To me, sex is nothing more than a passionate connection between two ponies. I can learn a lot about a mare from the way she moves beneath the bed sheets, or from the expressions she makes as she quakes with pleasure. I wonder what ponies learn about me during those moments. I hope I'm as good a love maker as I think I am, and I hope I'll never be forgotten. I remember all the ponies that made an impact on me, the ones that gave me every ounce of passion they had to give. I live for those moments of bliss, of pure unrelenting... ecstasy.

I only wish such things weren't considered wrong or taboo. So what if I want to spend the night with a beautiful stranger? I love the way it feels to long for them when I'm lying alone in bed the next night. I love knowing that I'm fully capable of attachment, and if they walk back into my life, I'll gladly reconnect. A cute mare could make me feel truly admirable, and dapper stallion could make me feel secure. I could break both their hearts, then I'll smoke myself a cigarette, take a swig of Neighgermeister, and start the whole process over. A circle of sex, love, tears, and pain... the story of my life.

Exie slid her long, jet-black boot onto her leg, winking at Rainbow Dash as she did so. The pegasus licked the tip of her sticky hoof and rubbed it against her chest, gazing down at the sultry little mare on the floor.

"Hey, Exie... don't tell anypony about the hoof thing, okay?" Rainbow Dash asked, her eyebrows lowering to a threatening level.

Exie casually waved her friend down and smiled. "Hey, you can trust me, alright?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head and chuckled. "You better hope so, for your sake."

Exie furrowed her brow and tightened her thigh-high's laces. Just as she raised a hoof to scold her friend, a tap at door caught her attention. She turned in time to see Applejack and her little sister standing outside the shop. Little Apple Bloom pressed her face against the glass with glee while the older mare stood awkwardly shifting her weight with a twisted frown.

Exie trotted up to the door and pushed it open. "Hello, Applejack! What brings you here?"

The farm-mare peeked her head into the building and gently nudged her sister away, noticeably taking in a whiff of the post-sex scent filling the stale air. "Uhm... Am I interruptin' somethin'?"

Exie blushed nodded towards her ventilation system on the ceiling. "Sorry, this thing is pretty crappy, it keeps squeaking and shutting itself off. Rainbow Dash and I were just getting a little... better acquainted," she explained, smiling at Apple Bloom through the glass.

"I see..." Applejack cleared her throat and stepped back outside. "I can check that fan out for ya tomorrow. Sounds like a loose belt to me."

"That'd be great. You're a great friend, Applejack." Exie kissed the mare on the cheek, then dug a small pouch of bits from her saddlebag. "This should cover my first month, right?"

The farmer gulped and bounced the heavy little bag on her hoof. "Definitely..."

"Come on, Dash!" Exie nodded outside, and the pegasus quietly fluttered outside before Exie locked the door. "Wanna come see my room?"

Rainbow landed next to Applejack and scratched her mane. "Sup, AJ?"

"Uh... let's talk. Excuse us, Exie." Applejack grabbed onto Rainbow Dash and hastily led her down the street, where she began quietly discussing something.

The Manehattan mare giggled and leaned down towards Apple Bloom. "Never grow up, kid. You're to cute to ever be like us."

The little filly proudly puffed her chest out and grinned. "I can't wait to grow up!"

"Whoa... No... What did I just say? Huh?" Exie crossed her hooves and shook her head. "Why are you in such a hurry to grow up anyway?"

"'Cause I can't wait to get my cutie mark! And Applejack says gettin' it is part of growin' up," Apple Bloom explained with a confident smile.

"Okay, I get it. But you don't have to grow up too much, too quickly, ya know? I mean, well... I don't know what I'm saying. I like you, though, because you remind me of myself at your age. Want a present?" Exie smirked and unlocked the door to her shop.

"You bet I do!" Apple Bloom cheerfully exclaimed.

"Wait here," she said as she headed into the building before searching the walls. "Aha!"

Apple Bloom fidgeted with an excited grin as Exie returned with a plastic wrapped package. "What is it?"

"Open it up and find out, ya little goof ball." Exie smiled widely and tossed the package to the silly little filly.

Apple Bloom's eyes gleamed as she tore the plastic away with her teeth. Wrapped around cardboard packaging were two black legwarmers with three shiny metal studs lined up the centers. With the utmost sense of enthusiasm, Apple Bloom slid the clothing onto her front hooves. "How do they look?"

"Hot!" Exie shouted, then covered her mouth and blushed. "Eh... I mean, 'cute'. Don't tell your sister I just said that," Exie said as she nervously glanced over her shoulder.

