Twilight woke up in her bed at 6:58 am. Her head was throbbing in pain. Twilight was surprised that she found herself in her own bed. She couldn't remember how she got home, or much of anything from the party. The last thing she could recall was drinking shots with Pinkie Pie and Rarity. She didn't think she drank that much or at least enough for her to black out. Her headache was too great for her to try and remember everything. She was sure that if she checked her phone she would find messages that would fill her in on the events of last night.
Twilight looked out of her window and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. A sheet of snow covered her entire neighborhood. Twilight usually is aware of the forecast. Cloudsdale controls and contains all the weather for Equestria through the Cloudsdale Weather Federation. They house an enormous facility in the sky where pegasi use equipment and some magic to provide precipitation when needed or weather control services like cloud clearing and storm control. As more technology was introduced they've utilize ways to keep ponies all over Equestria up to date with the forecast in their area. Twilight has a CWF application on her phone that notifies her of any weather updates. She realized that during the time she blacked out she must've missed the snowfall notification. It was still lightly snowing by the time she woke up. She could feel the cold air through the window glass. The tiny snowflakes filled Twilight with a sense of happiness and nostalgia. It was the first snowfall of the season and a pleasant surprise.
Before checking her phone she saw a package on her desk. She got out of her bed and realized that she was still in her party outfit. She changed out of it and wore her bathrobe and slippers. She thought it would be a good idea to act as if she was sick today so that nopony would bother her. She sat at her desk and began investigating the strange package. The package was addressed to her from Puffington. It didn't say whom it was addressed from. Without further delay, Twilight began to open the package. She was excited and scared at the same time. "Who could've possibly sent this to me?" she said. She thought it was probably an early Hearth's Warming gift from an older relative. She did receive a gift from her grandmother last Hearth's Warming and that package didn't say who it was from either.
Twilight opened the package and found a picture of Sunset Shimmer sticking out her tongue. Twilight nearly screamed with glee. Under the picture was an envelope with a letter in it. Twilight read it in the sound of her voice:
Surprise Biotch!
Just Kidding! Hi Twilight. It's been forever since I've last seen you and I still remember your face as if I saw it this morning. I miss you so much it hurts, Twilight. Well, you should know that I've decided to finish school here, in Puffington. I have to start over my senior year, though, so I'll be going to summer school. It's okay. I get to go to night school. Did you know that night school is shorter than day school? Neither did I or I would've signed up my freshman year! What will I do during the day, you may ask? Guess who got a job as a barista? THIS PONY! I work at an herbal teashop… my mother's herbal teashop! That's right, I'm living with my mom! That's also the other reason why I'm staying here. Twilight, she's not crazy! She's just a nutcase! She is a proud hippie pony, peace signs and all! She couldn't put up with my dad anymore so she left us. She felt really bad leaving me with him but he didn't want me to go with her. The police found her and she agreed to take me in. I've been getting to know her and she's really cool. She got married again to another mare who's younger than she is. Her name is Maggie. She's, like, ten years older than me! She's really rad and she rides a motorcycle, too! She's helping me restore my own! Should be ready in a year or so.
Anyway, my dad's case is finally closed. He got 20 years. Don't worry; he's out of my life for good. He isn't allowed to contact me for as long as he lives! Good riddance! That's one thing I don't have to waste my time worrying about! My mom felt a little bad about the whole thing. She felt like she could've saved him or something.
I told her about you. She thinks you're my soulmate. Crazy, right? Or maybe not. You have been on mind like, everyday. We have a connection. I'm not sure if you feel the same way but I wouldn't mind exploring these feelings I have a little more… with you. That is unless you don't want to. I know you're probably a little disappointed to hear that I'm not coming back for a while. I don't blame you if you don't want to do a long distance relationship. I wanted to call you so many times but I don't know your number by heart. I couldn't really find you online on any social media sites, either. I only remembered your address. But what I want you to know is that you don't have to wait for me. I won't hold it against you. I don't even expect you to respond. You've probably moved on and found some other friends. Speaking of which, could you tell the Dazzlings what happened, for me? I know they must be really worried. You can give them my address.
