Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Canterlot, a city where Canterlot University is located. Boys and girls study what they will develop into and become in the future. At this university everything is calm, anyone would want to finish their studies here. This was the case for six friends who were starting their senior year.

At the entrance there was a girl with glasses talking to her friend with yellow/orange hair. They were waiting for their friends, they all agreed to meet at the entrance.

“Hello girls”

The two heard a low voice, they both turned and found a girl with pale yellow skin and aquamarine eyes.

“Oh Futtershy, hello, how are you?” Twilight said, greeting her friend with a hug.

“Hello Fluttershy, are you just here?” Sunset Shimmer asked, greeting her friend with a hug as well.

“I'm fine, thank you and no, I actually arrived a few minutes ago,” answered the pink-haired girl. “I called them about three times, but they seemed so focused on their conversation that I didn't want to bother them,”explaining.

"Oh really?" Twilight asked. “Sorry, it seems like I got really excited telling Sunset about my technological advances that she made on vacation,” said, scratching her head, a little embarrassed for not noticing her friend.

“Only you would think of continuing studying even on vacation”

The three saw where the voice was coming from. Not so far from where they are, they saw three girls walking towards them. One girl with pink hair looking very happy, the other a blonde with her classic cowboy hat and the last one who made the comment had multicolored hair.

“How are you girls? "I missed you so much," said Pinkie, catching the three of them in a hug with a big smile.

“We miss you too Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said, barely breathing.

“Pinkie, I think they understand that you missed them,” Applejack said, trying to get the pink haired girl to let go of the others who seemed to be barely breathing.

The party girl released the hug, freeing her friends. Pinkie was very affectionate when it came to her friends or family.

The girls moved a little away from Pinkie Pie so they could breathe.

“Uff, thanks Applejack.” Twilight said relieved.

“Seriously, Twilight, vacations are for having a great time, not for studying,” said Rainbow Dash, shaking her head.

"Dash is right, I should at least give you time to yourself," the blonde said, putting an arm around Rainbow's shoulders.

“Also to cook cakes or cookies,” Pinkie said as she pulled a cookie out of her hair and ate it.

“Says the one who spent half of her vacation harvesting apples,” Rainbow said, raising a somewhat annoyed eyebrow.

“Hey, I already told you I had to help my family that day… Big mac got sick,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes and moving her arm away from his girlfriend's shoulders. “Besides, I'm not the only one who had an excuse to miss our outing, again,” the blonde continued, making quotes with her hands.

“Mine is justifiable,” said Rainbow, “I want to stay in shape to be the captain of the team, and it is obvious that they are going to choose me, I am amazing,” she pointed out to herself.

“Okay girls, we understand,” Sunset interrupted before the discussion could go any further. “I don't think it's necessary to ask them what they did on vacation,” she thought. “It's good to see you again”

“It's also a pleasure to see you Sunset and you too,” Applejack said, referring to Fluttershy and Twilight, who had remained silent. They responded with a smile.

“For your information, Rainbow, I wasn't studying all the time,” Twilight said, looking at the sporty girl.

“Really, then what did you do?” She asked, crossing her arms with a smile.

“I went on a cruise with my family and Shining Armor and Cadance were able to go with the newborn Flurry Heart,” Twilight said with joy at seeing her brother again and her sister-in-law.

Rainbow opened her eyes more “I admit, you beat me… that must have been amazing” said Rainbow.

“Wow,” Pinkie expressed with excitement.

“Although Shining got a little dizzy, he thought he was over it,” Twilight confessed a little sadly.

“It must be horrible to feel that, is it better?” Fluttershy asked, a little worried.

Hearing the pale pink haired girl, Rainbow looked at her askance. She hoped this time to achieve her goal.

“It was only for a while after she got over it, but at least we had a good time.”

“How good… I can't imagine how she felt… ha ha ha” spoke Applejack, who had remained silent when she mentioned the dizziness. But she couldn't hide. “I know very well how she feels,” thought.

“Everything okay blonde?” Rainbow asked, looking away from Fluttershy.

“Yes, everything is fine,” she replied, showing a half-fake smile.

“Of course…” she said, not so convinced.

Pinkie Pie did her best not to laugh, she knew well that Applejack also gets seasick with anything related to the sea.

“Changing the subject, are you ready for our last year?” Sunset commented.

“I'm going to miss you girls,” Pinkie said sadly.

“Pinkie Pie… we're just starting the year,” Fluttershy answered calmly, putting a hand on Pinkie's shoulder.

The girls nodded.

“Exactly, we still have the rest of the year to learn new things,” said Twilight, adjusting her glasses. “And speaking of studies, I think we should go in.” Seeing how the other students entered, leaving few outside.

“You're right, we're all here,” said Applejack.

They all started walking to the door meanwhile, Pinkie Pie jumping next to Applejack, Sunset Shimmer walking ahead and Twilithg reaching the door about to open it, until a blue haired boy opened it for her.

“Wait, let me open it for you” The boy said politely, until he saw the girl to whom he opened “hello Twilight” said friendly looking at the girl with violet eyes. “Hello girls,” He said, looking at the others who approached. Pinkie and Applejack who were about to reach the door waved at him.

“Hello Flash,” said the girl with glasses as she entered, “thank you for letting us in.”

“How are you Flash?” Sunset commented, arriving at the door, “How's the band going?”

"Well, we hope to move forward," Flash answered as he entered, "hey, have you considered my suggestion of creating a band with your friends?" I ask.

“To tell the truth…” Sunset was going to answer, while she thought about what her friend suggested to her a couple of months ago.

Pinkie Pie and Applejack were about to enter until they noticed that two of her friends were missing.

Rainbow Dash, who was a few steps behind the others, She looked at her yellow-skinned friend and approached her. “Hello Fluttershy, how… have you been…?” asked forcing a smile

“Hello Rainbow Dash,” the pink-haired girl greeted. “Everything is fine… I guess…” she answered, looking down.

“Cool…” said Rainbow scratching her head, she was hoping to have a topic to talk about, but again an awkward silence was present.

“GIRLS, ARE YOU COMING OR WHAT?” Pinkie Pie shouted from the door with Applejack next to her. Breaking the silence.

Fluttershy started walking, leaving Rainbow behind. The athlete looked down, sighing in defeat and walked.

Lately the two friends have had problems communicating. Before they were close since they have known each other since they were little. Rainbow Dash doesn't quite know when her friendship started to decline, but this year she's determined to find out why. Fluttershy for her part knows very well the reason for her estrangement.

On the outskirts of the city, specifically at the airport, a purple-haired girl was coming out with a wheeled suitcase in her hand, accompanied by her family.

“It's nice to be back,” said the older lady.

“You said it yourself Cookie,” her husband replied, hugging her from the side. “It's been like 2 years since we've been back” he turned his head to look at her daughters “happy to see your friends again Sweetie Belle?” Hondo asked the younger girl with a smile.

“I can't wait to see the girls,” Sweetie Belle answered with a happy expression.

The mother smiled when she saw her daughter happy. “And you, Rarity, are you happy to be back?” Her gaze went to the eldest daughter who was distracted looking around her. “Rarity…” called to her daughter once again.

