Author's Notes:

Another slice of life. I like it though, it makes me laugh. More soon...

Twilight, Applejack and Apple Bloom bid their goodbye’s to Cherilee and headed toward the diner. The snow quieted the sound of pony hooves as they walked through the town. The soft jingle of harnesses against saddlebags and quiet conversations provided most of the sounds. It wasn’t necessary to raise your voice as you walked downtown and the distant happy shouts of colts and fillies off in the distance, playing in the snow could be heard distinctly.

As she trotted along, Twilight kept glancing to her left at Applejack and smiling.

“What?” Applejack looked over at the lavender eyes that were regarding her with a million emotions. “What’s with that smile? Do I have something in my teeth?”

Apple Bloom ran ahead of the two ponies, eager to get to the diner. Applejack and Twilight followed behind.

“No silly, I was just remembering the last time that I was here, I was walking to the diner with Dashie, the wind was blowing hard, and oh, was I ever a mess. I still can’t believe how everything turned out. It seems like a million years ago.”

“Well it might as well be Twi. Glad I’m next to you this time.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is for me not to kiss you right now?”

“Yes I do, but I’ll take an IOU…”

“C’mon you slowpokes! I’m as hungry as a horse!” Apple Bloom called back to them as she opened the front door of the diner and went in.

As she stepped inside and shook the snow off her hooves she slowly became aware of a growing quiet. The murmur of conversation in the diner became softer and carried overtones of speculation. One by one the ponies at different tables would steal a glance toward her and toward the entrance. Those sitting near windows craned their necks, watching Twilight and Applejack as they walked up the steps. The murmurs grew louder. There was a sense of anticipation. The little filly looked around with uncertainty. The conversations, again, got quieter. Twilight entered the diner and the soft murmur fell silent.

Then Applejack walked in.

The only sound was of dishes clanking in the kitchen. Every eye in the place was looking at her. She smiled weakly and looked around with an expression of uncertainty and a little fear.

Twilight leaned over and out of the corner of her mouth whispered. “Just say ‘Hi everypony!”

“Hi Everypony!!”

The diner suddenly erupted in applause as ponies stomped their hooves and clapped. There were shouts of “Go Applejack! Yea AJ!! Woohoo!”

The wave of affection hit both of them with an almost physical impact. They looked at each other and there was nothing for it. With her chin trembling and her eyes full of tears Applejack smiled and nodded at them all while Twilight stepped back and wipe her eyes with the back of her hooves.

Twilight gradually became aware that the affection and applause were not for Applejack alone. Many of the ponies were looking at her as they applauded. Slowly a look of surprise dawned on her face at the sight of the deep affection for her in their eyes. She stood there, a confused look on her face and then turned and noticed that Applejack had stepped back and was smiling at her. The applause and cheers went on and many napkins were picked up to wipe many teary eyes as the two ponies stepped close together.

Apple Bloom hugged her sister hard and buried her face in the soft honey orange coat as Applejack put her foreleg around her shoulder. Eventually the applause died down and the normal rhythm of the conversations picked back up, though with a noticeably happier tone. Pip and his family were in a booth and he stood up on the seat and called out.

“Hey Applejack – try the special – it’s smashing and it works!”

Twilight had just noticed the daily special on the chalkboard and gave Applejack a poke to the ribs.

Using a multitude of colors, the artist had drawn a large stack of apple-buckwheat pancakes with apple butter topping. There was a very cute caricature of a smiling AJ. It was called the “Get Well Applejack Special.”

Laughter went up from the crowd and there was another smattering of applause as Applejack blushed.

The three ponies noticed that the prized big round booth in the corner was suddenly empty and had 3 fresh settings on it, though they were both sure that ponies had been sitting there when they came in.

Twilight scooted in one side and Apple Bloom climbed in the other followed by Applejack. They picked up their menus and holding them high up to cover their faces, they leaned together.

Apple Bloom, sitting happily between the two ponies, looked up at her sister on her right and then leaned over, nuzzling her shoulder. “I love you sis,” she said. looking into the green eyes that she loved. Applejack smiled back, leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“I love you too Apple Bloom.”

The little filly looked to her left and leaned in and nuzzled the lavender fur.

“I love you too Twilight.”

“Aww thank you sweetie,” Twilight said, kissing her forehead. “you know I love you.”

Apple Bloom looked up at Twilight then back at Applejack.

“Well??!” she implored the two of them, “Go on!”