Well I guess I should bring this to a close. I thought about telling you everything that has happened but that would take a whole book to write! I'll fill you in if you write me back. In the meantime I sent you some gifts. I bought you a leather jacket and got your cutie mark embroidered on it. I also got you this book about magic. It belonged to my mom. It's about cutie marks and their relation to magic. I don't know about you but ever since that night we last saw each other I got really interested in magic. I freakin' teleported! I've been trying to do it again but I wasn't very successful. I've been studying and practicing my flank off. I'll get it someday. That book gave me some tips about my magic and myself. Maybe it'll help you.
Until we meet again.
Your special somepony, Sunset Shimmer
Twilight hugged the letter close to her heart and began shedding tears of joy. She was filled to the brim with emotions. She was happy, sad, worried, angry, but above anything else, she was just relieved. Not only was she relieved from the constant worry of how Sunset Shimmer was doing but also she was relieved that Sunset really liked her. Twilight thought back to the time they spent together in her bed. Her heart was racing. After a long sigh, she recomposed herself and found her gifts in the package. She first found the book she talked about. It was written by a well-known Starswirl theorist. She fought the urge to open it and begin reading and instead found the leather jacket. It was black like Sunset's jacket and her cutie mark was embroidered right above the left breast pocket.
Twilight disrobed and began putting on the jacket. She was surprised that it fit so well. She went to her mirror and marveled at how she looked. It wasn't often Twilight gets to wear something so bold. She was just happy that there was something she could wear that would remind her of Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight wanted to take a picture of herself. She used her magic to grab her phone and opened it to find her camera app. Her phone greeted her by telling her she had more than 10 unread notifications. With another sigh she began to read them in the order she received. Most of the first few were picture texts from Pinkie Pie. She smiled at the funny faces they were making. She then noticed that she had voice messages from Applejack and Fluttershy. Twilight thought that was really strange. She listened to the first message from Applejack:
Hey Twilight. This is Applejack. Ah'm calling you from my home. It's almost 3 in the morning. Ah was hoping you might be awake by now. Damn that Rarity! Anywho, just give me a call as soon as you get this message.
Ok bah!
Twilight was very confused. She didn't know why Applejack would want to talk to her, now. She was even more baffled that she mentioned Rarity. She thought that maybe the other voice message would shed some more light on the situation. She began playing Fluttershy's message:
Um, hello Twilight. Um, Tree Hugger and I just dropped you off at your house. I just talked to Applejack and she told me everything that happened. Oh Twilight, it was awful. Rarity drugged you and tried to trick Flash Sentry into taking advantage of you. But Applejack was there to get you out of there. We don't know why Rarity would do such a terrible thing. Oh, and, Tree Hugger just found out that something bad happened after we left. The police came! Anyway, we're just glad you're safe, now. See you soon. Oh and good luck on the final on Monday!
Twilight couldn't believe her purple ears. The very thought of Rarity doing that made her sick to her stomach. She needed some clarity. She decided to call Applejack and get the facts. As the phone rang she realized that she hadn't yet officially patched things up with Applejack. She didn't even know how to greet the phone to her. Twilight tried to run conversation scenarios in her head thinking that it would better prepare her. But it was too late. A pony answered the phone.
"Y'all done reached sweet and savory Apple Acres," said an elderly but enthusiastic mare. "Yer yappin' gums with Granny Smith! What can Ah do ya fer, this fine mornin?"
"Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Is Applejack available?"
"Ya said yer name was what, again?"
"Twilight Sparkle."
"High Light Barkle?"
"No, TWIlight SPARKle."
"Oh, Light Bright Sparkle."
"TWI-LIGHT."
"Eye Life?"
"NO! My name is- nevermind. I'm just a friend from school."
"Oh, why ain'tcha say so? Lemme transfer ya. Oh, now, how do ya work this doohickey, again?"
There was a brief silence and then a few clicks. Finally, a ringing tone was heard. Suddenly, a familiar voice answered the phone.
"Hello, Applejack speaking," the orange pony greeted.
"Oh, hey there, Applejack," Twilight stumbled to say.
