The party was in full swing, and the Cakes (with Pinkie Pie’s inevitable and invaluable help) had gone all out with the decorations and the treats. In fact, to celebrate the anniversary of their shop opening they had created a new special: pumpkin-carrot cupcakes! They had even thought ahead and made a tin of them just for Pinkie Pie, and the pink pony was now bouncing through the place giggling and putting frosting on noses and faces whenever she got close to somepony.

Twilight Sparkle had started one of her odd but exuberant dances and soon everypony was laughing and dancing with her, making quite a ruckus as they celebrated. Rainbow Dash followed their movements in the air, her wings leaving trails of tickled giggling whenever she swooped close to the dancers. Even Rarity was letting loose a little bit, helped along by Pinkie Pie, who made sure her glass was always full.

Fluttershy watched all of this with a small but happy smile. She loved seeing her friends have fun even when she wasn't up to joining in. As she nibbled a cupcake she looked around, hoping to spot Applejack when she showed up. She wasn't worried, though, as she knew the putative leader of the Apple family had a busy schedule. The thought of seeing her made her smile a little brighter; something about the earth pony always made Fluttershy feel safe and grounded.

As if summoned by the yellow pegasus' thoughts, Applejack threw open the door with a hearty "Howdy, y'all!" She was greeted with an enthusiastic cheer and pulled right into the revels. A small blush appeared on Fluttershy’s cheeks as her eyes followed the Stetson hat bobbing above the crowd.

Applejack caught sight of Fluttershy shortly after arriving. Breaking free of the crowd in the hope of speaking with the shyest pony in Equestria, the blonde-maned mare grabbed two mugs of hard cider - provided free of charge by Sweet Apple Acres for the celebration - and joined her friend.

"Howdy sugarcube," she said while offering her one of the mugs. "What's got ya hidin' out over-"

"Hey AJ!" Rainbow Dash interjected, hovering over Octavia and Lyra who were in conversation about an upcoming music concert. Rainbow landed beside Applejack and grabbed her foreleg. "Snapple is boasting that he can best anypony at bobbing for apples just because he grabbed two at once, but it was an accident since one was caught in his teeth by the stem. I know you're better than him ‘cause you're better than me at it. C'mon, you gotta show him who’s boss!"

"Ah, uh," Applejack stammered, her competitive spirit at odds with her sense of manners. She had come over here to chat and have a drink with Fluttershy and it would be rude to leave now.

Fluttershy had gasped slightly at Rainbow's sudden appearance but still smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. As Applejack hesitated, though, she ducked her head a little, her mane flowing over one eye as her gaze dropped to the floor between the orange pony's feet. "It... it's okay, Applejack," she said quietly, "go show them how good you are."

A slight blush reappeared on Fluttershy's face, and she whispered, "I'll be here when you get back," so quietly that she was sure she wouldn't be heard over the din of the party. Her eyes flicked up for a moment to Applejack's shoulders, but she couldn't quite meet her friend's eyes. Instead her ears twitched forward a bit as she marveled at the soft orange over hard muscles that farming had given the earth pony.

Applejack smiled at Fluttershy and said "Ah'll be back lickety split Fluttershy, don't you go wanderin' off."

"Yes?" a nearby colt asked, "Did somepony call me?"

"No, Licketty Split," Rainbow Dash said to him, clearly resisting an urge to smack herself with her hoof in exasperation.

Applejack just laughed, downed her mug of cider in one long smooth swallow, and followed Dash back through the crowd of jocular ponies. She quickly glanced back at Fluttershy and got the strangest impression that her friend was checking her out.

Nah, couldn’t be, she thought. Not that I'd mind one bit! She had, on more than one occasion, thought about taking Fluttershy on a walk through the orchards but had always figured she hankered after Rainbow Dash. She certainly didn't want to make the timid mare feel pressured to make a choice between her friends.

"Helloooooooooooo!" Rarity said as she appeared next to Fluttershy after the athletes had left. Her smile was radiant and her blue eyes sparkled.

Another gasp escaped Fluttershy as the fashionista accosted her, looking resplendent in one of her latest outfits. For a second the pegasus considered bolting, but with a little shiver she stood her ground, her eyes flicking to Applejack.

"Oh, um... hi, Rarity," Fluttershy said just loudly enough to be heard. "It’s good to see you. Are you having a good time?"

