Back stories, Chapter 2: a Tale of Two Mares

Time Frame: 8 years, 5 months, 26 days until Day One

Pinkie Pie restlessly sat in her unusually comfortable seat on the train, heading back to Ponyville. She had been to visit her family on the rock farm, and had gotten into an argument with her father… again. For some reason, he was under the impression that Pinkie was sleeping around at her parties. Where in Celestia’s name had he even gotten the idea? “I mean… come on, who would ever want me in their bed?” she whispered to herself.

She gazed wistfully out of the window, willing herself to cheer back up so her mane would poof up a bit more. It wasn’t completely flat, but it wasn’t inflated. It was like a balloon that hadn’t been used for a long while, and had lost air. Her friends would definitely notice something was wrong. She was looking forward to seeing them again. Twilight, probably was busy with Princess-y things, as she so often was these days. She would still make time for her friends though. It had even run her ragged a few times. Pinkie chuckled at the thought. Rainbow… she would hoof bump with her upon her return and say something she thought sounded cool. Applejack, she’d say ‘Howdy there Pinks! Trip go well?’ She would, of course, lie and say it went fine. No need to worry her, right? Everypony needed to smile. Rarity would be anxious for the rare gems Maud had sent back with her, but she would restrain herself, as coming off desperate was unladylike. Fluttershy… might not even be there. After she became a full time veterinary assistant, she seemed unable to get any free time these days. Fluttershy would probably apologize a thousand times for missing her arrival. Pinkie would tell her just as many times that it was okay, she wasn’t upset. She understood being busy with work. Her full time job at Sugarcube Corner often kept her away from friends, too.

Fluttershy… Pinkie’s thoughts lingered heavily on the timid mare. Why? She wished she knew. She didn’t really consider her as more than a best friend. She wasn’t physically attracted to her. There had never really been a reason to think of her more than she did her other friends. Pinkie noticed that her silhouette of a reflection in the window had increased in size. Mane’s up, she thought happily to herself. Weird. Thinking of Fluttershy had made her happier than her other friends. She’d have to examine the matter later. The train was coming into the station.

They were all there, looked like… wait, she only counted four colors. And yellow wasn’t one of them. Oh well. She’d pop by the vet’s office later to see her.

As the train slowed to a stop, Pinkie stood up and stretched her legs, back and finally her neck. Apparently, staring wistfully out of a window made your neck hurt… a lot. With a loud crack, it finally eased up. Now Everypony was staring at her. “Sorry folks. Stiff neck. It happens, you know?” she said with a cheerful grin. Her explanation was met with mostly indifferent nods, and agreeing head-tilts. One stallion, however, trotted up and smiled at her. He was an earth pony, with a well groomed stache and tee, and a long, straight red mane, which shone in a way that made him look like he spent as much time as Rarity brushing it. He had a pure white coat, which Pinkie thought was kind of neat. She always thought white coats looked nice. His eyes though, those were what stood out. They were brilliant scarlet, framed by long lashes and deep sockets. Not sunken in, just deep. There were some slight bags under his eyes, but that was probably more from a lack of sleep than anything else. Cutie mark was a speech bubble with a heart in it. He was… pretty damn good looking.

“Glad I’m not the only one who’s got that problem. Stiff neck, I mean.” Oh Celestia, his voice. Deep, but still soft. It resonated throughout the train car. Funny, his teeth were kind of pointy.

“Yeah? Must be a pain to crack, with a neck that thick.”

“You have no idea. Like trying to bust a rock with your face. It just doesn’t work too well,” he said with a chuckle. He obviously didn’t know that Pinkie had attempted, and accomplished, such a feat. “Knees, on the other hoof…” he lifted a foreleg and a massive snap sounded throughout the car.

“Celestia that was loud! That’s gotta hurt!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Honestly? It doesn’t. Been going on my whole life,” he said, then turned to trot away, but stopped. “Say, need any help with your bags, ma’am?”

“Nah, I got it thanks though. Didn’t get your name. Don’t suppose I could?” she said, with a wink. What? Since when did she wink?

“Roma Heart,” he said, bowing slightly for her.

“Name’s Pinkie Pie. But everypony calls me Pinkie Pie,” she said enthusiastically, causing him to laugh again.

“Well, Miss Pie, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, though I'll probably never see you again.” he said with a smile and trotted off. Sure enough, she never saw that pony again.