"Hmm…?" Finally the eldest daughter reacted. “Sorry mother, did you say something?” Rarity asked, directing her gaze towards her mother.

“Ask if you are happy to return”

“I really don't know how to feel,” Rarity responded, looking down. “Besides, I don't have friends to socialize with.”

“Come on, honey, don't make that face, I'm sure you'll make good friends at university,” said her father, putting a hand on her shoulder showing her support.

"Yes, sister, don't be discouraged," the youngest spoke, showing a smile.

"They are right... and mother, I will not disappoint you with my studies" Rarity said with confidence.

“That's how you talk,” she responded, returning a smile to her daughter.

“Well, how about we go eat something, we still have to wait for the other things to be brought,” Hondo said to change the topic.

The family was heading inside the airport to go to the cafeteria.

Back at Canterlot Univercity. The girls were in the hallways where the lockers are. After finishing the first hours of classes.

“Mmm… too bad… I was hoping that this year we would share classes together” Pinkie Pie commented a little discouraged while she compared the time sheets of her friends.

“I don't think it's that big of a deal, let me see?” Applejack said taking the leaves comparing them.

The girls got together to see what classes they shared.

“Well, some of us have arts together,” Applejack began to say.

“Apparently Sunset and I share Calculus” Twilight continued.

“There is also pastry, but only some of us share it,” Fluttershy followed.

“But at least we have music and sports all together,” Dash finished. “Get ready girls, I'm going to kick your asses,” commented smugly, crossing himself.

“Yessss…” Said the party girl, not so convinced of what her friend said.

“What was that Pinkie?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You forget that Sunset and AJ will be there,” Twilight said.

“Ahhh right,” she let out a defeated air, “but I will do whatever it takes to keep them from taking my position as captain,” Dash said defiantly.

“I'm not interested in being one,” Sunset said with a calm face.

“Me neither,” Applejack said.

“Well, unless you and Applejack start compe-” Pinkie was interrupted by Sunset's hand before she finished saying the last word.

Sunset looked at her and Pinkie nodded her head hoping she would get her message. She slowly removed her hand from her mouth. Pinkie just smiled at her friends, the three of them sighed in relief. They knew perfectly well how Applejack and Rinbow Dash got when they started competing. On the other hand, the two girls looked at their friends a little confused, they were going to ask, but they let it go.

“Hello girls, shall we interrupt something?” They heard a voice behind them, they turned around. She was a girl with purple and teal hair accompanied by a gray-haired girl with a star-shaped brooch in her hair.

“Hello Starlight, hello Trixie,” Twilight greeted. The others also began to greet

“And regarding your question, you didn't interrupt anything, we were just talking about the difference in schedules we have,” Sunset spoke. “Pinkie Pie is a little sad about that” pointing at her

“Yes, with Trixie we also noticed that there is only one class that we do not share.” Starlight commented. Trixie nodded.

"What!?" Pinkie exclaimed, appearing behind them, surprising both girls, then she took the papers of Trixie and Starlight to compare them with the others. “It's not fair, we barely share some classes,” Pinkie said, a little sad.

“We meet Lyra and Bon Bon, they seem sad about it too” Trixie said.

“I imagine being away from your girlfriend would make you like this,” Applejack said feeling empathy.

“But it's not that they don't see each other all day, she also needs time to spend with friends, so she doesn't feel alone,” Rainbow Dash continued sympathetically. “The two of you would see each other during recess or if you have, in music or sports like us,” finished saying, looking at the blonde with a smile. Applejack put an arm on the athlete's shoulders.

“Rainbow is right,” Pinkie said, changing her expression from sad to a smile. “Let's look for the bright side.”

“But you were just sa-“ Trixie was interrupted by a nudge from Starlight. This after looking at her she smiled at Pinkie Pie

“It's a matter of time to get used to it, you'll see, it will almost be as if we were not separated” Sunset said looking at her friends with a smile.

In another part of the city, a car was parked outside a large house that looked like a mansion. Once parked, the family got out of the vehicle.
The two daughters opened the front door.

“I didn't remember it being that big,” said the youngest girl, surprised, seeing the inside of the house.

“It's normal for you to see him like that, since you're still little,” said Rarity, smiling at her sister. “To my taste, I see it a small.”

“Come on, Rarity, I grew up a little,” said Sweetie Belle, pretending to be upset.

“Girls, less talk and more help,” said her father.

The two turned around heading to the car.

“It's going to take us forever to get all this down,” Rarity said, looking at the trunk and the moving truck.

“Rarity, don't exaggerate,” Cookie said, taking a box. “At least a few days, but counting the cleaning, perhaps in a week we would be settled. Now start helping”

“You heard her mother,” Hondo continued, taking another box. “Look for the positive side”

“This way I will take advantage of buying new clothes, the ones I have in the closet must have already gone out of style” Said the eldest daughter.

She went to the trunk to start helping unload the things, followed by her younger sister and the Belle family entered the house.

Chapter Text

It was morning, a girl with purple hair was sleeping peacefully.

Sweetie Belle entered the room, approached the bed, moved the mask that her sister was sleeping with and began to shake her gently to wake her up "Rarity wake up, we're going to be late"

Rarity just grumbled.

"Come on, sister," she insisted once more. The youngest trembled again, she stopped when she noticed that her sister opened her eyes, but not completely.

"What happen dear?" Rarity asked sleepily.

"Remember we have class today" said Sweetie Belle.

Rarity blinked before processing the words and then widened her eyes, getting out of bed. "What? It can't be, we're going to be late!" she said, heading to the bathroom.

"That's what I just said," she commented before leaving the room.

Downstairs her parents were putting cups on the table to start breakfast. They both saw her youngest daughter appear in the dining room.

"Has Sleeping Beauty woken up yet?" Hondo asked as he took a sip of her coffee.

“Yes, she immediately went into the bathroom,” the minor said as she sat down.

Her parents looked at each other and laughed. A few minutes later they heard Rarity coming down the stairs.

"Here I am" Rarity said a little embarrassed, sitting in her place.

"You forgot to set the alarm, didn't you?" Cookie spoke.

"Yes, I'm sorry mother."

"Okay, daughter, but let it be the last time," her mother said sympathetically, "just this once I'll let them be a little late."

"But it was Rarity who fell asleep." younger one complained.

"Honey, you fell asleep too and I had to go wake you up," her father said.

"Uh...well I..." Sweetie was going to speak, but she grabbed her glass of milk and started drinking, avoiding the topic.

Rarity looked at her sister, nudged her gently, and smiled. "I promise it won't happen again."

Once the conversation was over, they prepared to continue with breakfast.

Once the family finished breakfast, the sisters went to get their things. They walked towards the door.

"Bye, mom, bye, dad," Sweetie said goodbye.

"Goodbye and good luck with her job," Rarity said goodbye to go with her sister to Institute.

While at the University of Canterlot, the students were in their respective classes. Currently, all six were in sports playing against men.

"And Gooaaalll" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily.

"It's said points," Rainbow Dash said as she picked up a ball and then threw it.

"In soccer you say goal," said Sunset Shimmer and then dodged a ball that almost hit her.

