> Blooming love. (continuation) > by the star bringer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 9 - Hearts of gold > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blooming Love Chapter 9 - Hearts of gold A day goes by since you hung out with Apple Bloom at sugarcube corner and she even invited you to hang out with her once again, "Where are we going?" you ask Apple Bloom. "It's a surprise." she said with anticipation as a cheeky smile formed on her face. then, just before you got there, she asked you to put on a blind fold and follow the sound of her voice, you agree and follow. "Okay you can take off the blindfold now!" As you lifted the blindfold from your eyes, you found yourself standing in a beautiful park filled with colourful flowers, tall trees, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of nature. It was a picturesque sight that took your breath away. "Wow, Apple Bloom, this place is amazing!" you exclaimed, admiring the serene surroundings. She beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like it! I thought we could have a picnic here and spend the day together." You smiled back, grateful for her thoughtfulness. You both spread out a cosy blanket under a grand oak tree, setting down a basket filled with delicious homemade treats that Apple Bloom had prepared. As you enjoyed the scrumptious sandwiches, fresh fruits, and refreshing lemonade, the conversation flowed effortlessly and laughter filled the air. Between bites, Apple Bloom shared stories about her adventures with her friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and her big sister, Applejack. You, in turn, told her all about your school, hobbies, and dreams for the future. As the day progressed, you played games of tag, swung on the swings, and explored the park together. Apple Bloom, with her indomitable spirit and infectious giggle, brought out a childlike joy in you, making every moment feel magical. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, you and Apple Bloom sat on a bench overlooking a shimmering pond. The sweet melody of chirping birds filled the air while the pink and orange hues of the sky painted a breath-taking masterpiece. "Thank you for today, Apple Bloom," you said softly, your heart overflowing with gratitude for this unforgettable experience. She turned to you, her eyes gleaming with sincerity. "You're welcome. I'm just happy to have spent the day with you. It's been a long time since I had a chance to bond with someone like this." A deep sense of connection grew between you, as if this day had solidified a special friendship. In that moment, you realized that sometimes the simplest moments shared with loved ones could create cherished memories that last a lifetime. As darkness settled, you reluctantly bid farewell, promising to meet again soon. Walking back home, you reflected on the wonderful day you had spent with Apple Bloom. It filled your heart with happiness and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and joy of life. As you walked through the school gates the next day, you were greeted by Rumble, your best friend since kindergarten. Rumble was a mischievous yet loyal companion who always had a knack for getting into trouble. You both entered the school building and made your way to your seats in Mrs. Cheerilee's classroom. The first class of the day was math, a subject you never particularly enjoyed. But regardless of your feelings, you always gave it your best effort. As Mrs. Cheerilee began the lesson, you noticed Aero, was at the back of the room. He was engaged in a conversation with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, the snobby duo who often acted entitled. Curiosity got the better of you, and you couldn't help but overhear their conversation. They were scheming something, whispering and giggling while occasionally casting glances around the classroom. It piqued your interest, but you decided not to let it distract you from your studies. After all, you had to focus on improving your math skills. As you diligently worked through the math problems, you occasionally glanced over at Aero and his friends. It seemed like they were planning something mischievous, but you couldn't quite figure out what it was. However, you knew it would likely involve some trouble for someone else. Unbeknownst to you, Rumble had also noticed Aero and his friends plotting. Being the curious troublemaker he was, Rumble couldn't resist the temptation to find out what they were up to. He tugged at your sleeve and flashed a mischievous grin, eager to investigate further. Feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, you followed Rumble's lead and decided to join him in unravelling the mystery. Together, you approached Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon, pretending to be interested in their conversation. Acting with remarkable ease, Rumble steered the conversation towards their plan, subtly gaining information without drawing suspicion. Aero, completely oblivious to your motives, bragged about his scheme with an air of superiority. They revealed