“Well, enough talking to strangers, I gots friends to see!” she said, grabbing her small bag from under her seat.

As she trotted off the train, she was met with every greeting she had predicted. Several minutes of small talk, a few jokes thrown around, some bad, some good. Dash’s, just awful. But Pinkie laughed at them anyways.

“Oh! I almost forgot, Fluttershy is on her way. She had something to pick up at Sugarcube Corner,” Twilight said, smiling warmly.

“Oh that’s cool! I figured she was just busy with work and stuff. I’ll go ahead and meet her halfway. I’m actually a little anxious to get home. Soooo sleepy,” she said and gave a fake yawn. Must’ve been pretty convincing, because they all smiled and agreed.

“You do seem less perky than usual. Go on home dear. You’ve had a long trip, and some rest will do you some good,” Rarity said calmly. She hadn’t even gotten the gems yet. Leave it to the element of generosity to be, well, generous.

“Here, before I go, Maud says ‘I hope you find a good use for them,’ and I’m sure you will!” she said, then trotted of towards her place of work. It took some time, with the way she more pranced than trotted, but that was okay. She may have been an over the top party pony, but sometimes, she did like to take her time.

Now was a good time to think about Fluttershy. Why had thinking of her made Pinkie so happy? Perhaps it was that she had missed the refreshing way she spoke so softly. Her other friends were so loud all the time. But then, so was Pinkie. Fluttershy was different. She always spoke so softly, and that made Pinkie pay special attention to her. Even if the others didn’t notice it, she always did. She always saw everything around her. Maybe it was that kindness of hers. Pinkie liked it when ponies wer…

SLAM, right into Fluttershy. Pinkie wasn’t paying attention. Again. It was starting to bug her that she couldn‘t concentrate today… but it wasn’t like it was something she could really help. Maybe a dose of  Ritalin would mellow her… Wait, what ’s Ritalin?

“Woops, Sorry Flutters. Wasn’t paying attention,” she apologized, helping Fluttershy off the ground. She had a little square package in her mouth. “Cha got there?”

“It’s a special cupcake. I had it made this morning. Its um… for you,” she said, smiling in that adorable way that always made Pinkie imagine a little squee noise coming from it. She sat the package on the ground and scooted it over with her nose.

Pinkie quickly and precisely opened the little box, and stared at the little pastry. That was all she could do. It was frosted in chocolate, her favorite, and had ‘Welcome Home Pinkie’ scrawled across the top in pink icing. It didn’t matter what flavor it was. Fluttershy had taken the time to get her a cupcake. And that fact may have been sweeter than a dozen cupcakes. A few tears trickled down her muzzle, despite her monstrously broad grin.

“Pinkie! Oh what’s wrong? Did I get the wrong flavor?” The yellow mare whimpered, ducking her head.

“No it’s not that… I’m just really happy. Hey, are you free the rest of the day?” she asked, before leaning down to take a bite of the cupcake. Her eyes grew even wider. “Oh my gosh, you got my favorite kind!”

“I-I did? Oh, and yes, I am free. I wasn‘t sure which flavor you liked best… so I guessed,” she replied with a sheepish little grin. So adorable.

“You surely diddy doo! Know what kind that is?”

“Um, chocolate?”

“Gift-from-a-friend flavored!” she exclaimed happily, bouncing twice. She stopped and looked down at her special cupcake. “You have half.”

“What? But… it’s for you… I thought it would make you happy.”

“It did. But sharing it with a bestest friend would make me even happier!” she said, smiling so wide her eyes were forced shut.

“Oh! Okay. But I just ate lunch… how about a third?”

“That’ll be fine. As long as I shared it, right?” Pinkie said. Wait, what was this feeling? She was beyond normal happiness levels, but she was so calm. She would normally be bouncing of the walls. And the ceiling, and the floor, and the doors. But mostly the walls. She vaguely noticed that Fluttershy had finished her part of the cupcake, and was trying to lick some frosting off her nose. She was failing miserably. Adorably, but miserably. Pinkie chuckled and ate the remainder of the pastry. “You want some help with that?”

She answered in the way that most would expect. “Oh yes please. I didn’t want to use my foreleg, it’ll get all sticky.” she said, blushing a bit.

“Oki doki loki. Hold still.” Pinkie leaned in and gently licked the tiny bit of frosting away. “There ya go! Since you’re free, you wanna come over?”