"This is a dodgeball" Applejack said as she tossed a ball, "by the way, how many do we have left?"

"Well, they eliminated Trixie" she started counting Sunset on her fingers "they eliminated Twilight almost at the beginning" she continued counting "Fluttershy is running away out there and-" she was interrupted.

"What, like over there?" Rainbow Dash asked looking at Sunset. The yellow/reddish haired girl pointed her finger at her. Rainbow continued to look at her and saw Fluttershy running around avoiding any ball, at which point she screamed and ducked, but in doing so she eliminated Lyra. "She would normally be behind me," thought, sighed and concentrated on the game.

"Another less," Pinkie Pie said. Another scream was heard followed by the sound of the whistle "and Fluttershy too" with a smile

Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie with a "Seriously Pinkie" look.

"Come on guys, we can still win," Caramel said, cheering the others on.

"Ugh, I'm barely there," Flash said as he rested his hands on his thighs.

"Where were those Flash muscles?" Timber asked next to her.

"Okay, but-" Flash replied.

"No buts. As Rainbow would say...we're going to kick their asses," Caramel said confidently.

"Last minutes guys" the teacher shouted as he shoved the whistle into his mouth.

Both boys and girls looked at each other defiantly waiting for it to ring.

*whistle sound*

Rarity and Sweetie Belle arrive at the main admission building. They knocked on the door and then entered.

"Good morning, are you Chancellor Celestia?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, that's me," Celestia responded, looking away from the computer, "please sit down. This must be Sweetie and Rarity Belle?"

"Yeah"

"Yes, and we're sorry for the delay," Rarity apologized.

they both sat down

"Just because you're new, you can't afford to be late, but just this once I'll let it happen.

"It won't happen again," Rarity said, lowering her head slightly. "My first day and I already have my first disciplinary sanction," thought. raised her head again

"Miss Belle, I was looking at your notes..." Celestia began to speak, with a serious expression. "Despite being average, you still do what is necessary to continue studying... I am sure that now that is present she will manage to upload the notes" she finished speaking, changing her serious expression to a smile.

Rarity sighed in relief. She knew well that the career she chose was a bit difficult, but thanks to her mother she was able to pass some courses when she studied online. Although her mother helped her understand some things better, she won't always be there for her and is too old to have to help her with her studies. She will have to fend for herself; now, her mother will only be there to give her advice.

"As for you," Celestia said, referring to Sweetie Belle this time. "Principal Luna already spoke with a teacher to take her to side A"

"Excuse me, I don't want to interrupt, but shouldn't I talk to Principal Luna?" Rarity asked.

"Let me explain. My sister Luna is in charge of side A, which corresponds to the lower level, that is, the school, she is a little busy right now. My work is on side B, which corresponds to the upper level, that is say, the university." Celestia explained. "Any doubt can come to me, since sometimes also takes care of some things at the bottom."

"Thank you, I think I understood better"

"You're welcome. The teacher should be arriving by now" Celestia continued.

At that moment someone is heard knocking on the door.

"Go ahead," Celestia said.

"Excuse me, Chancellor Celestia, I'm here" A raspberry haired woman said.

"Gloriosa, right on time. This is Sweetie Belle, a new student or rather a former student, according to the record."

Gloriosa looked at Sweetie Belle. "I introduced myself, I'm Gloriosa Daisy and I will be in charge of guiding you either in your schedule or if you get lost where each place is, but apparently you have already studied here before so you should know the classrooms"

The minor got up from his seat. "It's a pleasure. Yes, I studied here and so did my sister," said, pointing to her sister.

Gloriosa looked at the girl, the wavy hair noticed her gaze and got up from her seat.

"Where are my manners? My name is Rarity Belle," she introduced herself.

"The pleasure is mine Miss Rarity, my name is Gloriosa Daisy" Greeting Gloriosa

After introducing herself, Gloriosa returned her attention to Sweetie Belle. "Now that we've been introduced, how about I take you to your classroom?" suggested.

"Yes" she got up from the seat and when she was going to walk she stopped. "but first" she turned to her sister and hugged her. "Have a good day on your first day."

Rarity smiled and hugged her back. "You too, Sweetie Belle."

Then she let go of his older sister and walked out the door with the teacher.

"Miss Belle, before you go I want to tell you a few things about Sweetie Belle's rules."

Rarity agreed and sat back down.

Locker Room

The girls changed after sports class even though they have recess, they were delayed further.

"I knew we would make it," Rainbow said, proud of her victory.

"Honestly, I didn't think we'd make it, but we did," Bon Bon said, high-fiving Rainbow.

"I would have liked to help," Lyra said.

"Um... I'm sorry" apologized Fluttershy, who had approached the couple.

"Don't worry Fluttershy, I'll be more attentive next time," Lyra said reassuring the pinkette.

"We were a little distracted too," Bon Bon said.

Fluttershy seemed less guilty

Before Rainbow could speak to encourage Fluttershy, the pair interrupted her.

"See you later" said Bon Bon.

"See you"

"Bye" Rainbow said goodbye to the couple. "Flut-" blinking as she realized that the pinkette was already where she had her things to change. "Next time..." she said to herself.

She watched as the pair said goodbye to the few girls left in the locker room and headed out the door.

Outside the locker room Applejack was waiting with Pinkie Pie for the others.

"Are they leaving yet?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes," Lyra answered.

"Do you know if Rainbow and the others are ready yet?" Applejack asked.

"Rainbow was still in her sports clothes, Fluttershy is close, as is Sunset, but Twilight was already ready so she will be out soon" Bon Bon responded this time

"OK thank you"

Bon Bon took her partner's hand. "Bye AJ, bye Pinkie, see you soon"

"See you later girls"

Lyra and Bon Bon left holding hands, Applejack looked askance at that little scene. Then she looked at her hand. "When was the las-"

"Is something wrong Applejack? Did you hurt your hand?" Twilight asked coming out of locker room

"No, calm down, I'm fine... I was looking at my hand, I thought I saw a stain"

Okay... Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. "Applejack, you really are a bad liar," thought.

"With that in mind, you can leave," the chancellor finished explaining. She then saw the clock in her office. "Right now some students must be on break and after that you can go to your second period of classes, Miss Belle"

"Thank you Chancellor Celestia," Rarity said, standing up.

Locker Room

"Is there much left, girls?" Twilight asked. "Some students are already having their break and among them we are supposed to be Sunset too."

"Sorry, but Rainbow...let's just say she brought other clothes that aren't hers" Sunset explained on the other side of the door.

"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked

"I think it was a mix-up," said Rainbow.

"What if we go ahead?" Applejack asked Pinkie and Twilight.

"I don't like being late to class," said the girl with the glasses.

"That's fine with me," Pinkie said.

"We're going to go ahead," Twilight said a the three girls

"Okay, we'll catch up with them after" Rainbow said on the other side.

Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Applejack began to walk down the hallway until they came out to the front yard. Pinkie stopped near a vending machine, making the other two stop too

"Pinkie we'll be late" said twilight

"Come on twi, I just have to put the coin in and that's it"

"Good, but fast"

Applejack looked around her, a few steps ahead was the main building. Out of simple curiosity, she began to walk when she noticed that someone opened the door and it was not Chancellor Celestia.