their plan to play a prank on Mrs. Cheerilee during the following day's class. They intended to replace the math problems on the board with ridiculous and nonsensical equations, in an attempt to confuse and irritate the teacher. It was a risky and disrespectful plan that you knew had to be stopped. Determined to foil their mischievous plot, you and Rumble hatched a plan of your own. Late that evening, while the school was empty and quiet, you snuck into the classroom armed with erasers and whiteboard markers. With precision and care, you erased the ridiculous math problems Aero and his friends had planned, and replaced them with challenging but legitimate equations. The next day, as Mrs. Cheerilee started the math lesson, the class watched with anticipation, awaiting the unfolding of Aero's prank. However, to their surprise, the problems on the board made perfect sense. Aero and his friends were dumbfounded, unable to understand how their plan had gone so wrong. You watched with a sense of accomplishment as the class engaged with the math lesson, solving the problems diligently. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon learned a valuable lesson about the consequences of their actions, while you and Rumble earned the satisfaction of thwarting their mischief. > Chapter 10 - laughter is the best medicine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blooming love Chapter 10 - laughter is the best medicine It was a typical day at school, and you were looking forward to the final lesson of the day - music. You loved music, and your teacher, Miss Cheerilee, was always making the class fun and engaging. But as the final bell rang, you noticed that Apple Bloom, one of your classmates, wasn't in her usual seat. You asked Mrs. Harvest if she knew where Apple Bloom was, and she mentioned that she hadn't been in all day. Feeling a bit concerned, you decided to head to Sweet Apple Acres after school to check on Apple Bloom. As you walked, you could hear Aero making snide comments about Apple Bloom being absent. You ignored him and travelled to Sweet Apple Acres When you arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, you found Apple Bloom lying on her bed, looking pale and miserable. She told you that she had been feeling sick all day and didn't have the energy to come to school. You could tell that she was really struggling, and you wanted to do something to make her feel better. You decided to make her some homemade soup, something you knew she loved. You quickly gathered the ingredients and headed to the kitchen to start cooking. As the soup simmered on the stove, you sat with Apple Bloom and chatted with her, trying to take her mind off of her sickness. After a while, the soup was ready, and you brought it to Apple Bloom's bedside. She gratefully accepted the steaming bowl and took a few sips, closing her eyes in appreciation. "This is so good," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. As Apple Bloom finished the last drop of the homemade soup, she let out a contented sigh. "That was absolutely delicious, thank you so much!" she exclaimed. You smiled and chuckled. "Anytime, Apple Bloom. I'm just glad you enjoyed it." To lighten the mood, you decided to tell her a few jokes. "Hey, did you hear the one about the apple farmer who walked into a bar?" you asked, grinning mischievously. Apple Bloom's eyes lit up with amusement. "No, I didn't! Tell me!" You launched into the joke, your voice rising and falling with the punchline. Apple Bloom laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with delight. She even clapped her hooves together a few times. You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment, but you pushed on. "Okay, okay, how about this one? Why did the apple join the gym?" Apple Bloom giggled. "I don't know, why?" "Because it was feeling a little corny!" you exclaimed, laughing at your own joke. Apple Bloom burst out laughing, her mane fluttering with her mirth. "That was so bad, it was good!" she exclaimed, wiping her eyes with her hooves. You grinned, feeling pleased with yourself. "I'm glad you enjoyed them. But I really should be getting home now." Apple Bloom nodded, her smile still wide on her face. "Yeah, me too. Thanks for the soup and the jokes, it was really fun." You hugged her quickly. "No problem, anytime. Get some rest, okay?" As you walked home, you couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. You had made Apple Bloom laugh, and that was all that mattered. When you got home, your mother was waiting for you in the kitchen. "Hey, how was your day?" she asked, a warm smile on her face. You told her about your day, including your encounter with Apple Bloom. Your mother listened intently, nodding and making sympathetic noises. as you sat down to eat dinner. "And I'm sure your father would be proud of you for being kind to her." she said. You felt a pang of sadness, missing your father. But you pushed it aside, focusing on the present. After dinner, you went to bed, feeling content and happy. You had helped your friend, and you knew that you would see her