Twilight and Applejack, with enthusiastic support from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, were putting the final touches on preparing the library for the party that night. The scent of apples and cinnamon from the hot punch floated up and mixed with the clove scented candles that Rarity had given Twilight as a gift added a cozy aroma. Twilight looked around the main library room.

Yes ‘The party.’ The freakin party. How did it get from a simple night with three of us to a party?!

What she and AJ had in mind was more like an easy sleepover with Apple Bloom. Now it had become something bigger. First they’d invited Derpy. Then all it took was Rainbow Dash and suddenly - party. Twi and AJ, the CMC’s, Rainbow Dash, Derpy, and at least another guest. Twilight gritted her teeth at the possibility that it would be Noteworthy. For some reason Dash had been trying to play matchmaker between him and AJ.

He worked at the music store in town and after Dash let him know about AJ’s accident late last week and of the awakening of Applejack’s guitar skills, he was more than willing to share his skills and so paid a visit with his guitar. Twilight was pretty sure that when it came to AJ, guitar wasn’t the only playing he had in mind.

It was last week and Twilight had to sit and listen as Applejack playfully flirted with him. At first she thought it was silly and cute, at least on AJ’s part. It didn’t take long to see that she wasn’t teasing, she was really flirting. Twilight wasn’t a drinking pony, but after watching this she decided that she needed a drink. Of all things Pinkie Pie announced that knew how to make a great drink called Mareirish Coffee. Coffee, whiskey and whipped cream. It seemed like a great way to deal with the sound of idiotic laughter that Twilight was unable to escape. Even after it had driven her down to the library reading room, so she and Dash and Pinkie had made a pot. Or two. Twilight didn’t quite remember, though she’d said some things that she probably wouldn't have and asked Dash to check up on Noteworthy. Ultimately it had turned out to be a really bad idea...

Twi was relieved when Dash finally took him out of there. But back upstairs she had to listen to AJ’s constant praise of him. It became clear that there more than just a passing interest. Not so damn cute. They’d had an argument about it, but that was last week.

Things had changed since then. Twilight had found her courage and a way of showing the depth of her love to a surprised but emotional Applejack. After a little fearful hesitation on the blonde earth pony’s part, Twilight’s love was so simple but so pure that she’d been completely won over. Once she let the sweet pony who’d cared so much for her into her heart, she realized that she’d fallen in love with Twilight. Now the difficult part became the physical part. Twilight was patient and after they’d talked a little they just went to sleep, but neither slept easy. Finally AJ found sleep but a very bad nightmare awoke her in sheer terror. Twilight held her and comforted her. Touches led to kisses and kisses led to...

A huge snowstorm had trapped them in the house for a couple of days, snowbound and cozy. During that time they had fallen deeply in love and had been enjoying a very intimate, private relationship.

Twilight had happily surrendered her heart to Applejack. She’d had no choice. It was the most wonderful and the scariest thing she had ever done. She had never been in love before, and yet this felt like more than just “being in love.” And even though Applejack had never given Twilight any reason to doubt that her love was anything but pure love from her heart, Twilight still worried that she’d left the poor farm pony with no choice but to love her in return. No. Applejack really loved her for who she was, that was it.

But the way she laughed with Noteworthy, the way they sang and talked. Twilight could hear it in her head and felt her stomach tighten and her jaw clench. She loved Applejack. Applejack loved her. So what was the problem? Logically there was no problem, but her feelings of anger and jealousy said otherwise. It wasn’t nice and orderly the way she liked things. Pure reason told her there was no reason to feel this way, so why did she? If only there were a checklist... This was such new territory, it was love, romantic love- so why did she feel like she had jumped into deep waters at the darkest part of midnight, and pulled Applejack under the water with her?

She thought about this as she finished straightening things in the reading room.

I know Dash is going to drag him over here, but I know that I can deal with it. At least I think that I can deal with it. Can I deal with it? Okay, Point 1. Applejack and I love each other. Check.

It was Twilight’s nature to doubt everything that didn’t stand up to intense examination via the strictest application of pure scientific methodology. She accepted nothing at face value - until recently. Her heart found absolute proof that there was magic in friendship when she heard the sound of her friends on their way to stand beside her as she faced Nightmare Moon. It was nothing that you could quantify, but it was as true as gravity.

Now there was Applejack. Her Applejack. She had won the gold prize. She had the love of most wonderful pony ever.

Now that I see, now that I know, I’m terrified. Every colt out there probably wants her. The first colt that came here was infatuated with her. Don’t even get me started on Trenderhoof! And why not? She is adorable! Maybe that’s why I get so jealous. I can’t take her for granted, because I know how hard I would fight to win her love. I can’t imagine any other pony not fighting as hard as me to be with her. Celestia help them if they do. Screw magic, I’d just rip their jugular vein right out of their throat with my teeth. Plus all that cute flirtation drives me CRAZY! He’s not the only one that can flirt. I can flirt. I’m a good flirt. I’m a cute flirt. Just because he can swing that thing between his legs around doesn’t make him any better than me. I mean come on, we all know there are spells that will give me one of those for a little while. A big one. So there! I can even give Applejack one! Let’s see him do THAT! But AJ is right, she just can’t turn her back to him when he gets all cute and tries to make his moves, it will look odd, so I have to let them flirt. We really don’t want to raise any suspicions. We both noticed curious looks from Sweetie Belle. I don’t know how much she suspects, but it sure looks like I’m going to have to put up with AJ and Note flirting. Just as long as it doesn't go any further, but what if it does…? I’ll just take away his swingy thing!

Twilight had an auditory flashback and recalled the sound of Applejack and Noteworthy laughing during his last visit.

I’ve got to just calm down. I really can’t blame AJ, she’s just trying to keep our love a secret until we’re ready to tell everypony. And I can’t blame Noteworthy, AJ is insanely cute, and hot and sweet, and most of all, the most loveable pony in Equestria. Okay, so he’s got great taste in ponies. So who put us in this predicament...

As she traced the lineage of the situation, she identified its nexus which gave her anger its target - Rainbow Dash.

Damnit! This was supposed to be a nice little evening of warm cider, puzzles and girl talk, with just 4 girls! Now it’s getting to be a major pain in the haunch- oh hay, pain in the ASS!. Thank you so much Rainbow Dash!

As she placed a plate down, she gave gravity a little extra help and the resulting impact of the plate on the table could be heard quite clearly throughout the ground floor.

“Woah pardner,” Applejack was suddenly at her side, but instead of being startled Twilight felt re-assured. “Wait until our hoedown gets going before you start throwing around the plates,” she joked, “don’t worry, sweetie” AJ continued, her voice quieter, “It’s gonna be fine.”

The smell of Applejack, her closeness, her voice...Twilight smiled and relaxed, and fought the overwhelming urge to lean her head against her, feel her warmth and take in her scent.

“I know, I’m just a little annoyed that Dash decided to turn this into a party,” Twilight said, clearly less exasperated than she’d been moments before. “It was just going to the four of us.”

“You know what Twi?” the blonde pony asked coyly.

“What?” Twilight replied with a smile, unable to resist.

Applejack leaned toward her conspiratorially. Twilight glanced over. Applejack smiled and whispered “You do realize we’re hosting our first party…”

This was, in fact true. Twilight had been so obsessed with how the evening had gotten away from her and how she was now going to have to deal with ole’ Casanova, that she’d neglected a fact that was right in front of her.

And I’m supposed to be the smart one huh? Hey, I guess she’s right, we’re throwing our first party!!!

The expression on Twilight’s face transformed from a little smirk, to realization, to pure joy. She returned to the task of setting out the plates and napkins with a perky jaunt. Dash was once again back in Twilights graces.