She saw a girl with violet wavy hair coming out. The girl turned around to close the door. Something about her appearance seemed familiar so she began to walk further, almost being in front of the main building.

But before seeing who it was, he turned his head to see how his friends. She watched as Pinkie reached her arm into the machine to remove a seemingly stuck candy. Twilight was at her side, one arm crossed and the other placing the palm of her hand on his forehead.

Applejack laughed a little at the scene. "She should be used to the things my cousin does. How long do we have? Almost three years of friendship."

She looked forward again. The wavy-haired girl turned and met the blonde's gaze. They both opened their eyes wider when they saw each other.

Applejack couldn't believe who was in front of her. Despite the years, she could still recognize her well. The girl was none other than Rarity Belle — the girl for whom her heart once beat strongly.

Chapter Text

On side A, Gloriosa was explaining Sweetie Belle where some places are like the library, cafeteria and other rooms, etc. For the pink/purple haired girl it wasn't much difficulty since she was remembering, but some things were new.

They headed to a living room. Gloriosa knocked on the door and a few seconds later a woman with moderate cherry hair and skin of the same color, but paler, opened the door.

“Teacher Cheerilee, I bring you the new student.”

“Perfect, thank you, Professor Gloriosa,” said Cheerilee, letting the new student pass.

“You're welcome... Goodbye Sweetie Belle, have a good day,” said Gloriosa.

“Goodbye and thank you,” Sweetie Belle said and then she entered.

“Okay, students, pay attention,” ordered Professor Cheilee. “Today a new student is joining,” she looked at the pink/purple haired girl. “Please come to the center and introduce yourself,” the teacher asked.

The minor listened to her. “Good morning my… my name is Sweetie Belle” she introduced herself with a little nervousness.

In the back row, two girls who were not paying attention were surprised to hear that name.

“Wait, did she say Sweetie Belle?” a red-haired girl murmured to her seatmate. They both looked ahead and saw the girl standing there. "I can not believe it! It's her, Scootaloo."

“You can sit down now, Miss Belle.”

“Thank you,” said Sweetie Belle, heading to a seat in the back row.

“Sweetie belle!?” exclaimed a girl with short magenta hair.

“Scootaloo, Apple Bloom? you are!" the pink/purple haired girl said with excitement.

girls you will have time to talk at recess,” the teacher said, drawing attention.

“Sorry, I'm sitting down,” said Sweetie Belle then sat down. “I wonder how Rarity is?”  thought.

Side B / Outside the Locker Room

The three girls were ready. Sunset Shimmer locked the door and they started walking.

“You see girls, I told you I would fix it” Rainbow said with a half smile.

“Yes, although… uhg. Remember not to unzip your jacket” Sunset said.

“Don't worry, everyone will think I'm wearing a short shirt,” the girl multicolored hair said confidently.

“How come you confused your shirt with Scootaloo's?” the yellow/reddish haired girl asked.

"I think I know how it happened," Rainbow began to explain. “Yesterday Scoot asked me for help with something at school and I was just packing my suitcase for today. When I entered her room I had my shirt in my hand and I left it on her bed. After that I must have taken one of her shirts, mistaking it for mine."

“Next time confirm that you have everything in your bag” Sunset suggested.

“This way you avoid getting confused again,” said Fluttershy, continuing with Sunset's suggestion.

Rainbow Dash thought this might be an opportunity. She approached the pink haired girl and spoke. “If you are right, I should consider it.” Fluttershy just nodded. silence again

"What was that?" Sunset asked the light blue skinned girl.

“Nothing,” answered the girl multicolored hair. “I know talking about my clothes wasn't a good topic of conversation, but at least I tried,” thought.

Sunset looked a little thoughtful at the two. “This isn't the first time I've seen this between Fluttershy and Dash,” she thought. “This isn't even recent. I thought they had fixed things during the holidays, but I see that they haven't.”

She put that topic aside for the moment and they continued walking to the front yard. They looked around for the other three girls until they saw the girl with glasses and the pink-haired girl, next to a vending machine.

“Finally, I took it out” said the party girl simply, seeing the candy in her hand.

“You could have gotten stuck,” Twilight said with a little worry.

“Now what happened?” sunset asked

Twilight pointed to the vending machine and Pinkie Pie. The three of them had an idea of what could have happened.

“Where is AJ?” Fluttershy asked.

“Was here a moment ago,” Twilight said, confused when she didn't see her friend.

They all looked around her. Pinkie Pie saw her in the background near the administration building. “Look, there it is,” said the party girl, pointing her finger at her. The rest looked in that direction and saw Applejack standing without moving.

“Why is she standing there?” Rarinbow wondered.

“What if we go see?” Sunset suggested. The girls began to walk in the direction of the blonde.

Applejack still couldn't believe who was in front of her, but she wasn't the only one surprised. Rarity couldn't believe it either. They were both in a state of shock. So much so that the farmer girl didn’t even notice when her girlfriend spoke to her.

"Hey what's wrong?" Rainbow asked, arriving with the others. Some didn't know why Applejack was like this, while others like Fluttershy and Sunset, when they reached the top, looked in the direction where the farm girl was staring. They opened their eyes wider.

Pinkie looked at her cousin and then at Fluttershy and Sunset with curiosity so she followed her gaze. She saw a girl in front of her. “Rarity…?” said surprised

Twilight and Rainbow, upon hearing that name, turned their heads and met Rarity's gaze. Rainbow's expression changed to one of anger. The girls now understood why Applejack was like this. They never expected to meet Rarity Belle, an old friend or rather an ex-friend.

Different emotions invaded the girls. Anger, disappointment and sadness.

On the dressmaker's part it was worse, many memories invaded her mind accompanied by regret. “This can't be happening, they're all here” thought.

No one seemed to break the silence until the chanciller Celestia appeared.

“That's good, I hoped you hadn't left yet,” said chancellor, approaching Rarity. Making her come out of her trance like the others, but avoiding looking at the violet-haired girl. “I forgot to give you this… it's your class schedule.” She gave the paper to the dressmaker and she just noticed the group of her friends. “Hello girls, can I offer you anything?” asked.

“Nothing, just… we were passing by,” Applejack finally spoke, avoiding the violet-haired girl's gaze.

“Taking advantage of the fact that they are here. I present to you a new student. She is Rarity Belle, she transferred to finish her last year here,” the chanciller presented.

Rainbow Dash tensed up a little when she heard that.

“How… good it is… to see you again… Rarity” Pinkie tried to sound natural.

“Do you already know each other?” She asked with a surprised expression.

“Unfortunately,” Rainbow murmured resentfully. Rarity could hear and lowered her head.

“What did you say Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked.

“What…”

“What she meant…” Fluttershy tried to say.

"Yes, we know her, but due to some circumstances... we didn't know about her for a long time," Twilight explained.

“Then could you guide her and take her to her second class?”

"What!?" the group of friends exclaimed in unison

The chanciller was surprised by the response "Somethi-"

The dressmaker interrupted what the chanciller was going to say. “I was thinking that I could go on my own and get to know the place better,” said Rarity. The group of friends did not question what the dressmaker said.

