The pony who entered was an interesting character: He was a middle-aged, light brown stallion with slicked back, dark grey hair. He wore a classy, white collar, accented by a large, red tie with a money symbol embroidered into its end. What I found most peculiar about this pony, however, was his cutie mark: three large money bags.

I wonder what his special talent is?

“Ah, hello Mr. Filthy,” Rarity said, politely greeting the stallion. His expression fell a little at her welcome.

“Rich,” he replied flatly.

“Oh! Right, of course, Mr. Rich,” she corrected herself before walking up to him. “So, what can I do for you today?”

“I have a dinner party with some potential clientele this Sunday and I am in the need of a new suit, in order to make the right impression, of course,” he replied, scanning the apparel Rarity had out on display.

Rarity nodded. “Ah, a new suit, is it? Well, right this way then, Mr. Rich, and we can get you started on some potential designs.” She gestured for him to follow and the two crossed the room to a fitting stand.

He does strike me as quite the business stallion, now that I think about it.

I watched the two of them for another minute. With my curiosity satisfied I turned to leave, but just as I opened the door my ears perked up, having caught wind of a particular word:

“...painting.”

I turned back to find them both standing before the painting I had made for Rarity. My curiosity piqued once more, I decided to postpone my exit for a little bit longer. I very much wanted to know what he had to say about my painting, so I walked closer to the pair of ponies.

Mr. Rich approached the painting, and eyed it closely before quickly turning back to Rarity with a look of shock on his face.

“Where did you get this painting?!” he demanded, quite surprised, before hastily turning back to it. “Why, I would recognise this style anywhere; this work is clearly by Canvas, and it is a self-portrait, no less!”

Rarity walked up to him, waving a hoof dismissively. “Oh, no, no, no. That is not one of Canvas’s works. If it was, I can assure you, it would not be here,” she said, before turning and gesturing towards me. “It was painted by my dear friend Prism, here.”

The stallion turned to me with a rather interested expression. “Oh? Well, you must be quite the fan; I have never seen somepony mirror Canvas’s style so flawlessly before,” he said, sounding quite impressed.

I slowly shook my head. “No, I’m not a fan, I’m, um... actually her daughter,” I said softly, before gesturing to the painting. “I used Mother as a model for the dress in that picture.” Both ponies stared back at me, wide-eyed in shock.

Rarity slowly walked up to me. “You’re the daughter of Canvas? The Canvas?” she asked, taken aback.

I shrank down a little. “Y-Yes...” I replied hesitantly.

“When you mentioned your mother was a famous painter, I admit, I was curious as to who she might be... But Canvas?” Rarity said again, blinking a few times.

Mr. Rich cleared his throat. “It’s a known fact that she had a daughter, yes, but nopony has seen or heard from her since Canvas’s passing,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Her daughter — as well as all of her paintings — mysteriously vanished without a trace. There's been a lot of speculation as to what happened to them.”

My ears fell back as I looked to the floor. “After Mother passed away, I wanted nothing to do with the world. It took me quite some time to come to terms with my loss. The most important thing in the world to me had been stripped away from my life... And as for the paintings...” I felt myself biting my lip as I fought back tears, before looking up to the two. “C-could we... please not talk about this? ...Please?” I asked weakly, shaking my head. “I-I, I don’t want to remember those times...”

Rarity walked up to me and gave me a comforting hug, while Mr. Rich silently nodded. “Yes, I apologize for bringing up such an uncomfortable topic,” he said before pausing for a moment. “So it’s true then? You really are her daughter, aren’t you?”

I nodded slowly and with a small sniffle. “Mother meant the world to me,” I said, smiling softly. “She taught me everything I know about painting. That’s probably why our styles are so similar.”

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I see,” Rarity stated, while Mr. Rich nodded in agreement.

“Like mother, like daughter,” he added, before glancing back to the painting. “Prism, wasn’t it?”

“Yes?” I asked, tilting my head. He cleared his throat before walking up to me.

“Well, Prism, I would like to buy this,” he said, gesturing back to Rarity’s painting. “How much for it?”

I froze up. I had never had somepony ask to buy a painting from me before; I didn’t know what to say or think. After giving it a moment’s thought, however, I came to a quick conclusion.

“I’m... flattered, really,” I said, turning to Rarity, “but it’s not mine to sell.”

Rarity shook her head. “No darling, it’s yours, do what you want with it,” she said with a soft smile.

Mr. Rich’s mood perked up as he turned back to me. “Well, how about I make you an offer then?” he suggested in a chipper tone. “Two thousand bits. How does that sound?” He smiled as he adjusted his tie with a forehoof.