"Twilight, is that you? Heavens to Betsy, it is such a relief to hear your voice. Ah, was so scared. Ah was so sure you'd be okay when Ah carried you down stairs but it didn't even cross my mind if those drugs would have some sort of negative side effect on ya, 'er somethin.' Kept me up all night!"
"... So it's true, then." Twilight said after a short pause. "Rarity did do those things to me."
"She's bad news, Twi. Always has been. Tell you what, Ah can get my brother's truck and scoop you up. We can go to the police and report her! Lemme just-"
"How could you?" Twilight interrupted while on the verge of tears. "How could you be so kind to me, Applejack? I went behind your back and yelled at you and said those hurtful things to you. And here you are doing these things for me."
"Shucks, Twilight," Applejack said in a calm and inviting tone. "Ah can't help but be a friend to a friend in need. Plus, you were right. Ah shouldn't have meddled. Ah was just tryin' to help."
"I realize that, now," Twilight said while wiping tears from her eyes. "But that doesn't excuse my behavior. I should've told you the truth to begin with. You deserved that much."
"Shoot, ain't no thang. All of that is behind us. You and me, we're right as rain!"
"Applejack, you really are a true friend. I'm gonna make Sunset Shimmer see that in you, I promise. I've never met an honest pony like you who is so eager to look out for her friends. Any pony should consider themselves lucky to have you as a friend."
"Now, cut that out," Applejack said with cracks in her voice. "You're getting this pony all choked up. Besides, we have this Rarity problem to deal with."
Twilight nearly forgot that that was the reason for the call. All of the anger, worry, and confusion that were growing inside of her were all gone. It was as if the only thing she truly needed was to talk to a friend. She was at peace. The relief of mending a friendship washed away the negativity that was mudding her mind. But the thought of what to do about Rarity came back to her.
"Thanks Applejack," Twilight said. "But I think I'm going to handle this one. I'll let you know if I could use your help, though."
"Ah understand, sugarcube," Applejack said. "Well if you're not too busy later, me, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash will be roller rink around lunchtime. Maybe we'll see you there?"
"I better not. I'm still a little woozy from last night. I think I'm going to take it easy today."
"Good idea. Welp, be seeing you around then."
"See you tomorrow, Applejack. And thanks again."
Twilight sighed and smiled after she ended the call. "That felt great!" she said. But she wasted no time thinking about Rarity. Twilight thought that she should probably just talk to her. She wasn't mad at Rarity for what she did. However, she was surprised that she went through so much trouble for her. Twilight wanted to know why before she takes action.
Twilight called Rarity's phone but it went straight to her voicemail. She calmly left a message asking her to call her back. As an extra measure she sent a text saying the same thing.
"Okay, hopefully she calls me back soon," she said. "We'll just talk about this whole crazy thing like mature mares. Rarity is a good friend when she wants to be and she was kind to me. She deserves a chance to explain herself."
While she waited, Twilight decided to go to her desk and write her letter to Sunset Shimmer. She took out a sheet of paper and used her magic to control a novelty ballpoint pen with a feather quill sticking out of the top end. She started her letter with "Dear Sunset Shimmer." Then she stared at the paper for a few seconds. She didn't know how else to continue. The words were racing in her head. Twilight knew exactly what she wanted to say but couldn't think of where to start.
A thought came to her mind of the journal she was keeping. She had planned on letting her read it the next time they see each other but she thought that perhaps now was the time to show her. But it wasn't finished, she thought. She was in the middle of a situation and thought that maybe it would be best to wait until it is done. She imagined that this would all blow over before Hearth's Warming Day. There were other things she wanted to send her as well. Instead of finishing the letter she decided to right another page in her journal about the party. Her excitement caused her heart to gradually beat faster with every stroke of her pen. Her writing style was slightly different as well. It was as if she was writing directly to Sunset Shimmer.
A week has passed and the sheet of snow grew to a blanket. Hearth's Warming decorations were everywhere in Canterlot. Ponies donned their winter wear to cope with the cooler conditions: cold but cozy. It's during this time of year that Canterlot High School winds down its second semester of its first quarter. The assignments get harder, the tests are longer, and the teachers are less helpful. This is no problem for Twilight and her former pals turned regular pals. In an effort to get closer with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, again, Twilight initiated a study group so that they could help each other pass their classes. It was a very effective strategy. It didn't take them long to warm up to each other. It was like old times and Twilight couldn't be happier.
