CMC Sweet and Lewd Sleepover.

>Your heart is pounding, threatening to burst through your chest.
>Standing in front of the intricately carved door, you try to muster the courage to knock.
>The house looks fancy, with walls painted white and embroidered curtains at the windows.
>Is it really the right address? Despite having already checked several times, you jump on the flimsy excuse to delay the inevitable and pull out your invitation.
>”Esteemed student, you are formally invited to the Canterlot High Crusader’s very first slumber party for a night of fun and merriment blah blah fancy speech blah...we expect you this Friday at 8 pm.”
>Yup, the name and address match...just like the previous 9 times you’ve checked.
>The paper smelled faintly of perfume, a feminine scent that you enjoy more that you’d admit.
>The penmanship was exquisite as well, a real work of art.
>Most of all, you appreciate the old-fashioned aspect of it, anyone would just have used online messaging nowadays, this is refreshing.
>Nervously, you check the time on your phone one last time.
>7:50, your parents did raise you to always arrive on time.
>”A punctual man is a reliable man, a reliable man is a marriageable man” your old man always says.
>There was still time to go back however, you could catch a bus home and pretend that something prevented you from attending. A part of you longed to do so, spare you the strain of interacting with too many people at once.
>But no, that wouldn’t do, that possibility has been snatched away from you.
>Your mother had found the invitation you had left lying around a couple of days back and had immediately made a call to confirm you would be present. Then, when the day came, she practically shoved a bag into your arms and gave you a tap on the cheek, telling you to make friends.
>Your dad had dropped you in the neighborhood on his way to his night shift, ignoring your brooding.
>”Have fun, son! Knock ‘em ladies dead!”
>Yeah, like that would happen, like you would even know how.
>You’ll settle for not making a fool of yourself and possibly talk with a girl.
>Not that you hadn’t done it before but you are acutely aware that your game is that of a preschooler.
>No, even a preschooler gets a kiss on the cheek every now and then.
>It’s a wonder you got invited, really. Still, that almost made you giddy.
>The CHC might we a bit...odd but they are cute, pretty even.
>Plus, anyone calling themselves crusader is bound to be cool in your book.
>Maybe you could get to know them better? That’d be nice, becoming friend with them.
>Friend...or maybe more? As bold a thought as you’ve ever had!
>None of them has any boyfriend that you know of now that you think about it. You half-jokingly wonder if it’s because they come as a package.
>In your head, you can hear your mother’s voice scolding you for such deprived thinking.
>Well it’s not like it’s gonna be just the four of you anyway. Besides Sweetie Belle’s older sister should be around to chaperone everyone. Yes, that could world, a safe, controlled environment.
>Then why are you still stalling?
>Here you are, standing in front of the door to Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s house.
>Still fidgeting.
>And you realize how much of a little bitch you’re being.
>Deep within you, you find the resolve you never knew you had.
>You had delayed long enough, the time for action is now.
>Time to be brave, be a man!
>Taking a deep breath, you reach for the door knocker.
“Here goes nothing…”
>And knock.

>”Just a moment!” a melodious voice calls out from inside.
>A few moments later, you hear the door unlocking.
>Light floods out of the open door, driving back the impending twilight...
>...and backlighting an angelic figure.
>”Ah it’s you! And right on time too, how proper!”
>Sweetie Belle clasps her hands in delight and gives you a smile so charming it makes your heart skip a beat.
>She has to have practiced it!
>The sight of her gracile silhouette, complemented by a delicate skirt and embroidered shirt leaves you gawking for an instant.
>Her hair is neatly done, ending in lovely curls and a faint fragrance graces you, enhancing the whole tableau as fancy people might put it.
>Alright, she’s definitely more than cute
>You’re brought back to your senses as you become aware of her expectant look.
>”Don’t forget your manners, son.”
>Shaking you daze off with a cough, you manage to stammer an answer.
“Uhm, y-yes, I’ve been taught to be punctual, it’s the least I could do...Erhm, thank you for inviting me.”