again soon. As you drifted off to sleep, you smiled to yourself, thinking about the jokes you would tell Apple Bloom next time you saw her. > Chapter 11 - The sleepover > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blooming love Chapter 11 - The sleepover As the sun began to set, Apple Bloom, Rumble, and Dinky eagerly awaited your arrival at the CMC clubhouse. Your mom had just dropped you off and given you a quick goodbye before trotting away. You and your friends exchanged excited glances as you hoisted your sleeping bags and pillows into the cosy clubhouse. After a few rounds of "Pin the Tail on the Pony," "Musical Hay Bales," and "Simon Says," the group settled in for a game of Truth or Dare. You decided to go first and chose truth. Scootaloo, always the curious one, asked: "Who's your crush?" Your face turned a bright shade of red as you hesitated, trying to come up with a clever answer. But before you could muster up a response, you felt your legs start to tremble and your voice begin to quiver. You knew you were about to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. "Uh... um... I-I don't know!" you stuttered, your face growing even redder. "I mean, I like... uh... all of you guys, as friends!" The group erupted into giggles and teasing, with Rumble playfully boasting, "Oho! So you're a pony of mystery, huh?" and Dinky chiming in, "Aww, you're so cute when you're all flustered!" Feeling embarrassed but also relieved that the truth was out, you decided to make a break for it and escape to the bathroom. As you ran out of the clubhouse, you heard the group laughing and chattering behind you, their voices growing fainter as you locked yourself in the bathroom. As you sat on the toilet, staring at your reflection in the mirror, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over you. You had been crushing on one of your best friends, Apple Bloom, for as long as you could remember, but you had never mustered up the courage to tell her how you felt. You knew that if you did, it could potentially ruin your friendship and make things awkward. Just as you were starting to feel yourself tear up, you heard a knock on the door. "Hey, it's me, can I come in?" Apple Bloom's voice called out from the other side of the door. You quickly wiped away any traces of tears from your face and unlocked the door, revealing Apple Bloom standing there with a concerned look on her face. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, noticing your sadden eyes. "I-I'm just feeling a little down," you stammered, trying to play it off as nothing serious. Apple Bloom stepped forward and gently placed a hoof on your shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. If you're not ready to tell me who your crush is, that's totally fine. I just wanted to make sure you're doing okay." Her words of comfort and understanding made you feel a sense of relief wash over you. You realized that you didn't have to be alone with your feelings, and that you had a friend like Apple Bloom who would be there for you no matter what. "Thanks, Apple Bloom," you said, smiling weakly. "I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed, that's all." Apple Bloom smiled back and gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze. "It's no big deal. We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. But if you ever do want to talk about it, I'm here for you, okay?" You nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards your friend. "Okay, thanks. I appreciate it." With that, Apple Bloom gave you a quick hug and said, "Come on, let's get back to the clubhouse. We can talk more about it later if you want." You nodded and followed her back to the clubhouse, feeling a sense of comfort and support wash over you. Maybe with time, you would be able to muster up the courage to tell Apple Bloom how you truly felt. But for now, just knowing that she was there for you was enough. As the night wore on, you and Rumble lay in bed, the soft moonlight streaming through the window and casting shadows on the walls. You were both quiet, lost in your own thoughts, when suddenly you felt a flutter in your chest. You couldn't help but whisper in Rumble's ear, "Hey, can I tell you something?" Rumble's eyes flickered open, and he looked at you with a hint of surprise. "Sure, what's up?" he whispered back. You took a deep breath before blurting out your secret. "I have a crush on Apple Bloom," you said, your heart racing. Rumble's expression changed from surprise to shock. "Whoa, really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. You nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Yeah, I know it's kind of sudden, but I can't help how I feel," you said, your voice trembling slightly. Rumble looked at you for a moment before nodding slowly. "I won't tell anyone, I promise," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But are you sure you're ready to tell Apple Bloom? She might not feel the same way." You hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I know, but I have to try," you said, your determination evident in