. I love you.”

She pulled back, wiping away her tears. “I love you too, West.” She held out her hand, the red orb resting on her palm. “Would you-

He nodded and took her hand, feeling the warmth of the orb between them. It was the most difficult thing West ever had to do. Seemed so simple with how often they did that in the past week. However, he was going to put her needs ahead of his own.

He pulled her into one last kiss as they squeezed their hands. The orb letting out a loud pop, as it’s red magic seeped out of their palms, dissolving into Melody’s body.

West wasn’t sure what to expect, so he found the scream Melody let out, while not surprising, frightening. Mouth agape, she  pushes herself off of West. For a second, she just stood there, eyes widened. That was when they noticed her body was jiggling.

“We... West.” She breathed as her legs started to tingle. Looking behind herself, she saw that her legs were splitting apart, and an extra set of toes came out of her feet. She squeaked and threw herself into West’s arm.

“It’s okay, Mel,” he said, holding close as he felt her chest flattened out. Her waist and chest smoothing out into a back as well. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.

Despite everything, she smiled. “Oh, Wes... West... 

From her perch on his shoulder, she saw a pair of arms growing out of her limbs that reached out, and wrapped around her own torso. Which was being pushed apart by a pair of belly buttons and breasts.

As she felt the magic pulling at her face, she lifted herself up, and as her face disappeared amidst the raven mane, to look at West’s worried face.

 She gave him one last smile, the last thing she remembered was West’s running a finger through her-



*****
As he promised, West stayed with her until the final moments. Even as her face disappeared beneath a mass of raven, even as he felt that he was  holding not one, but two mares in his arms, he stayed.  

There was a popping sound, and the whole thing seemed to have ended as suddenly as it began. Looking down at his arms, he saw two naked mares, that had passed out during the transformation.

Half an hour of crying later, West seemed to realize that he had been holding onto two naked mares, that he didn’t know. Although mindful that they had been Melody not an hour ago, carefully, not to wake them, he pulled himself out of the bed and set them down. Although Melody's lack of sleep for the past two days would have likely kept the two mares asleep during a hurricane for the next couple of hours.

A feeling that was also upon West as well. However, as tempting as it was, even thinking if this was some fan fiction story about sex, the next bit would be of Rara and Aj waking up, now or much later, and then immediately realizing they did love him and have a threesome if he feel asleep their and waited. 

No, he knew better than to expect that, and knew it would be more mature to give them space. Grabbing his clothing, he thought to himself how much more mature he was for not thinking like that. As he was dressed and walked out of the barn to the sounds of snoring, he felt proud in doing what was the right call in leaving

At least, that’s what he was able to tell himself.
> Chapter 12, Next
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack was the first to come to her senses.

“Ugh, what a hangover.” Blinking, seeing her girlfriend pressed tightly to herself, and a photo of Melody and West at his nieces party, informed Applejack that the past few days hadn’t been a dream.

She gave Coloratura a little shake. “Hey, Rara.”

Rara groaned.

“Hey, wake up, sleepy head.”

“No!” the popstar protested in a playful tone. “Five more minutes! Keep the opening act going a bit longer. They won’t mind!”

“Come on, sugarcube.” she said with a laugh and kiss to her nose. “It’s... Gezz! Nearly eleven.” She then felt the fatigue of Melody Orchards attempt to make the most of, every, minute catching up to her at the feeling of a sore back. “Dang those kids.”

“No kidding,” Rara croaked, letting her grip go of Applejack to stretch. “I have half a mind to ground that girl if I could.”

Applejack let out a very loud laugh. “Oh yes, honey. I’ll get right on it! No golfing for a week.” she said while rolling to the side. “Oh by the way, her teacher called again. Something about-

“Stop it!” Rara said with a playful slap on Applejack’s shoulder

They smiled at each other, before they realized what may have been most important thing to deal with now that they weren't fused.

“So,” Applejack started.

“Why don’t we just give him a call and go from there?” Coloratura suggested.

Applejack nodded. “Okay.” 



****
The phone rang in West’s house.

West sighed as he climbed out of bed to answer it. He noticed some food wrapping paper on the floor, and started walking over it. However, he did a double take, took the time to clean it up, then answered his phone.

“Hello?” He asked.