Seeing the happiness overcome Twilight’s frustration filled Applejack with a feeling of pure love for her.

Look at her, look at that adorable face, that cute smile, those damn eyes! That cute little horn poking out through her bangs. I want to hold her, to kiss her, to…

Suddenly the young princess turned to her and whispered, “You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you, hug you and chase you around the room right now. If you hadn’t said that… Applejack, I-I can’t believe that because of all my grumbling, I might have missed it. Hosting our first party! I’m suddenly so excited! I guess I’ve been kind of grumpy haven’t I?”

“Kind of?!” Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Okay, okay I get it.”

“I want that same thing, that you said a minute ago, but you best believe you wouldn’t have to chase me for more than few steps..”

Twilight stared at Applejack, then let the corners of her mouth turn up into a wicked little smile that only the honey blonde earth pony could see. Applejack watched as Twilight ran the very tip of her tongue across the underside of her top lip.

Applejack closed her eyes and sighed.

“You ain’t playin fair Twi, but I’ll get even, just you wait” she whispered, and gave Twilight a little smile of her own.

Oh, and Twi - you just said four girls. You probably should include the other two fillies” Applejack whispered.

As she spoke, Twilight glanced over Applejack’s shoulder. She could see the three fillies folding paper napkins in the library’s main room and setting them out next to the trays of food and drink pitchers. She noticed how they’d suddenly gotten quiet.

Gotta take care of that, don’t want any hurt feelings…

“I mean to be honest,” Twilight said, speaking with just enough volume so that the three fillies could hear. “When I heard that my Twilight Time girls were going to be here, I started really looking forward to just the six of us just hanging out and having a girls night. Two, two and two, or three and three. We could’ve had all kinds of fun doing the stuff in my slumber party manual.”

“Yeah, sure would ‘a been nice, just us, Derpy, and the Crusaders...” AJ added, “...well Dash meant well and it’ll be nice to see Noteworthy again. He’s a real cutie.” she winked at Twilight as she said it.

Twilight successfully fought back the spasm that threatened to temporarily distort her face. “I have to say you two hit if off pretty well- just keep the flirting to an EP rating, we do have the fillies here.”

Twilight was relieved to see Sweetie Belle give Apple Bloom a nudge to the ribs and grin knowingly, but the lavender princess had to stifle a laugh when she saw Apple Bloom open her mouth, stick out her tongue and motion with her hoof, making the “gag” sign. Twilight smiled broadly.

Clearly the young yellow filly has great taste in colts.

Pumpkin spice cake, brownies, chips, salsa and dips were laid out on the circular reading tables in both the main room and the reading room. There was a pitcher of cold apple cider as well as a pitcher of warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks. It was held by a bracket over a candle on a drink table in the reading room..

“I’d say like everything is set down here. Now I think I need to get some things upstairs” said Twilight, “I’ll be back down in a flash.”

Twilight, thinking about Applejack and doing more than dancing, galloped up the stairs and was up and around the corner.

“Uh -I gotta grab my guitar, just in case Noteworthy does show up with Dash” Applejack said suddenly, and quickly stood.

Ooops, don’t wanna seem too eager. But I just know my little lover has something in mind... and I’ll be danged if I’m gonna miss it! Just gotta take it nice and slow.

Applejack walked as casually as she could toward the stairway. She pretended to be looking out over the room, but her mind didn’t see a thing. It seemed like forever to Applejack as she made her way up. The moment she turned the corner of the landing she took off and galloped the last few steps. At the top she stopped. Her eyes darted left and right. She listened for a moment.

Nothing.

Applejack walked slowly toward the big downy feather bed couch by the fireplace. She looked around the front, but no luck.

Twilight had hidden herself on the other side of the couch. Now she circled down low with the couch between her and Applejack and waited until just the right moment...

...then she pounced.

Applejack stifled a laughing scream as Twilight, wrapping her forelegs around her, pulled her love down onto the couch then shifted around and pretended to pin her there. Without a word they began kissing.

After a moment or two, Applejack pulled her head back. “Is there something I can do for you Ms. Sparkle?” she whispered.

“How about <kiss> if you just start doing things <kiss> and when you get to the right something, <kiss> I’ll let you know…”

“You’re a sexaholic Ms. Sparkle!” AJ whispered with a smile, somewhat out of breath.

“And you’re an enabler Ms. Applejack,” Twilight whispered back, then kissed her again.

“What? Me? An enabler? I don’t reckon I am. You don’t need an enabler, you enable yourself.” Then she leaned forward and nuzzled Twilight until she stopped scowling.

Twilight relaxed and let her head rest on Applejack’s chest.

Applejack softly stroked Twilight's mane and massaged her ears. “Do we really have to go down there?” she asked. Twilight knew she wasn’t kidding and wanted her all the more for that. Applejack’s voice became soft and sincere. “I don't want to share you with anypony right now, I just want to stay in this sofa and hold you and keep you all to myself tonight. Just cuddle in front of the fire and never be with anypony else. Ever."

Twilight laid her head back down on Applejack’s chest as a rush of emotion overtook her heart. She closed her eyes, squeezing out her tears.

“I’m sorry sweetie, I-I didn’t mean to upset you.” Applejack said.

Twilight sniffed “I know. It’s okay, we’ll have lots of time later.”

Applejack sighed. “I guess we’d better get up”

“Yeah, I reckon we’d better, it’s already about 5:30 and Dash will be here soon”

Down in the front hall, the front door of the library suddenly flew open.

“Now it's a party,” a familiar voice rang out. Dash zipped in, bringing a cold blast of air with her. She hovered for a moment, looking around the room before landing. Behind her, Noteworthy followed with his guitar slung across his back, and behind him sauntered another earth pony. He was brown with a beige mane. He glanced around with a smirk and nodded noncommittally.

“So these are the princess’s digs eh?” the brown pony said, “Not too shabby, if you like books I guess. I’m more a pony of action, you know? A little more on the wild side.”

“Rainbow Dash!!” Scootaloo called out from the library’s reading room toward her hero. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom trotted close behind her.

“Hey there short stuff! How’s the fastest thing on four wheels?” Dash replied, walking toward the center of the room.

“I’m chillin," Scootaloo started.

“Like a villan?” Dash asked.

“It’s kinda thrillin”

“Are you willin’?” Dash asked.

Dash knelt down and held her front hooves together in front, then looked up at the little orange filly and winked. Scootaloo smiled and started pawing the ground like a bull about to charge. Then, leading with her right hoof and carefully spacing her gait, she galloped from the reading room across the floor of the main library room, directly at Rainbow Dash. At the last second she stepped into Dash’s hooves and was launched into the air. Beating her wings until they were a vague blur, she steadied her flight, then flipped, guided herself down, and landed in a sitting position on Dash’s shoulders.

“Nice one squirt! That was a 10 out of 10!”

“Thanks Rainbow! I’ve been practicing.” Scootaloo said as she slipped off Dash’s shoulders and beating her wings, hovered to the floor.

Dash, assuming the little orange pegasus was following her, headed for the reading room. “So squirt, where’s Twi and AJ? They around? Squirt?” Rainbow turned around but no Scootaloo. She looked over and saw the little pony staring at somepony outside the open door. Her attention was riveted and she stood, unable to speak.

“Helloooo? - Scoots? 'sup? "You know Noteworthy. That other pony is just Slick Elm, his cousin. What is going on over there?” Dash asked, turning around to the doorway.

“I-it’s a B-b-bunderwolt, uh I mean a Wonderbolt!!” Scootaloo stammered.