His offer blew me out of the water — I had expected twenty, maybe fifty bits at the most. My legs felt weak and before I knew it, I found that I had fallen to my haunches. I slowly looked to Rarity, who looked as if she had just seen a ghost. She stood frozen in place, slack-jawed, for several long moments before visibly shaking herself out of the daze.

“T-Two thousands... bits?” she stammered out weakly. The stallion nodded to her before looking back to me expectantly.

I felt conflicted and looked to the floor, deep in thought, for a few moments.

That’s a lot of money... but I painted that for Rarity, as a thank you for everything she has done for me...

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, before looking back up to him.

“I... I’m— I don’t have the words, but... that’s—”

“That’s not enough, hm? What was I thinking!” he interjected, rolling his eyes with a smile. “I mean, you are the daughter of Canvas after all. Three thousand bits.”

Even while sitting, I found that I had somehow managed to lose my balance, and fell over onto my side.

Rarity lost her balance as well and fell to her haunches. “M-M-More?! ...That’s—That’s a lot of money...” she stated in a deep, entranced groan.

I picked myself up off the floor before looking up to Mr. Rich. “I-I’m sorry... but—”

Before I could say any more, Rarity immediately snapped out of her daze and flew across the room, frantically stuffing a hoof in my mouth.

“SOLD!” she shouted, looking back to the business stallion with a nervous smile. He reciprocated with a wide smile of his own.

“Wonderful!” he declared, trotting up to the exit. “I’ll be right back with the payment. We can discuss my suit once I return.”

I removed Rarity’s hoof to oppose. “B-But—”

Again, before I could say any more, Rarity stuffed her hoof back into my mouth. “Great! I’ll see you here shortly then!”

He nodded to the fashionista before trotting out the door. Rarity stepped away from me with a sheepish, guilty look.

“Rarity... why?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion. “That painting was for you...”

Rarity bit her lip nervously. “I know darling,” she started, before her expression turned serious, “but honestly, just the thought of you having made me something so wonderful is more than enough for me.” She walked up to me and rested her forehooves on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes. “Prism, opportunities like this are beyond rare. You do realize just how much money three thousands bits is — right?”

I slowly shook my head. “N-Not really... I know it is a lot of money...” I replied with a sheepish smile.

Rarity let out a deep sigh before shaking her head. “Let me give you an example, dear,” she said, before clearing her throat and taking a few steps back. “Although I would very much appreciate it if you kept what I’m about to tell you to yourself.”

I nodded slowly. “I promise.”

Rarity beamed me a smile. “Thank you darling. Anyway...” She gestured a hoof all around her boutique. “An entire season’s collection of mine brings in roughly eight hundred bits profit.” My eyes went wide before blinking a few times.

Rarity gestured to my painting. “Keeping that figure in mind: you just sold your painting for three thousand bits — all of it pure profit, with no costs to speak of. In other words, you just made more in a day than I make in a year.” She walked up to me. “That is why I stopped you from objecting, dear. I wasn’t about to let an opportunity like that pass you by; not for my sake.”

I looked to the floor and brought a forehoof to my muzzle in thought.

Mother was very famous and had many, many opportunities to sell her paintings; apparently for several thousand bits each, no less. If Rarity makes less than that, yet lives this kind of life...

“Prism, darling? Are you alright?” Rarity asked with a touch of concern. I shook my head, quickly looking up to her.

“Oh, sorry, I was just thinking,” I said, before looking to my cutie mark. “Mother was very famous for her paintings and had several offers to sell them, but she declined them all.”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, it is a well-known fact that Canvas never sold any of her paintings,” she added matter-of-factly. Then she brought a hoof to her chin. “Although... rumour has it, she supposedly did sell one...”

My ears fell back at her words.

“Do you know anything about that, Prism?” Rarity looked at me expectantly.

I shook my head. “No... I don’t,” I answered flatly, and looked to the floor.

Rarity blinked a few times. “I’m sorry... I just figured, since she was your mother, maybe you would—”

“I said I don’t know!” I yelled back, looking up to her angrily. I paused for a moment before covering a gasp and sinking down to the floor.

“I-I’m sorry... I-I, I didn’t mean to yell at you like that...” I said slowly.

Rarity shook her head. “No, it’s fine, darling. I shouldn’t have pried.” She cleared her throat with a small cough. “Anyway, let me worry about the details of the sale, dear.” Rarity’s expression crept into a smile.