your voice. Rumble nodded in understanding. "Okay, I'll be here for you, no matter what," he said, his voice filled with kindness. You both fell back into silence, the weight of your secret hanging in the air. But as you lay there, you couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that you had finally confided in someone. You knew that you had a long way to go, but with Rumble's support, you felt ready to take the first step towards confessing your feelings to Apple Bloom. The night wore on, and you both drifted off to sleep, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the room. You knew that the next day would bring new challenges, but with Rumble by your side, you felt ready to face anything that came your way. > Chapter 12 - Ties that bind > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blooming love Chapter 12 - Ties that bind As you and Apple Bloom were hanging out with Rumble and Scootaloo in Ponyville, you couldn't help but notice the looks of disdain on the faces of Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Sliver Spoon as they approached your group. They had always been a bit snooty towards you and your friends, but today it seemed like their mockery was especially intense. "Look at these losers," Aero sneered, "hanging out with a bunch of ponies who can barely even fly." Diamond Tiara snickered, "Yeah, and what's up with that one?" she pointed at Apple Bloom, "She's so slow and clumsy, it's like she's got lead hooves." Apple Bloom looked devastated by their words, and before you could react, she turned and ran away, tears streaming down her face. Rumbles and Scootaloo immediately sprang into action, using their powerful wings to block Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Sliver Spoon from following Apple Bloom. "Leave her alone!" Rumble shouted, his voice firm and commanding. Scootaloo hovered protectively over Apple Bloom's retreating form, her eyes flashing with determination. "We won't let them hurt her!" You knew you had to do something too, so you took off running after Apple Bloom, leaving Rumble and Scootaloo to handle the bullies. As you caught up to her, you saw her hiding behind a bush, her body shaking with sobs. "Hey, it's okay," you said softly, "I know those three can be mean sometimes, but they don't matter. You're important to me and my friends, no matter what they say." Apple Bloom looked up at you with tear-stained eyes, and you could see the fear and sadness slowly fade from her expression as she realized you were there for her. She nodded slightly, and you wrapped your foreleg around her, pulling her close as you both walked back to your friends. When you returned, Rumble and Scootaloo had successfully fended off Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Sliver Spoon, who were now sulking on the ground, glaring at your group with anger and resentment. But you didn't care - all that mattered was that Apple Bloom was safe and happy once again. "Hey..." Apple Bloom began to whisper to you "thanks for what you did back there". You smile and say "No problem, I mean that's what friends do.", Then Apple Bloom says in a downcast voice "Yea friends..." To be continued (Dun dun duuun!) > Chapter 13 - One chance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 13 - One Chance Apple Bloom had been silent ever since you all returned from the encounter with Aero, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. The hurtful words that Aero had thrown at her still stung deeply, and you could see the sadness in her eyes. Scootaloo, always the quick thinker, suggested a sleepover to help cheer Apple Bloom up. "Yeah, Apple Bloom, how about we have a sleepover? We can have lots of fun and take your mind off of everything," she said, trying to sound upbeat. Apple Bloom's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. "Do ya really think that'll help?" she asked, a small smile forming on her face. "Absolutely!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "We can do all sorts of fun things, like make cupcakes, play games, and watch movies. It'll be a blast!" You nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Apple Bloom. We'll be here for you, and together we'll make sure you have the best sleepover ever." Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment before finally giving in to their suggestion. "Alright," she said softly. "I guess a sleepover sounds kinda nice." The three of you made plans for the sleepover, deciding to have it at Sweetie Belle's house since her parents were out of town. As the day arrived, you gathered at Sweetie Belle's house, each carrying sleeping bags and snacks for the night. Inside, Sweetie Belle's house was filled with laughter and excitement. You all decided to start off by baking cupcakes, with Sweetie Belle leading the way. The kitchen was soon filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and chocolate. While the cupcakes were baking, you all moved to the living room and began playing games. From board games to charades, you laughed and cheered, forgetting about the troubles of the