A handsome young Pegasus, who’d paused in the doorway, now stepped into the library, closing the door behind him. He wore a blue leotard with a large yellow lightning bolt on its chest and around the ankles. He smiled shyly and looked up at the little filly on Dash’s shoulders and nodded, clearly impressed.

“Hey Soarin!! What are you doing here?” Dash smiled, puzzled, but happy to see her friend, and walked up to him to exchange a hoof bump.

“Hiya Rainbow! I heard about the snow storms in this area. I wanted to come by and see if you and everypony was okay.”

“That’s really nice. I mean you didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s no big. Besides, I love Ponyville, you always have some kind of crazy thing going on here.”

“Yeah, that kinda stuff pretty much follows me around...” Dash half smirked.

Soarin looked down at Scootaloo, who had been standing next to Dash. The little pegasus was slack-jawed and wide eyed. He smiled at her. “Hey is that..? No, that can’t be – is it really? Scootaloo?! It must be - no other filly could make a move like the one I saw when I stepped in here.”

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Soarin’ knows my name!!”

Dash and the Wonderbolt winked at each other.

“Well of course I do little filly! Come on! You did things with that scooter and the Ponyville flag at the opening of the Equestria Games that nopony had ever seen before, and no pony has seen since!”

“Hey!” Dash yelled, momentarily feigning a pout, “that’s my line!” then she broke into a laugh.

Noteworthy who’d walked up to them smiled tentatively and offered his hoof. “Hi Soarin, I don’t know if you remember…”

“I thought you knew him 'cuz,” Slick Elm smirked and rolled his eyes.

Soarin smiled broadly and bumped Noteworthy's hoof with his own. “Hey there Noteworthy! Been a long time since the wedding. It’s nice to see you again!”

Noteworthy brightened right up and looked at his cousin with a distinctly superior smile. “I-I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.”

“How could I forget? You arranged that amazing bachelor party. Thank Celestia that Twilight gave us the heads up about her little dragon friend, Spike. The poor guy had no idea those things work, but the party he threw after the wedding- awesome!- that dude can make killer nachos. That bachelor party though - it was wild. I couldn’t believe Shining, he was really a wild horse that night.”

“Yeah, well I guess he had to blow off some steam. The pressure from the threat, then his little sister, who was a little-”

“HEYYYYYYYY Twilight!” Dash called out as loud as she could, thankfully cutting off Soarin’.

Twilight stood at the opening at the top of the stairs and called down. “Hello everypony- oh wow, what a crowd. And a Wonderbolt to boot! Hey Soarin.”

“Hello Princess.” Soarin said and bowed low.

“Oh stop that, you and I have been through far too much for that kind of thing. I wish I'd known you were coming, I'd of baked a pie.”

"Very funny Twilight," he said with a smile.

Noteworthy, his guitar slung on his back, was feeling impressed with himself. Having a Wonderbolt sing his praises in front of his cousin was like a dream. He coudn’t wait until Slick got a look at Applejack, one of the hottest ponies in Ponyville. Then when they started playing guitar and flirting… Finally he’d show his obnoxious cousin a few things about cool...

When he heard Twilight he casually looked over his shoulder and up at her. “Hey there Twi - good seeing you again. Is that gorgeous little room mate of yours around? Would you do me a favor let her know “Da Note” is in the building..” His voice was light and playful. He had the cute knob turned all the way to 11. Twilight saw red.

Her demeanor changed dramatically. She drew herself up to her full stature and at once became regal and elegant. She tilted her head back slightly and her face became serious and strong, her being radiated power and drew the attention of everypony in the room.

Noteworthy and Slippery sensed it and bowed down immediately. Rainbow Dash slowly landed, her eyes wide and her jaw slack. Scootaloo went to stand next to the other Crusaders. The three of them looked up at Twilight. It was not the sweet pony who’d taught them things during Twilight Time, there was no mistaking that this was their Princess.

They all bowed, exchanging big smiles and glances, each clearly psyched and proud of their princess and friend.

Soarin once again bowed. Dash was so taken aback by the sudden unmistakable power emanating from her friend that she was unable to speak.

Twilight surveyed them all humorlessly. Soarin glanced at Noteworthy out of the corner of his eye and motioned by looking towards Twilight. The blue earth pony cleared his throat nervously, “G-Good evening your highness.” The blue colt offered.

“Yeah, good evening your highness.” Though Slick’s head remained bowed, he glanced up at her and winked. When he saw her expression he quickly looked back down at the floor.

Twilight stood there in silence, clearly displeased about something, but genuinely touched by the reaction of the three little fillies. Dash continued to gape. Suddenly Twilight felt a hot breath between her back legs, warming a rather personal place. She registered no reaction. Applejack was back behind her, hidden from view by the turn in the stairway.

“Good evening Noteworthy, it’s nice to see you again.” Twilight said, her voice regal but pleasant. She paused before releasing them with “...please.” It was the signal that the ponies could rise, which they did slowly. Suddenly their friend Twilight was back, sweet and fun.

“Excuse me for a sec everypony,” she said, “I- I need to take care of something upstairs, I’ll be right down.”

Twilight turned around and walked up the stairs, right behind Applejack. The lavender princess was furious. As soon as she’d seen him with the guitar slung on his back, Twilight had images of him and AJ playing and laughing as they had done last week and she saw red.

Once they were back up in the living room, Applejack turned around, sat down, faced Twilight, and smiled. The young princess was not amused. She approached her lover slowly and with menace, staring into her eyes. All her power and regal bearing had returned and she addressed Applejack sternly.

“How DARE you!! You may be my marefriend and my lover, but don’t you EVER dare presume that you...”

Applejack leaned forward and gently kissed the princess. At first softly and then more deeply. Twilight attempted to keep talking but it was utterly useless. and after the briefest of moments she happily succumbed to her love. Her eyelids drooped and her eyes rolled upwards. She returned the kisses with increasing passion, and her heart started to race. Finally they broke apart. Applejack nuzzled Twilight, who had lowered her head in embarrassment.

“You were saying, princess?”

“How dare I...” Twilight replied, both ashamed, and slightly out of breath. She looked up into Applejack's green eyes. “You are more than my marefriend and lover, you are my one and only and way more than my equal. I am so sorry. I am such a jerk. I guess I got a little carried away.”

Applejack leaned forward and kissed Twilight on the bridge of her muzzle. “I know,” she whispered. “So what happened out there?”

“Ohhh…” Twilight whined, and paced. “I don’t know, I saw Noteworthy with his guitar, and got all jealous again then he didn’t bow, but Soarin did, and the last time I saw Noteworthy I may have been a little, you know, tipsy, and I don’t know, I just...”

“TIPSY! Oh you gotta fill me in on that, but later - What’d you get all jealous for? You know I love you.”

“I know, it’s just, I don’t know….” She looked at the floor and pawed it. She looked up at Applejack like a shamed puppy. “I’m going to have to go out there and apologize, aren’t I?”

“Well you were a might rude. What do you think?”

“I guess I better." Twilight hung her head again.

Applejack put her muzzle under Twilight's chin and lifted it. "So, Princess Twilight Sparkle, how did it feel?"

Twilight blushed and smiled. "It was pretty amazing. You were right, I do have it in me.” She looked at Applejack “How did you know?" she asked with sincere amazement.

"Because I love you Twilight. I can feel it when you hold me and you kiss me, and, you know when..." She nuzzled the side of Twilight's muzzle and loved the feeling as Twilight tucked into it with a little giggle. "Y'all just gotta be careful with it, find your balance. You're my sweet little purple orchid, but you're no pushover. Most 'a those dignitaries you were telling me about in Canterlot seemed to treat you like a little pony princess, but they don't know you like I do and they BETTER NOT!" AJ warned playfully. "But like we talked about, you have to reckon there a just gonna be times when the princess in you is gonna have to kick some tail and you just gotta know that she’s in there."