“Sure, I’d love to,” she said with a smile.

>X<

Pinkie’s house was a mess, as always. But Fluttershy didn’t mind. She was happy to spend time with her bubbly friend. She still wasn’t sure why she had gotten her that cupcake. It just seemed like something she should do. She found herself thinking a lot about Pinkie. It was probably because they had been spending so much time together. Pinkie was unique among their friends, so energetic and outgoing. It was a wonder she was still single. Wait, what did that have to do with anything? Fluttershy pushed the thought away. But Pinkie’s enthusiasm was always refreshing. Rarity always wanted her to try on clothes, Rainbow was always practicing, Twilight only wanted to study. Applejack was fun to hang out with, but her language had gotten a bit crude in times recent. She usually toned it down around Fluttershy, but even then, she still had a pretty sour mouth.

All in all, Pinkie was her favorite to spend time with. Ponies had, however, been suggesting things about the two of them that made her a bit upset. Even Applejack had suggested it… but such was not the case. She and Pinkie were not a couple. But would that really be such a bad thing? Of course it would! It would be awkward. It would be fun. Ponies would make fun of them. But she would spend all her free time with Pinkie. The pros and cons seemed to balance each other out.

“Heeeey… Equestria to Flutters!”

“Hm? I’m sorry. I was lost in thought…” she said, hoping the pink mare wouldn’t pry. Of course, she was wrong.

“What about?” she asked, and trotted into the kitchen. Fluttershy followed.

“Do you remember what everypony had been saying about us for a while?” she said, lowering her head and blushing. Pinkie froze at the fridge. Only for a moment. But she froze, nonetheless.

“Yeeeaah, I remember. What about it?”

“It’s started again…” she muttered, backing up a bit. What if she got mad at her for mentioning it? Pinkie had been pretty mad at them before. Especially when they said it to her face…

“Oh,” was all she said.

“You aren’t mad? I thought you would be really upset… like last time.”

“I… I don’t know. Honestly, after what dad said, being called a lesbian is like saying my mane is tacky. It just doesn’t bug me. I feel like it should, but it doesn't,” she explained, putting the ingredients for a daisy sandwich on the table,

“What did your dad say?” she asked hesitantly. It must have been pretty bad… the Pie family used to be really close.

“He said I was… sleeping around at my parties,” she said, gritting her teeth and pining her ears back.

“That’s awful! Why would he even think that?”

“I don’t even know! I… Fluttershy, do I ever come off as loose? I know I don‘t take too much seriously, and I tend to be a little nice but…” she said, and just stared at the ground. Her mane was starting to fall, too.

“No!” Pinkie cringed. “Pinkamena Diane Pie, you look at me, and you listen. You are not a.. a whore. You’re a wholesome mare, more than some I know. Your dad, he’s probably just worried about his pretty little filly. I’ve met him remember? He was terrible at showing his feelings. Maybe he just couldn’t communicate that-”

“NO, Fluttershy, that’s not what happened. He wasn’t awkward about it, he was straightforward, like he really thought I was doing that. For Celestia’s sake, I’m still a virgin! He’s just... uuugh! I can’t stand him! If it weren’t for mom and my sisters, I wouldn’t ever go back there!” she screamed, each sentence punctuated by a vicious hoof stomp.

“Pinkie… look at me. So your dad’s a meanie. Don’t let it get to you. I know you’re a good mare. Everypony else knows it too.”

“Apparently not! Not if what you said was true…” she shouted, then turned to the timid mare. Her eyes were pouring, and her mouth trembled. “Why do they keep saying those mean things… Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy had stepped up next to her friend and nuzzled her soft cheek. “They weren’t saying bad things… they said stuff like ‘hope your mare friend gets home soon,’ or ‘you doing okay without your mare?’ They were actually being nice and looking out for us,” she told the distraught mare, who then collapsed to the floor. She broke into ragged sobs and buried her face under her hooves. Fluttershy knelt down and stroked her best friends mane. Pinkie needed  this.

It was some time before she finished crying, so long that it had gotten dark outside. They had gotten to her house at noon.

“Fluttershy?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you hang out with me?” the question made her stop and stare. Why wouldn’t she? They were best friends. But she had abandoned things for far smaller reasons before. She briefly remembered breaking up with a colt because he had tried to kiss her. He had apologized, and was very sweet, but it had happened. And Fluttershy had really liked him. Hay, they’d probably be married now if she’d stayed with him.