Spike, however, had a more difficult time squaring things with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The young mares found out that Spike really saved them from great harm. Sweetie Belle was still sore at him for choosing Babs Seed over her. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom forgave him but Sweetie Belle was engaged in giving Spike the silent treatment. Spike was still oblivious to Sweetie Belle's feelings and until he figures that out Sweetie Belle will not give two words to him. They were kind enough to help Spike bring up his grades. If he could pass his classes with C's or better he would have a high enough GPA to join the video game club. It was a small goal for him to shoot for but Spike would count it as a great victory. All of the focus on schoolwork kept him from thinking about Babs, who he hasn't heard about since the day after the party.
Babs, along with Pinkie Pie and Rarity, haven't been seen or heard from since the party. Not even Sweetie Belle knew of her sister's whereabouts. She didn't think too much of it considering that Rarity and Pinkie Pie are known to disappear for days without telling anypony. This was the longest Sweetie Belle has not heard from her.
Sweetie Belle wasn't the only pony who wondered about Rarity. Rainbow Dash asked her friends if they've heard about her during a study session.
"So Twilight, what's the deal?" she started. "You heard back from Rarity or what? I'm ready to go finish what Applejack started!"
"Actually, no I haven't," Twilight said. "I've tried calling her a few times but I got no answer. I've been so busy with school that I've kind of forgot about it. Besides I'm over it."
"Good," Applejack said. "Because that Flash Sentry fella's been bothering me about you!"
"Oh, he has?"
"Eeyup. Whatcha gonna do about that one?"
"I told him thanks, already. I thought that would be enough!"
"Oh, before Ah forget, are we still meeting each other at the Everfree Park after the last day of school?"
"Oh, absolutely," Fluttershy said as she dug her snout into her bag for something. "I was going to wait and surprise you but I just couldn't contain myself. I knitted scarves for all of you. I hope you like them." Fluttershy passed around wool scarves to her friends: a blue scarf for Twilight, a green scarf for Applejack, and a red scarf for Rainbow Dash. The each have their respective cutie marks on them. "I made this purple one for Sunset Shimmer. You can send it to her if you want."
Twilight was very surprised by the gesture. She told her friends about the package Sunset sent her. Even though they told Twilight that they wouldn't mind giving Sunset a chance, she is still taken back by their small acts of acceptance.
"Thank you, Fluttershy," Twilight said. "I'm actually putting a package together for her. I can add this to it and maybe I can take some pictures of us at the park, too."
"That sounds like a great idea, partner."
Suddenly the last bell for the middle schoolers rang. With High School being done already, gave Twilight and her friends enough time to get a good amount of studying in before their siblings let out.
"Welp, that's our cue," Applejack said as she packed her school bag. "It's my turn to cook tonight and I got to swing by the grocery store. I got my brother's truck today. Y'all need a ride?"
"Oh, can you drop me off at the mall?" Fluttershy asked. "I don't need to be at work for another two hours but it's better to wait around in the mall than waiting to get there by bus."
"Eh, count me in, too," Rainbow Dash said as she placed her arm around Fluttershy. "I can walk around with Fluttershy until she has to work."
"Oh, um, really?" Fluttershy said while trying to hide her blushing face behind her long pink mane. "I, um, suppose that would be, um, rather… nice."
"Not me, I'm afraid," Twilight, said. "My mom is taking us to pick out clothes for our Hearth's Warming family photo."
"Bummer. Sounds lame," remarked Rainbow Dash.
"Maybe to you but I look forward to it every year."
"LAAAME!"