“Besides, if I’m not mistaken, there's a certain pegasus out there who’s very worried about you, and who would be very happy to know that you're awake and alright,” the fashionista said with a wink.

I returned with a soft smile. “Yes, I was just about to go see her before all of this happened,” I said, looking to the painting. “Three thousand bits...” I brought a hoof to my muzzle, “I don’t even know what I’m going to do with that kind of money...”

Rarity covered a small laugh. “I’m sure you will think of something, darling,” she said before turning away, “though I think you have something more important to worry about right now.” She trotted up to a group of dresses before looking back to me.

“Oh, and when you’re done with her, Prism, could you tell Fluttershy to come see me?” Her expression shifted to a serious one. “It’s very important.” 

I nodded. “I will, and, um... thanks, Rarity,” I said, sheepishly twirling a hoof along the floor. “I am grateful for you looking out for me, even if I still feel a little bad about selling your painting...”

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively. “Think nothing of it, darling. Now run along, you have somepony’s day to brighten,” she said with a chuckle before turning back to her work. “See you later, Prism.”

“I’ll be back later.”

With that, I turned for the door and made my way outside the boutique.

* * * * * * * * * *

I found myself lost in thought during the walk to Fluttershy’s cottage. In just a few minutes, I had gone from a mare with nothing to her name — besides the generosity of her friends — to somepony with more bits than most ponies would make in several years. I had absolutely no idea what to do with my newfound wealth. My first thought would have been a new easel and painting supplies, but I had already been given all of that.

I lost my train of thought as Fluttershy’s cottage came into view. It was...

“Beautiful...” I cooed aloud to myself.

During the winter, it had had a warm, comfortable feel to it. Now, with spring here, it was blooming with the colors of life all around it.

I absolutely must paint this place...

I nodded to myself as I crossed the small bridge over the now-flowing creek to her home. Animals of all shapes and sizes could be found along the path up to the cottage. They seemed to regard me with a sense of curiosity, watching me closely as I approached the door and gave it a few soft knocks.

I waited a few minutes, but there was no answer. I knocked again, then spent several more minutes waiting fruitlessly.

I guess she’s not home...

A sudden wave of disappointment wash over me. My visit with Fluttershy would have to be postponed for now.

Well, Twilight’s my next stop then.

I let out a soft sigh before turning back to make my way to Ponyville. When I crossed the little bridge over the stream, however, my ears perked up at a distant sound.

“Prism!” a faint voice called from somewhere behind me.

I turned around just in time to see a yellow and pink blur tackle me. The resulting impact sent the two of us tumbling off the side of the bridge and into the stream below with a large splash. The water was icy cold and the sudden, chilly shock left me gasping for air. That quickly passed, though; the warm sensation of a mare lying atop me, hugging me tightly, swiftly brushed my discomfort away with the passing currents.

“I was so worried about you!” she exclaimed softly, tightening her hug around me. “I thought we were going to lose you!”

I slowly wrapped my forelegs around her, returning the hug. “I’m so sorry to have worried you, Fluttershy,” I said as I began slowly stroking her mane. “I promise, I won’t do anything to scare you like that ever again.”

Eventually, she slowly broke the embrace and sat up on me. Her soaked mane was hanging low, obscuring much of her face from view as she looked down to me. That odd, fluttering sensation I had felt the night before my accident snaked through me again as I looked back up at her. I couldn’t help but notice that her wet hair, hanging like that, was very, very beautiful...

She parted her hair with a hoof and beamed me a weak smile. As she did this I got a good look at her face, and my eyes widened at what I saw. There were horrible dark rings around her eyes, which had heavy bags below them; she looked as if she hadn’t had any sleep for a good while.

“Fluttershy! Have you not been sleeping?” I asked with great concern as I sat up to meet her. “You look awful...”

She shook her head. “Oh no, don’t worry about me,” she replied sleepily, ”I’ve just been, um... working really late.” She let out a small, delicate yawn. “There has just, um, been so much to do, with the new season, I haven’t been able to get much sleep.”

I narrowed my eyes at her; I could tell she wasn’t being honest with me.

“You haven’t been sleeping because you have been worrying about me... haven’t you?” I asked sternly.

“That, um, might be a—uh—small part of the reason, yes,” she replied sheepishly, tapping the tips of her forehooves together with a forced smile.

I let out a hard sigh before scooting out from under her. “You need to get some sleep,” I stated flatly, “and I’m going to make sure you get it.”