“Morning.” His dad answered cautiously. “Hey, before I-

“No, dad!” West said, rubbing his eyes. “I wanted to say, I’m sorry. For being, maybe, a bit of a jerk. I don’t mean to and, can’t say I don’t appreciate your help and such. Just... Me trying to be an adult and only half the time knowing what I’m doing can get distressing.”

There was a pause.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” His father answered. “And I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time. I’m really trying my best to be helpful, and I’m glad you meet someone.”

West lowered his head. “Yeah.”

“Oh. Well, do you need some space for today? Or, maybe you could come over? I could use some help.”

West started to say no, but held back for a moment. He knew Melody wouldn't want him moping around his house All. 

He answered instead, “I’ll see. It doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but let me get back to you on that once I’ve woken up a bit.”

“Okay. I love you son.”

With a happy sigh, West said, “Love you too, dad.” He hung up, and the first thing he did was pick up those wrapping papers. Which was interrupted by the phone ringing a second time.

“Hello?”

“Hey, West?” an unrecognizable, but somehow familiar voice answered. “It’s Applejack.”

The phone nearly tumbled out of West’s grasp.

“Oh, hey, miss Applejack!” he said, trying to play it cool. “You two doing alright?”

“Yeah, we’re fine. Thanks for asking sugarcube.” she answered in a way West assumes sounded happy for the concern. “A little sore from all the ‘fun’ from the past few days, but nothing regretful.” She pauses when West shallowed nervously at that. “Anyways, you free for breakfast? Same place as alway?” She let out a laugh at that.

West answered yes, although he couldn’t shake a funny feeling from the way Applejack had said, same place as always...



*****. 

To say that the private room Pinkie Pie had set the three of them up for at Sugarcube felt awkward, would be the equivalent of saying the sky was blue.

Coloratura and Applejack arrived at the bakery first, and their friend was able to sneak them into the back where they talked more about their feelings they may or may not of had for West. The stallion in question showing up about ten minutes later. His first reaction to seeing the two, was a bit of star struck awe. Particularly towards Coloratura, who hid her face in embarrassment. The lad then remembered everything, and tried his best to apologize and act like it meeting them was no big deal. Which turned out to not be that difficult. 

“So,” West finale spoke up as they finished their pancake breakfast. “You two, doing alright? Sorry I left right after... You know. Didn't want to be invasive. Figured you both could use some space.”

“It’s fine.” Applejack assured. “We appreciated the jester.”

West smiled and nodded, before asking the question that had likely been just as much on their minds. 

“So... You two still find me attractive?” He cringed. “No! That’s not, I mean, hey! I promised I would be alright if you didn’t, and I mean it. Okay,” he rubbed his head. “What do you two feel?”

The mares looked to each other, then back to him.

“Well,” Applejack said first, scathing at the table. “I... Well, I guess I had always thought I was gay and, well, after reflecting it a bit,” she smiled. “I think it turns out I’m a bit bi after all.”

“Well, as for myself,” Coloratura began. “The idea, I admit, is strange to me. But, I wouldn’t be against the idea of seeing where things might go with us.” Coloratura’s surprise, West didn’t perk up as much as she thought he would have. “Is that a problem.”

“What?” West blinked, snapping too. “No, no! I mean, it’s great but,” he bite his lip. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Alright, what's really bugging you, sugarcube?”

West started to protest, but he could see the same look Melody would give him when she knew he wasn’t being truthful.

“Guess you two really are her.” He laughed, then sighed. “Look, if you both want the truth; I almost didn’t want to come to this. Not because I was afraid neither of you would be interested in me, quite the opposite, actually.”

Applejack tilted her head. “You didn’t want-

“It’s because we’re not her, isn’t it?” Rara answered coldly.

West leaned into his chair.

Before he could explain, Rara answered for him, rather coldly, “If he were to date either of us, it wouldn’t be us he’d be in love with. It's would be her!” The thought made her boil. “Well you know what? Maybeit would be easier to just break it off now. There! Problem solved.
She started to stand up, but West met her at eye level and grabbed her wrist.

“Whoa whoa! Wait, Mel-

His eyes widened in horror as Coloratura glared daggers at him.

“Okay, fair point!” West confessed, letting her go and holding up his hand. “But that’s not what I care about.”