"I know. I can feel her now. It's like nothing else I've ever known. You showed me the side of myself where I get my strength. I never would have found it without you." She looked into the deep green eyes of her love "I can't believe how much I love you Applejack, I can't believe how happy I am." She leaned forward, closed her eyes and kissed Applejack deeply.

Applejack's voice was soft and she nuzzled Twilight, “I love you too Twilight Sparkle" As she kissed Twilight they heard Dash yell up to them.

"Hellooooo? You comin' down anytime soon?

"Hey Dash! I'll be down in sec,” Twilight called down, then she turned “You ready to go down?”

“Don’t tempt me sugarlips,” the blonde pony replied with a raised eyebrow

Twilight ran her tongue around her lips. “Hmm, I must have gotten some frosting from the cupcakes around my mouth.”

“I wasn’t talking about those lips” Applejack said with a wicked smirk as she brushed past Twilight and went down the stairs carrying the guitar.

Twilght’s jaw dropped and her eyes opened wide. By the time she’d recovered, all she could do was give a nasty look at her lover’s flank as it disappeared around the corner on it’s way down the stairs.

“You are such an enabler” Twilight muttered. Then she took a deep breath and gave herself several moment to relax and work up the courage to go out there and apologize. Finally she walked down to the top of the landing.

“H-Hi everypony – I, uh, just want to apologize…”

Rainbow Dash, was below, doing a hoofbump with Applejack. When she saw Twilight on the landing she flew up and headed toward her.

"APOLOGIZE??!! Are you kidding? That was AWESOME!! You were a real kick-as-uh-tail princess. You were totally radical! I gotta admit, I had my doubts.” Dash set down on the landing, facing Twilight.

Twilight glanced down to the room below and saw Applejack give her a quick wink before turning to head into the reading room.

Rainbow Dash spoke quietly in a voice so sincere that Twilight blushed. “I mean Twi, l couldn't love you more, you know that, but when Luna or Celestia walk into a room, you just feel it.” Dash leaned back and spoke a little louder. “Well sister, whatever they got – you got it in spades! I mean every pony in this room could feel it, could feel you!”

Down on the library floor, Slick leaned toward Noteworthy and muttered just loud enough for all to hear, “…and if they didn’t, I bet they’d like to.”

Twilight ignored his rudeness. Since Dash's return from that weekend in Manehattan, Twilight had discovered a more mature pony, more self assured, more...attractive? There was a new physical, dynamic she felt radiating off the cyan pegasus that seemed...sexual. Twilight recalled the only time, until recent events, that she’d had ever had a doubt about her gender preference, had involved Dash and had happened a few months ago...

Twilight had helped Dash prepare for her Wonderbolts written test. After finally discovering Dash's learning method and helping her get a 100, the two ponies embraced and danced just outside the Wonderbolts testing center in celebration. As they flew amongst the clouds in joy, Twilight started laughing. But as they danced, holding each other by their fore hooves and spinning in a circle, everything seemed to slow down. Dash had her head thrown back and was laughing, then she looked back at Twilight with incredible gratitude and love. Suddenly they found themselves in a cloud wrapped in each others forelegs. Twilight felt her senses become fully aware, every inch of her body was as alive and sensitive as her cheeks. Though they were in the cloud, they were close enough to look into each other’s eyes. A moment later Dash's soft lips were pressed to hers.

It was like a small electrical charge shot through all of Twilight’s erogenous zones and she let out a small shivering sigh as they kissed. She closed her eyes and felt herself succumbing. She wanted this more than she'd known but suddenly they heard Fluttershy and they emerged from the cloud to let her friend congratulate her. Twilight looked at Rainbow's face and saw all of the confusion, love and uncertainty, not to mention a physical awakening that Twilight was feeling as well. But then it was over and they all celebrated. Pinkie Pie had the party ready, and everypony went home to get dressed for it. Twilight went up to her bedroom as soon as she was back at the library, lay down, closed her eyes and thought of that kiss and where it might have led. One thing had led to another and moments later she had an orgasm that was among the most intense she'd ever experienced. Fortunately Spike wasn't home, but as she lay there in the afterglow, panting hard, she wondered if her neighbors had heard her.

Later that day at the celebration party, she and Dash joked back and forth and made small talk between them, each trying to feel the other out without giving up any information on their feelings. They left it that they were both excited and got kinda carried away. Eventually Twilight had packed it away in her memory.

Now the memory resurfaced, but having discovered in the meantime that love was so much more than romance, Twilight realized that what she felt for Rainbow Dash wasn't the kind of love she felt for Applejack, it was more physical and certainly more impulsive. She realized that Dash possessed an incredibly powerful sexuality. She was not only very cute and funny, but she had an aura of physical desirability that was undeniable, and something had happened on that mysterious weekend in Manehattan that had amplified it. She looked at the athletic young pony and suddenly felt incredibly lucky to have her as one of her closest friends. She looked into Dash's eyes, deeply, half expecting a "What?! Are you going to kiss me or something...?"

But Dash just looked back at her, her eyes calm and serious and full of love. Twilight sensed an incredible power there, behind those eyes, that she had never seen before. Then she spoke to Twilight with such tenderness and with such naked intimacy that Twilight felt as though Dash's heart was talking to her heart. "I love you so much Twilight Sparkle, I'm so proud of you."

It was completely out of character for the brash pegasus and Twilight found herself so moved that she was unable to speak for a moment. Then she smiled, leaned over and pulled her friend in close and they embraced. "I love you too Rainbow Dash,” she whispered “and I think I have since that first you knocked me in the mud. Now stop trying to make me cry." They each tightened their hold on the other.

Watching from down in the library, Slick smirked with a little chuckle and muttered again to his cousin “How come she gets to go first?”

First Pinkie Pie shows me a serious side I’d never known and now Dash seems like...I don’t know, this wise pillar of strength. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m beginning to sense that these five friends of mine are more important to the future of Equestria than I’d ever imagined...

Twilight heard Slick make a wheezy snickering sound and rolled her eyes. She pulled back from Dash slightly and smiled with a gritted grin then asked quietly, “Who – is – that?”

Dash smiled back, and without moving her lips more than necessary, rolled her eyes and replied “It’s Note’s cousin. He thinks he’s a real stallion. The good news? I think he likes you.” Dash winked, clearly entertained.

Looked like the old Dash was back. The sweet princess continued to smile affectionately at her friend. “You bought him with you?”

Dash smiled broadly and nodded emphatically.

“I hate your guts Rainbow Dash,” Twilight muttered.

“I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” Dash replied, gave her a quick peck on the lips and stepped off the landing, gliding in a graceful spiral to the floor.

Twilight went up to the edge of the landing, and determined not to be outdone, and took a deep breath, stepped off. She circled around in a beautiful spiral but suddenly realized that her flight path was highly flawed. She backpedaled, forgetting her hooves were useless in the air, and came skidding in, heading straight for Slick. She crashed into him, knocking him over and when the dust settled, he lay on his back and she found herself on top and astride him. With a thrust of her wings she shot up and off of him, blushing madly.

“Well hellooooo puh-rincessss!!” he said with a raised eyebrow. Then his expression got somewhat smarmy. “Don't worry sweetheart, I create feelings in others that they themselves don't understand. Part of my whole, aura thing. Hope you didn’t damage any of your pretty princess parts when you landed on my…” he winked and made a click sound with his tongue. “You know.”

Twilight, still hovering, turned to Noteworthy and glared, her upper lip twitching. He gave her a very toothy, very worried grin.

