Graceful Seranade
The small town of Ponyville had been abuzz regarding the impending anniversary of Discord's reformation. Apple Bloom was not free from the excitement. But her emotions were beyond the anniversary. She sought a response to a question she had. Wanting the whole truth about it, she tried to speak with her sister. However, Applejack seemed to get lost every time they had a conversation. Within days of the encounter, the mare was unable to remain motionless. Stranger still, her sister refused to explain why.
Because of this, Apple Bloom looked elsewhere for the answers, and the only other mare she knew was just as honest, Coloratura. After some work, Apple Bloom discovered that Rara was getting ready for the performance at the Carousel Boutique. As it happened, Rara went out of her way to ensure that the public was unaware of her visit. That was obvious from a big celebrity like her.
Her nerves were shaking as the smaller mare snuck into the place. Arriving at a chair right as the songstress finished a new piece. A few of Rarity's friends applauded her. At first, Apple Bloom thought it was strange that Rarity wasn't here running her most beloved shop, leaving Sweetie and Button of all ponies in charge. However, those questions would have to wait as she saw her chance.
Seeing the celebrity taking a break with some water. Rushing over, she sat beside her, trying to not spook her. "Hey, Rara!"
"Applejack--" Coughing and blushing, the songstress turned to look at the sister instead of continuing. "Ah, Apple Bloom. Hi there, sweetheart."
"Little?!" Apple Bloom spit back. "I've been 18 for at least a few months now."
The older mare patted her head and said, "My mistake. So much shorter than your friend, Sweetie Belle."
"Three inches! You ought to see Scootaloo. Apple Bloom realized she was straying from her path and paused and caught her breath. However, it was impossible to deny that Coloratura was right in what she had observed. Sweetie Belle had grown to be the tallest of the three, proving to Coloratura was kind and honest. "Listen, I wanted to ask you something important."
"Yes?"
"Well, I..." Apple Bloom searched for the right words. She'd rehearsed them multiple times, but when she tried to speak to the real pony, her voice choked. It wasn't easy to speak about this to her sister and even to such a larger than life mare. "How do you know when you have feel?!" Feeling further embarrassed, the little mare just blurted it out.
Rara was silent for a moment, her expression uncertain and blank before snapping to attention. Her voice screeched back, turning away with a deeper flush. "Well, it's difficult to describe!" she exclaimed. "Who told you to ask me this?! Your sister!"
"No, I can't get a hold of her to ask about Tender Tap, myself." Apple Bloom's original intent was cried out as she stammered so much that she was unable to keep her thoughts straight.
"Oh... This isn't about me and Applejack..." With a serene demeanor, Coloratura whispered to herself before turning to face her. "This Tender Tap, you want to ask your sister about him." She swigged another drink, utterly disregarding what Apple Bloom had said earlier. "He's your dancing partner in the main event? Do you need advice of moves or maybe voice."
"No, no, no, no." The mare's head was starting to spin. "I want to know how to ask Tender Tap on a date!!" As soon as Apple Bloom realized she had spoken so loudly that every pony in the room could hear her, she quickly covered her mouth. Including Sweetie Belle at the counter who fell down laughing.
Coloratura went silent. The mare was for a few moments too stunned to speak. A smile emerged then. "Oh, this is a bit awkward." Seeing the younger pony trying to cover her blushing face, she pulled the younger mare over where they could discuss the situation in private. After entering a different room, Coloratura leaned against a wall and inhaled deeply. "You're suffering the same problem we are."
"We...?" At her words, Apple Bloom arched an eyebrow.
"Nothing, just the way you must feel about Tender Tap sounds very familiar to the same way I feel about another." She went on trying to look strong, even though her smile was fading. "Tell me, when did these feeling shine within your heart?"
Apple Bloom answered, "Just about a year ago," finding it easier to speak at this point because she had confided in somepony, even if it wasn't him. "He's a really good dancer. And we've been cooperating for a very long time... To be honest, I'm not sure when the spark ignited." Her redness became more intense. "There were no issues in the previous competitions. Our bodies could rotate, encircle each other like twins, and never falter."
The pop star gave her a comforting smile. "Yes, your performances are an incredible sight." Yet her ears bent at the mention of their closeness.
"However, I've been feeling really agitated lately. Although we're still in practice, being near him seems really strange." Still flushed, Apple Bloom looked up at the singer. "I even slapped his hand off once." Her voice hitched as she corrected what she meant. "Nothing happened, I just reacted..."