"Oh darling, of course! Mr. and Mrs. Cake may not be up on the latest in couture," Rarity replied with an inaudible but still visible sniff, "but their treats and parties are always the best!

"And what about you?" said the white unicorn with a small, sly grin, her eyes trying to follow Fluttershy's gaze. "It looks to me like you're on the hunt!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened and she took a step back, one hoof coming up in alarm. "Oh! Um... I don't...” Blushing furiously, her eyes darted around as if she was looking for the nearest exit.

It was Rarity's turn to blush a bit and she laughed to cover her embarrassment. "Now now, don't you worry. I won't say a thing, and wouldn't even if I knew who you were mooning over! But my darling," she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, leaning closer to her friend, "will you tell me? I'm dying to know!"

Fluttershy stammered incoherently, unsure how to proceed, then looked into Rarity's eyes. She was afraid, but she knew she could trust her friend. "O... okay. It's... um..." her eyes flicked back to her crush, who was laughing around two apples she had just bobbed for. "It's Applejack."

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?” Rarity cried rather loudly as her eyes bulged out in surprise. A few ponies looked their way, but as Rarity fell silent, her cheeks red, they turned their attention back to the massive tub of water as Applejack and Snapple shoved their heads back into it with a splash.

“Oh dear,” Rarity said, covering her mouth with her hoof at the expression on Fluttershy's face. She knew she had overreacted but she just couldn’t help it. Applejack, of all ponies! “Oh, my dear Fluttershy! That's... I thought you... but really... oh never mind! Have you said anything to her yet?” she gushed.

Fluttershy had almost leaped out the nearby window when Rarity cried out. Her ears were flat against her head and her eyes were shining with unshed tears. As the flustered unicorn beside her did her best to cover for her gaffe, though, Fluttershy planted her feet to keep from running. After a moment she shook her mane away from her eyes and frowned up at Rarity, very lightly stomping one foot.

“That's supposed to be a secret, Rarity,” Fluttershy said in a fierce, quiet voice, “and... and... no, I couldn’t tell her myself,” she sighed, her eyes now downcast again.

“But if you don’t mind, Rarity, could you tell me... why, um... why you are so shocked? Am I really such a bad pony that... you don’t think she... would like me?” The yellow pegasus finally looked up at Rarity’s face, her eyes quivering and wet again.

On the other side of the room, Applejack and Snapple finally lifted their heads from the tub of water with a triumphant splash. Both of them had hold of the same apple, and when they opened their eyes Snapple blushed and let go, looking away quickly. Applejack just rolled her eyes, then chuckled and announced herself the winner “since y’all couldn’t keep your grip!”

The crowd cheered and jeered and laughed and clopped their hooves merrily at the outcome of the contest. Applejack bit into the apple she had won and high-hoofed Rainbow Dash. She found Snapple and patted him on the shoulder. “Nice try there partner, but ain't nopony can beat me at a contest 'o apples. It’s all in my veins.” Fortunately, Snapple was a gracious loser and the two parted company with smiles and a shared chuckle.

Applejack set her eyes back towards Fluttershy and grabbed another mug of hard cider as she headed back to continue talking to her quiet friend. She frowned a bit when she noticed Fluttershy looking bashful in front of Rarity and hoped the pegasus was still having at least a little fun.

“Well, no Fluttershy, it isn't you at all!” Rarity was quick to say, reaching out to touch her on the shoulder and offering a consoling smile. “Quite honestly, I had thought that you, well, had feelings for Rainbow Dash. To hear you were eying Applejack of all... Oh, hello there Applejack!” Rarity finished quickly.

“Y'all talkin' bout me?” Applejack asked with a smile, putting her mug down on the table by the as yet untouched drink she had already given to Fluttershy. “My ears are burning, so don't try lying to the Element o' Honesty,” she smirked.

“Well yes,” Rarity said, glancing nervously at Fluttershy, “We were, um, talking about how you bested Snapple in that… apple game.” She waved a hoof absently, a nervous grin plastered on her face as she looked up at Applejack.

“You mean bobbin' fer apples!” Applejack said proudly as though it were a rodeo event and she had won a ribbon. “Still champion!”