Twilight landed and closing her eyes she took a deep breath, bought her hoof to her chest and extended out in front of her while exhaling. She opened her eyes and turned back to Noteworthy with a smile.

"Punch?" she asked.

He covered up, raising his hooves in a defensive posture.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Apple Cider punch. Would you like some?"

"Oh-yeah, sure. We bought some too." He motioned to a wagon by the door. There were a couple of jugs there. One had two "x"'s on it the other had 3 "X" 's.
Dash landed beside Twilight who turned to her.

"You bought triple X cider to a filly's sleepover?!!!"

"Yeah, for the mares and colts, you know. We should probably start with the double X."

"How about we start with the zero X?"

"Oh Twi - you are such a goody-four hooves. Lighten up!"

"I am not a goody-four hooves!"

"Well, I sure am glad to hear that." said Slick, who had wandered over. "A mare as sweet as you should be in high heeled boots."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Well I don't know where I left mine, but I sure have an idea where I'd like to put them!"

"Howdy everypony! How y'all doin?" Applejack joined the group.

"You know AJ,” said Dash, “I swear you look better every time I see you."

"Just good eatin' I guess." she replied, winking at Twilight. The lavender pony flashed a glare at AJ.

"Well whatever it is, I'd sure like a taste, you are rockin girl!"

"Soooo, Rainbow," Twilight interrupted, "how about we see about that onion dip?"

"Ugh! I hate onion dip."

"Well that's good, because we don't have any."

"Good, wait - wha?"

"She's just funnin with you.” laughed Applejack

"Oh, uh, yeah, I knew that. So which of you two wants to help me drink some of this cider?

“I’ll get the mugs” offered AJ.

“Yeah, a mug of straight cider for each of us” Twilight intoned.

AJ looked straight at Twilight, but spoke to Rainbow, who’d taken off for the next room. “We’re adult ponies, maybe a couple of tips from one of those jugs with them X’s on ‘em into a mug of regular cider wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world…”

“And maybe there’ll be time for that a little later.” Twilight suggested. Strongly.

“And maybe there’s no time like the present!” Applejack said firmly.

“Hey, lookee here what I got!” Dash said, returning with two full mugs of cider. She passed the first to Twilight. “And I think we need to take it easy on this first round, like Twilight said.”

AJ scowled at Dash as she was handed the mug but Dash smiled slyly at her and winked.

“Ohhh, yeah, I reckon we can wait until the next round ‘fore we switch to the hard stuff.”

“Thank you both. I think it’s probably the smart thing to do. Here’s to feeling and getting better!” Twilight said, and the three friends raised their mugs and knocked them together. As they raised them to their lips, Twilight noticed that glint of competition between her two friends.

They’re going to chug to see who finishes first! Thorn taught me about how to do this - you have to know how to open your throat. I made her tell me after she beat the captain of the football team at chugging beer. I’ll just show them how it’s done!

Sure enough, the two ponies began to chug hard and fast, staring at each other as they downed their cider. Then they saw that Twilight had joined them and the three of them went at it, gulping away.

SLAM!! Twilight slapped her mug down first. AJ and Dash were just behind her but they were neck and neck.

The room erupted in applause and cheering. AJ and Dash high hoofed each other then both high-hoofed Twilight.

The three of them looked at each other and smiled expectantly. Then they all belched simultaneously. shiver accuse deny

The room once again erupted in cheers as the three of them took deep bows.

“Hey Rainbow?” Applebloom called out.

“Yeah AB?”

“Did y’all want me to put this here cork back in the jug?”

The three ponies looked over to see that Apple Bloom was pointing to the jug Marked XX.

“DASH!” Twilight scolded. Then her eyes went out of focus and she wavered a little. Then she twitched as a shiver ran through her followed by her blinking her eyes several times in rapid succession.

“Aww it was half and half Twi, chill out will ya?”

Twilight just scowled. Then she hiccuped.

The discussion in the room went on in a general din. Scootaloo was gazing with love at Soarin. He was chatting with Noteworthy and Slick was inserting the occasional rude comment and laughing at his own attempt at wit.

“Hey Rainbow, where did you get that pretzel stick?” Asked Twilight

“Oh, Noteworthy and Slick brought them. Want one?”

“Sure. You can make me another one of those half and half’s” Twilight said with a wink

“Now THAT’s our girl!” Dash said and held a hoofbump up for AJ. Applejack smiled and returned the bump.

Out of the corner of his eye Soarin could see he was under surveillance from one crusader in particular. He turned to her and smiled.

“Can I call you Scoots?”

The young filly lay on her tummy in the middle the big rug in the reading room. Her chin rested on her hooves and she stared at the Wonderbolt, utterly infatuated. She replied as if in a dream. “You can call me anything you want to Mr. Wonderbilt,” she said smiling sleepily.

Soarin blushed. “Okay, well why don’t you call me Soarin?”

Scootaloo’s eyes opened wide. “Really? You’d let me call you Soarin’?”

“Sure Scoots. You know I have a little cousin, Whipper – short for Whipporwill. He’s a pegasus and about your age. He was at the games and saw you come out on your board – you really blew him away.”

“Is he as cute as you?” The little filly spoke as though intoxicated.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked over, whispering to each other as they came.

“Hi! You two must be Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. The other two Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“eYup, we sure are, sir,” answered Apple Bloom “Look we just want y'all to know that Scootaloo isn’t normally this goofy, she’s just kind of star struck.”

Suddenly Scootaloo was right by her side “Who you callin’ goofy, goofy?”

“You! You’re acting like a little filly!”

“Uh Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle offered “she is a little filly”

The young farm pony started to answer but only got as far as opening her mouth before pausing. “Oh – right. Well then she’s acting like a jerk!”

“Who you callin’ a jerk, jerk?” The peach colored filly demanded.

“The filly with the raspberry mane!”

“How many times I gotta tell you it’s not raspberry, it’s RAINBOOM RED!”

Soarin stepped in. “Woah there girls – calm down. I thought the Cutie Mark Crusaders were friends. Too bad, Whipper told me he wanted see if he could join, but it sounds like you guys are breaking up.”

“The nephew of a Wonderbolt wants to be a Cutie Mark Crusader?!!” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“But you can’t have a cutie mark.” Apple Bloom explained sadly “I don’t reckon anypony related to you doesn’t have their cutie mark.”

“Well he doesn’t. In fact he and some friends of his have what they call the “Blank Flank Battalion. But after he saw you guys in action at the games, he wanted to quit and join you.”

“But he’d be leaving his friends!” Apple Bloom cried, “you never do that!”

“It’s like the number one rule of the CMC’s. Never leave a friend behind.” Scootaloo said, putting her arm around Apple Bloom, who returned the hug. “But if he want’s he can be a CMC too! We have capes! We’ll make one for him!”

“He would totally lose it if I bought him one. The BFB’s just have caps.”

Twilight had walked up and was listening to the conversation.

“Maybe the two groups could form an alliance.” she suggested

“A what now?” Scootaloo asked.

“An alliance,” Twilight explained. “It’s where two or more groups have a formal agreement that states that each will come to the other’s aid if they need help. Sometimes it’s countries but not all the time. Have you ever heard of the IPA?”

“Yeah,” answered Sweetie Belle. “That’s the International Pony Alliance.” she turned to her two friends, “Don’t you remember from school? Miss Cheerilee told us how all of the ponies all over the world, no matter what country they live in, are allies. She said the allegiance is more important than what country you're from.”

“Oh yeah,” Scootaloo nodded, recalling the discussion “that’s right. I knew I knew that word. So like if you’re a pony and your country is going to attack another country where ponies live, you can’t fight.”

“I’d say that’s about right. Did you learn about the Great Alliance?” Twilight asked.