Too preoccupied to care about anything anypony said, Apple Bloom confidently strutted around in a circle, her eyes closed as she stretched her front legs out and smiled.

"The hay are you wearin'?" Applejack asked, glancing at Exie with a look of disapproval.

"Relax, AJ, we should all wear what makes us happy, right?" Exie asked as she snatched the hat off Applejack's head and put it on.

Apple Bloom nodded and held her front hoof up to her sister. "I love 'em!"

"She loves 'em," Exie reiterated.

Applejack lowered her head and sighed. "I have to admit, they do look kinda cute on ya."

Rainbow Dash covered her mouth and snickered. "You actually look really good in AJ's hat, too, Exie."

Applejack gritted her teeth and snagged her hat back. "Come on, I have some more ponies to introduce ya to, Exie."

"Ooh! Let's hurry before Cousin Braeburn gets there!" Apple Bloom quickly galloped ahead as Exie laughed.

"Cousin Braeburn, huh?" Exie asked, raising her eyebrows at Rainbow Dash. "Is he cute?" The cerulean pegasus pretended to gag herself, and immediately nonchalantly put her hooves down and glanced away as Applejack turned around.

The farm mare glared at the pegasus and shook her head. "Exie... I, uh..." AJ fumbled. "We need to talk when we get back to the farm."

"Ooooh," Rainbow Dash teased.

Exie chuckled, shrugging. "Am I in trouble?"

"Not yet." Applejack picked up her pace to keep her little sister in sight as the sky grew darker beneath a veil of thick clouds.

Exie slowed down and kept Rainbow Dash by her side as Applejack trotted up the hill. "So... what did you guys talk about? Was it about me?"

Rainbow Dash frowned and scratched her mane. "I shouldn't really..."

"Hooves."

Rainbow sighed and leaned in closely. "She told me that she wants to... I mean, she wants... look, it's not really my place. Go ask her yourself. I don't even know what to say anyway."

Exie grinned and placed a hoof on her chin. "You two should rut."

"What?" Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks and flattened her ears. "Are you into watching or something?"

Exie marveled at the thought and nodded. "You two? Yes, I could watch you all day. But that's beside the point. I think there's a lot of sexual tension pent up between you guys, and you should lock yourselves in a room and let it all out."

"No." Rainbow Dash fluttered into the air and glared down at Exie. "Just mind your own business already... AJ has something to tell you."

As the pegasus flew out of sight, Exie winced and carried on up the hill. She hurried to see Applejack silhouetted by a bright orange glow. The mare stood strong with her muzzle to the sky as small plumes of smoke billowed up above her. Exie hesitated, her steps slowing as she neared the mare.

"Ah, there ya are. Where's Rainbow?" Applejack pranced up to the trouble young mare and wrapped a foreleg around her neck.

Exie grinned and shrugged. "Uhm, she just flew off. I don't know where."

"Well, ain't that just like her. C'm'ere and meet my cousins." Applejack waved to the two ponies standing about a large burning stump. "That there's my cousin Braeburn, he's a bit of a joker so watch yourself around him. And next to him is my other cousin, Fiddlesticks."

"Howdy!" The dirty blonde stallion tilted his hat and winked at Exie.

"Hello," Exie giggled and waved the tip of her hoof, then turned to the yellow mare with a long blue mane falling over her shoulder. "Hello to you, too."

The country mare bowed her head and smiled back. "And what's your name, suga?"

"Oh! I'm Exie." The young mare waved again and blushed. "So what are you guys doing out here?"

Bic Mac raised his eyebrow and leaned back against the barn, then Applejack took a deep breath and shot Braeburn a harsh glance. "Well, Exie," Applejack said, clearing her throat. "We're havin' a little get together. This was a bit of a surprise visit, so we're workin' out the sleeping arrangements. Normally, Braeburn and Fiddlesticks here share your room when they pass through."

"Oh... Oh! That's no problem at all. I'll just crash back at the shop. No biggie." Exie casually waved her front hoof around and smiled.

"Nonsense! Y'already paid for the room, so it's yours whenever you need it. I was just thinkin' maybe you and Fiddlesticks could bunk up for the night since they're leavin' tomorrow. Braeburn can sleep on the couch." Applejack took a deep breath as her eyes darted back and forth between Exie and her young, admittedly attractive cousin.

"Sounds good to me!" Exie pranced across the yard and placed her hoof on her cheek, standing in front of her roommate.

"Aw man. I gotta sleep on the couch while Fiddlesticks gets to bunker down with a cute little redhead?" Braeburn kicked at the ground in defeat. "T'ain't fair..."