Twilight endured the friendly teasing as they headed toward the exits. Spike and Apple Bloom waited for their older siblings together. When they finally met up with each other Twilight and Spike left together with their mother who quickly arrived to pick them up. Apple Bloom left with her sister and her friends in their farm truck. Sweetie Belle, who was still waiting on her ride, watched Apple Bloom wave to her from the puttering old truck. Scootaloo waved to her friend as she jetted passed Sweetie Belle to catch her school bus. Suddenly, a black car with dark tented windows pulled up in front of the school. It was Sweetie Belle's ride. It was finally her turn to go home. The chauffeur pony got out of the car to let Sweetie Belle inside the luxurious rear cabin. When Sweetie Belle entered she was surprised to see her sister already seated in the car.
"Afternoon, darling," a slightly ragged Rarity said. "Enjoyed, your day at school?"
"Rarity, what are you doing here?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Oh, Winchester is just giving me a ride, that's all."
"Where?"
"To my car. I'm visiting the lake house."
"Why?"
"No reason. Just feeling nostalgic all of the sudden. You know how sentimental I get around Hearth's Warming, don't you?"
"Rarity, what's really going on here?"
"Why nothing, dear little sister," Rarity cooed. "Don't worry your wittle-"
"I'm telling mom and dad," Sweetie Belle yelled.
"Okay, fine you little twerp. I'm hiding at the lake house. Pinkie Pie is there and she's in a coma, the poor thing. I have a nurse taking care of her there and I needed to come back to the house to get some things. And, so help me, if you mention this to anypony I will add wringing your precious little neck to my list of things to do, got it?"
"Fine," Sweetie Belle reluctantly agreed. "Daddy's really mad you. You left the house a mess."
"It couldn't be helped. I had to act quickly. I messed up big time and I just need to go away for a while."
"Why? What did you do?"
"It doesn't matter, now. All that matters is that I make sure Pinkie Pie okay."
"How is Pinkie Pie?" Sweetie Belle asked in a more serious tone.
"She's… she'll be fine, I'm sure." Rarity said as she looked away. "There's my car."
The chauffeur pulled up next to a small compact car. It was a rental. Rarity tried her hardest to keep a low profile. She used up all of her allowance to pay for food, the rental, and medical expenses. After a week she was coming close to using her last bit. When Rarity came home she found her father's wallet and took a credit card from it. She grabbed that along with clothes, toiletries, more food, her laptop, and her phone charger. Pinkie Pie's condition had stabilized but she has yet to wake from her drug-induced coma. The nurse told her that it could be any time that she would recover but it is uncertain when she'll wake up. Rarity didn't care what it would take as long as it will help Pinkie Pie. There was nothing Pinkie Pie wouldn't do for Rarity. She knows that and that is why she feels that she must go to these lengths.
The thought of Twilight haven't left Rarity's mind. She was sure that she was looking for her. As Rarity pondered more about the events that perspired she realized that her revenge against Twilight wasn't worth this much trouble. She even tried to find ways to make it look like it was her to blame but everyway she looks at it she always comes to the conclusion that this was Rarity's fault.
"Well I'm off," Rarity said as she donned a sunhat and sunglasses. "Before I forget, here is a list of my teachers and their classrooms. I need you to collect my assignments from them. They already know that I'm supposedly under the weather. Once you have them I need you to fax them over to the lake house, understand?"
"Can't I just scan and email them?" Sweetie Belle questioned. "You use less paper that way."
"Fine. Just get it to me tomorrow, okay? I'll see you soon. And not a word to anypony!"
Rarity got in the rental and drove off in the opposite direction. Sweetie Belle watched from the rear window of the car she was in as her sister disappeared into the snowy distance.
The final day of school came and went. It was less of a day of school and more of a time to enjoy each other's fellowship and say goodbyes before the long break. Some students even exchanged gifts. Even the staff and faculty joined in the gift giving merriment.
Twilight and her friends enjoyed Fluttershy's warm and cozy gifts on the lake at the park, as planned. As a means to celebrate another successful semester they all thought it would be fun to ice skate. The lake was solid enough for ponies to stand on without falling through. It was also a good opportunity for Twilight to take a picture for Sunset Shimmer's gift package.
Twilight and Fluttershy sat on a log near the lake as they began putting on their ice skates. After she was done lacing up her shoes, Twilight noticed that Fluttershy was having problems with hers. She knelt down before her to assist her.
"Fluttershy, you know that these shoes are for magic users, right?" Twilight said.