“But Rarity you barely know this side of the university.”

“…” the violet-haired girl didn't know what to say.

“Chanciller Celestia, I brought you the papers that she asked for,” a professor interrupted.

The girls took advantage of the teacher's arrival to leave there.

Rarity noticed her escape. She looked at the girls with sadness. “How small the world is, I never imagined I would meet them again.”

"Thank you." She said receiving the papers, stepping aside and looking ahead. "As said... Where did the others go?" Celestia asked, observing that the group of friends were no longer there.

“I think her classes were about to start,” Rarity said, thinking it was the logical option.

The Mane Six walked until they reached an area, near the classrooms.

“We have to talk about what just happened, I feel like I'm going to explode” Rainbow said with a frown.

“I think the same, I'm as surprised as you,” said Sunset.

“Girls, in a few minutes my class is going to start along with Sunset and in half an hour you have your respective classes,” Twilight said.

“We have the second break to talk,” Fluttershy proposed.

“Then we'll see them,” said Sunset, then she approached Rainbow and took some keys out of her pocket. “I don't know if this is a good time, can you pass it on to Professor Spitfire?”asked, feeling the tension in the air.

Rainbow received the keys without saying anything. Then Sunset Shimmer left with Twilight to her next class.

The four of them watched them leave. Rainbow turned around looking at the farmer, “hey Apple-“ she was going to ask her girlfriend something.

“I need to get some air,” Applejack said abruptly, walking towards the door.

“mmm…” Rainbow expressed angrily. “Just her presence is enough to cause problems” said as she watched Applejack walk toward the yard. “I'm going to give the keys to Professor Spitfire,” she said, leaving the two pink-haired girls behind.

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at each other a little sad.

Rarity was arriving at her class with another teacher who helped her locate her corresponding room. After knocking on the door and her guide explaining that she is a new student, she let her in.

After introducing herself to the others, she opened her eyes wider to see two acquaintances. “This has to be a joke,” Rarity thought. Seeing Sunset Shimmer and Twilight sitting in their respective places, they were as surprised as she was. “If I keep meeting the others...what a shitty day I'm going to have,” thought, looking down, until she thought of something else more important. "Although now I can apologize for what happened three years ago, but how they acted recently will be difficult."

Rarity sat in an empty seat. Listening to the teacher's explanation. From time to time throughout class Rarity would glance at the two girls or they would also glance.

Side A / School

After class they rang the bell for the students to leave for their break. The crusaders were already sitting on the stairs.

“Now, tell us when you came back” I speak Scootaloo

“Where to start” Sweetie Belle said putting a finger on her chin. “We moved two weeks ago, it took us a little longer than expected to move”

“That explains why you just came in,” Apple Bloom deduced.

“A part,” then Sweetie lowered her head. “Sorry for losing contact with you a year ago.”

“Don't worry, at least we were in contact for a year and a half in,” said the redhead.

Sweetie Belle raised her head at the comment. “Although... I still wouldn't tell them that I was moving and that I would be at this school,” she said with a smile.

"Because?" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom asked in unison.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” she explained.

“And boy did you surprise us,” said Apple Bloom.

“Yes… and I doubt you went to another school,” commented the magenta-haired girl.

“That's true, that another school in Canterlot has a division and union of college and university” continued the redhead.

“Good point, but my parents considered, if Rarity hadn't started studying online,” Sweetie Belle commented.

"I see"

“Is Rarity here too?” Scootaloo asked.

"Girls, I already told you that Rari-"

“We know, calm down Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom tried to reassure her friend.

“It bothered us at first, but I think we understood it... in our own way. "She was asking more about our sisters," Scootaloo explained.

“But what happened in the past stayed in the past, didn't it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“It's our point of view, we don't know what others think” Apple Bloom said, she stood up and looked at the two girls still sitting. “The important thing is that the crusaders are finally reunited,” then she put a hand forward. The two also stood up and joined hands.

Side B / University

After leaving their respective classes, the girls gathered in the music room. As soon as she entered, Rainbow Dash began to retaliate, pacing back and forth.

"What the fuck is she doing here?!" she started to speak rainbow angrily

“Studying fools”

“Pinkie, that's obvious,” said Sunset.

“just trying to calm things down.”

“This isn't the time,” Twilight said.

“Are you done?” Rainbow said, her hands on her waist. The three just nodded. the girl multicolored hair paced back and forth again. “Of the universities in Canterlot, it had to be right here?!”

“It's strange that she just started classes now,” Twilight said curiously.

“It wouldn't make any difference if she came in at the beginning of the month,” said Sunset.

“That's true,” said Fluttershy.

Rainbow stopped and looked at the blonde. “And why aren't you saying anything?”

“What would I have to say?” Applejack asked with a frown.

"I don't know. Maybe... because my damn ex-girlfriend is at the same university as me,” said Rainbow, imitating the farmer in a mocking way.

“Hey… I'm still processing seeing it again! and you don't have to imitate me like that” the girl farmer complained.

“You don't have to say it in a rude way either,” said the party girl.

“You forget that because of her I almost got expelled from school” exclaimed the girl multicolored hair

“I know,” Pinkie said, crestfallen.

“I still remember it,” Twilight commented. “I thought we were friends,” she said disappointed.

“We all thought that,” said Sunset, looking at her friends.

“Yes…” Fluttershy said with her head down, “I couldn't believe it when we found out.”

Rainbow looked at the four nodding and then fixed her gaze on the blonde. “Look, you have these options for how you should feel: disappointed, angry or frustrated. Pick one, my love,” she said angrily.

“You can stop doing that,” the girl farmer replied with a frown.

“Girl, let's try to calm down,” Sunset intervened.

Rainbow stopped looking at her girlfriend and looked at the others. “Now that she's here, maybe she has something planned.”

“Dash... do you think she is back to pay off debts?” Pinkie asked.

"Maybe"

“I think you're exaggerating,” Pinkie said.

"Pinkie, why do you defend her?" Rainbow exclaimed angrily.

“I'm not defending her, I'm just saying you're going too far in what you're saying. I don't think this is like the series I watch... this reminded me of a series I saw” said Pinkie, approaching Rainbow, looking at the blank wall and moving her hand imagining a scene.

"Oh no," said one of the girls and they shook their heads.

Pinkie began to explain with a serious tone delving into the story. “I don't remember the name, but it was about a billionaire girl who had in the palm of her hand the boy that anyone wanted to have, time passed and the boy fell in love with the protagonist, the bad girl was ruined. and alone. The protagonist felt compassion for her... giving her a second chance and they became friends with her. "The antagonist redeemed herself and accepted the protagonists' relationship," she explained, stopping looking at the wall and looking at Rainbow, who still had a disgusted face. The party girl smiled and took a step back.

"AND...?" Rainbow asked, upset.

Pinkie Pie changed her expression to a slightly frustrated one. "In the second season he returns for revenge, leaving his character development in the trash as if it never happened."

"Ha! You see-" Rainbow was going to comment but the party girl interrupted her.

“But even I know that this is real life… Rarity is not a millionaire and she had no subjects to give orders to,” she finished explaining.