Applejack and Twilight looked at each other, each with a little smile. Then, as their eyes met the significance of the moment touched each of them. Apple Bloom had provided them with an opportunity to say publicly what was in their hearts, though in a rather surreptitious manner. It was something fun. They both looked at Apple Bloom and then back at each other. They spoke plainly, letting the words themselves carry the weight.

“I love you Twilight.”

“I love you Applejack.”

Apple Bloom looked at one and then the other.

“This is just the BEST!!” squealed the little dusty saffron filly, “Okay, now let’s eat!”

As they lowered the menus, in front of each of them was a Get Well Applejack Special.

“Now that’s what I call service!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

The three ponies dug in, enjoying the meal. Ponies, passing by on their way out, smiled and waved at them, and they nodded back with a smile. A few stopped by to talk but were polite enough to just say how happy they were that Applejack was okay, that she was looking better than ever and that they’d see her around.

“Apple Bloom, don’t use so much syrup, your drowning your pancakes. All that sugar isn’t good for you.”

“She’s right sweetie. And take your time, this isn’t a race. Enjoy your food…”

“Land sakes! Now the two of you are ganging up on me -it’s like having TWO older sisters, or two mothers!”

Twilight and AJ just looked at each other, then quickly away, smiling and biting a lip at the implication.

.

“I’m glad y’all think it’s funny! How’m I supposed to deal with it? I thought one was bad enough!” She tried to sound exasperated, but it was clear by the look on her face that she was loving it.

“I’m sorry Apple Bloom, I know I can get a might over-protective but I’m going to give you some space to make your own decisions. You’re getting to be a big girl and until Twilight and I can get a handle on running the farm, I’ll be counting on you to help Big Mac and Granny.”

“You and Twilight? You mean Twilight will be at the farm with us?” The pure joy in the little filly’s face touched Twilight’s heart. Applejack looked at Twilight for help, not sure if she’d made a mistake.

“Of course I will! Until Applejack gets her memory back I’ll come by and we’ll figure out the books and take inventory of supplies and the food for the animals.”

“Oh. I thought…” Apple Bloom’s smile faded. “…that maybe you would come and live at the farm with us, like how AJ’s been living with you at the library. We have a guest room in the back that you could stay in.”

Applejack’s looked straight into the lavender eyes “Apple Bloom is right, I’m really going to need you there,” a flash of fear crossed the blonde pony’s face. The thought of being there without Twilight had frightened her.

“Sure, of course honey, anything you want. You want me there, I’m there. Your wish is my command…”

The blonde pony sighed in relief and smiled.

“…my queen.” Twilight continued with a raised eyebrow and a subtle leer.

Applejack’s eyes flew open wide and she blushed. She glared a little at Twilight who just smiled back innocently.

“Hey, why don’t we have a sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow night!!” Apple Bloom suggested with excitement. “That would be like a kind of test!”

The two older ponies looked at each other.

“How do you feel about that AJ?” Twilight asked, her eyebrow still arched.

“Sounds real good to me,” the blonde pony answered, with no small amount of suggestive inflection.

Applebloom looked back and forth at each of them with uncertainty, then smirked, shrugged, shook her head, and went back to her breakfast.

“Well then we’ll have to start making some plans for that. I’d thought that tonight would just be the three of-” Twilight began but was interrupted by laughter from Apple Bloom who was looking out the window over her sister’s shoulder.

The two ponies turned to look out the window as well and saw a familiar cyan pony hovering just on the other side of the glass, pulling her mouth wide with her hooves, rolling her eyes and waggling her tongue. Suddenly a snowball hit her square in the hindmost quarters pushing her forward and mashing her face into the window. Apple Bloom squealed hysterically as AJ and Twilight laughed out loud.

“Hey Pinkie!! Watch it!” Dash turned around yelling at the blue eyed pink prankster who was rolling in a snowbank holding her stomach and laughing. When she turned back and saw the laughter in the diner, she smiled and yelled back at Pinkie “I owe you one” She turned back to her friends in the booth, “Hey you in there – scoot over, we’re coming in.”

Once in the doorway, Dash shook out her wings and Pinkie wiped her hooves on the mat.

“Hey, look at the special!” Rainbow said as she sat down in the booth, “Nice likeness AJ! Wait – no – they missed that new dent in your head.”

“Nice to see you too Rainbow- you’re funny as a crutch. Mighty glad you could join us.” The blonde pony replied and she reached out to return the hoof-bump that Dash extended. She turned to the pink pony, “Howdy there Pinkie Pie, how’s every little thing?”