Rara narrowed her eyes. “Really? And what do you care about? My popularity? Fame? Maybe I can self promote one of your fan fictions to help it gain traction.”

He caught on to that last part not sounding as harsh as she probably wanted it to be. “So you don’t want to find out what happens to the mermaid after the scene in the truck?”

“Oh!” Rara’s face lit up, in a mixture of fluster and anger. “You... You-

“Come now, you two!” Applejack interjected, rising to her feet to get between them and took both of their hands. “You want my honest opinion as well?” She took a breath. “This whole thing is nuts and not what any of us signed up for. And I know if we were to all say yes, things are not going to be easy.” She rubbed the back of West’s hand and gave him a smile, then let go to give her full attention to Rara.

“The truth is, I’m lonely when you’re away. Not that I don’t love or would want to end things for a second! But, at the same time... I won’t say I may not have been thinking, even lusting, for attention. So, maybe this wouldn’t be an unfair compromise?”

Coloratura looked worriedly at Applejack. “I... Gah! I was going to say how it wouldn’t be fair that I’m just as alone on tour without you but... Oh!” She pouted at the bemused Applejack, and evening West, who’s laughter made her feel warm on the inside. “Fine... Maybe it’s not such a bad idea.”

“Well,” West said, taking a breath and stepped closer to the pair. “I can still understand. This will take some time to get used to. I mean, you can’t blame me if I see and think of Melody with either of you two for a while. Actually, I probably always will. She’s the one I feel in love with. But, I know she wouldn’t have wanted me to moan over her forever, and that she would want me to move on and find my own happiness. She is also the both of you. And, I can definitely tell. I see a lot in both of you what I loved in her.”

The pair blushed.

“So,” Coloratura fidgeted as Applejack took her hand. “Are we really going to try to make this work?”

“I mean, what’s a little more complications in what we already have? Still,” she let go of Rara’s to take both of West’s. “Maybe we should, um... Make sure we can handle close proximity. I’m pretty sure I’m bi, but-

“Are you asking me to kiss you before agreeing to go on a date with me, miss Applejack?” West teased.

“I guess I am.” Applejack laughed.

The two of them gazed at each other for a few seconds. Although, being the bolder one in the relationship, Applejack broke the distance with a nice long and deep kiss.

Oh yeah. She was definitely bi. And West didn’t seem to have a problem. Which, as they pulled away, only left himself and Coloratura. 

“Hey,” West offered, as he walked over and offered her his hand.

Hesitantly, but but with a smile, she took one of his hands into hers and answered back, “Hey. Look, I’m sorry about all that. When we were Melody, the whole reason she existed at all, was because I wanted a break from the spotlight. Mine- Or rather, her greatest fear was that you found out I was half of her, that very same spotlight was all you would see in her. In either of us.” She took his other hand. “But I really don’t want to walk away just because of it.”

West smiled softly. “Well, so far, I seem more interested in Countess Coloratura, the mare who likes to golf from time to time, is beautiful and self confident, knows what she likes, who helped push me to get past my insecurities, the homie-

“If it means anything,” Applejack butted in to Rara, “that will be the thing I’ll have to get the most use of too with this.”

West and Coluratura stared at her

“What?” Applejack huffed. “We all agreed this wouldn’t be easy.”

Rara and West laughed as they stood in front of each other. “Yeah. But, even if I stumble sometimes, accidentally call you Melody or flaunt over dating a pop star, I wouldn’t have anyone more or less famous than you, Rara. If you’ll have me as well as Applejack.

Having been brought to tears, Rara leaned forward, and West was all too happy to join her in their kiss.

“Ah!” Applejack swooned. “Come here!” She then leapt forward and brought them both into a surprise bear hug, lifting them off the floor.

“Hey!” West cries out. All to lost in the joy of the moment as he fought his arms free to return the hug, as Rara was content to stay sandwiched between them.

“So beautiful!” Pinkie Pie cries out from her hiding place. The pink mare holding a box of tissues and sneezing into them. The three of them turned to the her. Pinkie Pie looked around the room, kicked at her feet, sheepishly apologized, and backed away. Leaving the three of them to laugh, smile, cry, and kissed. More often than not, with all of their lips brought together at the same time.