“Uhh, I’m not sure, but I don’t think so.” Apple Bloom said doubtfully. “What is it?”

“Well it’s an alliance of Pony’s, Buffalo, Gryphon’s, and Minotaurs.”

“What about dragons?” Asked Sweetie Belle

“Well they're the reason for the Alliance,” Twilight replied, “Dragons weren't always united in a nation. Almost all dragons belonged to a pack, and each pack had a territory or turf that was theirs. Most of them were in and around mountains. Can any of you tell me why?”

The three fillies looked at each other to see if they knew the answer.

Twilight decided to provide a hint. “What’s the one thing Spike loves more than nacho’s ?”

“Rarity?” all three fillies answered.

Twilight burst out laughing.

“No I mean to eat.”

“Oh, jewels.” answered Sweetie Belle.

“Oh yeah!, Jewels are found around mountains..” Apple Bloom chimed in. “...and they would mine them for jewels!” Scootaloo said excitedly.

Applejack strolled over, clearly charmed at how Twilight was teaching them without them knowing it.

“Very good,” Twilight smiled. “That’s why they live down south. There are several large mountain ranges down there. Once a pack had claimed its turf, it would settle down and begin to mine. They would attack and raid villages of ponies, gryphon’s, minotaurs and buffaloes to acquire the supplies they needed to help them fight other dragon packs who were trying to take their turf.”

“Why on earth did they fight each other?” Apple Bloom asked, “They coulda’ just worked together and had all the jewels they wanted.”

“That’s right Apple Bloom, but dragons can be, well… greedy. And a lot of them think they should be in charge.”

“I wonder if they spent more time fightin’ or diggin’ for jewels? Apple Bloom mused.

“Well they sure did a lot of fighting. They called fights between dragon packs ‘rumbles’ There were some famous rumbles between huge dragon packs, but they were very violent and bloody, and pointless, which is why you don’t study them in school.”

“Aww, but they sound so cool!!” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah!” the other two agreed. “Do they still have them?” Apple Bloom asked.

Twilight looked at the three fillies sitting in front of her in rapt attention

“Not like they used to. You see there was a powerful dragon pack, probably the largest and certainly the most dangerous known as the Steel Scales. Their leader was a huge red dragon named Cyrus. He and the members of counsel realized that if all the packs united, they could easily attack and conquer Equestria as well as the northern lands of the Gryphon’s and the southern and western lands of the Buffalo and Minotaur. The problem was getting all the packs to stop fighting each other and join together. But they realized that If the Great Alliance learned of their plans, they would pit one pack against the other, preventing them from unifying.

Just then the door opened and a gray pegasus with a yellow mane and tail walked in.

“Derpy!! The ponies yelled.

“Hi Derpy!” said Soarin’ as he walked to her. “Haven’t seen you since the games. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing really well Soarin! I still have the flag you autographed for me! Thanks!”

“You’re welcome.”

“I got a bunch of my toys and games from when I was a filly.” Twilight said “I brought them out - maybe we’ll find something fun to do.”, “

“Cool!” Dash said, peering down into one of them before heading to the cider table.

The three CMC’s trotted over and started going through the boxes. Dash returned shortly with pretzel sticks for AJ and Twi as well as mugs od cider for them. She bent over one of the boxes and looked in.

“Flash cards?! You have flash cards in your toy bin? You are like the supremo egghead!”

“HEY! They’re magic spell flash cards.”

“Oh, well then, that makes them cool,” Dash said rolling her eyes. “Hey - Hoofs and Ladders! I haven’t seen that in years, Cool! Oh and Mareopoly. I hate that game. It always ends in a fight.”

“Wow, that’s a really nice Buckgammon board!” Soarin picked up the delicately inlaid box. “Do you play Applejack?”

“Sure do. Twi and I been playin’ alot”

“You used to play with Big Mac all the time!!” Apple Bloom squealed, you are gettin your memory back!” She hoof bumped her sister.

“Soooo, would you like to play?” Noteworthy spoke with a distinctly seductive lilt.

“Sure.” She smiled.

Twilight forced a smile “Be careful Noteworthy- she’s pretty good.”

“I figured that Twilight, she’s good at quite a few things.” he winked at the Alicorn princess.

“Hey, what happened to Stratoship? I love that game! The box is all brok- Oh right, when I broke my wing in the hospital…”

“Yea Rainbow, you kinda destroyed it, but I think all the pieces are still there. I’d count the bumblebees to be sure,” groused Twilight.

“What’s this Twilight?” asked Sweetie Belle, holding up a tube about a foot long and about 5 inches in diameter. It was hollow in the inside and was made of a woven interlaced straw in a diamond pattern.

“Where did you find that? I’d forgotten all about it! It’s a Chineighese Hoofcuff. I have a couple of them, did you see the other one? You put a hoof in either side of the tube, here, wait, yes, like that, now pull your hooves apart.”

“Hey, they locked! I can’t get my hooves out!!”

“Pretty cool, eh? The more you pull, the tighter the weave gets. If you push in, like this, there you go! See you’re out.”

“Hey Apple Bloom, get over here and check this out!!” Sweetie Belle said, extending her foreleg with the hoofcuff on it.

Apple Bloom trotted over and examined it.

Twilight fished out the other one from the box and gave it to Apple Bloom. The yellow filly examined it skeptically. Sweetie Belle watched and waited. Finally she let out a snort.

“Well AB? Go ahead - put your hoof in! Maybe we’ll get our cutie marks as escape artists!”

Apple Bloom immediately inserted her hoof. Then she tugged to remove it but it tightened around her wrist.

“Hey!! I can’t get it out!” Apple Bloom yelled.

“It’s okay sis, don’t worry, I’ll show you how it works” Applejack said, walking toward her sister.

“I ain’t worried! This is really cool!!” She pushed her hoof further in and with her free hoof she held it in the compressed state, then she easily pulled her hoof out. Sweetie Belle watched her closely and slyly began to try removing hers.

“That’s pretty cool Twilight.” Apple Bloom said, examining it closely again.

Twilight noticed how Sweetie Belle struggled to keep her difficulties at removing the cuff hidden from her fellow crusader.

As Apple Bloom began to turn towards Sweetie Belle, Twilight said “Oh that Scootaloo sure has a crush on Soarin’. Can’t blame her, he’s a real cutie.”

Apple Bloom immediately turned her head toward them.

Using her magic, Twilight compressed the hoofcuff and Sweetie Belle slipped her hoof out. She looked up at Twilight and mouthed a “thank you” then gave an embarraased smile. Twilght smiled back and gave her a hug.

Could I have some hot cider Twilight? the unicorn filly asked.

“Sure, just grab a mug.”

“I don’t see any, where are they?

“No worries, they’re upstairs in the cabinet, I’ll get one.”

“No problem,” Sweetie Belle replied, I’ll get it.” Sweetie Belle trotted over toward the stairs and started up.

She is such a sweet pony, so thoughtful and generous, just like Rarity. I miss her and Spike so much. I’ll bet they’re pretty busy. Twilight thought.

Something was bothering her though. Something about Sweetie Belle going up there. She was only going to get a mug. What’s wrong with that? It isn’t like we have a lovers mug-

Twilight thought her heart would slam through her chest. The mugs she’d made for Applejack and herself with the two of them asleep on the couch were up there!

She immediately teleported herself upstairs just as Sweetie Belle was bringing one of the mugs down with a levitation spell. It had been all the way on the top shelf and as it floated down, Twilight saw Sweetie Belle squinting at the image as it got closer. Twilight quickly intercepted the mug with her own spell and set it back up on the shelf.

“Oh, don’t use that mug, it’s got a big crack in it and I-I’m working on a repair spell to fix it.”