Up until now, Fluttershy had looked after me on a number of occasions, and it appeared it was now time for me to return the favor. I walked up to her and hoisted the exhausted pegasus onto my back. She let out a soft squeak in surprise and tried to oppose, but I quickly hushed her. I wasn’t about to let my best friend run herself into the ground any further because of me. She was going to get some sleep, right now.

Much to my surprise, I found that Fluttershy was extremely light for her size. She seemed to weigh next to nothing, so it took little effort to carry her up to the cottage.

She’s really light... I wonder if that’s a pegasus thing? They have to be able to fly after all, it would make sense if they were lighter than the other ponies.

As we entered, I noticed the house seemed almost as if it was alive, compared with my last visit. Small critters were darting to and fro across the floor, while several birds were perched on the many birdhouses that lined the walls and ceiling. I looked back to Fluttershy with a soft smile.

She really does love animals, and they seem to trust her.

I carried her up to her room and asked where I could find a towel for her. She gestured vaguely to a basket of laundry across the room. I gently sat her down in the middle of the room before walking up to the basket to find a towel. With my magic, I levitated it toward her and began drying her mane.

“Oh, I can get it, don’t worry—”

“You’re always worrying and looking out for others, Fluttershy. Sometimes you need to let somepony worry and look out for you,” I interjected as I began to dry to her back and sides. “You were there for me when I was hurt, when I was injured, and when I felt that nopony really understood me. Now it’s my turn,” I added as I finished with her tail.

“Now, get in bed,” I said, nudging her gently, ”and let me know what you still have to do today. I’ll take care of it for you.”

“I couldn’t ask you to—”

“I will not take no for an answer, Fluttershy,” I said with a small smile, before walking up to her and gently bumping my forehead into hers. “Now... get to bed, and let me know what needs to be done.”

Fluttershy paused for a few moments before slowly nodding and climbing into bed. She began to rattle off a surprisingly long list of chores she had left to do. It was going to be a bit of work, but I really wanted to help her so that she could get some rest. With her list in mind, I decided the first thing I should do is feed her animal friends, and so I made my way downstairs. After a few steps, however, I slowed to a stop.

...Where does she keep their food?

I turned back up the stairs and re-entered her room.

“Um, Fluttershy, where do you... keep...” I trailed off when I noticed that Fluttershy had already fallen fast asleep.

She must have been really tired, and now that her worries have been lifted off her shoulders, she probably shut down pretty quickly.

I covered a small laugh.

“Sweet dreams, Fluttershy,” I whispered softly, before heading back downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

Over the next two hours or so, I went about doing the chores Fluttershy still had left to do. I was surprised at just how much care she took in the well-being of her animal friends, seeing to it that their every need was met. She made sure they always had food, listened to their problems and gave them advice. Unfortunately, I mostly had to guess at what the animals were trying to communicate to me via pantomime.

Mr. Beaver, for example, wasn’t too happy with me when I assumed he meant for me to push a log, when he had actually intended me for me to pull it. The end result was, of course, me making a giant mess of the section of the dam he was working on, but I made it up to him by cleaning up the mess and helping until his dam was finished. He was grateful — or at least I think he was... It's hard to be sure when you don’t speak beaver.

My favorite part of the chores was when I got to feed all the baby animals; they were sooooooo cute! I quickly saw why spring was so special to Fluttershy: she got to work with these adorable animals every day! No wonder she felt so lonely during the winter, when she was used to all this interaction everyday.

I made my way back into the cottage after finishing with the last item on my mental checklist. I paused in thought for a moment, after walking to the center of the front room.

Rarity wanted me to send Fluttershy her way when I was finished visiting, but....

I looked across the room to the staircase leading up to Fluttershy’s room.

I think I’ll leave her a note instead. She needs her sleep.

Looking around the room, it wasn’t long until I found some parchment and a quill. I set to begin a message for her, but before I could write anything there was the sudden impact of something hard hitting me on the side of the head.

“Ow!” I cried out, rubbing the side of my head with a forehoof.

I turned to face the direction of the attack, only to find a single white rabbit standing in the doorway to the kitchen. I didn’t recognize this rabbit from the bunnies I had been feeding earlier. I looked it over for a moment, before a slideshow of flashbacks replayed in my mind, and I heard Fluttershy’s voice:

“I have a bunny. Although, he isn’t too good with strangers...”

“Angel Bunny ‘never’ lets me miss meal time, he is very adamant about it.”

My ears perked up when I realized just who this rabbit was. “Oh, you must be Angel Bunny, aren’t you?” I asked him with a small smile.

He folded his forelegs with a frown, nodding.

“It’s nice to meet you, Angel. I’m Pris—”

Angel stomped a foot a few times, gesturing first to the clock and then to his open mouth.