>”But of course! I’m glad that you could come. Please, do come in!” she replies, gracefully waving you in.
>You comply and step into the light.
“Wow, I must say, this is a fancy place you have here.”
>The entryway is tastefully decorated.
>Some elegant furnitures, a couple of fine vases, precisely cut plants.
>Along with the perfectly-placed and framed pictures on the walls, nothing felt gaudy.
>”Thank you, my sister did the decoration. You can leave your bag here.”
“Your sister? What about your parents?”
>She gives you a slightly puzzled look and smiles.
>”They live out of town, it’s only my sister and I here.”
>What?
>You didn’t know that, it sounds so...grown-up.
“Really? That’s impressive.”
>Letting out a small whistle of appreciation, you continue looking around.
“The invitation was super nice, really pretty writing and all. I assume you’ve made it?”
>”You’re too kind, yes it was me.”
“I particularly liked the perfumy touch”
>Perfumy, was that a word? That probably wasn’t the best thing to say.
>”That’s sweet of you”
>...or was it?
>”Is it him? Has he arrived?” a cheerful voice exclaim from a nearby room.
>A moment later two more girls appear on the threshold, the trio is complete!
>”Hey dude! Glad you could make it!”
>Scootaloo springs forward, putting you in a headlock and awarding you a gentle noogie.
>That kind of attention is not at all what you had expected, as you four had never been very familiar...but it wasn’t unwelcome.
>Tomboys have a easygoing attitude regarding physical contact you could never complain about.
>God bless tomboys…
> you start feeling the heat rise to your cheeks.
>The position, staring sideways at her slightly loose tank top, makes you acutely aware that she’s not wearing any bra.
>Through the neckhole, you can discern the faintest beginning of a curve made by her bre-”
>“I agree, It’s mighty kind of you to come join us!”
>You turn your head toward the third girl.
>Apple Bloom stands bent forward in your direction, beaming, a girly grin on her face.
>Damn those fant freckles were cute.
>She is wearing her usual short jean pants and utilitarian shirt,
>And her bow...
>THAT bow...It feels like a nice wrapping on an already lovely present…
>A present whose shapes were gently outlined by her shirt.
>...and you suddenly feel slightly guilty at that thought.
“Thank you for having me, I really appreciate the invite.”
>Scootaloo releases her hold all too soon and you straighten, cracking your neck.
>Scootaloo joins in Apple Bloom and the two of them only answer with playful grins.
>Your heart skips a beat again.
>How much more will it be able to take?
>Alright, play it cool.
> “Before anything else…”
>You turn back toward Sweetie Belle who extends a large bowl containing keys and…”
>Phones?
>”Would you be so kind as to hand over your phone?” she asks with a soft smile.
>Uh? Weird…
>Is it some fancy people etiquette? To avoid distractions and whatnot?
“My phone, why?”
>”Oh, it’s simply to avoid...disturbances, and focus on activities? We’ve already deposited ours, see?”
>You can indeed count three in the bowl.
>It still feels a bit off...
>But how could you refuse such a sweet, candid face?
“Ah, sure thing.”
>Shrugging, you drop your phone in the bowl and she sets it on a low table.
>”Thank you.”
>She gives you a wide smile before joining her fellow crusaders.
“Who else is coming, by the way?
>Small silence.
>The three of them stare at each other in confusion and, after a few moments, shift their attention back toward you, visibly embarrassed.
>Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle start fidgeting.
>”Uhm, well ya see…” Apple Bloom starts.
>”As it turns out we might not have been quite clear on it…” Sweetie Belle continues.
>”It’s only us, dude.” Scootaloo finishes flatly.
>The two shoot a quick glance at Scootaloo, taken aback by her bluntness, then nod.
>You blink in amazement, mouth agape.
“On-Only us? B-but what about your sister?” you ask Sweetie Belle.
>”Why, Rarity is away for the night. She had her own thing planned with her friends and won’t be back before morning at the earliest.”
>Oh?
>Oh…
>There goes the chaperone...

>”Is something the matter?”
>You blink, becoming keenly aware of their stares.