Exie raised her eyebrows and leaned towards the stallion. "Hey now, I won't mind too much if Fiddlesticks wants to trade."

Apple Bloom piped up with a wide, shining smile. "I'm a cute little redhead!"

Exie covered her mouth and giggled. "Yes, you are."

"I think it's about your bedtime, l'il missy." Applejack forced a smile and lifted the filly up, carrying her inside.

"Aww! But I don't even feel tired!" Apple Bloom protested as she was carried indoors.

"I want one..." Exie's eyes sparked as she watched the little filly leave her sight.

"A foal?" Fiddlesticks scoffed. "Not me."

"No! Hell no! I meant a cute little sister. I just have this snot-nosed little brother that I can't stand," Exie explained.

Braeburn chuckled and wrapped a foreleg around his cousin's neck. "Aw, come on, I'm sure he ain't so bad. We apples are all about lovin' our families, maybe you should give 'im a chance."

"You... Never mind. You're right. Whatever. So, what's up with you two? Are you, like... incestuous or something? You are cousins, right?" Exie asked, a naughty grin growing across her face.

Braeburn and Fiddlesticks each glanced at the other, then scurried away from each other. "No!" they shouted in unison.

Big Mac chuckled from the side of the barn, and Exie released a sigh of disappointment. "Darn. Well, I guess I can still ask: how about we all three share the bed?"

Braeburn glanced over Exie's body, then he looked over at his cousin and groaned. "Nah... I'll be on the couch. I'm actually a bit tired from the train ride over. Probably gonna go get settled in now." The earth pony stretched his limbs and yawned, then offered Exie one last smile before trotting away.

"I already put my stuff in your room. Hope ya don't mind." Fiddlesticks nodded towards the upstairs window.

"Not really my place to mind. I don't mind anyway." Exie took a seat on a log by the fire and warmed her front hooves.

The yellow mare took a seat next to her and sat down her small violin case. She popped the case open and pulled out her worn, quaint instrument.

"Oh. You're a musician. Play us a song." Exie clapped her hooves and grinned.

Big Mac huffed and trotted around the barn into the darkness.

"Sheesh, somepony needs to help that boy loosen up." Fiddlesticks mumbled as she began tightening her strings.

"Tell me about it. He's been giving me mean looks ever since I showed up," Exie said, shaking her head.

"Don't pay no mind. He's a grumpy one sometimes." Fiddlesticks closed her eyes and ran her bow across two strings, producing a soft resonating harmony as she carefully guided her hoof up its neck.

Exie wore a soft smile as she relaxed, the somber tones of the gentle instrument gracing her ears. A distant roar of thunder echoed across the orchard, and Exie sighed. "I was hoping to see stars tonight."

"Why tonight?" the violinist asked, running her hoof up and down routine scales.

"Oh, right. I'm from Manehattan, and I've never seen a clear country night sky before. Applejack says it's amazing." Exie stared up into the clouds with a crooked frown, the occasional flash of lighting shining in her eyes. "Just my luck."

The southern mare grimaced at the flickering sky and took a deep breath. "Maybe tomorrow, then. Keep yer chin up, there are worse things than a cloudy night." Fiddlesticks grinned, ignoring the faint roars of thunder as she struck three sharp, staccato notes before playing a folksy tune, tapping her hoof.

"Hey, you're really good. I wish I could play something. I can barely even sing." Exie leaned down and marveled at the southern mare's fine precision.

"Been playin' my whole life. Had this fiddle since I was a blank flank." Fiddlesticks chuckled and abruptly stopped playing. "How 'bout you give it a shot?"

Exie laughed and shook her head. "I wouldn't know where to begin."

Fiddlesticks got up and stood behind Exie, placing the violin in her hooves. She reached around her, adjusting its position and guiding the nervous redhead's front hooves. "There ya go, now nice 'n' easy. Run the bow over the strings."

Exie pressed down on the strings and bit her tongue as she carefully guided the bow, producing a shrill, discordant sound. Just then, a loud crackle of thunder tore through the sky and raindrops began dotting the ground. Fiddlesticks shrieked and quickly snatched up her instrument, following Exie as she laughed and headed for the safety of indoors.

Applejack and Braeburn each snickered at the two mares as they darted into the front room. The cowboy tilted his hat respectfully before offering Fiddlesticks a cocky smirk, laying across the living-room sofa. "What's the matter? Scared of a little rain?"

"No! You scared a' gettin' hit upside the head with a fiddle?!" Fiddlesticks frowned and stomped upstairs.