“Exactly, we were her friends,” Sunset said.

"But she was manipulative," Twilight said. “I don't like the comparison between reality and the series that Pinkie watches… but coming back for revenge? That’s a lot,” she said, a little incredulous.

Pinkie didn't say anything and just looked at her friends with a sad expression. “At that time I believed it too, but I came to understand… they have the wrong idea of what Rarity is like,”  thought. She changed her expression to a neutral one to hide how she really felt.

"I don't think there's anyone who will hold a grudge for years to get revenge in the future," Fluttershy said.

Rainbow took a deep breath to calm herself. "She may be exaggerating a little, but I'll be watching her if she wants to do something."

The atmosphere seems to calm down a bit.

"So what do we do now that we know she's going to be here for a year?" Applejack asked.

“We'll see about it later,” Sunset said.

"We might share a class with her," Fluttershy said.

Sunset looked at Twilight. They both thought about the same thing. Things are too tense to mention that they share a class with Rarity.

“I doubt it's sport,” said the girl with multicolored hair, with a half smile.

Twilight deduces “no advanced calculations”

“Physics?” commented the blonde.

"Now that we're okay, how about we play a little?" suggested sunset.

Short note: when I play a song, imagine that another of the mane six sings the part of Rarity

The Mane Six took their places.

“'Shake Your Tail'?” Applejack suggested, as she took the bass.

“I don't know if it comes to the occasion, but it will lift our spirits more,” said Sunset.

“Although it could also be 'awesome as I wanna be'” said Rainbow as she put on the guitar (the guitar strap). she looked at the others. “You know I'm joking, let's hit it with 'Shake Your Tail'. 1 2 3”

While they were playing Applejack noticed that there was something different about Rainbow Dash's appearance, she waited until they finished the song to ask.

“Rainbow, what are you wearing?” Applejack asked.

The others look at rainbow in more detail

“Or rather, what you are not using” Pinkie said with a half smile.

“Wait dash... are you only in your bra? twilight asked

Rainbow Dah laughed “Yeah... I had to tell the boys that I was wearing a short shirt. Can you imagine if I told you that I forgot to bring my change of t-shirt and I didn't have anything underneath?

“HAHAHA, I would have liked to see her face if you told them the truth,” said the party girl, laughing.

“HAHAHA I know” the girl with multicolored hair continued laughing.

“Not funny Dash,” Applejack said with a serious look. “You could have said that you didn't have another shirt and one of us lent you another one.”

“Let's see spoilsport,” Rainbow said, pulling her guitar back to cross her arms. “Who would bring two shirts to change into in case something happens to the first one?” I ask sarcastically. “The only one I can think of would be Twilight but I doubt that-”

“The truth is, I do bring another one,” Twilight confessed, with a little shame.

"Really..." said in disbelief

“I'm not surprised,” said Sunset.

“I can lend it to you and you can give it back to me tomorrow,” Twilight suggested.

“There you had the solution,” said Applejack, still with her serious expression.

“I understand, blonde… thank you, Twilight,” she said, the first part with annoyance, and her tone changed when she thanked her. She took off her guitar and started unzipping her jacket.

"What are you doing!?" Twilight exclaimed, a little alarmed by what the athlete was about to do.

“Well, taking off my jacket to put on my shirt,” Rainbow responded as if it were the most obvious thing.

“I don't have it here.”

“ohhh…” was the only thing he said and he started to pull up the zipper, she turned her head looking at the rest.

Pinkie Pie was trying to suppress her urge to laugh, Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head, Fluttershy covered her eyes with the tambourine, Sunset Shimmer seemed to give the same thing, and Twilight was blushing a little at the situation.

After that situation Rainbow Dash went with Twilight to pass her the shirt and each one went to their respective class, as the hours flew by so did the day.

It was is sundown, the girls were at the entrance of the institute saying goodbye.

Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Apple Bloom headed to the parking lot, got into the red van heading to Sweet Apple Acres.

The other four girls walked away. Sometimes they leave in vehicles, but this time they decided to walk.

“I still can't believe that bitch is back,” said Rainbow.

“Okay Rainbow, first the vocabulary, your sister is here and second we can't do anything” said Twilight

“She's not going to listen to me, she's skating.”

The four of them saw Scootaloo skating a few steps ahead, just enough distance to not lose sight of her.

"They see her"

“Maybe avoid saying rude things, if Spike were here I would immediately cover his ears with my hands” said Twilight.

"How's Spike?" Fluttershy asked.

“Is better that you no longer have a fever and in a few days you will be able to go to school.”

“excellent,” said Sunset.

“Girls, don't deviate from the topic,” commented the girl with multicolored hair

“What topic?” twilight asked

“That bitc…” she was going to say it again until she heard Twilight cough. Rainbow rolled her eyes. “from her… I just hope that I don't get a shared class”

“It was our turn,” confessed Sunset.

"Which?"

“Mathematics” Twilight commented

“Math, but did that happen to you before we talked?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, but we thought it wasn't the time to talk about that, it was enough to know that we are going to study with her,” said Sunset understandingly.

“Well that's true,” Rainbow commented. “What are the chances that we will have more shared classes?”

Sweetie Belle and Rarity were walking towards their house, but the silence was evident. The youngest noticed how her sister seemed lost in her thoughts and somewhat sad.

“Something tells me that she met the others,” the youngest thought. She was going to ask him how her first day was, so she decided to talk about something else. "You know, Mom and Dad could lend us the car so we don't have to walk," she suggested.

"Eh what…?" said the dressmaker, emerging from her thoughts.

“I said you could borrow Dad's car.”

“Sweetie know that they are businessmen and they should use it very frequently”

The minor thought of another option “Or…”

"Or…?"

“Maybe you could tell Mom that she'll compensate you with a car if you do well,” Sweetie Belle proposed.

“Although I would like to very much, I don't want to use that for my benefit, what I want…” Rarity stopped before saying the last words. “It doesn't matter… it's impossible now” she said the last thing almost inaudibly. Sweetie Belle overheard and got an idea of what she was referring to. "Besides, it was only my first day, the exams still have to come."

“And it will be fine for you.”

Rarity smiled at her sister's support. “I hope so, I don't want to disappoint mom.”

After that conversation the atmosphere changed to a calmer one.

The Apple family and a Pie had already arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. Now Applejack was opening the door to enter.

“You seem happy, Sugarcube,” the girl farmer said to her sister.

“If Sweetie Belle is back, isn't she great?”

Applejack's expression changed to unreadable, she didn't know what to say. Pinkie Pie realized that, she also knows what it meant to mention the youngest Belle.

“Yes, she's great.” Pinkie came forward to answer for her cousin. “How about you go up, you surely have tasks to do.”

“Ooouuhh cousin Pinkie, you had to mention the tasks” the redhead complained.

“How about I make some cupcakes?”

“mmm…” Apple Bloom thought about it. “You win, but with chocolate chips”

"Made"

Apple Bloom started to walk up the stairs. Pinkie turned her head and realized that her cousin was no longer in the living room, she wondered where she was until she heard a noise coming from the kitchen.

She headed to the kitchen and saw Applejack pulling out a vase of juice.