"Oh!" Fluttershy said. "How could you tell?"
"They have laces. There are slip-on skates you can buy."
"Oh dear. How silly of me."
"It's okay. I'll help you put these on,"
"Thanks, Twilight. Goodness it feels so good to be out of school like this. And you were right. Those assignments weren't hard at all."
"Nothing's hard if you work hard at it! I knew we would all do well. Not even Rainbow Dash could fail with my study techniques!"
"Speaking of which, where is Rainbow?"
"I think she's-"
"Yeehaaw!" yelled Applejack as she and Rainbow Dash carved their skates into the ice to stop in front of Twilight and Fluttershy. "Looks like Ah win! And here Ah thought your last name meant somethin'."
"Shut up!" Rainbow Dash sneered. "I just went easy on ya."
"Ah'm tellin' ya. Ah'm gonna join that derby team of yours. Just you wait. A little more practice and I should be up to competitors speed."
"Hell yeah!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "Well, let's see if you can beat me for real. First one to the other side wins. Hey Fluttershy and Twilight, you gettin' in on this action?"
"Oh, um, I don't think I should," Fluttershy muttered.
"Huh?" Rainbow Dash said. "What's the matter? Haven't broken in your skates yet?"
"Well, um, it's just that, well, I just don't know… how… to ice skate…"
"What? But wait, wasn't this your idea?"
"Well, I just thought…"
"Fluttershy you are so weird, sometimes, girl," Rainbow Dash said with her hooves on her hips. "What about you Twilight?"
Twilight looked at Fluttershy and saw that she looked a bit embarrassed. It looked to her as if she was on the verge of tears.
"I think you guys should go on ahead," she said. "I'll skate with Fluttershy. I can teach her how to get on the ice."
"Suit yourself. Looks like it's you and me, AJ. Better start your engines!"
"Alrighty," Applejack said as she got into position. "On yer mark… get set… GO!"
Twilight watched as the two raced. Fluttershy took this time to wipe the tears from her eyes. Twilight was quick to catch her doing so.
"Fluttershy, what's the matter," Twilight consoled. "Rainbow Dash was kinda mean. But we're all having a good time. Really, we are."
"T-thanks, Twilight," Fluttershy said. "Rainbow Dash really is a nice pony when she wants to be. I just wish… oh, nevermind. I'll get over it."
Twilight assumed there was something Fluttershy wasn't admitting. She thought about trying to fish it out of her but she didn't want her to feel any worse.
"Hey, how about we have a cup of your hot chocolate?" Twilight changed the subject.
"Okay," Fluttershy finally smiled.
The two began enjoying a cup of the chocolaty brew. By this time Applejack and Rainbow Dash were head to head in their epic ice race. Applejack gave it her all. She was slowly gaining distance between her and Rainbow Dash. But Rainbow Dash couldn't bare losing to her friend twice in a row. She opened her wings and gave herself a much-needed boost. With a few flaps she found herself ahead of Applejack. This did not sit well with Applejack. She couldn't believe that Rainbow Dash would stoop to cheating in such a race for fun. Applejack has competed against Rainbow Dash in hoof wrestling, dodge ball, and even soccer, a sport in which Rainbow Dash captains her team. Each event, Applejack has bested Rainbow Dash and in each event, Rainbow Dash resorted to cheating when she discovered that she was losing. But Applejack was not going to have it. Applejack took out her trusty rope and wrangled it around Rainbow Dash, tying her wings down. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe that Applejack had a rope with her. In the confusion Rainbow Dash became tangled in the rope and fell forward. Applejack still held the end of the rope in her teeth and got pulled into the crash with her. They both fell over each other in a tangled up knot of pony and rope. The speed of their momentum carried them into a pile of snow at the end of the bank.
Rainbow Dash found herself on top of Applejack. Applejack laughed at the predicament they were in but Rainbow Dash didn't share in the laughter. Her focus was on Applejack's face. Applejack could tell there was something wrong with her.
"Somethin on yer mind, sport?" Applejack said in a soft tone.
"Yeah…" Rainbow Dash said before moving in to kiss Applejack.