“Exactly,” Rarity said, who hadn’t been watching but had guessed at her friend's victory just from her positive attitude. “Well, I promised Twilight I would speak to her about... eh, gems. Yes, some rare gems! You two have a nice chat!” she said, quickly striding away with a very not-casual look about her.

“Ah swear, that mare's a few stitches short of a complete outfit, eh puddin' pie?” Applejack said to Fluttershy with a chuckle and a grin, holding up her mug. “Here's to the Apple Family blood,” she said, toasting her own victory.

“Oh! Of course,” said Fluttershy with a smile as she took a drink as well. She watched Applejack’s throat move as the earth pony drank, mesmerized by the movement and the shape of her mouth on the mug. Another blush colored her cheeks and she quickly looked away, her mane falling down again to cover one eye. Puddin’ pie! she thought with a little giggle.

“I’m glad you’re having fun, Applejack,” Fluttershy said as she looked back up. “You always seem to find a way to be happy." She pawed the ground with a forehoof, surprised at how bold she felt... at least until Applejack finished her drink and met her eyes.

Those lovely green eyes, looking into hers... Fluttershy’s wings fluttered against her sides, and she swallowed as a small sigh escaped her. The sounds of the party fell away as she stood transfixed. With a start Fluttershy shook her head, suddenly remembering where she was. She mumbled something incoherent and flipped her mane back over her eye, blushing furiously.

"Darn tootin'!" Applejack said, lowering her now half-empty mug. "Always gotta try to have a good time. Ah work hard all the time, so when ahm free to be ah really wanna feel it!" she said with a big smile. "'Fact, some ponies tell me ahm like one o' them rascals who don' let anythin' hold 'em back, but between you 'n me ah've got plenty o' things to keep me back from really lettin' loose. Friendship fer one thing. There are things ah think about doin' that ah know wouldn't go over well with some of my dearest friends, like you and Twilight. Heheh, ah've been tempted to let Winowna get into the Library and tear it up just to get Twilight outside for a bit. But shhhh, y'all didn't hear that from me," she added with a wink.

“So what’s up with you Fluttershy?” she asked, “You're lookin' a li’l flustered.”

“Oh! Well, um...” stammered the pegasus, still unable to meet Applejack’s gaze. “You know, parties can be a little scary.”

“SCARY?” cried Pinkie Pie as she appeared from behind a nearby cupcake. “How could this party be scary? It’s all about happy times and friends and food and drinks and laughter and yay!” Pinkie bounced around the two mares, her mane getting poofier with every hop. “I’m so glad you’re here, too, Flutters - I love seeing you, and you always make me smile, and so do you, AJ! You’re such good friends!”

Pinkie gathered them both into a big hug, giggling as she ruffled their manes. “Now drink up, eat up, have fun, dance, enjoy, and have fun!” she cried as she bounded off to bring cheer to more guests.

Fluttershy realized that after the hug the party pony had left her standing even closer to Applejack than before. While the blonde-maned farmer was watching Pinkie scamper off, Fluttershy sneaked a little sniff of her. Her pupils dilated at Applejack’s scent: honest sweat, a hint of spice, and under it all the sweet smell of apples.

As Applejack looked back at her, Fluttershy ducked her head again, taking a half step back, but the scent lingered in her nose and made her wings quiver.

“Heh, don't worry yourself,” Applejack said, “Pinkie's just bein' Pinkie. You know she don't mean you no harm.” Applejack patted Fluttershy on the shoulder and finished her cider. “Ahhh, that's good,” she said happily. “One sec sugarcube, gonna get a refill.”

Almost the moment that Applejack left the table, Rarity returned and watched Applejack retreat. Her face was flushed and her eyes were glassy; she had a mostly empty glass of cider floating by her head.

“How's it going?” she asked Fluttershy. “Did you say anything yet? You really ought to, you know! Pinkie Pie's parties, especially when drinks are provided,” she sipped at her own, “are notorious for, shall we say, ponies not going home alone.”

She gave Fluttershy a saucy wink and a sly grin, following the farm pony with hooded eyes. "And Applejack attracts quite a bit of attention, if you haven’t noticed.”

Fluttershy followed Rarity’s gaze, watching as Applejack navigated the party to the table where the hard cider was. The earth pony was talked to by at least a dozen stallions and mares, quite a few of whom offered greetings that seemed full of flirtation and even outright suggestion.