“Because I love you.” The words slipped out without her willing them to. She started to act like her usual self and try to take it back, but it just… wouldn‘t take. The four word phrase hung in the air like a piñata. She found she didn’t want to take it back. Those words were true, in every absolute sense of the word. As more than best friends, as more than a sister… as more than a mare friend.

“Like… Love me how?” she asked, cocking her head to the side. Her voice was still a bit shaky. Make or break time.

“Pinkie Pie promise you won’t be mad?” She nodded, and went through the motions of said pact. “I love you like this.”

>X<

Pinkie’s eyes grew wide as Fluttershy leaned in and planted her lips firmly, yet delicately, against her own. The kiss didn’t last long. A few seconds, at most. But it felt like forever. And it wasn’t a hard kiss, it was gentle. But while it was gentle it was passionate. There was no tounge, no all falling over each other, no hooves going where they shouldn’t… they just kissed. When they separated, she was left with her jaw dropped and her eyes wide. That was… a LOT of love. So she had felt like this too?

A broad grin crossed her mouth, and her mane practically exploded into its normal state. “Say, Flutters.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s make that rumor true.”

“Which one?” she said, giving what she no doubt thought was a coy smile. It just came across as adorable.

“The one where it’s just you and me against the world,” she said, and scooted over to nuzzle the yellow mare.

“I’d like that. You promise to be good to me?”

“ALWAYS. Sooo… we a thing?”

“We’re a thing, yes,” she said with a giggle. She nearly fell over when her new mare friend tackled her in a crushing hug.

“Imma call you Shy from now on, kay?”

“Why?”

“Cuz I need something special to call you. Something only the pony who loves you the most can ever call you.” she explained.

“I like that idea. You know, Pinkie, you’re dad isn’t gonna like this.”

“Whatever, Shy, he can shove it up his plot,” she said, nuzzling Fluttershy, yet again. “I’m more worried about the BIG problems in the future. Like, why don’t we go get dinner. Cuz I’m starving.”

“That does sound nice.”

>X<

Three years later

Fluttershy and Pinkie were returning from a trip to Cloudsdale, with the aid of Twilight’s cloud walker spell, after visiting Fluttershy’s parents. They hadn’t been quite as judgmental as the Pies had been. Fluttershy's parents had welcomed her into the family with open forelegs. Pinkie's father had accepted their relationship. Disapproved, but accepted. Same with her mother. Her three sisters were beyond happy for her. Everypony in Ponyville was happy for them. But what was most important, was that they were happy.

They had been visiting Cloudsdale because Fluttershy’s parents were determined to meet their daughter’s lover, even if they had to come to Ponyville to do so. Fluttershy had mentioned this, and they had asked Twilight for her help.

“Your parent’s were awesome! They were sooo nice! And open minded. That’s always good. I notice you take after your dad.  It’s funny to see a stallion with that pink mane. And your mom was sooo pretty. Not as pretty as you, but a close second. Their house was nice too. I like the whole column theme.”

“Pinkie, love, you can just say that you liked them,” she said with a smile, as their balloon touched down in the Ponyville square. Fluttershy loved her mare friend’s rambling. Somehow it never got old. Especially if she listened, which she normally did.

“Yeah I guess so, huh?”

“Mhm.”

“Hey Shy,” she said, falling a bit behind. She didn’t want to get smack with a wing, of course.

“Yes, dear?”

“Let’s get married.” Woosh. There they go! Sticking straight out like blades. She shad stopped walking, too. Pinkie briefly wondered if it was the right move, saying it so out right.

“What?”

“You and me. Knot tying. Big ceremony. Like Spike And Rarity had. Except, no gems at the reception banquet. Cuz you know we do-”

“You… you mean it?” she said, turning her head slightly. Her voice sounded quivery… oh no.

“I probably should’ve… planned this a bit better…”

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, no, you didn’t need to plan it. And yes, let’s get married,” she said, turning all the way around. There were tears streaming down her face, and a squiggly smile on her lips. “Let’s do it! Let’s spend the rest of our lives together.”

It took Pinkie a moment to actually register what her dear Shy had said. For a while there was an awkward silence in the town square, and everypony was staring at them. And then it clicked.

“Alright! SHE SAID YES!!! You said yes! Oh my gosh oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I’m getting married!” She stopped for a moment. “We have to tell the others. Like, right now.”