“Hiya AJ! That depends – how little are we talkin? Itty bitty little? Tiny whiney little? Gummy little?” she motioned to the small alligator hanging from her hair by his gums. “It matters you know! Wait, you remembered who I am! Are you cured? Try to remember. If you do then you are! Or…you might be. Just because you don’t doesn’t mean you aren’t, maybe you can’t but are anyway, I mean you could be but just don’t.”

“Uhhhh, don’t what?” Applejack asked on behalf of everypony there.

“Remember!! Ohhh… you still have the ambrosia!” Pinkie’s scowled.

“Pinky!” Twilight rolled her eyes, “She doesn’t have ‘the ambrosia’, she has amnesia.”

“You’re right Twilight! I see the ambrosia in a bowl over there in the chilled dessert section! I think I’ll have some. Waitress!”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “So AJ – what’s going on? You be lookin’ good girl. Your coat, I mean, wow! It’s so… shiny. And your eyes are bright and greener than I remember,” she looked over at Twilight. “Whatever you’re doing to her Twilight, give me some and make mine a double! She’s starting to look better than me.” Dash paused then spoke a bit quieter and with some real concern in her voice. “I mean she really is starting to look better than me… Hey AB! What’s shakin?! What are you up to today? You and the CMC’s doing some sledding? You know I know there are some paths over by the station that could use some clearing. Why don’t you help? Maybe your cutie marks are for shoveling.”

“Yeah, well if they are, I don’t want ‘em! Anyway Sweetie Belle is still sick I think. I saw Scoots at the school. We’re going to try to get together later and visit Sweetie. But tonight I’m going to sleep over at the library with Twilight and my sister!”

“That is AWSOME! A sleepover tonight!! What time should I show up?” Dash smiled excitedly.

“Uh, well…” Twilight and Applejack looked at each other, both caught in surprise. “How is 6?”

“Perfect! Hey AJ – you gonna eat that?” Rainbow motioned toward a half uneaten pancake.

“Don’t worry about it Dash – I’ve already ordered one for you,” said Columbia, the waitress who’d come over to take Pinkie’s order, “the Special of the Day is free to friends and families of the Mane 6 in honor of Applejack’s recovery. You want your usual with it?”

“Yeah root beer would be perfect. It’s free? Really?!!”

“That’s right” the beige pony smiled as she fished her apron for a pencil. “Should be here in a sec.”

“Ho yeah! Best-breakfast-ever!”

“Seriously?” asked Apple Bloom

“Getting kinda old eh?”

“That was old a MONTH ago!” Pinkie informed her. “Didn’t you get the memo? Nopony ever reads my memos! Honestly, I don’t know why I bother!”

Applejack looked back and forth at each of them, clearly confused but also amused at the banter around the table. She started scanning the diner. The ponies all seemed vaguely familiar but she couldn’t name one of them. She recognized some that had come by the library but most were unknown. A familiar face approached with a smile.

“Hi everypony. How are you feeling Applejack?”

“Howdy Doc! Feeling pretty full right about now. Have you tried the special?”

“I surely have. I have to say, it’s great to see you up and around and looking so happy. Hi Twilight, are you as happy as you look?”

“Happier.” Twilight’s beamed at the doctor.

“So I see. Didn’t I tell you everything would work out sweetie?” he looked at Twilight with a smile. She felt herself blushing but didn't care. She just looked back at him with love. Fortunately, the only one who noticed was Applejack who quickly put 2 and 2 together. She looked up at the doctor just as he turned to look at her. Her expression was one of shame, as though he’d caught with her hoof in the cookie jar and she blushed furiously and looked away in embarrassment.

“Applejack? Is everything okay?” His voice betrayed a hint of concern.

“Uh-huh” she avoided looking at him.

“Good, because Twilight was scared that you wouldn’t put your heart into this. I told her that she was being silly, all she had to do was ask.”

Applejack looked over at Twilight. “Is that true?”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to look ashamed as she nodded.

“Well it looks like you’ve got all that straightened out now and nothing in Equestria could make this doctor happier. I care very deeply for the both of you and knowing that they two of you are together, you know, on the plan to get you back on track,” he winked at Applejack, “just makes my world better.”

Applejack looked up at the doctor with an expression of surprise, though the blush hadn’t left her cheeks. There in his eyes she saw that everything Twilight had said about what a wonderful doctor he was, what a wonderful pony he was.

She smiled warmly “I’m puttin’ all my heart and soul into it doctor.”

“I knew that you would AJ.” He looked at a sheepish Twilight with an “I told you so” expression.