>Let’s see...spending the night with three decidedly adorable girls, unsupervised.
>There is no downside you can see...aside from the fact that you’re nervous as all hell!
>What if you mess up? Make a fool of yourself? What if they find you lame?
>You’re not sure you can deal with the shame.
>But...looking at those three faces, you genuinely feel it’s worth the risk.
>You’d never looked at them closely before. But now that you have, you wonder how you could have been so blind.
>They look so pretty…
>Screw Diamond Tiara and her uptight beauty! Those three were the real deal!
>You could just...well you don’t know what you could do but the thought of it makes your cheeks bloom with color again.
>You gulp, hesitantly trying to work the words out.
>The thumping of your heart doesn’t want to abate.
>You’ve been thrown away from the nest, might as well learn to fly.
“No, of course not. Well, it’s just, I expected...I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
>”Whaddayamean?” Apple Bloom asks.
“Well…” you chuckle “I didn’t expect you three to invite me, of all people...”
>The trio gives you puzzled looks.
>”Nonsense! We’ve been wanting to try and spend some time with you for a while now, we’ve just...never gotten around to it.” Sweetie Belle replies.
“R-Really?” you ask, the surprise is apparent in your voice.
>”Well, you ARE pretty reclusive...” Scootaloo adds as Apple Bloom nods in agreement.
>”It’s a mighty shame you don’t stick around more often after class.”
>She isn’t wrong, you rarely stick around when school ends, opting to go straight home as there is always something to do around the house.
>Scratching your head, you start babbling.
“Well, I mean...you girls are pretty cool and all. I’m just surprised you’ve paid any attention to me, you know?”
>Once again, you get the feeling this isn’t something you should be saying.
>Girls don’t like guys who are unassertive!
>“Awww, you were right, SB, he IS sweet! He thinks we’re cool!” Apple Bloom croons.
>Alright, good enough, she chose to focus on the good part. You silently thank whatever cosmic force helping you.
>“I’ve told you, my feminine intuition is always spot-on.”
>Scootaloo gives you a knowing look.
>”I think You’d be surprised, dude.”
“Uh, what?”
>”At who pays atten-”
>”What we mean...” Sweetie Belle cuts in “Is we thought you were the ideal candidate for tonight.”
“Ideal...candidate?
>“Sure! Oh, that wasn’t the most appropriate choice of words, was it? See, uh...we like to help people, right? We aid them in finding their calling...”
>”That’s right!” Apple Bloom intervenes “So we thought, uh, why not ask him? I mean you...To come over to have some fun and, erm…
>”T-to get to know to you better and maybe...help each other out?” Sweetie Belle finishes.
>”Yeah, get to know you better, exactly...” Scootlaloo mumbles, rubbing her arm.
>Did she bump it somewhere?
“I see…”
>Well, that didn’t sound so bad, as good a reason as any, really.
>You had hoped their reason would be a little less altruistic..can’t blame a boy for hopping.
>Still, the prospect of befriending them is alluring nonetheless.
>An awkward silence settles in, each of you shifting from one foot to another.
>”So...”
>Sweetie Belle suddenly claps her hands together, dispelling the looming quiet.
>”Shall we maybe...move to the living room?”
“Sounds good to me! I’d love to see more than just the entryway tonight.”
>The four of you start toward the room Apple Bloom and Scootaloo came from.
>As you idly follow, Apple Bloom slows down until you walk next to each other.
>”For what it’s worth...” she murmurs.
>Then, leaning in, she whispers in your ear.
>”I think you’re plenty cool too...”
>You freeze for a heartbeat.
>She runs off back to her friends’ side, but not before gracing you with a girlish grin.
>Oh boy...
>”Hey dude, you comin’ or what?” Scootaloo asks behind her shoulder.
“Y-yeah…I’ll be right there.”

>You step into a well-lit, wide room. It is bigger than you had assumed even considering the size of the house seen from the outside.
“I have to admit, S.B., this is not quite what I expected.” you say absent-mindedly, surveying the room as you pace.