"You wanted to move first." The taller mare concluded, her eyes sad.
"No, I would never push somepony into something!" Apple Bloom sprang to her defense.
"Yet, longing can be far more confusing than never needing." Her eyes remained and her blush came back, albeit a little paler. "It's hard to control feelings. You want him to sweep you off your feet. Other times, you want him to throw you onto the table and..." Falling upon the table in an undignified gesture, she stopped herself. "You just want him to think of you... the same way you do." The singer adjusted her posture and then fell to the ground. "Sorry, it's just these feels can be quite possessive."
Yes, but he doesn't look at me like that. I've seen him with other mares, he doesn't flirt, but he acts so different around them." Apple Bloom was not going to deny the fact. It was among the things that caused her pain. To many ponies, he would be charming and nice, but lately, especially, he could hardly say two words while turning away.
"And yet, he stays with you," Coloratura extended her hand to invite Apple Bloom to take a seat on the floor next to her.
"We work together in dance..."
"Not just in dancing." The celebrity stroked her hairbow. "However, in other areas. Your hearts, your aspirations, and your lives. Even when there were others to choose from, he remained with you." Knowing that the younger mare found it hard to speak, she met her gaze. "Maybe he acts different around those other mares because they are easier to talk to."
As she spoke, Apple Bloom's eyes widened. "You mean, like we're talking now."
"Exactly." As Coloratura's words registered with the smaller mare, her smile grew brighter.
"So you're saying he might..."
"I don't know what going through his mind." Coloratura looked away and saw the shadow of Applejack outside the window. "But it would make things so much easier on both sides if you weren't so burdened from hiding it."
"Is it really that easy?" Apple Bloom's head shot back "What if he turns me down?"
Coloratura grabbed her cheek, stopping her. "No, you aren't afraid of that." With a smile, Coloratura gestured to Applejack's shadows outside. "You are an Apple, nothing is bold enough to scare you, certainly not rejection..." Her voice cracked once more. "No, you're scared he might say yes."
That response silenced Apple Bloom, who didn't say anything for a full minute. When the singer realized there was nothing more to say, she got up and turned to face the main room. "The rest you figure out on your own."
"What?! No, don't go." Apple Bloom tried to stop her, but the celebrity just shook her head.
"There's no reason to discuss this further," Coloratura turned around, gestured to the door, lowered her gaze, and chose to tell the truth. "If I knew more do you think I would have already asked Applejack out."
"I..." As Apple Bloom realized how difficult this conversation had been for them both, her eyes grew large. "I see." She turned to face the door after getting up. With a deep hitch in her throat, she took her leave.
As the door opened, Applejack rushed in to see Coloratura. With a smile back on her face, Coloratura waved Apple Bloom off. The elder sister was completely unaware of the conversation. Instead, her mind was still elsewhere. The last thing Apple Bloom heard before closing the door was...
"Where is Rarity and Spike?!" The eldest sister hurriedly crossed the space.
"Still on their trip, getting supplies." Coloratura was the only one who wasn't surprised by Applejack's outburst.
"No, they have to return soon." Applejack fell into Coloratura's arms. "She's still missing?!"
"I know, you'll find her, all six of you will." With a slight neglect, Coloratura accepted the hug, Apple Bloom's words still resounding loudly in her mind. "We just can't give up now."
The door shut, and Applejack's worries would have to wait for another day to be solved. Apple Bloom could hear the singer's words in her mind. Her emotions were a disorganized jumble, but now more than ever, a choice needed to be made.
******
A few days later, Tender Tap and Apple Bloom were practicing beneath a tree. It was their final opportunity to rehearse without an audience. Although they were both anxious, the young mare needed to maintain her composure. She had to give it her all for him.
"Are you okay, Apple Bloom?" Tender Tap was the first to realize that something wasn't right. The short mare wasn't acting normally today.
"Yes, everything's fine." Apple Bloom covered her blush by turning aside. This compelled him faster through the opening steps.
"Are you sure, you don't look--" She stopped him by taking his arm and led him forward. Her hands trembled as they made contact, surprising him.
"No, I'm just excited." She returned the smile, not meeting his gaze. "Let's not waste this time."
"All right." She could tell Tender Tap wasn't buying it, but he followed her anyhow.
The two swung and twisted each other. Things moved quite slowly at first because of their mutual hesitancy. Took more than a whole ten minutes of going before they picked up speed. Soon enough, their movements grew more coordinated as they entered the zone.