I looked at the clock. It read 12:13 PM.

“Oh! You must be hungry. I haven’t fed you yet, have I?” I asked, covering my muzzle with a hoof.

Angel placed his forelegs on his hips, tilting his head and shooting me a colorful look.

“Well, um... wait there for just a moment,” I instructed before trotting past him and into the kitchen.

Let’s see... all rabbits love carrots, and they are good for them.

I walked up to the cabinet which I had discovered held the vegetables earlier, and removed a single carrot from it, before closing it again with a hind leg as I turned around. I quickly trotted back to the bunny and placed the carrot on the floor in front of him.

“There you go little guy, eat up!” I exclaimed softly.

Angel looked down to the carrot briefly, then folded back an ear and raised an eyebrow, looking up to me with a dumbfounded expression. I leaned down and nudged the carrot a little closer to him with my muzzle.

“Go on, no need to be shy.”

He shot me a sharp glare before suddenly punting the carrot straight into my face. I let out a small squeak in surprise as it bounced off my nose with a hard thud.

“Okay, um... so, no carrots then,” I mused, rubbing my snout with a forehoof. My ears perked up when an idea hit me.

Apples! Mr. Wiggles always loved apples.

I stood back up, returned to the pantry, and produced a single Golden Delicious apple before once again closing it behind me.

This should do the trick!

I happily trotted back to the doorway and sat the apple down in front of Angel.

“Here you go! This was my best friend’s very most favorite treat,” I said with much enthusiasm, watching him expectantly. He looked down to the apple before picking it up in his forepaws.

“See, there you go! Eat u—”

I was interrupted by the apple being launched at me, splatting in my face. I let out another soft squeak, shrinking down from the sudden blow and looking back to the bunny with a look of concern.

“You don’t want carrots or apples?” I asked in confusion, as I wiped the remains of the apple off me with a foreleg. “So, what will you eat?”

Angel brought a forepaw to his chin for a moment before his expression lit up. He quickly hopped out of the room, only to return a few moments later carrying a large book. He flipped through the pages before opening the book wide and shoving it in my face. I took a step back and examined the opened page; it featured a large bowl of fruit salad with a cherry on top. The dish looked really tasty, so I couldn’t really blame him for wanting one.

“Um, o-okay... since you’re Fluttershy’s special friend, I’ll make it for you,” I replied hesitantly. Angels expression exploded into glee. He set down the book and happily hopped away.

I looked over the recipe for a few moments. My ears fell back and I let out a hard sigh. “Well, I guess I had better find all of these ingredients first,” I mused, and sauntered over to the kitchen.

The next few minutes I spent rummaging through the kitchen and collecting the wide variety of ingredients needed for the fruit salad. After double-checking the list, though, I realized I was short three apples. I scratched my head with a forehoof.

‘Well, that won’t do... Fluttershy is out of apples.’

I paused for a moment, brooding over my options.

‘Well, I could always make the salad without the apples, but I have this lurking feeling Angel wouldn’t be too happy about that. Plus, Fluttershy would still be out of apples, and I imagine she needs those for other things, as well...’

“I think I’ll go out and buy some,” I said aloud to nopony in particular.

With that goal in mind, I made my way out of the cottage and began the short walk back to town.

I wonder if Rarity finished with Mr. Filthy yet? I don’t have any bits on me; I guess should stop by the boutique to check and see. Something to carry them in would also be helpful...

* * * * * * * * * *

The walk back to town was quite lovely, I admired the peaceful surroundings of nature during my short trip, before returning to the hustle and bustle of the town square. One thing I was taking note of more and more was the fact that fewer ponies were stopping to stare at me, although quite a few stallions still stole the occasional glance before I took notice of them directly. I couldn’t help but recall Applejack’s mention of how stallions seemed to be checking me out, earlier today, and smiled to myself a little.

I wonder if Big Macintosh thinks of me like that? He did say I was pretty, but just how did he mean that complement?

Having reached the boutique, I let myself in and took a look around. The first thing I noticed was that the painting was now missing.

I guess it’s been sold, which means my bits should be here.

My mind began to wander again for a few moments, the thought of what to do with so much money was still overwhelming. I eventually shook the thought out of my head.

No time for that, I need to find Rarity.

“Hello? Rarity?” I called out, approaching the bottom of the stairs.

“Coming!” the familiar voice of the fashionista sang, before she made her appearance at the top of the stairs. “Oh, Prism! Back so soon?” she asked, descending the stairs to join me in the boutique below.