>”Oh, my! Getting familiar, are we?” Sweetie Belle asks with a bone-chilling tone.
>Startled , you turn to see Apple bloom and Scootaloo put hands on their mouths in shock.
>Sweetie Belle’s admonishing look makes you stiffen, cold sweat starts running down your back as you realize your blunder.
“Oh, I’m sorry...” you stammer. “I didn’t mean... it’s just, I’ve heard others call you that and...”
>A couple of seconds pass, then, Sweetie’s expression slowly turns mischievous and your fears are alleviated as the three of them start sniggering, unable to contain themselves any longer.
“It’s fine, all my friends call me that when they feel like it...so what did you expect?”
>Friends...does she mean...?
“Well…” you say, resuming your inspection.
>It looks elegant overall without being ostentatious, with the embroidered curtain you had seen from outside, a few bucolic paintings hanging on white walls, coasters, embroidered as well, on the mahogany furniture...all in all it feels comfy, intimate.
“Maybe something more of an uptight kind of fancy I guess, no offense.”
>”None taken.” she replies blithely.
“I thought it would have been the sort of place where I’m afraid to touch anything for example... and I certainly didn’t expect you to have that kind of flat screen.”
>The thing is huge, complemented by a full sound system, facing a wide leather couch set before a thick circular rug in the middle of the room with intricate patterns reminiscent of those you saw on the entry door.
>”Why not? Most people have one.”
”Not me, we can’t afford it.”
>”You can’t?” Scootaloo asks incredulously, eyes going wide. There is something refreshing about how openly she wears her emotions.
“Well, my parents prefer to spend money in what they consider useful things to be more precise, save a bit for a rainy day...”
>”Still, that’s pretty unusual, you can’t have movie nights.”
“Eh, I don’t really miss it.” you reply with a shrug “Plus, I still go to the movies every now and then.”
>Alone…
>”Well I don’ see  any problem with not havin’ one. My family don’ own any fancy screen either. Your parents sound like pretty reasonable folks” says Appble Bloom, punctuating her sentence with an approving nod.
>”Of course you would say that…”
>”Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!”
>Your attention is pulled back toward the decor as the two of them start to banter playfully.
>Even more so than the home cinema, one particular element catches your attention.
“You even have a fireplace! Never mind flat screens, I’d trade anything for one of these.”
>Your house isn’t shabby but of modern design, eschewing the need for one, a fact you often deplore.
>”Oh really? Anything?”
>You lurch as Apple Bloom’s suddenly appears on your left. When the heck did she get here?
>Wondering if she left Scootaloo mid-sentence, you check over your shoulder to see her in a relaxed posture, looking at you with the faintest smirk on her face, probably from your sudden reaction.
>Not wanting to make more of  fool of yourself, you turn back toward Apple Bloom who, hands clasped behind her back, flaunts a wide, bright smile as she leans forward, the exact same posture she had used earlier.
>Sweet apples! Those lips were made for kissing…
“Well, uh...yeah, I guess?” you sputter as you deftly try to hide your embarrassment, and what you assume is a furious blush, with a cough.
“I mean, a fireplace just seems so cosy, you know?” you add, scratching your neck as you do you best to avoid looking at the alluring face.
>”Oh, yes, it is! My sister loves having a fire burning when she entertains guests...although she often has me start said fire...” Sweetie Belle replies, displeasure tinting her voice.
>Ah! The older sibling’s prerogative to order the younger one around, hearing this makes you somewhat glad you were spared from such a fate.
>Her earlier joyful expression starts turning into a frown at the memory, the sight of it like a cold hand squeezing your heart.

>Unwilling to let this go on for one second longer, you resume the conversation.
“Do...you and your sister receive a lot of guests?”
>She snaps out of her brooding, assuming her usual ladylike poise again, much to your relief.
>”Oh, well...only a select few.” she answer, giving you an impish wink.
>Was she implying something?
>That question can wait, you need to keep the conversation going.