“I think I have a better idea. Let’s go home and rest a bit. Then we can get them all to come over for a nice dinner.”

“Good idea! Let’s go, fiancé o’ mine! To the cottage!”

“A-away?” she asked, grinning.

“Indeed! AWAY!” Pinkie hollered, and they galloped away at full tilt.

>X<

The cottage was small. The perfect size for the young couple. Pinkie had moved in a year after they started dating, and had sold her own house. Most of her things were in a shed out back. The shed also served as her workshop, where she was developing her line of commercial party cannons. They were coming along well too. They weren’t as powerful as the original, but were just as effective.

The inside of the cottage was cozy, with moderate furnishings, and a nice mellow atmosphere. There were a few birdhouses inside, as opposed to the many outside. Most days, in the later hours, one could find Fluttershy sitting on the couch, whilst her partner cooked or cleaned, or she may be outside, helping animals, or watching Pinkie Pie build her cannons. Her adept hooves seemed to easily manipulate the tools needed, and Fluttershy loved when Pinkie got focused on a task. Some days, they went out for dinner, and came back in the late hours of night. It was a lovely little life they had.

Today, however, was not like most days. It has been three weeks since Pinkie’s… can you even call it a proposal? Regardless, today, Pinkie Pie was being fitted her wedding attire, with the aid of Apple Bloom, who was now putting her skills to use crafting Pinkie’s suit.

“Darn it Pinkie, stop moving!”

“I’m sorry AB, it’s hard to sit still when I’m this excited…” she said, and forced her body to remain still.

“Good. Ya’ll were gonna wind up getting blood on yer suit cuz yah got poked. Now Ah’m almost done with this leg. So, why not wear a normal suit?”

“Because Fluttershy wanted a traditional Neighjing wedding, and I’ll make my bride happy no matter what. I can’t wait to see her in that dress. She’ll be amazing…” a simple smile crossed Pinkie’s lips, not broad or excited, but happy.

“Ah bet she will. And you will be too, if Ah’ve got any say in the matter. Which Ah do.”

“Thank you Apple Bloom. This just means so much… to both of us.” she let a small sniffle escape her. Pinkie wasn’t normally the type to get emotional over things, but this was different. This was a big deal. Even her parents were coming to town. They would meet Fluttershy’s folks. Probably wouldn’t get along to well. But they would be friendly.

It was going to be a magical day. Not with like, actual magic, but in the figurative sense.

>X<

“Fluttershy dear, how come you never told us you were Ponyental? How delightfully exotic,” Rarity said as she finished the final touches on the bride’s gown.

“Oh, I guess it just, uh, never really came up…” she said, holding absolutely still.

“I’m almost certain I have this right… what do you think Miss… I’m so sorry, I’m afraid I’ll mispronounce your name.”

“Hóngbaoshí. In you language, it mean ruby. You do good job, Rarity. Perfect dress for perfect granddaughter,” a elderly red and pink mare said from the corner. She had traveled all the way from her home city of Neighjing, thousands of miles to the east, just for her granddaughters wedding.

“Miss Hóngbaoshí, yes. Hóng-ba-o-shi. There we go. That’s not so hard. It certainly means a lot to hear you say that. I’ve never made a dress like this before. I was terribly worried I would get it wrong,” she explained, wiping a bit of sweat off her brow.

“Grandma, you don’t know how much it means that you sailed all the way here for the wedding. Thank you, so much.”

“Oh, anything for you, granddaughter. It worth it to see lovely smile. I still think it strange to marry two mares, but it make you happy, so I accept decision,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye. “Now, when my good-for-nothing son-in-law get here with my wonderful daughter?”

“We just arrived, Hóngbaoshí. It’s good to see you.”

“And good to see you too, Windwake. What take you so long?” she scolded, whilst they bowed to one another. Rarity had attempted the same upon meeting Hóngbaoshí, it had been very awkward when she stumbled and fell on her face. But the old mare had just chuckled, and thanked Rarity for trying to make her feel welcome.

“Had a bit of extra weather work to rake care of, that’s all,” he said, scratching his chin with his hoof. Looks like he had trimmed that ghastly beard into a proper Fu Manchu.

“Hello mother. I’ve missed you,” Fluttershy’s mother, Jade entered the boutique, and bowed to Hóngbaoshí.