Fluttershy’s eyes stayed on Applejack as she pondered Rarity’s words. As the truth of them sank in she felt a brief pang of jealousy and fear, but managed to quell it and be glad of the enjoyment all the attention seemed to bring to the farm pony.

“Well, I... I haven’t told her, but we did get rather distracted by Pinkie Pie. I think Applejack is coming back once she gets more cider.” She smiled at Rarity as she continued, “And I really don’t mind if others flirt with her. I just want her to be happy.”

Rarity smirked a bit as she replied, “That’s no less than I would have thought of you, my dear, but if you want it to be you who makes her happy, you need to let her know how you feel.”

She dramatically sighed and let a sorrowful look steal onto her face. “Trust the voice of experience,” she said as she brought a hoof to her forehead.

Hoping to forestall the summoning of a fainting couch, Fluttershy hastened to respond. “Oh, I know, Rarity. I... I’ll tell her. Thank you!”

Rarity winked again and wandered back into the party, starting her own round of flirting. As she passed Applejack she nudged the blonde and leaned over to whisper something in her ear before sashaying over to the canapés.

Applejack looked at Rarity with a raised eyebrow as she walked away, then quickly drank more cider from her mug. A slight hint of a frown formed on her face as Rarity’s words found their way into her thoughts past all the cider. Looking back at Fluttershy, her frown deepened briefly, but then was forced up into a smile as she finished her trip back to the table where the pegasus waited.

“Heh, howdy there, again,” Applejack said, “Rarity tells me you've been eyein' somepony up.” She looked around the room, especially in the air, as if sure where to find the pony she sought. As she searched, Applejack mused to herself that she could understand what Fluttershy saw in Rainbow Dash. Strong, talented, beautiful, great personality, all the things any pony could want. Finally her gaze returned to Fluttershy, and she grinned and cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Oh! Um... did she say that?” stuttered Fluttershy, blushing furiously. She cringed slightly, her eyes growing huge and her ears twitching back. “I don’t know…” she stumbled over her own words, the green eyes watching her making her shake, her wings ruffling.

Fluttershy took refuge in her cider mug as she fretted. As she drank she looked around her - everywhere but into Applejack’s questioning regard. After a long moment, she said “It... it’s true,” so quietly that Applejack had to lean closer to hear her. “But... I don’t really think she’d... and I don’t know what to say.” As she spoke she unconsciously made herself smaller and smaller, and now she could feel her knees shaking a bit as she finally looked up at the earth pony with a tiny smile.

Applejack saw Fluttershy's cringing and interpreted it as her normal nervous condition whenever she was in a tense situation. The idea of asking Rainbow Dash out was one that Applejack could easily see Fluttershy having trouble coming to terms with.

“Ah know how ya feel,” Applejack said.

“R-really?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Yeah,” Applejack said. She sighed and chugged her drink before putting an elbow on the table so she could rest her head on one hoof while gesturing with the other. “Tellin' somepony ya like 'em can be kinda scary, especially if ya already got a good strong friendship, since that could make things awkward. If ah were in yer shoes ah'd hunker down, walk up to'er, and plant a big ol' kiss on 'er lips 'n tell 'er how ah feel. But ah know that you ain't the type to do that,” she gave Fluttershy a slightly pitying smile.

“Ah can't tell ya what ta do or how to do it, but ah definitely think you oughta try somethin' before somepony else comes along.” She took another sip from her mug then stared into the glass, blinking a couple of times in confusion at the suddenly empty vessel. Hadn’t it been full a few seconds ago? Shaking her head slightly, she looked back at the pegasus. “Then again, y'all could always get lucky and maybe she'll ask ya out first. She's prolly that type.”

“That... type?” said Fluttershy quietly, a small frown appearing on her face as she thought it over. “I don’t know if I could try something myself. You… um, she’s so... do you really think she might ask me first?” She looked up at the earth pony, her frown fading to a happy smile as she met Applejack’s green eyes. “I mean, that would be wonderful… even if she, well... walked up and kissed me first,” she said in a quiet rush, leaning slightly toward Applejack.

Surprised at herself, the yellow pegasus looked away quickly, her cheeks burning. She looked around for something to hide under but only saw Applejack’s empty mug. “I’ll go refill that for you!” she said in a high-pitched gasp, dashing off with it before the earth pony could respond.