>”Ah, I see. Anyway, It’s just...sitting in front of a nice fire with people you appreciate, telling stories...that kind of stuff, it just appeals to me. I know that sounds silly. ”
>”Not at all!” Apple Bloom interjects “I completely agree, those are great to spend cold nights with your friends and family...or a special someone I guess...”
>What was that? You did not quite catch that last part she mumbled.
“How old-fashioned...” you quip in what you hope is a decent enough imitation of the tone she and Scootaloo had adopted earlier.
She slightly blushes at that and lets out a giggle, regaling your ears.
>“Aw, gosh,. Are you making fun of me now?” She asks, batting her eyes at you.
>You are almost left speechless at the adorable vision.
“N-no, I would never!”.
>Way to go! Attempting to be flirtatious and then chickening out right after...your dad would be proud.
>”That’s moar like it, don’t you go around playin’ with a girl’s heart, ya hear?”
“Loud and clear.” you murmur, too distracted by her pretty face.
>She looks back at you and for a small instant you both get lost in each other’s eyes.
>You swear you could stare at those amber  gems forever.
>A polite cough brings you back to reality and the two of you snaps your heads toward Sweetie Belle in unison.
>”Well I for one agree. A fireplace is best shared with people special to you.” she concludes, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she gives you...a look.
>Déjà vu...is there a joke you’re not aware of? If so, you’re most likely the butt of it. Yet, the three of them seem so nice, and you didn’t perceive any duplicity.
>Maybe you just are overthinking it.
>As your Pa’ would say “You think so much that you forget to do anything!”
>”Y-yeah, that’s what I’m sayin’.”
>Apple Bloom takes a few steps back, suddenly very interested in one of the paintings.
>”I don’t see what the big is deal.” Scoots says with a shrug, joining you.
>”Oh you’re just pretending no to care, Scoots. Ya’d love to snuggle with sum’one by the fire. Same as aynybody else!” Apple Bloom chimes in, still looking intently away.
>”Sh-shut up!”
>You step closer to the fireplace, admiring the simple yet elegant craftsmanship.
>Kneeling, you run a hand across the stones, feeling the grain, imagining what it would be like to have your own place with one just like it later in life.
“Too bad it’s summer…” you muse aloud.
>“We could still do it, you know.”
”What do you mean?
>”Dude!We can totally start a nice, cosy fire.”
>”We can?” Sweetie Belle asks with a surprised tone.
>”Well, of course, S.B.!” she replies through what sounds like clenched teeth.
>You look up and see the two of them staring at each other in silent communication.
>”W-Why certainly! The nights still get a bit chilly after all.” she eventually replies rubbing her arms as she fakes a shiver from the absent cold.
“You girls don’t have to, it is still fairly warm.”
>”Naaaaah, what are you saying? It’s totally fine, we’d love to, come on!” she says, gently punching your arm.
>”Yes, that would be delightful.”
>”Agreed!” Apple Bloom declares eagerly, the paintings forgotten. “Let’s get to it!”
>You shrug, trying not to reveal your growing excitement.
“Alright then...”

>”There’s firewood in the backyard, inside the shed. Would you be kind enough to go fetch some?” Sweetie Belle asks with a suave voice, her eyelashes fluttering innocently.
>Despite yourself, your eyes linger in contemplation of the angelic face for a few heartbeats.
>Until the stinging pain of a soft hand pinching your cheek brings you back to reality.
>”Ah’m all for carefully considering a question, but it would probably be polite to answer.” Applebloom teasingly whispers, her offending hand returning to the small of her back.
>Rubbing the pinched spot, you chide yourself for spacing out again and give the obvious answer. Who are you to refuse a request from such a lovely creature?
“Ah, uh, sure! I’m happy to help...S.B.”
>You cannot repress a smirk as you savor your use of the nickname and the newfound familiarity it implies.
>Sweetie Belle answers in kind with a knowing smile of her own, one implying she has an inkling of what just went through your mind.
>Maybe your dad was right about having to work on that poker face...
>“Wonderful!”
>”Great! Ah’ll give ya a hand!” Apple Bloom chirps.
>You turn your head back toward her with a raised eyebrow
“There’s not need, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.”