“Is Fluttershy with you?” she asked, scanning the room before looking back to me. I shook my head.

“No, she’s getting some much-needed rest. You should've seen her, Rarity, she just looked awful,” I replied with a small frown.

Rarity’s expression sank slightly, and she closed her eyes with a nod. “She came by this morning, shortly before you arrived. The poor dear looked as though she was ready to collapse,” she said, bringing a hoof to her chin. “In any case, since you’re back here, I’m going to assume you are done with your errands for the day?”

I shook my head with a soft hum. “Quite the opposite actually,” I replied. ”I plan to do a little shopping for Fluttershy, since she is in need of a few things and I want to let her get as much rest as possible.” I pawed at the floor with a forehoof. “So, I, uh, need some bits, and maybe something to carry groceries in. Think you could let me borrow some saddlebags, Rarity?”

Rarity’s expression quickly lit up. “Actually, darling, I have something for you! Wait right here, if you would,” she said, and trotted off upstairs. She was gone for only a minute or two before she returned to the room, levitating a pair of off-white saddlebags.

“I made these for you the other day. What do you think?” she asked as she rested them on my back.

I turned my head and shifted positions to examine them. Their color was a slightly darker shade of white than my coat. What was really unique about them, however, was the large buckle, in the shape of my cutie mark, on the lid-straps that rested along either side of the bags. I looked back to her with a small frown.

“Rarity, you didn’t hav—”

“Yes, I know, I didn’t have to — but I wanted to!” she exclaimed with a wink. “Since you lost your previous pair, I assumed you would be needing a new pair sometime soon. So I decided to tailor a set for you in my free time.”

My ears fell back, and I let out a loud sigh of defeat. “Alright... well, thank you, Rarity,” I said, but I also gave her a look of concern. “You really need to stop giving me things, though, especially since I have my own money now.”

Rarity promptly waved a dismissive hoof at me and turned away. “Nonsense, darling. You are my friend, and I am more than happy to part with things that you need, without charging you for them.” She paused for a moment, before turning back to me. “Oh, and speaking of which, I left a pouch of fifty bits in your left satchel.”

Looking at said satchel and giving it a small shake, I noticed the extra weight and the small jingle it made.

“Thank you, Rarity,” I said with a smile. “Well, I am off to do some shopping then. I won’t be back until very late tonight, most likely; Twilight and I have a lot to discuss.”

Rarity nodded. “Very well. I’ll be up quite late myself, working on some orders, so I will see you when you get home,” she said, and then trotted over to the stairs. She glanced back at me briefly. “Take care, darling.”

I covered a small laugh before giving her a wink. “I will. And thanks again!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Now having the resources I needed, I exited the boutique and made my way back out into the busy town square. I scanned the assorted stalls, looking over the miscellaneous goods the sellers had to offer. It didn’t take long for me to find what I was looking for. I was surprised to see who was running the stall, but after giving it some thought, it really wasn’t all that surprising. It was a familiar orange earth pony, with her trademark Stetson hat, who stood next to the cart, flagging down ponies passing by.

“Um, hello, Applejack,” I said as I approached the cart.

Applejack turned to me with a look of surprise, which was quickly replaced with a smile. “Well howdy there, Prism! Doin’ some shoppin’?”

“Yes, actually, I’m getting a few things for Fluttershy, she’s, um... out of apples, so...”

Applejack let out a soft chuckle. “Well, you came to the right place then,” she replied with a wink.

“Hey AJ,” came a deep, distinctive baritone voice from behind me, “here’s the rest.”

I quickly turned around to discover Big Macintosh, hauling a large trailer of apples, just inches away. Startled, I lost my balance and fell to my haunches with a small squeak. I felt my face flush slightly as I slowly looked up to him with a forced smile.

You sure have a way of making a foal of of yourself in front of him...

“Oh, h-hello, Big Macintosh,” I managed to force out, nervously tapping my forehooves together.

He looked down to me with a small nod and a smile. “Howdy, Prism,” he said, before unhooking himself from the trailer of apple bushels.

Applejack trotted around the stall and up to me. “You okay there, Sugarcube?”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied as I turned to face her.

Applejack's eyes widened for a brief moment as she looked me over, before her expression crept into a smug smile. “Say... Big Macintosh, since you’re here, mind watchin’ the cart while Ah go on a short break?” she asked her brother before gesturing to me. “Prism here was just about to buy some of these here apples. Mind seeing to her for me?”

The stallion shook his head. “Eenope, go ahead AJ. I’ll watch the cart ‘till you’re back,” he replied, before walking around the stand to where Applejack had been when I had first arrived.