In seconds she returned with a full mug. She placed it on the table, then gently nosed it toward Applejack. “There you go,” she said softly as she retreated behind the table, crouching slightly so her eyes were just peeking over the top.

Applejack nodded and said, “Thanks, Fluttershy!” as she took another drink before continuing, “Now where was I? Oh yeah! Ya know, the type ta ask frist...er, first,” she said, shaking her head again. The earth pony blinked and paused for a while as she tried to figure out what point she’d been trying to make. Deep thinking made her thirsty, and in a few more seconds she had finished off the cider.

Fluttershy noted the empty glass and dashed off to get another refill. While she was gone, Applejack pondered what to say to the nervous mare. What’s it gonna take for her to do something? she thought with a sullen sigh. Fluttershy was probably going to keep on waiting anxiously for Rainbow Dash to do or say something now. Ah can't let her keep her hopes up fer nothin', Applejack thought. She'd make sure Rainbow Dash knew what was on Fluttershy's mind and tell her to make a move, because Fluttershy certainly wouldn't.

Applejack was about to go find Dash when Fluttershy returned with her drink, then retreated back behind the table. “Thankya again,” she said to the pegasus, taking a few more swigs from it quickly. Looking a bit at a loss, Applejack finally managed to slur out, “So! Enjo-*hic*-oyin' the parteh?”

Fluttershy nodded from behind the table, her eyes on Applejack. “Yes, it’s nice,” she said. “I like when my friends are having fun. I do wish...” she stopped again and bobbed almost out of sight, only the top of her mane showing.

Underneath the table, Fluttershy gave herself a very quiet but stern talking-to. “You can do this,” she whispered fiercely, “and everypony thinks you should speak up. C’mon, Fluttershy!” Taking a deep breath, she raised her head to peek above the table.

“Um...” she started to say, then stopped as she saw that Applejack had wandered a few steps away to talk with Rainbow Dash. She sighed softly, deflating and sitting down as she let out the breath she’d been holding.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash had started to talk but, distractible as ever, ended up roped into a drinking contest with Berry Punch and Octavia. Nearly a half hour - and five more hard ciders - later, she managed to find herself alone with Dash, who was just finishing a long story.

“And then I said 'Flying? I thought you were crawling!'” Rainbow Dash said, spreading her hooves and grinning.

Applejack’s laugh filled the room as she clopped the ground with one hoof, almost falling over. “That was FUNNEH!” she said loudly, staggering off to the side. After her chuckles subsided, she sighed and looked around with a dazed expression. “Now what was ah doing?” she pondered aloud. “Oh right, Fluttershy!” she exclaimed suddenly, then turned back to Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Dash!” Applejack said, unsteadily patting her friend on the shoulder. “Listen listen listen,” she slurred, “Ah've got the notion that Fluttershy's got the hots fer ya.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked with an incredulous look.

“Now listen! She ain't gonna make the first move...”

“AJ-”

“AND ah think y'all should...” Applejack continued doggedly.

“Listen-”

“She told me that she wouldn't mind if y'all just up and kissed her, so why don't ya-”

“AJ!” Rainbow Dash yelled, shoving her hoof into Applejack's mouth. “I'm not interested in Fluttershy that way. I'm dating Soarin, or did you forget?”

“Wha?” Applejack mumbled around the cyan hoof.

“I'm not into Fluttershy, and I don't think she's into me,” answered Rainbow Dash as she reclaimed her hoof.

“But she's been-”

“Staring at YOU all night,” Rainbow Dash said with an amused expression.

“Wha?”

“Listen, AJ, I gotta go, and you gotta go find Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Right... right ah do,” said Applejack, her head spinning. Fluttershy had been checking her out? But Rarity said.... Well, she hadn't said Rainbow Dash... but ah thought...

Confused, the earth pony staggered back to where she had left Fluttershy; it seemed so long ago now. Her vision blurred as she checked by the table, and she almost fell over as a sudden inspiration made her look under the table. But the yellow pegasus was gone, leaving only her half-finished mug and a forlorn farm pony behind. Well, ah blew that, thought Applejack grimly. Ah just hope ah can fix it.

Author's Notes:

Poor AJ! Poor Flutters! Will they ever manage to get together?

Spoiler Alert: eeeeYUP!