“Pinkie, I know you want to tell me something,” said the blonde, closing the refrigerator and looking at the party girl. “Just ask.”

At first she hesitated to ask, but she decided to do it. “Wh...what do you think about Rarity's return?

The farmer stopped the movement she had made when her cousin began to speak. She put down the glass she had taken out of her cabinet and placed it on the table. She was silent for a few seconds. “I don't know Pinkie, I don't know how to feel about her coming back.”

“How would yo-”

“Don't be like Rainbow, how I must feel” she said raising her voice, stopped when she realized how she said it. “I'm sorry, cousin, you know I don't like it when people decide for me,” Applejack apologized.

“Calm down, cousin, I understand why you get like that, you haven't seen her in almost three years.”

“Yes... it's just that the last thing I heard about her was that she had left without saying anything, or giving an explanation of what she did to her,” she said, taking the glass again and pouring herself the juice.

“I try, but... mmm even I feel bad for how I acted” Pinkie thought with her head down, but she tried to hide it as soon as her cousin looked at her again.

“After she left she left me with a…” she sighed before deciding to say what she thought. “I'm still a little upset about what she did to Dash,” I reply.

Pinkie nodded understandingly. “Do you somehow feel better?”

“I think that by letting off steam a little I feel a little better. I'm going to my room to play the guitar a little and then I'll help in the garden if they need me.”

“Don't you have a date with Dash in an hour? Pinkie asked, heading to the cabinet, sticking out a spleen.

“Yes, but she'd better leave it for another day… I'm not in the mood. I'm going to send her a message,” said the farmer, taking out her cell phone, opening the contacts looking for Dash's. While she was writing she noticed her cousin's gaze. “Pinkie, you know this isn't the first time we've canceled a date,” she said calmly.

“I know,” she said, taking the vase and pouring juice. “Although it would be ideal if you called her,” thought as she took a sip. After drinking the juice she headed to the pantry

“Ready, I sent it." She said while she put her cell phone in her pants and then looked at the pink haired girl taking some products from the pantry. “What are you doing?”

“Ah… I told your sister I would make her some cupcakes in exchange for you doing her homework.”

"Did you know…? change of mind. "I'm not going to my room, but I'll see if it's the right amount for Apple Bloom."

“Whaaat… you don't trust me?”

“Yes, but do you remember when you did more than necessary?” said the blonde, crossing her arms.

“Pff… it was just a few days in bed” Pinkie said finishing the sentence with a fake laugh. “In my defense she sneaked out.”

“That's true, but you should have done the right amount.”

“Ehhh…” The party girl didn't know how to defend herself, but an idea came to her: “What if we cook together? Let this be an Apple and Pie preparation!” she said with a smile

Applejack smiled and went to get an apron. “a family moment wouldn't be bad”

On the streets. Twilight, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were still walking, but they stopped at a corner.

“Hey Scoot, come here, you went too far, we have to turn!” Rainbow yelled at her sister to stop.

“Rainbow Dash, it's not necessary, my house is around the corner,” Fluttershy said. This seemed strange to Sunset and Twilight.

“Like n-” Rainbow was going to object.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! Her sister shouted from a distance on her scooter.

“Come here!” I shout back and look at the yellow skinned girl.

“I insist, it is not necessary,” Fluttershy insisted again.

“But-” she couldn't finish as a message notification rang on her cell phone. “Wait a second” she took out her cell phone and saw who she was. Rainbow took the cell phone away from her and looked at her friend. “Is AJ, it's about our date,” explained.

“I think I should go now and you should go to your date,” said Fluttershy.

“…” Rainbow sighed defeated “Yes… if you say so.”

Fluttershy nodded with a smile. “Goodbye Rainbow Dash, goodbye to Scootaloo, goodbye girls,” she said goodbye. The girls also said goodbye. Fluttershy turned around and walked around the corner heading towards her house.

“Ready, I'm here…” said Scootaloo arriving on her scooter, “where do we have to turn?”

“It doesn't matter anymore,” said Rainbow, a little discouraged.

“Everything okay Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, everything is fine,” responded, hiding her discontent.

“O…okay then, shall we go ahead so you can get to your appointment?” asked the girl with glasses

“It's not necessary, AJ canceled the departure” responded.

“Oh sorry, I guess I shouldn't have asked.”

Rainbow smiled. “Twi, calm down, it's just a way out,” she said simply.

“Then let's continue” Sunset suggested a little awkwardly.

“You don't have to make life bitter,” said the girl multicolored hair, starting to walk.

The three looked at each other and walked again. Except for Scootaloo who got back on her scooter, but this time at a shorter distance.

After a few minutes in silence. Rainbow broke it she wanted to ask the girls something

“Twilight, Sunset”

“Yes Rainbow.”

"Yeah?"

“Have you noticed that Fluttershy is… I don't know… distant towards me?” I ask the girls

“Could it be that she is going through a bad time or in her days?” Twilight tried to deduce, although in a way she knew it wasn't that.

“At first I thought about it… not about her days" cleared her throat to continue. “The bad time and that bad time has dragged on for a long time,” Rainbow said, emphasizing. “We don't go out like before and the most notable thing… she no longer calls me Rainbow or simply Dash like the others do. Now it says my full name,” explained her frustration.

“Mmm… I hadn't noticed that until now, she doesn't call you names anymore and what she did just now… normally when the three of us go out, we leave her in front of her house” Twilight said thoughtfully.

“Another piece of evidence, when I offered to accompany her she refused.”

“I have also noticed these attitudes and it is not recent, it has been going on for a while,” said Sunset.

“Did you do something to upset her?” Twilight asked.

“That's the thing… I don't know exactly what I did!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Have you tried talking to her?” Sunset asked.

Rainbow Dash stopped. Making the others do it too. “Every time I try, I stay in the middle of the conversation or I can't even find a topic to talk about or when I want to talk on messenger the same thing happens and now I don't dare to write to her”

“Is that why you tried to chat with her about your clothes? The yellow/reddish haired girl asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Of your clothes dash?” said the girl with glasses.

“I know it wasn't the best conversation she was going to have, but she had to try.”

“Well, it was an attempt…” Twilight said sympathetically. “How long have they been like this?”

“I don't even remember,” Rainbow replied, lowering her head.

“Don't worry, you'll have time to find out,” said Twilght, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder.

“Also reconcile whatever happened between you.” Sunset also put her hand on her other shoulder, giving her support.

“Thank you girls” Rainbow raised her head.

They returned with their walk and each one said goodbye when they arrived at her destination. Only Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were left, who were already arriving at her house.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The students were walking through the hallways after finishing their music class. Each student went their separate ways, either to go to another class or to their homes.

As Twilight and Sunset Shimmer walked ahead, Rainbow Dash stepped forward a bit to talk to them.

"Girls, after practice, I want to tell you something I discovered. It's not really a discovery, as Twilight would say," Rainbow said.

"About what?" Sunset asked.

"It's about Fluttershy, but since we have practice with Sunset and AJ, I can't say it clearly," the athlete explained.

"Fluttershy? What happened with Fluttershy?" asked the party girl, who had approached sensing gossip.

"She's fine, it's something else," reassured Twilight, trying to calm Pinkie's anxiety.