Apple Bloom sensed her body drawing nearer and his breath hitting her cheek. His gaze drifts closer and closer to hers. She could see all of his peach fuzz because his face was so close to hers. Her stomach fueled with odd feelings pushed her back. Her breathing became labored, and her heart started racing. Her steps, though, never faltered.
It was becoming more and more difficult to stay focused. He touched her sides with his hands as they moved so closely together. She drew him in closer as her hands ran over his back. Their hips collided with one another. They both closed their eyes, engrossed in the mental beat. As the speed quickened, their bodies sweated, and their breaths became heavy and hot.
Though their bodies fatigued, the speed increased to the point that their thoughts strained to keep up. Their feet managed to stay in sync with one another. As they went on, their arms slid over each other's bodies with an invasive demand. It left them feeling increasingly uncontrollable. Their hearts continued to beat more quickly. The pressure increased and both ponies were panting.
Then, Tender Tap halted and braced her against the tree. With their gaze locked, both ponies were left in stillness. A tiny trickle of perspiration was falling down their pale vase.
"I didn't mean that..." Tender Tap tried to say something, but couldn't finish.
"No, you're not to blame... I must have pulled you..." Apple Bloom was at a loss with her disorganized mind. She was still having trouble breathing, especially considering their current position. His legs were tightly tucked beneath her gown. Her hands tightened their grasp on his hips. The paleness transformed into a full-blown blush as she realized how this might appear from a distance.
The two wanted to break this embarrassing brace but were too afraid to move. She bit her lip, and his leg trembled. Between the two, there was an overwhelming amount of anxiety and confusion. Who initiated contact first? Whose desire was greater? Who would first start to break away?
For a full twenty minutes, the two remain motionless, unmoving from their stances. They were both afraid that somepony would see them and think the worst. Nevertheless, there was a strong desire between the two of them to be together until everything was transparent. All misunderstandings had to cease. Apple Bloom had the answers, but it was more difficult now to say given their positions.
"Tender Tap..." she whispered, leaning her head closer.
"I can't, we can't..." His body betrayed his words as he attempted to retreat, his mouth quivering. "Yet... I..."
"You want me?" Her resistance ceased as her eyes grew wide, and she rushed forward to seize his lips. Despite each other's doubts, the two cherished the kiss as though it were a prize. Apple Bloom felt herself getting hotter. This wasn't just a random kiss, it was a permanent connection. Sensations that were so intense pressed their bodies together. The gates opened, transforming wants into desires. His body was heating up, his heart was racing, and his muscles were straining against her.
Their dance shifted from being clean, although a touch awkward, to being more open and very sensual. Her lips met his again, and there was a gentle, sweet flavor. She was forced further into the tree by his body. Her legs bucking against his hips, drew him in closer. It was all a mixture of aspirations and passions.
The two did not need to consult one another. She ripped open his shirt and he tore out the back of her dress, allowing more air to enter both of them. In a way they had never experienced in any dance, their fingers interacted with one another. Apple Bloom was showing him the most attention she could ever muster, and Tender Tap was reaching areas he never felt of her.
The two hardly noticed the pants and panties dropping. They were both struck by the penetration, yet they remained in the kiss. Tender Taps hoisted Apple Bloom off the ground. The tree behind her creaked as the two bounced against each other. Her thighs encircled his hips, drawing him in closer and holding him more securely.
They were both so engrossed in the intense and wild desire that they had forgotten everything—including their surroundings, their worries, and the concept of dance altogether. Their bodies were all they clung to while their minds went blank. They lived in a world full of lust, passion, love, and pleasure.
Though this was by no means a virgin thirst, neither had ever felt anything like it. During their high school years, they both had ridiculous fun with various ponies. As adults, this was more than just a spur-of-the-moment taste. This was different, a bond that none of them wanted to sever. They didn't have to say anything. Words would have just ruined it. But their bodies were more than expressive in this moment.
He embraced her in his powerful arms. His hips held her in place, pushing her in. Their eyes rolled back as she guided him deeper. A wave of ecstasy swept them both away. Her lungs were laboring and her heart was pounding. The noises of flesh resounded all about them, and their bodies were dripping wet.
Neither had ever been so passionate and intense with anypony before. Never with lovers, friends, or casual dates. It was a long-overdue high that finally materialized.
Their minds were blank and their bodies were moving independently as sensations reached a peak. Both quickly lost the ability to think straight. The world was whirling, and their breath was so ragged. A sudden, icy flash of whiteness appeared as they were about to crest the peak.