The two ponies embraced each other as they explore the uncertain road of young love, together. Twilight and Fluttershy were still enjoying their cups of hot chocolate. They did see them crash but they couldn't tell what they were doing afterwards. Fluttershy took it upon herself to see if her friends were okay. She flew over to them as Twilight watched. Fluttershy made it halfway to her friends when she stopped midair and flew off in a different direction. It was as if she saw something that startled her. Twilight called out to Fluttershy but she didn't respond. She watched Fluttershy fly toward a nearby bathroom. Twilight then decided to go see if Applejack and Rainbow Dash was okay. When she got on the ice she tripped and fell. The spell she used to tie her laces came undone. She assumed she forgot something but she didn't want to go into detail about what could've gone wrong. She decided to take off her skates and figure it out later.
Rainbow Dash was still engaged in making out with Applejack. Rainbow Dash became a bit aggressive when she started groping Applejack's breasts. It felt good to her. Applejack was enjoying the unsolicited eruption of carnal pleasure. But she quickly came to her senses before she lost herself in it. She pushed Rainbow Dash away from her and got out of the tangled rope and began collecting it.
"What's your deal, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash said in frustration. "You were liking it, right? Why'd you stop? You kissed me before when we were in middle school."
"Yer right," Applejack solemnly said. "And Ah shouldn't have. Ah was confused."
"You didn't seem confused a second ago! I don't get it. Don't you like me?"
"Ah do. But just not like that. It's not right."
"Um, hello? Mares hook up with each other all of the time! There is like literally 5 mares for every colt, Applejack. It's normal."
"What will our families' think?"
"They'd still love us. And if not, screw them! We would have each other."
"It just can't be that simple, Rainbow. My cousin came out to her parents and they didn't take it so well. She ended up running away and we haven't heard from her since. My family's old fashioned. They would want me to take over the farm someday with husband by my side. At least that's what my mama told me before she died."
"Applejack, you and I both know your mom would want you to follow your heart."
"Ah'm sorry Rainbow Dash. Ah just don't think this'll work out."
Rainbow Dash turned away and started yelling expletives. Whenever Rainbow Dash finds herself losing she throws a terrible temper tantrum. She has always been a sore loser because she isn't used to losing. Applejack, however, remained calm and collected. She was firm in her decision. Twilight had finally removed her skates and made it over to them.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" Twilight asked.
"Why don't you ask her?" Rainbow Dash yelled and she floated passed Twilight with a grumpy face.
"What's the matter with her?" Twilight asked Applejack.
"Don't pay her no mind," Applejack said in her best front. "She's just being a spoiled sport. Where's Fluttershy?"
"Oh I think she went to the bathroom. I'll go check on her."
Twilight flew over to the bathroom Fluttershy went to. Before she entered she could hear sniffles and whimpering. She went inside and found Fluttershy wiping her eyes in front of the sinks and mirror. Twilight thought that maybe she got startled by something. Fluttershy was a very sensitive and sheepish pony, after all.
"Fluttershy," Twilight approached and said. "What's the matter? Are you okay?"
Fluttershy was a little shocked to see Twilight. She wasn't expecting anypony to come after her.
"Oh, Twilight," she said while wiping her tears with more effort. "I'm sorry."
"Fluttershy, you're crying. Is everything okay? I can go get the others and-"
"NO," Fluttershy yelped. "Oh, sorry. Really, Twilight it's fine. I'll be okay. We should get back to the others. They're probably worried."
Fluttershy left the bathroom without Twilight. Twilight couldn't shake that something was seriously wrong. It was as if she missed something. But she could only trust Fluttershy's word that nothing was bothering her.
Twilight found her friends by the log her and Fluttershy sat on. They mostly kept to themselves. None of them were talking to each other. Fluttershy was focused on the ground why sneaking glances at Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Applejack was busy taking off her skates. Rainbow Dash was kicking snow in anger. The air was thick with tension around them.
"Well, since we're all here how's about we take a picture?" Twilight said to break the awkward silence. "I brought a camera with me so I can take pictures for Sunset Shimmer. It has a timer so we can take a group photo."
"That sounds real sweet, Twilight," Applejack said, continuing her front.