>She frowns and, as if you had insulted her honor, stands proudly, puffing her chest with hands on hips.
>”Don’t you underestimate an Apple! I’ll have you know Ah’ do my fair share of chores back at the farm.”
>She punctuates her sentence with a flex of her arm, offering a wide, cocksure smile.
“Still, you don’t have to.” you reply, having half a mind to show off to Sweetie Belle.
>”Sure Ah don’t… but I feel like it!”
>Unwilling to face her stubbornness, you relent with a another of your practiced casual shrugs.
>You make sure to do it just slowly enough to steal furtive a glance at the “budding apples,
her posture highlights.
>Those two you won’t underestimate, alright.
“Fine by me”
>“I don’t see any problem with that, Apple Bloom, could you show him where it is?”
>”Sure thing!”
”Lead the way, A.B.” you say with a small mischievous grin to emphasize your brazen use of her own nickname.
>You take a few steps forward and give her a mock bow, gesturing toward whence you came and feeling the slightest swell of pride at how smooth you are being.
>”Well, a’int you the sweetest.”
>She takes a few steps of her own as if in a processions, mirroring your mockery.
>Just as she’s about to sashays past you however, her lightning-fast lips land a peck on your cheek.
>As if a bee had just stung you instead, you abruptly straighten,  hand darting to the the spot that just suffered the lovely assault.
>The pounding of your heart accompanies the rapidly rising heat to your face as you catch a faint apple-scented waft from her passing.
>“Oh my!” softly lets out Sweetie Belle as you stand there, dumbfounded.
>You can’t help but marvel at how utterly outplayed you’ve just been.
>Silver lining? Preschoolers got nothing on you now!
>Apple Bloom continues on like nothing had happened. Is it an innocent, demure farmgirl thing, acting like nothing happened? Or is it a casual show of affection without any deeper meaning?
>Stopping after a few paces, she glances over her shoulder, giving you a sly look.
>You stand corrected, she is well aware of what she just did and wants you to know it.
>”What are you spacing out for? C’mon, let’s hurry up!” she exclaim before sauntering away while humming merrily.
>After a handful of agonizing seconds you manage to gulp and clear the lump in your throat.
”Yes ma’am...”
>Face still hot, you follow drunkenly, picturing the smug expression Sweetie Belle must be sporting behind you as clearly as if you were staring at her.
>Those three really seem intent on teasing you tonight, better to be on your guard.
>”Don’t take too long, you two. The evening hasn’t even started yet. Scootaloo, a word?”
>Even your socially inept self can pick up the tightness of her voice. You couldn’t care less at the moment however, focused on Apple Bloom’s slender figure as you are.
>Those jean shorts sure put an emphasis on just the right places...
>Shaking yourself with a pang of guilt, you hurry to her side as the two of you leave the room to the sound of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle whispering.
>Is that a giggle you hear?
>Your mind swats the question away as you lumber on, following the swaying bow attached to a fiery mane and the equally swaying hips.
>They quickly lead you toward a well-furnished kitchen. The fact that you manage to tear your eyes away from Applebloom’s derriere long enough to look around speaks volume of Sweetie Belle’s sister’s talents as an interior designer.
>The overall style is fairly old-fashioned, favoring old polished wood for the large table at the center as well as shining pots, pans and other utensils hanging on the walls.The unpainted cupboards and flower pattern adorning empty spaces here and there manage to blend it perfectly with the more modern cooking equipment.
>Looking state of the art oven, induction plates, giant fridge and the noticeably sharp knives you can’t help wondering if the two sisters know how to use make use of this room or if it is just for show.
>Having recovered enough of your wits and, not wanting to appear like the drooling idiot you must have been a minute ago, you force yourself to form a couple of coherent sentences and strike a conversation with Applebloom who stands at the other end of the room looking at you.
“So... you’re no stranger to house chores either, eh?” you ask as you finish idly looking around and cross the room to where she stands.
>”Ah sure am! I help my brother and sister almost every day. There’s always something that needs doing.” she replies as she opens the kitchen back door behind her and exists to what appears to be a backyard.