Rainbow Dash had gotten her breakfast and was not wasting time letting it get cold. She took the straw in her mouth and sucked down a mouthful of root beer then belched loudly before interrupting-

“Yeah, well this heart and soul stuff is nice and all, but now that you’re all healed, you gotta build! Get yourself strong and fast again!” The sky blue pony started getting amped up. “You need a good solid workout! Twilight - tell me about her regimen! What exactly do you have her do?”

Twilight’s eyes flew open.

Applejack turned red and lowered her forehead to her hoof.

Apple Bloom cocked her head and looked at Twilight with curiosity.

The doctor bit his lower lip, and smiled at Twilight.

“Oh…uh, well…I…all kinds of things.” She smiled sheepishly.

“Good!” Dash forked a hunk of pancake and pointed the fork at Twilight “You want to mix it up, keep her guessing, keep it interesting. You’re not getting bored, are you AJ?” She put the food into her mouth and chewed away.

Applejack popped her head up. “What? Me? No, I ain’t gettin’ bored.”

“Good!” the blue pony said still chewing, “Did you work out this morning?”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to lower her forehead onto her hoof.

“Uhhh, sure did, heh, heh” answered the blonde pony with some uncertainty.

“Glad to hear it! You need to get your cardiovascular working. Did Twilight get your heart going strong?”

Applejack noticed how red Twilight had gotten and grinned. Unable to resist she looked straight at the lavender pony whose forehead still rested on her hoof.

“Uh-huh”

“Good. How about your respiration?”

“Yeah, I was panting pretty hard.”

“And your legs, did she have you doing exercises with those, getting them strong?"

“Sure did, when she was finished with me I was plum wiped out. My legs were trembling so bad I could barely walk.” She grinned at Twilight, seeing if she could get a response.

Twilight’s head popped up and she glared at her lover.

Dash went on, “Don’t overdo it you two. Remember, it should be fun too.”

The doctor, who had picked up a glass of water and was taking a sip was barely able to keep from spitting it out, though a little did made it through and landed on Twilight.

She looked up at him and deadpanned “Don’t you have some patients to see or something?!”

He looked at her with a little smile and quipped “Nope.”

Applejack had completely forgotten the doctor was there and suddenly went crimson red, grimaced and looked away.

Twilight was getting exasperated. “Grrrr! Dash! Do we really have to discuss this now?”

“Hey - what? I just wanted to offer my coaching and athletic expertise. I think I’m going to start showing up, dragging you two out of bed and making you both work out!”

Applejack lowered her forehead to her hoof and shook it back and forth slowly.

Twilight scowled at the doctor. “I bet you’re just loving this aren’t you?”

“eYup”

Dash took another bite of breakfast. “Hey Columbia – great pancakes! Tell Duderino he’s still the best!” she called, craning her neck as she looked toward the big rectangular opening between the counter and the kitchen.

The blonde short order cook, sporting his signature mustache and goatee beard looked back out of the opening, and smiled and nodded at Dash. She returned the nod.

“Sure thing!” answered the waitress.

Dash turned her attention back to the table. “Hey doc – did you get the autographed copy of “Daring Do and the Ring of Destiny?” asked Dash, “You know, the one with me and DD on the cover?”

“Yes Rainbow, I did, that was very thoughtful of you. Pass my regards on to Ms. Yearling.”

“You mean JK? Will do. Did you see that I autographed it too?”

“How could I miss it-you signed it across two pages.”

“No problem doc. I figured it’s gotta like, at least double the value-*Bellllllllch* - Need anything else autographed? Only 5 bits. I usually charge 10, but seeing as you are the Doctor for the Mane 6 and so great and all, I’ll give you the special friends break.”

“Thank you Rainbow. Nothing comes to mind at the moment, but if I think of anything, I’ll get in touch.”

“Cool. Well dude and dudets,” said the cyan pegasus, “Gotta jet. See you at 6 girls, and I may bring a surprise with me-”

“Oh good,” said Twilight through an obviously forced smile.

“Over and out!”

“New catch phrase?” asked Apple Bloom

“Yeah, whadda ya think?”

“I like it.”

“Cool!” Rainbow Dash trotted to the diner entrance looked out at the sunny day and donned a pair of Ray-Barn sunglasses. She turned and looked back at the booth, her face a mask of cool.

“Over and out!” she said, tipping an imaginary cap, then smiled, stepped outside and shot up into the pale blue late winter sky trailed by her signature rainbow.