“Thanks, Mac,” she said, glancing at me with a quick wink before trotting off.

I extended a hoof to her. “W-Wait, Applejack!” I called out in desperation, but she simply continued trotting away, obviously ignoring me.

Applejack! YOU TRAITOR!

I swallowed hard, got back onto my hooves, and turned to Big Macintosh. I let out a faint whimper.

Why did you have to leave me alone with him like this?

I steeled myself before taking a few steps closer to the cart. Big Macintosh gave me an acknowledging nod as I approached.

Okay, relax girl, remember what Rarity said: be subtle. Act-casual-act-casual-act-casual.

“What can I do ya for, ma’am?” he asked, looking down at me expectantly.

I fidgeted in place for a few moments while I collected my words. “I, um... w-would like to buy some apples. A, uh, dozen... i-if you would, please,” I stammered out, fumbling with my saddlebags before finally procuring my pouch of bits.

He went about collecting the apples from a nearby bushel while I counted out the coins. I looked to a sign on the stall:

APPLES:

Individual: 1 bit

Dozen: 10 bits

Bushel: 30 bits.

“That’ll be five bits ma’am,” Big Macintosh said in a calm tone.

I paused, studying the sign once again. “B-but, the sign says...” I gestured to it in my confusion.

He let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t y’all worry none, five bits will do,” he said with a quick wink.

I opened my mouth to protest, but no coherent words came, only stammering accompanied by awkward, wild gesturing from my part. I quickly covered my muzzle with a hoof to silence my foalishness, blushing profusely.

“O-okay...” I eventually managed to force out, at a volume just above a whisper, and I placed five bits on the cart’s counter.

By the look on his face, I could tell that Big Macintosh was struggling not to burst out into laughter. I could hardly blame him, though; I could only imagine how silly that must have looked. I was making such a foal of myself...

“T-Thank you,” I said as I collected Fluttershy’s apples and hastily stashed them in my saddlebag. “But, um... you didn’t have to do that for me, I could have paid full price.”

He let out a small chuckle as he shook his head in objection. “Ah couldn’t charge full price to a pretty mare like yourself.”

I froze for a moment, and found myself quickly becoming very flustered by his words. My face flushed hot, and I cursed myself for having such a white coat, because it did absolutely nothing to hide all the blushing. I sat to my haunches and covered my face with both forehooves.

Dear Celestia, girl! You call that subtle? You may as well just be screaming at the top of your lungs at him!

I took a deep breath before parting the hooves in front of my face.

Okay, this is a good opportunity to ask him — don’t blow it!

“Um, t-thank you.... You know, you’re, uh, quite... handsome, yourself,” I said, sheepishly tapping the tips of my forehooves together. “Your very special somepony is, um, very lucky...”

“Why, thank ya kindly. And she would be, I guess; if’n Ah had one...” He chuckled softly.

I did it, I asked him! And he is single!

I could barely contain myself as I looked away, desperately trying to hold back my excitement. Though, as excited as I was, nothing could have prepared me for what came next.

“Ya know, you seem like a real sweet mare... How would you like to join me for some dinner tonight? My treat,” he added with a soft smile. 

My excitement — actually, my entire existence — came to a screeching halt as the trainwreck that had once been my mind tried desperately to comprehend what had just happened.

D-did... did he just ask me out... t-to, dinner?

I replayed the event over and over in my mind, but couldn’t quite grasp it; it was just too good to be true. Big Macintosh, the object of my infatuation, asked me out to dinner.

Does this mean he likes me? ...No, I better not get ahead of myself; it’s just dinner, Prism... But it’s a start!

“S-Sure... I’d, um, I’d love to,” I replied whilst trying my best to hold back my signature goofy smile, which was creeping onto my muzzle again. I paused for a moment before looking to my saddlebags.

Horseapples! I still have to get back and feed Angel! He’ll be very upset if I make him wait any longer, and I don’t want to upset Fluttershy’s important friend. I wonder if Big Macintosh would be up for dinner tomorrow? I’m going to the spa with Rarity and Fluttershy tomorrow, of course, but I should be free in the evening...

My ears fell back as I let out a soft sigh.

“U-Um, Big Macintosh?” I said hesitantly, looking up to him. “I, um, would very much love to join you tonight, but...” I bit my lower lip as I pieced together the words. “I’m actually running errands for a friend, and have somepony waiting for my return. Would t-tomorrow work?”