“It looked like there were two ponies on it curled up on a couch. Was that you and Applejack?”

“Oh, no, no, that was, uh, a friend of mine from the Academy He was into classical muisc, like Octavia, and he wore his hair really long. He was, blonde, just like Applejack. But he was a colt, not a mare, a colt. A strapping young handsome colt, yes sir...”

“Uh huh…” Sweetie Belle replied skeptically.

“So, uh, here’s another mug. Shall we return to the party?” Twilight asked with a toothy grin.

“Yeah, sure.” Sweetie Belle said. She clearly had her doubts.

Moments later the two of them were back in the reading room. Applejack was tuning up the guitar and Noteworthy was all over her, helping out.

Sweetie Belle poured hot cider into the mug, but Twilight noticed that the little filly wouldn't stop glancing her way. Then she’d look at Applejack.

Twilight saw that Slick was checking out the hoofcuff. He’d slid one end of it over his foreleg and was looking down the other end. Her heart went out to him, the poor thing seemed a bit confused by it.

Twilight looked back at Sweetie Belle one more time and caught her looking away quickly.

The things I do for love! Ugh!!

Twilight took a deep breath and went over to Slick. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth and plunged her hoof into the other end of the hoofcuff, then sat down next to him.

“Oh my! Look at what silly old me has done!” she said, batting her eyes at the beige colt,

The two of them were now sitting on the floor facing each other. His left hoof in the cuff and her right hoof.

“Well there princess, can’t say I blame ya. -looks like you got yourself hooked up to the only real stallion in the room.” he said, leaning toward her.

She fought the urge to laugh. She leaned into him. “You know, you have the cutest smile.”

He blinked and pulled his head back slightly in surprise. “Uh really? I mean, uh, yeah, I guess I do.”

She smiled at him but kept her lips together so he wouldn’t see that she was gritting her teeth. She hoped it was worth it. She glanced over at Sweetie Belle. She was smiling now and for the moment seemed mollified.

Then Twilight noticed something else.

Noteworthy was sitting next to Applejack. Very very next to. Applejack didn’t seem to be minding either. She was smiling and laughing.

Oh REALLY?!!! Thought Twilight

“So Slick, tell me a little about yourself. I sense you’re the strong silent type. A pony of mystery” She leaned in closer.

He looked around for the other Slick she must be talking to. Then he saw it was him and recovered. “Oh, uh, yeah.,” he leaned in and half smiled/half smirked. “Yeah, I’m not one to brag, I keep the ladies guessing, and they always guess wrong.” He leaned in closer until their noses almost touched.

Twilight let her eyes glance quickly toward Applejack.

Screw Sweetie Belle, she thought What’s that hussy doing with blue boy?!

She thought she saw Applejack looking at her and Slick.

Good! she thought two can play at this game!

She giggled like a filly and sighed. “So, Stud, you don’t mind if I call you Stud, do you?” she asked coyly

“As long as you keep calling, I don’t care what you call me.” he cooed

“So Stud, what kind of things interest you?”

“Oh well princess, I’m known around as kind of a kung-fu master. I used to teach, had my own dojo, all the little colts and fillies around worshipped me.”

“Well I can see why. It looks like the two of us are kinda stuck together here. What a shame,” She batted her eyes again. “I suppose it could be worse…”

Then she felt it. His free hoof was sliding up her leg.

“Now let’s not rush things,” she whispered, “they’ll be plenty of time for that later…” she winked.

He pulled his hoof back and his face looked extremely puzzled.

“Are you okay honey? You look kind of confused.” she asked him.

“Yeah, uh, well, usually about this time I’m rubbing my face.” he said, still looking perplexed.

“Well why is that?”

“Because it hurts from being slapped.”

“Really? Why?” she asked, suppressing a grin.

“Uh, I guess because my hoof was halfway up the inside of their thigh.” he said as though it was obvious.

“Well some mares are kinda tame.” she said, looking in his eyes with as much desire as she could muster.

His mouth started to curve up into the most lascivious leer Twilight had ever seen. He looked down at her back hooves and she thought she saw his tongue slide across his teeth behind his lips.

Oh no, what have I done?!! Stupid Twilight, stupid, stupid Twilight!!

He slowly let his eyes go up from her rear hooves, up her calves, up her thighs, and where they met. and let his gaze rest there for awhile. As he did, his mouth parted and she thought she saw drool begin to gather at the corner of his mouth. Then he was looking straight down between her legs, which she closed, but not too fast. She knew she’d been striking the flint, if a fire started she had nopony to blame but herself. She hoped he would see it as playful teasing. He did.

“Oh, you are a bad one, but just wait, I’ll part those gorgeous legs, never fear.” He looked up at her with hopeful lust.

Twilght let her eyes dart over to Applejack and saw that none of this had escaped her. The blonde earth pony was staring daggers at her and old Slick. Suddenly Applejack grinned.

Damn! Did she catch me looking at her? Oh hay! Wait, what’s she doing? Is she tickling him under his chin? That little bitch! That little fucking cunt! That-

Twilight saw Sweetie Belle looking at Applejack and realized that AJ was doing her best at convincing the little filly that she was loving all the flirting with Noteworthy. Twilight was livid, but hiding it.

“Hey everypony! How about a game of Sardines?” Twilight suggested.

“Yeah! I love sardines!” Derpy exclaimed.

Twilight went to stand but found that she was still attached to lover boy. He looked at her and smiled and every time she went to stand, he pulled back, tightening the cuff. She pulled harder, pretending she was being playful and getting him halfway to his feet. Once he was there, she put a spell around the cuff, compressed the two ends together and braced herself. He popped out and went stumbling across the room before crashing into a bookshelf. His eyes went loopy for a few seconds then his head cleared.

“Why you sassy little minx! Don’t think I’ll let you get away with that..” he smiled.

It caught Dash’s attention and she looked at Twilight with surprise, wondering why she was putting up with him. Twi glared back, suggesting that it was all him.

All the ponies gathered in the main room of the library. Twilight and Applejack had hidden any and all evidence of their affair.

“Okay everypony, listen up,” Twilight said, “You can hide anywhere in the library with the exception of ou- uh the bed loft. The rules are simple. The pony that’s ‘it’ has a count of 42 to hide while we all cover our eyes.”

“Forty Two?” several of them asked.

“Yes. Is there a problem with that?”

“Um, no, I guess not.”

“Good. After we finish counting, we all spit up and go looking for whoever hid. When you find them, you hide with them. Got it?

There was a general consensus of agreement.

Twilight noticed how cute Applejack and Noteworthy were being. She decided it was sickening. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“So, who wants to be it?” she asked feigning cheeriness. All the ponies raised their hooves.

“How about you Derpy?” Twilight asked. A cheer went up and so it was decided.

Twilight heard Noteworthy mutter to Applejack “Why don’t you go hide in one of the closets and I’ll look for you?”

“We’ll never win that way” she answered back coyly.

“Depends on what you mean by win” he said out of the side of his mouth.

Applejack blushed and tittered.

Twilight steamed.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders poked each other and giggled at AJ and Noteworthy.

Twilight steamed.

“Okay all you ponies,” Rainbow announced, “Start counting!”

“1-2-3-4…”

Derpy trotted off.

As they counted, Twilight could hear Applejack giggling. She could smell Slick’s awful cologne. She shifted over to him and with no small amount of revulsion, waited until the count was at 33, before rubbing her flank up against him.