And even though it was probably not a good idea, even if it meant a word from his dad later, West called in to say he needed the day off from work. 
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months had passed since the short life of Melody Orchard. A lot had happen that might have made for more of an interesting story between the three. However, as this story is called, Melody Orchard, so it is best that this is how her story ends;

Coloratura had wrapped up another one of her concerts in her usual blaze. Actually, many ponies were saying she had a new fire of passion in her career. Her latest song, Great Romance, having hit the top of the charts in only a week. After an enjoyable Gauntlet that night, she made her way to her hotel room, where a pile of fan mail waited. While she did try to read and even respond to as many as she could, she would only drop everything if one of them was orange or, more recently, blue. Sure enough, two such colored letters stuck out from the mountain of white.

With giddy excitement, she pulled them out and set them on the bed. After some deliberation, she opened the orange on first. A ping of guilt hitting her when she noticed that it was over a month old.

Hey, Ra’s! Loved the new album. Can’t inmagie where you got the insperation for it. 😇 

Also, NO! Your’s and West’s joint conspiracy to convert me to be one of these homies has failed! So there!

Coloratura let out a hearty laugh. 

Anyways, nothing too much around these parts. Had some fun at a gathering with West’s family as they got to meet his new marefriend for the first time. Later he told me, I think it was one of his brothers, but they pulled him aside to ask, and I quote; how’d you land one of the hottest elements of harmony? West and I had a good laugh about that. He told me it was a bit of an awkward chat when some of them from Kaydences party asked what happened to Melody. But, to keep you a secret, we just went with the story about how she was only visiting, told about when she left the girl had insisted he move on, ‘for her sake!’ And how by chance I was there to comfort him at Carousel Boutique with Melody’s cousin Rarity after she left.

Rara felt a twist in her stomach.

Not much else really. Some ‘fun times’ with our stallion ;) but can’t wait for the next chance to see you. 

Love, AJ xoxoxox

Contently sighing, she placed the letter down and the bed, and went to open West’s. She cringed upon realizing that this was only the second letter he had ever sent to her as it made several others she had gotten prior make sense. So was the life of a celebrity.

Hey, Rara! 

How’s the new song coming along? Can’t wait to hear it! You pick a title? I have a few ideas. ❤️ 

Below he named them off. Celestia above she loved how understanding they were. 

How’s things going? Hope you’re not missing us too badly. So, I told my dad today that Applejack and I were a thing. Kind of felt bad I didn’t mention you, but I understand! Although I can already picture the talks he’d have of me being in a harem. Speaking of which, yeah, he did give me a talk about moving on so quickly from Melody. Which, while it was made difficult with the whole fusion thing, with the boost of confidence the three of you girls have given my life, I asserted that it was my life, and that AJ made me happy. To which he didn’t protest. And things have been getting better between us.

Anyways, I’m almost done with my latest story. Yeah, still crazy to think I’m actually pushing forward to try and publish something! And with yours and Applejack’s help nonetheless. Anyways. I’m having a hard time with this one scene-

She set the letter down next to Applejacks and looked at herself in the mirror. Thinking about how this had all started. One was because she wanted a break from the spotlight, and two, because of the fear of her fame getting in the way of making any new relationship. Honestly, the fact that both West and Applejack had to keep the full truth from ponies was  eating away her for a while now. It didn’t seem fair to either of them, But, there was nothing she could-

Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Still, it would mean a media firestorm. Not to mention all the talking, their family members who would try to elevate themselves because of her. However, it seemed as if they were more concerned for her than what might happen to them if the media found out. Not to say she wouldn’t do anything drastic without making sure that was the case though.

She chuckled at the memory of her, as Melody, on that karaoke stage with West. How afraid he was of making himself look like a fool, even at the risk of his father lecturing him later, and yet, he sang with her anyways.

Pulling out a pen and paper, she wrote;

Hey, guys. 

Yeah, tours have been wild, so sorry again for how long it takes for me to get all of your letters. Don’t think I don’t read them, they mean the world to me. Although, I’ve been thinking of a way where we can skip the fan letter route. Maybe something more personal? If I said, yes, get letters from these two for me right away? We can talk about it in person if you're okay with it. Does hearthswarming sound like a good time? If you would both be okay with it, I wouldn’t mind having the chance to meet both of your families, to be honest about us. And, especially to that adorable niece of West, tell them the true story, of Melody Orchard...




The End