"Whatever," Rainbow Dash winced.
Twilight tried to ignore Rainbow Dash's unusually mean attitude. She asked everypony to get closer into the frame while she used her magic to steady the camera. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy got into the frame first. Fluttershy slightly inched away from her. Applejack then got in the frame next to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash rolled huffed then moved away from Applejack on the opposite side of Fluttershy making her the center pony. As before she inched further away from Rainbow Dash while also keeping from Applejack. She tucked her hooves between her thighs making herself as small and isolated as possible. Once everypony was in the frame Twilight activated the camera's timer and rush to join her friends while still using her magic to hold the camera.
"Okay, girls," Twilight said. "Say no cheese!"
Applejack and Twilight were the only ponies who smiled for the camera. After three consecutive flashes the group photo was done. Twilight levitated the camera to her so she can view the photos that were taken. All of the photos were awful. Applejack only smiled in one in the other two she glanced at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash didn't smile at all. In the second photo she caught Applejack staring at her and in the third photo she looked away from the camera. Fluttershy sunk deeper and deeper out of the frame in each shot. Her mane covered most of her face. Twilight seemed to be the only one enjoying herself. She couldn't take it anymore. She had to ask why her friends were acting strange.
"Okay guys, something is totally off, here," she said. "What is going on with you all?"
"Ah'm cool as a cucumber sandwich on ice," Applejack lied.
"Yeah, you could say she's straight" Rainbow Dash added.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I think you know exactly what it means," Rainbow Dash yelled as she rudely came face to face with Applejack.
Fluttershy couldn't stand to see them close like that. She quickly began grabbing her things.
"I think I must be going now," she said. "Happy Hearth's Warming and New Year."
Fluttershy ran off toward her home. She didn't even look anypony in the eye.
"I'm outta here, too," Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "This is so lame."
Rainbow Dash jetted off toward the sky. She didn't seem to leave in the direction of her home. From the ground Twilight and Applejack noticed sparkling twinkles falling from flight path. Rainbow Dash was crying as she left. Applejack dipped her hat hiding her eyes. She was crying as well.
"I sure am sorry you had to see us like this Twilight," Applejack said while still trying to hide her tears.
"Applejack, what's going on?" Twilight asked. "And please don't shut me out. I want to help."
"Ah'm not sure if you can help."
"Don't do this to me Applejack. I feel like I'm losing my friends all over, again. You can't tell me anything?"
Applejack sighed and wiped her face on the scarf Fluttershy gave her.
"Well Ah reckon there's no use in hiding it now," she said before taking a deep breath. "Okay, back in our middle school days me and Rainbow Dash… experimented a little. We kissed… a lot, actually. But Ah told her Ah couldn't do it anymore and she got mad at me. She didn't talk to me for about a while. We became friends again after the fire happened. Ever since then we would come close but Ah would stop it from going any further. And today we kissed, again! Ah done messed her head up. Ah know that Ah shouldn't kiss her but why am I so torn up inside about it? I think I just feel really bad."
"That explains a lot," Twilight said. "But it doesn't explain Fluttershy's behavior."
"Ain't it obvious? She likes Rainbow Dash."
"Oooh, yeah that makes sense."
"She doesn't know about our history. Nopony does. Well, except for you know. You see where Ah'm getting at?"
"I understand, Applejack. I won't tell anypony about you and Rainbow Dash. Not even Fluttershy."
"Actually, Twilight, if there's anypony you should tell it would be her. You know how sensitive she is. You could tell her if you think it'll help."
"Don't worry, Applejack. You can count on me. But will you be okay?"
"Ah ain't gonna lie to you, Twilight. Ah feel like shit. But Ah'll get over it. Ah hope so anyway."
"Well give me a call if you do need anything, okay?"
"You betcha, partner. And thanks."
Twilight gave Applejack a hug before she flew home to drop off her things. Applejack sighed and slowly headed toward her home as well. Her heart was heavy with worry. She kept shaking her head at the thought of locking her lips with Rainbow Dash's. She didn't feel hopeful that Twilight would be able to help them. She only continued losing herself in her thoughts of hopelessness and self-loathing.