outside world. Apple Bloom's smile grew wider with each passing moment, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. As nightfall approached, you all settled down in the living room with bowls of popcorn and a stack of movies. Snuggled up in your sleeping bags, you started watching one of Apple Bloom's favourite films. As the movie played, you couldn't help but steal glances at Apple Bloom. She seemed more relaxed and at ease than she had been in a long time. The sound of her laughter filled your heart with warmth, making you feel grateful that you could be a part of her happiness. As the movie came to an end, you noticed Apple Bloom staring off into the distance, a thoughtful expression on her face. Sensing something was bothering her, you moved closer to her and whispered, "Is everything okay, Apple Bloom?" She sighed softly and turned to look at you. "I'm still thinkin' 'bout what Aero said," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. You reached out and gently took her hoof in yours. "Apple Bloom, don't let Aero's words define you. You're strong, talented, and so incredibly brave. You've proven time and time again that you're capable of amazing things." Tears welled up in Apple Bloom's eyes as she looked at you, her voice barely above a whisper. "But what if there's a little truth in what she said? What if I'm not good enough?" You shook your head, refusing to let Apple Bloom wallow in self-doubt. "Listen, Apple Bloom, we all have moments of doubt and uncertainty. But true friends help each other through those moments. We believe in you, and we'll always be here to remind you of how truly extraordinary you are." Apple Bloom's eyes shimmered with tears as she tightened her grasp on your hoof. "Thanks, Y/N. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have friends like you all." "Friends? Apple Bloom, we're more than friends. We're like a family," Sweetie Belle chimed in, her voice filled with sincerity. Scootaloo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and we'll always be here for you, no matter what." A feeling of warmth and love filled the room as the realization of your tight-knit bond sank in. Apple Bloom wiped away her tears, a radiant smile adorning her face. "Thank you, guys," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you all." The night continued with laughter, conversation, and a few more movies. As the hours passed by, exhaustion eventually caught up with you all. One by one, you drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the comforting presence of your friends. In the depths of the night, you stirred awake to find Apple Bloom curled up next to you, her deep breathing a gentle lullaby. You couldn't help but smile as you watched her sleep peacefully, knowing that she felt safe and loved. In that moment, you made a silent promise to yourself. You would always be there for Apple Bloom, no matter what challenges or doubts came her way. She had found solace in your friendship, and you were determined to be her unwavering support. As the night turned into dawn, you closed your eyes, feeling a sense of contentment wash over you. The sleepover had given Apple Bloom the chance to heal, and you knew that her journey towards self-acceptance was just beginning. To be continued... > Chapter 14 - You must take > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 14 - You Must Take As the morning light started to creep into the room, I gently brushed a strand of hair away from Apple Bloom's sleeping face. The soft rise and fall of her chest was comforting, and I couldn't help but marvel at the peaceful expression on her face. It was a stark contrast to the worries that had plagued her just a few days ago. My heart felt heavy as I thought back to the day I found Apple Bloom hiding in the Everfree Forest, her eyes filled with pain. I had never seen her so broken before, and it pained me to know that she had endured such sorrow alone. But now, as she lay beside me, I knew that she had found solace in our friendship. I shifted my position slightly, careful not to disturb Apple Bloom's sleep. It was in this moment of tranquility that I realized something profound. I had fallen deeply in love with her. It wasn't just the feeling of protecting her, but a longing to be a constant presence in her life. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, but it also brought a sense of peace. I knew that I wanted to be there for Apple Bloom, to be her unwavering support. We had already shared so much, and our bond had grown stronger with each passing day. Now, it was time to take that bond to the next level. With a deep breath, I summoned the courage to speak the words that had been trapped inside me for far too long. "Apple Bloom," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath, "I love you." A muffled sound escaped Apple Bloom's lips as she stirred awake. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and met mine, filled with both surprise and uncertainty. I could see the questions swirling in her mind, and I hoped that my confession hadn't startled her. "I... I love you too, you," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. "I've been feeling the same way for a while now, but I didn't know how to say it." Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that we had both held our feelings inside for so long. But now, the barriers were broken, and we could finally embrace the love that had blossomed between us. We spent the rest of the morning talking, sharing stories and hopes for the future. It felt like we were laying the foundation for something beautiful, something that would stand the test of time. And as we held each other's hands, I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey together. As the days turned into weeks, our love continued to grow. We faced challenges and doubts, just like any other couple, but we always emerged stronger. Our friends and family were supportive, and they could see the happiness that radiated from us. Apple Bloom and I took our time, allowing our relationship to evolve naturally. We cherished the simple moments, like picnics in Sweet Apple Acres and stargazing on warm summer nights. We celebrated each other's successes and comforted each other in times of sorrow. Throughout it all, I never lost sight of the promise I had made to myself that night. I would always be there for Apple Bloom, no matter what. And in return, she was my rock, my unwavering support. So, as we closed our eyes each night, tangled in each other's arms, we knew that we had found something special. Our love was a beacon of light in a sometimes dark world, and together, we could conquer anything that came our way. As the months turned into years, Apple Bloom and I found joy in building a life together. We never forgot the trials that had brought us to this point, but we embraced them, knowing that they had forged a love that was unbreakable. And so, our story continues, chapter by chapter, as we navigate the joys and challenges of life side by side. Apple Bloom will always be my greatest treasure, my soulmate. And I will always be hers. Together, we create a love story that will endure, forever and always. > Chapter - epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years had passed since that fateful day at Sweet Apple Acres. A day that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. A day that brought me to this point, where I stand now, in front of the altar. My heart is racing with excitement and nerves as I wait for my soon-to-be wife to walk down the aisle. As I take in the beautiful scenery around me, I can't help but think back to how it all started. It was at that same farm, where I first met Apple Bloom. She was just a filly then, full of energy and spunk. I had been visiting my friends in Ponyville and decided to take a walk around the countryside. That's when I stumbled upon the Apple family and their farm. I was immediately drawn to the youngest of the three Apple siblings. Her flaring orange eyes and fiery red mane captured my heart from the moment I saw her. We quickly became friends, spending every moment we could together. And as we grew older, our friendship blossomed into something more. It wasn't always easy, navigating our relationship in a world where ponies of different species were frowned upon. But we never let that stop us. We embraced our love, knowing that it was unbreakable. And now, here we are, about to become husband and wife. The music begins to play, signalling the start of the ceremony. And there she is, walking down the aisle, looking more beautiful than ever. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I take in the sight before me. This is the moment I've been waiting for my whole life. As she reaches me, we exchange vows, promising to love and cherish each other for all eternity. And with a kiss, we seal our love and commitment to each other. Years later, we sit on the front porch of our own little cottage, watching the sunset. Apple Bloom leans her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer. We've been through so much together, but our love has only grown stronger with each passing day. Our life together has been filled with ups and downs, but we've faced them all together. And as we sit here, watching the sun dip below the horizon, I can't help but feel grateful for the love we share. Apple Bloom turns to me, her eyes sparkling with love and happiness. 'Do you remember when we first met?' she asks, a smile on her face. 'Of course, how could I forget?' I reply, a fondness in my voice. 'Well, I'm glad I stumbled upon you that day. You've been my greatest treasure, my soulmate,' she says, leaning in for a kiss. 'And you've been mine,' I whisper against her lips. Together, we create a love story that will endure, forever and always. Our journey may have brought us to this point, but it's the moments we've shared and the memories we've created that truly matter. As we watch the stars twinkle in the night sky, I know that no matter what challenges life may throw our way, we will face them together, hand in hand. And our love story will continue, chapter by chapter, for the rest of our lives. THE END!