“Twilight sighed and sipped her tea. “So doctor, how did you know we were here?”

“Derpy said she’d seen you. She was delivering these to me.”

He handed her the bag he’d been carrying. She reached in and pulled out two books on equine neurology and three medical periodicals.

“I had her get two of each of these so we could both read up on the options for AJ”

“Are those book going to tell us how to get my sister to remember everything?!” asked Apple Bloom, bouncing up and down in the booth.

“We hope so sweetie,” answered Twilight.

Applejack listened to the conversation but said nothing.

“That’s right Apple Bloom. We’ll do everything we can to help her get better.”

Pinkie Pie, who had been visiting at another table, was back.

“Hi Dr. Stable!

“Hi Pinkie Pie. What are you eating there?”

“Amnesia”

“Oh, I love the amnesia here! They always put lots of coconut in it. What are you all going to do today?”

“Well I want to go sled- hey! It’s Sweetie Belle!!!” cried Apple Bloom, “I’ll be right back!!”

The little straw-colored pony ducked down and came out on the other side of the table. She ran to the door and out, yelling to her fellow crusader across the street. Pinkie Pie, excited as well ran after her, leaving the three ponies alone.

The doctor slid in next to Applejack.

“So, you’re feeling good?”

“Yes.” She answered, looking away.

He smiled and leaned forward, speaking quietly to Applejack, “Please don’t be embarrassed honey. All I know is that I’ve been waiting for this one here…” he said nodding at Twilight “…to tell you. I’ve seen ponies in love, love of all kinds, but rarely have I seen two ponies so much in love. It really shouldn’t be a surprise to anypony; you’re such a great match. You both deserve so much happiness and just looking in your eyes I know you’ve found it. If either of you need anything come and see me. As far as anything else, it’s just another part of being in love. Sounds to me like you two are on the same wavelength in every respect.” His smile was so warm and genuine that Applejack couldn’t help but lean forward and kiss his cheek. Twilight reached out across the table, took his hoof in hers and squeezed it.

“Applejack, I’d like to have a look at you later, just to check up on everything, Now that I know your heart is okay, how is your leg?”

“Better every day. Twilight was watching me do my stretches before – she can tell you.”

“She’s doing very well doctor. I’m very proud of her. Things are so great now.”

“Well it sure has been an interesting week.” He observed.

“Actually it’s eight days” corrected Twilight.

“Are you sure? Eight days? I thought it was a week.” He looked up to the ceiling and mentally calculated the time. “You’re right,” he smiled.

“Eight days, a week, whatever. I’m just so happy to have her.” Applejack said, taking Twilight’s hoof in hers. The two ponies smiled at each other.

“One last thing you two, my wife and I bought a little cabin on a lake up in Mane. It’s got a canoe and is very secluded. If you ever want to get away, just say the word and it’s yours.”

“Thank you so much” they both replied and looked at each other and the doctor.

“Hey” said Twilight joyfully as she glanced out the window behind Applejack. “Looks like we’re about to have company –“

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom entered the diner, Pinkie was still outside. She had stopped to talk to Bon Bon and Lyra Heartstrings.

“AJ! AJ! AJ!” the little snow white filly squealed. The doctor stood and left the booth to give her room to jump in which she did. She threw her arms around Applejack and squeezed as tight as she could. “I was sick with the flu and my Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me come and see you! Are you all better?” She leaned back to look at AJ, her eyes wet with tears.

“Well my leg is better, and I’m still having some trouble remembering stuff, but I know you’re Sweetie Belle! I’m real glad you’re all better. You look healthy as a horse. Twilight told me about being your second big sister, and I’m mighty glad of that.”

Sweetie Belle gave Applejack another big hug and Apple Bloom put her hoof on her friends back and smiled.

"Well I need to get back to my office. Don’t forget to come by my office for your official checkup. See you later.”

The doctor walked toward the door and dropped a couple of bits into the jukebox before pressing two buttons. He turned, and winked at the two mares. They looked back with puzzled expressions. He just smiled and left.

The familiar opening guitar riff came out of the jukebox followed by the opening lines.

“Oooh I need your love, babe, guess you know it’s true…”

As the two fillies sat, talking excitedly. Twilight and Applejack looked out the window at the doctor who had stopped and was looking back at them from outside.

Even through the lightly frozen window, they could see that his eyes were shining. He smiled, nodded to them, then turned and trotted toward his office.

“I LOVE this song!” squealed Sweetie Bell and began to sing it. It wasn’t long before the other ponies at the table were singing with her.