Exie caught her breath, scratching her head. "She okay?"

"Dang it, Brae!" Applejack scolded. "Why you gotta pick on her like that, huh?"

"Aw, shucks. She knows I'm just foolin'. Heck..." The country colt huffed and lowered his hat over his face. "I'm goin' to sleep..."

Applejack sighed at her couch-dwelling cousin's behavior, then she quickly turned her attention to Exie. "So let's have a quick chat," she said, nodding towards the kitchen.

"I'm listening." Exie choked on the bulb of nervousness welling in her throat as she followed the mare into the other room. "What's this all about?"

"Listen up. First thing's first: Rainbow Dash is off limits." Applejack narrowed her eyes and raised an eyebrow.

Exie cocked her neck and frowned. "What? Why?"

"'Cause I said so," Applejack snapped. "I got my reasons, and they ain't none of your business, but if you wanna be my friend, then Rainbow Dash is off limits."

Exie kicked the wooden floor and groaned. "Fine... but I still wish you'd tell me why."

"Look, it's just... I don't know, okay? I don't want you messin' with her. I don't want anypony messin' with her. Anytime somepony is flirtin' with or touchin' her, somethin' about it ticks me off, and I know it ain't how a best friend should act, but-"

"Hey. Shh. Don't worry about it. I'll just be her friend then with no sexy strings attached. It's all good. So, anything else?" Exie took a deep breath and pat her friend on the back.

"Heh, sorry 'bout that. This has just been really eatin' away at me lately, and when I saw you two..." Applejack sighed and lowered her ears. "Thank you, Exie. I know you must like her a lot, and it means a lot to me that you're willin' to put up with... this."

Exie nonchalantly tossed a hoof in the air and threw her head back. "Hey! Don't mention it! You've been great to me, so this is really the least I can do. So what about us? We kissed pretty hardcore this morning. Will I get anymore of that? Or is this Rainbow Dash thing getting serious?"

Applejack chuckled and stepped forward, wrapping her front hooves round the young mare's neck and pulling her close. Exie closed her eyes and smiled wide, returning the hug as their muzzles pressed together. The farmer let a rueful breath slip through her nostrils, her mind racing. "Exie, I don't know what that was earlier, but it felt fun. That sorta behavior ain't exactly smiled on in this house though. So... we can't just... You know what I'm tryn' to say to you?"

"I get it. I also get the impression that your brother's kind of a stick in the mud, is that what this is about?" Exie asked, her muzzle still pressed up against her friend's.

Applejack rolled her eyes and bit her lip. "I dunno about him, but he made it clear he don't like you all that much. Don't worry about it though, 'cause I like you a lot. I liked kissin' you too. The rest of my family? They wouldn't like us kissin' so much."

"You know I'm probably gonna fuck your cousin, right?" Exie teased. "I think she'll like it too."

"Mhm. Good luck with that one. " Applejack playfully nudged Exie away and backed up against the kitchen counter.

Exie dropped her smile and tilted her head. "What, you mean you don't think she'll want to? She was pretty flirty outside."

Applejack shrugged and brushed a patch of errant flour from her coat. "I really don't know. What I do know is that she's a real hot head, shortest temper I've ever seen. So just try to... not push 'er buttons." The mare then yawned and stretched out her limbs. "I'm gonna hit the hay. You two have... fun, I guess. If she kicks ya out, I'll leave my bedroom door open for ya."

Exie quietly laughed to herself as the gorgeous blonde mare turned and headed towards the stairs. "Oh, and Exie, whatever happens, please be quiet. I don't wanna have to answer strange questions from my little sister in the mornin', alright?"

"Gotcha." Exie paced a hoof over her chest and nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow, Applejack. Goodnight."

The strong earth pony winked before walking up the steps, her hips sensually, yet involuntarily swaying as she went. Exie glanced back into the living room at the sound of the stallion snoring away, then giggled as she trotted up to her bedroom. She inched the door open, quietly stepping in and coyly watching the ground as she shut the door behind herself.

"Hey." The yellow mare brushed the deep blue bangs out of her face as she stared out the window into the endless rain.

Exie took a seat next to her and smiled. "You okay? I was afraid I was about to witness a murder down there."

"Hehe," the mare laughed and looked over at Exie. "Brae just knows how to rile me up. He may as well be my little brother."

"I can relate, then." Exie smiled and nodded.

"I love 'em to pieces though..." Fiddlesticks grinned, losing herself in her memories.

Exie scratched her still damp mane and leaned back on the bed. "No offense, but why'd you get so mad? I didn't think what he said was a big deal, not really anyway."