>You’d be tempted to call it a garden by the looks of it, really.
“What kind of chores do you usually do?”
>”Oh, ya’know, nothing special.” she replies walking by your side. She starts using her fingers to enumerate.
>”Gathering eggs, watering crops, feeding the pigs, the chickens, milking cows, weeding the garden, mowing the lawn, washing and hanging the laundry, repainting the fence when it needs it, cleaning the stalls and feeders, Big Mac doesn’t often let me pitch hay but I like doing it. Oh, and picking apples of course!”
“Hmmhmm...” you reply absentmindedly as you eye her up and down.
>You had assumed she was on the frail side like Sweetie Belle at first. The somewhat oversized plaid shirt made it hard to judge before but looking at her exposed legs now, you notice she’s more wiry than wispy.
>The surprising realization only adds to your appreciation of her girly look.
>With a barely perceptible frown, she turns her look forward, head slightly bowed.
>”You’re staring again...” she mutters through pouty lips.
>You immediately stiffen at the remark.
>Could she blame you, though? She IS lovely to look at.
“Sorry. I’m just...surprised.” you sputter.
>”How so?”
“Well, it’s just that you look, eh....more delicate at first glance?”
>”I ain’t some dainty flower, my sister made sure of that! “If a boy is interested in you, make sure you can give him a good run for his money first” she always says...I’m not quite sure what she means though...”
>Wise words...Judging by your heartbeat, she has already made you feel like you’ve run a marathon so far.
>Well, it was a group effort but still…
>Come to think of it, isn’t Applejack still single? Maybe these aren’t so wise words after all...
“Sorry, I meant no offense. I’m impressed, really. You’re pretty tough…and lovely”
>You immediately feel a rush of embarrassment upon uttering those last two words
>She falls silent as you take a few more steps before noticing she has stopped. You turn around, looking at her as she speaks.
>”Now what did I say about playin’ with a girl’s heart…?”
>Oh come on! She clearly isn’t playing fair with that slight blush on her adorable face.
>Well, two can play at this game...you think.
>You quirk an eyebrow and adopt your wriest tone yet.
“What do you call what you have been doing a few minutes ago then?”
>She flashes you a grin that perfectly matches your tone and gracefully moves back to your side.
>”Ah’ don’t see what you mean.” she replies, looking up innocently as she stretches her arms forward, fingers laced together.
>You’ve managed to hold your own this time and it feels...nice. You start feeling pretty proud of yourself for a couple of seconds before the thought strikes you.
>Wait, was that flirting?
“Come on, time’s a wastin’!”
>You don’t have time to consider the matter as she suddenly increases her pace.
>There indeed barely was enough sunlight left to see the garden clearly.
>Hurriedly, you follow the sauntering Apple Bloom the rest of the way across the yard until you reach the shed.

>Count on Miss Rarity to even have a garden shed built with style and embellished.
>You allow yourself to pause an instant, observing the painted flower patterns on the white wooden walls with the last of the dimming light, wondering idly if the sophisticated design was the product of her nimble hands.
>While everything you’ve seen so far makes you inclined to think so, you can’t for the life of you picture Sweetie Belle’s sister doing such a menial task, regardless of the appealing result.
>Now Sweetie Belle on the other hand...
>Your fingers brush over the pattern as your mind starts wandering.
>Yes, you can picture it, picture her.
>Lying on the grass, legs swinging back and forth, humming merrily as she meticulously draws the motifs.
>She dabs the brush in a small paint bucket, unaware of the small spots staining her rosy cheeks and nose.
>The slightly messy look is perfectly complemented by the cute overalls she’s wearing, rustic yet still chic on her.
>She turns around, smiling brightly as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo join her, both wearing similar outfits.
>It’s a hot summer day, they work and laugh, thin beads of sweat start running down their cheeks, they let the shoulder straps fall down and...
>The creaking of the door being opened cuts your contemplation short, making you whip your head as fast as any child caught with their hand in the cookie jar as you shift your attention back to Apple Bloom.