“Oh, you are a naughty one.” he whispered softly, but apparently, even over everypony counting down, it was heard by some. Applejack’s giggling suddenly stopped. Twilight smiled, despite the feeling of his hooves on her, exploring. He was getting very close to a very private area when they finally hit 42. Applejack had picked up her giggling and cooing by then, and when they hit 42, she turned and stared at Twilight who was already looking at her. They both noticed that the CMC’s were looking at them both, and before they could scowl at each other they giggled and blushed like a couple of naughty fillies who are in on a joke that they think nopony else knows about.

Soarin and Rainbow Dash came out of the reading room looking somewhat frazzled, but neither Twilight nor Applejack noticed.

Now they all scattered. Twilight watched as AJ headed to the left. Noteworthy headed in the opposite direction, much to Twilight's delight. Then she remembered his suggestion at a rendezvous. Slick was sticking close to Twilight, much to her annoyance. Finally she teleported to the basement. As she materialized, she looked around to see who else was down there. Applejack. The two of them looked at each other with fury in their eyes. The glanced around, but there was nopony there.

“How DARE you!!” Twilight muttered between clenched teeth. Applejack squinted back and was about to say something when they heard the sound of little hooves coming down the stairs.

The two of them looked around then Twilight grabbed AJ by the foreleg and dragged her into blackness of the closet.

“You slut! You’re embarrassing yourself, acting like that in front of the filles! You should be ashamed!” Twilight spoke in a hoarse whisper

“Me?! Me?!! You’re up there actin like, I don’t know what all! If’n the two a’ you had been any closer you would ‘a been behind one another!!” Applejack replied emphatic and angry, straining to stay quiet..

Suddenly Twilight threw Applejack’s forearm out of her grasp. “Don’t you TOUCH me!” she hissed, but it came out sounding petulant and bitchy.

“You were holding me you idiot!”

“I may be an idiot but at least I’m not acting like one in front of everypony! You know what? Why don’t you just go look for him. Better yet, I’ll find him and send him down to you here, that way the fillies won’t have to find out about sex until they’re old enough!”

“Applejack? Twilight?” a tiny voice came from the far back of the closet. It was followed by complete silence.

“Uh Derpy? Is that you?” Twilight asked in an equally tiny voice

“Uh-huh.”

“We’re sorry honey,” said Applejack, we didn’t know you were here.”

“I know.”

“We’re just upset with each other for not behaving better in front of everypony,” Twilight explained. “Some of us more than others!” she snapped in the general direction of Applejack’s voice.

“Listen princess slutty…” AJ started.

“Why you little…”

“Applejack and Twilight? You shouldn’t fight. It isn’t right. You are my friends and you should get along.”

“Well I reckon sometimes even good friends fight.” said Applejack kindly.

“Why don’t you two make up?”

Silence.

“Well I don’t know about that right now,” said Twilight,

“Me neither!” said Applejack. “But we’ll stop snapping at one another for your sake.”

“No,” Derpy said. “You two will go back to being friends!” Derpy was whispering but her voice was insistent.

Silence.

“Give me your hoof Twilight.” she said. Twilight felt as Derpy took her hoof in hers.

“Now you Applejack.” she paused. “Okay, now you two put your hooves together, that’s right, like that.”

“Yeah” “Yes?” The two ponies said, stumbling over each others words.

“Now say you’re sorry.”

Silence

“Say you’re sorry…”

“Mfmnd, sorry” they each said, though without conviction.

“Now come together and give each other a nice, sweet kiss.”

Silence.

“Uh Derpy, we’re not,” “I mean...what?” “We don’t” The two pones stumbled again and stammered, but Derpy didn’t say a word. Then it got very quiet.

“How did you know?” Asked Twilgiht, her voice almost ashamed.

“Because I love you and I could see that you loved each other more than just friends.”

“Uh, does anypony else know?” Applejack asked.

“No, I don’t think so.” Derpy said.

“You haven’t told anypony?”

“No, I thought that if you wanted anypony to know that you would be telling them yourselves.”

“You’re so wonderful Derpy. Thank you.” said Twilight

“And I will Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony…” she let her voice trail off.

“Yes…?”

“But only if you two kiss and makeup right now.” she said sweetly.

Silence.

More silence.

Twilight felt Applejack’s arm come around her.

Applejack felt Twilight’s arm come around her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” they both started then each felt a second arm come up on their side.”

“Derpy…?”

The first arms slipped away.

“Well somepony had to hug somepony,” the mailpony said, “You each just needed some help..”

All three ponies laughed. After it quieted down, Twilight broke the silence.

“Applejack?”

“Mm-hmm?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why this keeps happening, why I keep getting jealous. I know how strong our love is but I wanted you all to myself tonight. I just can’t stand to see you with anypony else”

“I’m sorry too Twilight. I reckon I’m just as jealous as you. When I saw the two of you getting all close, I thought I’d take that guitar of mine and give that varmint a new hat!”

Derpy put her hoof over her mouth to stifle her laugh and Twilight giggled as leaned forward and gently pressed her lips to Applejacks. They kissed and sighed.

“It’s very nice to hear two ponies that I love so much, say such loving things to each other.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little weird that Applejack and I are in love? I mean we’re two mares.”

“Huh? Why would I think that was strange? Does love know about mares and colts? Love only knows about love. I know that some colts like colts and don’t like mares, and some mares like mares and they don’t like colts. I don’t know if you understand what that means, but you will one day. If one of you was a colt or both of you were colts I don't think that would matter. You both love each other really a lot. Now maybe you two should just be nice to each other and not try to show Sweetie Belle that you’re not in love. I think she is convinced.”

“Y-you knew that’s what we were doing,” asked Applejack.

“Yes, I could see that you were both watching her, but I don’t think she is worried about you. I think she is fine.”

“If you think so, that’s good enough for me.” said Twilight

“That goes for me too.”

“Thanks you guys. There are just two more things.”

“You name ‘em parder” Applejack said, happy to be in Twilight’s arms again.

“I will never tell anypony about your special love. Cross my heart, hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Special love…” Twilight smiled and kissed Applejack. “I need to talk to you more often Derpy. I never knew.”

“That’s okay Twilight. No pony talks to me a lot. Just Applejack’s brother Big Macintosh.”

“I should have known.” Twilight said smiling. “You said there was something else we can do?.

“When you have it, can I be invited to your wedding?” the little pegasus asked in a very tiny voice.

Neither of them spoke. They were both so moved by the certainty of their future in her voice.

“Well considering you’re going to be in the wedding party, I reckon so!” Applejack said, her voice strained with emotion.

“You will be the first maid of honor. Each of us will have a best mare, but you will be our only maid of honor.” Twilight's voice was very emotional and the two ponies took Derpy in their arms and the three hugged.

“Should I go hide someplace else? Maybe you want to kiss some more.” said Derpy.

“Nothing doing.” the two ponies said, then laughed. “We found you! We’re the winners! Now we wait to see who came in second” Suddenly they heard somepony outside the door so they went quiet.

The door opened and the silhouette of Rainbow Dash was outlined.

“Come on, get in here. ShhhhhhUSH! *hic* Nopony is gonna be in here!” she whispered frantically, but clearly feeling the effect of XXX cider. She hiccupped again as she dragged a certain dreamy eyed Wonderbolt behind her. He stumbled clumsily and hiccuped as well. She closed the door and muffled moans and kisses could be heard in the darkness.

Twilight lit her horn.

Dash and Soarin froze in mid make-out. Suddenly they broke apart and Soarin tried to act casual and fix his hair. Dash, blushing, just smiled, She paused and let her eyes adjust. She looked at Twilight, then at Applejack, then at Derpy. All three were grinning broadly.

“Ooops,” she whispered, “Sorry”

Twilight, still smiling, extinguished her horn.

Silence.

“Oooops” Derpy said.

All five ponies laughed so hard they fell out of the closet.