Crackling lightning struck the ground nearby, piercing the walls with its sharp, roaring thunder, slowly fading into a deep, distant rumble. As the rain pelted into the side of the farmhouse, Fiddlesticks shook in terror, clinging onto the young mare sitting next to her.

"Oh. I get it—you're afraid of thunderstorms."

Fiddlesticks wiped her brow and blushed. "I always have been, and Braeburn knows it. I didn't realize this one was gonna be so bad..."

"It's not that bad. And to be honest, I used to be really afraid of lightning too," Exie admitted, beginning to blush herself.

Fiddlesticks smiled, then cringed as another bright white flash lit up the night sky. She flinched and squeaked at the loud boom that followed. Exie widened her gleaming eyes and wore an adoring smile. "I'm sorry, but watching you is absolutely adorable."

"Well I'm glad my fear makes you so happy!" the mare snapped, then crossed her forelegs with a disdainful huff.

"I didn't mean to upset you. I just think you're really cute." The redheaded mare offered a sincere smile.

"Yeah yeah. I'm sorry for yellin'. I'm just a bit self conscious I guess." Fiddlesticks shrugged and pouted her lip. "You really think I'm cute?"

Exie rolled her eyes, then scooted further back on the bed and untied the tops of her boots. "Help me out?"

Fiddlesticks turned and faced the mare, a sudden burst of blush flooding her nose as she eyed Exie's leg stretched out towards her, the top of her black boot undone. She nodded and grabbed onto the boot, giving it a swift tug. It smoothly slid off of the mare's leg, then the southern mare repeated her actions with the other boot. As she set them on the floor, Exie let out a deep yawn.

"Mmm, thanks, Fiddlesticks. I'm gonna try and get some sleep." Exie sprawled out atop the blanket and arched her back. "Do you prefer being on top or beneath?

"Uhm... I," Fiddlesticks stuttered, then giggled nervously. "What are you askin' me?"

Exie lifted the blanket and raised an eyebrow. "Beneath or on top of the blanket? I usually sleep on top when it's warm out, but I know some ponies insist on covering up. Somepony's got a dirty mind."

"Hey! That ain't fair. You made what you said sound dirty on purpose. You're the dirty-minded mare here. Not me." Fiddlesticks stated accusingly.

"Well it's chilly out, so I prefer bein' on top, and beneath the blankets." Exie winked and pulled the blanket over herself, causing Fiddlesticks to lose her balance.

"Oh my..." The southern mare fell onto her stomach and laughed, then joined Exie beneath the covers. "You like one night stands then? I ain't never really done nothin' like that before."

"A mare's gotta have some fun now and again, don'tcha think?" Exie winked and rolled onto her side, facing her roommate.

"Definitely." Fiddlesticks bit her lip and closed her eyes, a nervous rock sinking into her stomach. "You're used to this, aren't you..."

Exie lowered her ears and glanced away. "I've been with my fair share of mares before. How about you?"

Fiddlesticks shrugged and smiled, wrapping her hooves around Exie's neck. Just then, a sudden flash briefly illuminated the entire room, and the yellow mare squeezed her eyes shut, curling herself up and bracing herself for the thunder that was sure to follow. Exie covered her mouth and began to laugh.

As the thunder faded, Fiddlesticks gritted her teeth, her cheeks glowing red. "Stop laughin' at me!"

Exie snorted and pressed both hooves against her face. "I... I can't help it. You're just too cute, and funny."

The quick tempered Appaloosian shoved Exie off of the bed. "Out!"

Exie wiped a mirthful tear from her eye as she laid flat on the floor and caught her breath. "Wait..." she chuckled. "I'll stop... I'll stop..."

Fiddlesticks cringed as a gust of wind howled, and Exie began to crack up yet again.

"OUT!"

Regrettably still chuckling, Exie waved the mare down. "Okay, okay. I'm going... No need to wake everypony up."

Exie jumped as the door was slammed behind her, then it opened again, each black boot loudly falling in front of her hooves. She flung them over her back and let out a deep sigh. "Goodnight..."

As she spotted Applejack's partially open bedroom door, a wave of relief washed over her. With a warm smile, she quietly entered. The beautiful blonde mare was fast asleep, and Exie carefully climbed into the bed, wrapping her forelegs around the mare, warmly pressing her chest against Applejack's back. She took a deep breath, then felt her heart skip a beat as the mare snuggled up against her in her sleep.

With a painful sigh, Exie closed her eyes. I hope you know just how lucky you really are, Rainbow Dash.