It all crashed down in a cold rush of white.
The world paused around them when they broke their kiss to breathe. Their juices trickled down their legs and onto the tree, and the two growled and moaned simultaneously. And they collapsed onto the grass and lay there breathing and panting. They didn't say anything, neither could speak at this point, not that they needed to. All that was more than enough.
******
The day of the event finally arrived later. After speaking with Coloratura, Apple Bloom felt more confident and clear-headed. Everything had changed between her and Tender Tap with a thrist of the moment. She didn't need to summon any bravery when approached him on the dance floor.
He bowed and she curtsied, perfectly timed as always. They stepped towards each other, and their eyes locked, and he lightly took her hand. She couldn't shake his eyes, his touch was consoling, and his grip felt warm and soft.
Their bodies glided with amazing grace and amazement across the stage. Their stride faltering never, their bodies far from parting. Apple Bloom was shocked by how simple this felt in comparison to earlier. The two began gently and then transitioned into flips and jumps. She balanced with ease in his hands and he swooped under he, sliding across the ground. They appeared to be floating along the cold stage.
Apple Bloom was unable to contain her smile. Her past dances were nothing like this one. Although he had always been kind, she had never felt her own hold so delicately yet firmly. She was never one to let go of him. If this was a dream, she wished to spend all of eternity in it. As she leaned back, she sensed his body slipping over hers.
As their routine neared its end, she found her desire to continue never fading, only growing stronger. The dance, however, could not go on forever.
They landed into a final perfect pose. Apple Bloom ignored all of the cheers and applause from the other ponies. As the drapes closed, she leaned forward, she stole his lips.
Apple Bloom tried to control her feelings, but they were too strong. Tender Tap didn't fight, rather embracing it once nopony could see them The love kept them both imprisoned in a universe of possibilities. All they could do was remain motionless and mute to the outside world. Only sensing the warmth of each other's skin and hearing each other breathe. Neither could hear the cheers beyond the curtains, turning to screams.
These weren't of joy, but horror. Disaster lay just beyond the dense cloth and timber framework. Fear gripped everypony as Canterlot was ripped apart by a storm of magic, lightning, and devastation. Neither Tender Tap nor Apple Bloom had a clue until a random blast hit the stage...
The stage was ripped apart, and blood splattered. As the curtain came down, the truth revealed itself. As the princesses and Discord engaged in combat with an unidentified individual dressed in white and bearing the changeling emblem, ponies screamed in fear. He moved with the incredible power and speed of an earth pony, through the skies untethered to gravity's grip much like a pegasi or batpony, summoning vaster spells than any unicorn could keep up with. Who was this foe...?
For the dancers, the action above them was a blur. Their injuries were sudden and excruciating. But none averted their gaze from the other's. Their bodies were flung in different directions. Stilled voices to the terror, concern for others' safety rather than their own. As their hands extended, the warmth of their blood blended together. Both attempt to console or ever seek a possible escape together.
None of this mattered as the warmth gave way to a sharp chill. The pain subsided and their limbs grew weaker. All around them continued slowing down. They were only being driven by their love for one another and the absolute horror setting in.
Their shoulders stopped, then the upper arms and lower. With just their fingertips, they continued to attempt to touch each other. Both lost their grasp and the light was leaving their eyes. Their vision fading, nevertheless, they refused to turn away. Their faces were transfixed with tears, and their lips quivered. The world was blackening, their hearts were slowing, all the while the battle continued above. With their distance only centimeters, the two lost everything. Their eyes were taken over by darkness, and the blood loss became unbearable. The fingers gave way to a state of coldness. Their last kiss, their last dance, never really had a chance.
******
Above the whole scene, a pale mare watched onward. Her hands tried to reach out to the burning city, the sight of the two lovers on the stage. Her arms flinched back and she turned her eyes away. She gritted her teeth and dropped her mane over the sight of them.
Turning her gaze toward the six below all the fighting. Applejack gathered the wounded, Fluttershy unmoving on the ground. Rarity's shop was ripped apart. Pinkie Pie covered in smoke. Rainbow Dash's booming crash above. Twilight was gone, nowhere in sight. All their horrors reached her ears.
"I can't save them... I can't save any pony." Her breath was shallow when one eye spotted the figure responsible for all of this, battling with the princesses. "You did this... They all suffer because of you."
The figure stopped and shined his crooked horn at her fading visage. "No, you did this, when you abandoned them to my power!!"