I hope he’s not upset I can’t join him toni—

“Eeyup. Don’t you worry none ‘bout me, I don’t want to get in the way of your business. Tomorrow works just fine.”

In my relief, I let out a deep breath that I hadn’t even realized I was holding until now. “Thank you for understanding,” I said, before looking back to my saddlebags again. “I need to get going, but, um, I’ll come by your place at around 6 PM tomorrow then, okay?”

“Eeyup,” he replied with a nod. “I’ll see you then. You have yourself a nice day, Prism.”

“You too.”

I turned and began trotting away. It didn’t take much more than a few moments before the excitement came back. I found myself with a large smile plastered on my face, which just wouldn’t go away.

“Well, Ah reckon you look happier than a worm in an apple tree,” came a familiar accented voice from my left. I turned to see Applejack trotting up to me.

“So, what has you up in such high spirits?” she asked with a smug smile.

I covered my smile with a hoof.

“Oh, um... n-no reason,” I replied, quickly continuing on my way.

“He asked you, didn’t he?”

I froze in mid-step before very slowly looking back to her.

“H-How... how did you know?” I asked, taken aback.

Applejack let out a long chuckle.

“Well, Ah reckoned you were sweet on my brother by the way you was acting at the hospital,” she replied with a wink. “An’ if that weren’t enough, the moment Big Macintosh got back home he had a whole heap’o’questions ‘bout ya for me.”

My expression blanked, and I idly blinked a few times. “R-Really?” I asked dumbfoundedly. “He asked questions... about me?”

Applejack gave a swift nod in response. “He sure as sugar did,” she said, her expression shifting into a rather smug smile. “That’s why Ah left y’all alone together. Ah figured something would happen.” She changed her stance into a more relaxed, leaning posture. “Turns out Ah was right...”

I gave her a small glare. “Applejack, I don’t know if I should be really mad at you right now, or—” I quicked launched myself at her, embracing her tightly. “—thanking you! Oh, thank you so much!”

Applejack braced herself as to not fall over from the sudden addition of my weight.

“Whoa now, sugarcube! I didn’t do anything special,” she said with a laugh, before taking a step back and adjusting her hat. “I simply gave you two the opportunity, and y’all handled it yourselves.”

My ears fell back, and I looked away with a small blush. “A-All I did was make a complete foal of myself. It was your brother and his confidence that did everything.”

Applejack suddenly burst out into sharp laughter. “Confidence?! Why, I’m willin’ to bet ya every apple tree in our orchard that he was shakin’ in his horseshoes the whole time!” She needed a moment to compose herself before she could continue. “Don’t let his calm expressions fool ya none, he gets a’might nervous around mares, ‘specially the ones he likes.”

So Big Macintosh really does ‘like-like’ me! ...but wait, what does Applejack think of this?

“Erm, Applejack?” I began with a nervous smile. “What do you think of, um...this? I mean, he is your brother...”

Her expression suddenly turned rather stern. “Look, Sugarcube... Ah may have jumped the gun on you back there in the cellar, but what happened then don’t mean I think any less of ya as a pony,” she said before her expression softened. “Besides, anypony Fluttershy speaks so highly of can’t be a bad pony. Ah know you have a good heart, Prism.” She adjusted her hat with a soft smile. “And should things between the two of y’all work out well, why, that would be just swell by me; there’s always room for more in the Apple family.” She reached over and rustled my mane with a hoof. “Now, as much as Ah’d love to stay and ask ya ‘bout all the details, Ah gotta get back to work. Them apples won’t sell themselves, ya know.”

I smiled down to my hooves coyly. “Thank you, Applejack,” I said, looking up to her. “Really... thank you.”

She promptly shook her head. “There y’all go, thankin’ me again! Ah told ya Ah didn’t do nothin’ special,” she said, tipping her hat to me. “You have yourself a good one, now, ya hear?”

I smiled and nodded, and Applejack returned the favor before trotting back in the direction of her apple cart.

“You did far more than you could possibly imagine...” I whispered to myself under my breath, before continuing on my way to Fluttershy’s cottage.

It wasn’t long after I had left town that the reality of it truly began to sink in.

Big Macintosh ‘likes’ me, Applejack approves of it, and I have a date with him! ...well, sort of, but it’s close enough!

I found myself slowing to a stop as a giddy wave of excitement washed over me. A very girlish squeal escaped me, and I danced about in place for a moment. Then I paused suddenly and took a good look around the surrounding area.

I hope nopony saw or heard that...

Looking around in embarrassment for a few moments longer, I eventually dismissed my concerns with a small laugh, before quickly trotting off back to Fluttershy’s.