“It so good to see you too, daughter. Why you no come visit me in Neighjing? I too old to travel very much!” she said, and nuzzled Jade affectionately.

“Well, you arrived just in time. I’ve just finished Fluttershy’s dress. What do you think?”

“It’s wonderful! I can’t wait to see it going down the aisle!” she said, pulling a hoof up to cover her smile.

“Well, you won’t have to wait too long, mom,” she said, a single tear running down her cheek. “It’s in three days, after all.”

>X<

Those three days passed quickly, too. It felt like a few hours to the couple, and that was okay. Pinkie stood at the alter in her Ponyental suit, and waited anxiously for her bride. Her collar itched and she wanted to desperately rip from her chest, but she remained still. The door opened at the end of the aisle and in strode a yellow mare in a vibrant red cheongsam, its tail dragging gently across the floor behind her. Her hair was fixed in a traditional up-do, and her face had only slight makeup, enough to accent her features, and no more. That was good, too, because Fluttershy looked odd in heavy makeup. She looked at Shy’s family, to see Hóngbaoshí and Jade softly crying into their sleeves, while her friends did the same beside them, only they were much less discreet about it. Pinkie’s own family simply smiled at her. Even her father seemed happy to be there.

Shy reached the alter, and smiled broadly for Pinkie.

Princess Twilight, who resided over the ceremony, spoke up now. “The Brides have each written their own vows. First, Pinkie will present her vow.”

“Fluttershy, my dear Shy, four years ago, I never would’ve imagined this happening. Falling in love with my best friend was never in my plans, and I’ve never been so happy to have my plans go askew. Once, in a fit of curiosity, I asked you what the technical name for your coat was. You said it was grayish yellow, and that there was no term for it. But I’ve come to realize that you aren’t yellow. I see you for what you are, the most precious and purest, gold, the rarest thing on the planet. I can count myself as the luckiest mare in the world to have you in my life, and I know that my life would be utterly miserable without you in it now. I promise to do everything in my power, every day, to make you happy, to make you feel special. Beyond that, I promise to love and cherish you until the day I die,” she said, reciting the entire vow from memory. It had been a bit hard too finish saying, because her throat was trying to seize up. Her bride was nearly in tears.

“Now, Fluttershy will present her own vow.”

“Pinkamena Diane Pie, like you, I had never imagined this day in my life, but then again, I’ve never been that imaginative, now have I? I promise, that I will be a wonderful wife, I will love you, cherish you, and honor your name until the day I die. I have never been happier than I am in this moment, not even when I earned my cutie mark. And I doubt that this joy will fade as long as we are together. And if I have any say in the matter, that will be forever, until the end of time,” she said, barely managing to hold back her tears.

With a sniffle, Twilight gave them each their rings, to be worn on necklaces, that were bound magically to their necks. So sure they were of their love, they had asked for enchanted necklaces that could never be removed. As they put them on one another, neither could stop their smile from amplifying. “You - ahuah, may kiss the brides!” she said through a happy sob.

Oh and did they kiss. They kissed long and hard, eliciting a 'woo' from the attendees, and when they parted, their breathing was heavy. They slowly turned and proceeded down the aisle to their waiting carriage, as all the gathered ponies cheered in joy for the newlyweds, throwing rice and rose petals over their heads.

As the carriage was pulled away, a Fluttershy leaned out the window with a bazooka-esque device, and fired it into the air over the guests, and down floated the bridal bouquet. It fell right onto the back of Pinkie’s sister, Maud Pie, who looked at it and shrugged and said, “Married. That’ll happen.” All the same, she took the bouquet and held it to her muzzle. It smelled nice, like lilies, even thought they were artificial.

“See, I told you my cannon would work on the bouquet!” Pinkie exclaimed as she disassembled the device and put it into a metal case.

“Okay, you were right. I’m just surprised it didn’t rip it to shreds.” Fluttershy replied from across the carriage. “Um… Pinkie…”

“Yeah?”

“I got silk sheets for tonight,” she said, smiling coyly from across the carriage.

For once, it was the party pony’s face that turned beet red. She hadn’t even thought about their wedding  bed… and the fun that would entail. “Oh.”

>X<

The two mares lived happily with one another for the rest of their lives, their love never failing to keep them together, and each mare affection strengthening the other’s heart. Even through their traumatic adventures in another dimension, they stayed true, and never faltered in their devotion to one another.

But those adventures are another story, for another time.