>”Do ya like what ya see?” she asks self-sufficiently.
>You find yourself eyeing the girl up and down before the thought of answering her even crosses your mind. You swear you could see her wearing the outfit just for the span of an eyeblink and yes, you liked what you saw.
“Yes…uh no! I mean…” you mumble, gesturing toward the wall like a dim-witted individual “the painted...things. Yes, they look nice.”
>Smooth, really smooth, you are just missing a bit of drool at the corner of your mouth.
>Panic threatens to overtake you for an instant as you consider your potential faux-pas.
>Were you making one of your stupid, spaced-out faces? Does she think you were leering? By principal Celestia’s funbags, you hope not!
>Much to your relief however, she simply giggles at your oafish display and your tension evaporates in the form of an awkward chuckle.
>At least you won’t be branded a pervert just yet...
>”After you, good sir.” she declares with an obsequious tone as she waves you in, her smug smile betraying the gesture’s mocking nature.
>Trying to ape your earlier action, uh?
“Well, thank you...” you reply with less confidence than you’d like, hesitating for a second before eventually adding “My dear.”
>Damn, that was corny! Corny, but appropriate...
>Still, her mockery deserves at least some small retribution.
>As you move toward her, you contemplate the idea of going for broke, sorely tempted by the thought of joking about her only missing a maid outfit.
>As the allure of it burns you, other scandalous thoughts start crossing your mind as it conjures the image of sweet Apple Bloom wearing said costume.
>Is the skirt supposed to be this short?
>No, stop it brain! You’re gonna get us into trouble.
>You and your vivid imagination...
>Staggering a bit, you approach the girl, slowing your pace as her eyes meet yours.
>Transfixed by the deep, yellow eyes, you gulp almost too audibly before finally deciding to reach with a hesitant hand…
>And gently press your pointed finger on her nose.
“Boop?”
>Instant regret and shame flow through you, flooding your brain with a fight-or-flight response.
>You did not just do that! Why the heck would you do that?
>Being branded a pervert might be better than this after all.
>Your mind spins wildly as you try to think of a way to make up for this blunder, your eyes darting left and right in a vain attempt to find a way out...
>Until they settle back on a Apple Bloom’s face, and you notice it.
>There, although you should be barely able to make them out in the last gleam of dusk, you can see them clear as day.
>Two freckled cheeks blossoming with a rich, crimson color.
>”Why you…” she growls, raising a clench hand, quivering with barely-contained tension.
>You flinch, bracing yourself for the impending Apple fury.
>But rather than a fruity wrath, you are met with a friendly poke in the ribs.
>”Ya stop goofing around and get in!” she declares with another flavorful giggle.
>She just...let it slide.
>You stand there, dumbfounded and blinking, unable to believe your luck, wondering just how far it can be pushed.
>”Come on!”
>Like an automaton, you comply and enter the wooden structure.
>Unsurprisingly, the overly-spacious shed is completely dark save for the failing light coming from the open door.
>You advance carefully, surveying the silhouettes of what you can safely assume are garden tools.
>There, hanging against a wall, you can discern the shapes of garden shears of various sizes, casting long, ominous shadows.
>Combined with the other, obscure forms blending together in grotesque constructs it makes for the perfect horror movie setting.
>Taking a deep, silent breath you attempt to calm you mind, not wanting to let Apple Bloom see your slight unease.
>Your can hear your old man’s voice in your head, dispensing its wisdom.
>”Always play it cool in front of the ladies, son. No matter how scared you are, be sure to never show it.”
“I’m trying my best, pops.” you murmur to yourself.
>”What was that?”
>Your heart almost bursts through your chest as you reflexively jump in place, barely keep your balance upon landing
“Oh sh-” you half-yell, eliciting a yelp from the girl who stumbles backward, startled by your sudden move.
>Before you can register what just happened, the door lets out a wail, slamming shut and leaving you both confused in utter blackness.
>The discordant noise of clutter falling down makes you freeze immediately as another girlish cry echoes in the dark.