Seeing that Pinkie was still searching for answers, Rainbow decided to tell her: "I'll tell you..."

While Rainbow, Sunset, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie talked, Fluttershy was lost in thought behind them, which Applejack noticed, so she decided to approach her.

"Everything okay, Fluttershy?" asked the farmer. "You seem lost in thought."

"Yes, it's just..." the animal lover hesitated a bit. "I'm not sure if I should say it because it's about..."

"You don't have to force yourself to say something that makes you uncomfortable," said Applejack, showing understanding.

"It's actually more about you," Fluttershy clarified, softening her voice.

"About me?" the blonde wondered.

"It's about Rarity... I can't find the words to describe her return... if I have a feeling, but it's for something else," said Fluttershy without giving more details. "And you...? I don't know how you're taking it, you know... you two were together," Fluttershy added.

"Yeah..." the blonde lowered her gaze discreetly. "I understand, I didn't know how to feel either. That's why I stayed quiet yesterday when we were talking about it. Seeing your ex is..." the blonde sighed, "especially with what happened, I feel somewhat angry."

"I... feel somewhat sad," said Fluttershy.

"Sad?" asked Applejack, with a confused expression. She noticed that Fluttershy didn't seem to want to elaborate more on that. The farmer understood well, as she also didn't know how to feel and decided not to ask further about it. "I guess we all had different feelings seeing her again".

The animal lover nodded. "I thought you might take it badly to talk about her".

"Something tells me we'll talk about the topic more than once," said the farmer. "Apparently talking to my cousin yesterday helped at least to talk a little about this."

Fluttershy knew that talking about this topic was kind of complicated for Applejack, so she decided to change the subject of conversation.

"Is Rainbow Dash okay?" asked the animal lover, redirecting the conversation to another topic.

Applejack noticed Fluttershy's change of topic, but decided to continue with the conversation. "She's fine. Why wouldn't she be?" responded the blonde, somewhat surprised by the question.

Despite being distanced, it doesn't change the fact that she wants to know if something is wrong with the athlete.

"In class, I saw her with an upset expression, so I thought maybe something happened or you had an argument," Fluttershy said.

"We did, in the hallway, before reaching the music room. In fact, I got upset," said the blonde.

"Now, what could it have been about?" wondered Fluttershy.

"But it's over, I apologized to her and also for the date. And did you go out with her? You're her friend, so I think when she cancels our date, she should go out with you," said the farmer.

"Did you cancel your date?" asked Fluttershy.

"Yes, I wasn't feeling up to it," confessed the blonde.

"Oh, I see. About what you said, I didn't go out with Rainbow Dash," said the pink-haired girl.

"Oh, really?" said the surprised blonde. "Haven't you been out these days?" asked the farmer.

"We haven't had time," the pink-haired girl lied.

"Maybe when you have free time," suggested the farmer. "That's weird, I always thought that when she cancels or isn't interested in inviting Dash, she hangs out with Fluttershy. Now, remembering, Rainbow used to tell me when she went somewhere with Fluttershy, but now she doesn't mention her as before. It might be because we don't have dates frequently. Have they fought at some point?" thought. Then, she returned her attention to the pink-haired girl.

"Do you think Rainbow Dash felt bad because you canceled?" asked Fluttershy. "Since it's been a long time since I've talked directly with Rainbow, I don't know if she'll be bothered by canceled dates. Knowing her, I think not, since she's never been in a relationship before, but now she's with AJ, so she might get upset, I think," thought, not so sure.

"I don't know," sighed the blonde. "I don't understand her anymore. I even suggested going out again, she got upset and commented that we should invite the others."

Fluttershy didn't listen, as she was lost in her thoughts. "Do you also think that happened with the vacation thing?" she asked, remembering when they talked on the first day.

"What?" Applejack looked at the animal lover a little confused by the change of subject. "Vacation?"

"Did Rainbow Dash mention that you were working when they were going to go on vacation? Do you think she felt bad about that too?"

"I think she was more upset than feeling bad," said the blonde. "The thing is, we had plans to go out, but she canceled, so I went out with the Apples and, by coincidence, I saw her on the street with Gilda. The most curious thing is that she told me she was going to train on her own, you know, to show Spitfire that she would be the best option as captain."

"She mentioned it when we got together the first day," said Fluttershy.

Applejack nodded. "It seemed strange to me, so I told you I had training. So I approached her. She explained that after finishing her training, took the opportunity and invited her friend Gilda out, and apparently they were planning to go to the stadium to watch a game.

"Another game of the same team, like last time?" asked Fluttershy.

"Do you know about that?"

"Rainbow Dash called me saying she didn't understand why you supported the opposite team."

"I saw some details, so I thought that team would win, and she got upset about that," explained the farmer.

"What happened after she told you she was going to a game?"

"I asked her if I could go, but Dash didn't seem too keen on that," the blonde recounted.

"Isn't that almost like inviting yourself? Maybe Rainbow already had everything planned to go with Gilda," thought the animal lover.

"Somehow I convinced her by offering to lend the truck to take them. The day came, and Big Mac got sick, so I had to step in for farm chores."

"That's why you couldn't go," Fluttershy said. The blonde nodded.

"And Dash got upset because she couldn't make it to the start of the game."

"But did she go anyway?"

"It seems so. I found out later. Although it makes sense, if she already bought the tickets, she wouldn't waste them."

"You're right," said the animal lover. "And yesterday they were supposed to have a date, and you canceled, wanting to clear things up, and for some reason, Rainbow Dash got upset."

"Yeah, we cancel quite often, and, let's say, I started thinking," the blonde began to explain. "We used to go out more frequently before, but now they're infrequent, so I told myself that if I cancel a date or she does, I should change the strategy."

"Infrequent?"

Applejack nodded again. "I don't know why it just doesn't work out," commented the farmer, shrugging her shoulders. "So I invite her out when I feel the need."

"I guess she thought that since she goes out less with Rainbow now, she would hang out with me," Fluttershy thought sadly, once again lost in her thoughts.

"Yesterday I remembered a place I hadn't been to in a long time, and I told myself again, if it's important to me, I should invite Rainbow, she's my girlfriend, so I should invite her, right?" commented the blonde.

"Eh?" said Fluttershy confusedly, snapping out of her thoughts.

"What's wrong?" Applejack inquired, noticing her friend's distraction.

"Sorry, I got distracted," said Fluttershy, shaking her head.

"Don't worry, you have a lot on your mind," said the understanding farmer.

"What did you say before?"

"I mentioned a place I hadn't been to in a long time, it's like a party actually," clarified the blonde.

"And why haven't you been to that place before?" asked Fluttershy.

"They usually do it in other cities, so it's unlikely they'll do it here. Besides, the last time was three years ago," revealed the blonde.

"And are you waiting for them to do it here this year?"

"Yes," she affirmed. Applejack thought for a moment about their conversation and lowered her head.

"Do you feel bad?"

"I feel like I talk to you a lot about my issues with Rainbow, and I shouldn't," explained the farmer.

"Why do you say that? That's what friends are for."

"I know, but talking too much about it... wouldn't you feel overwhelmed by that?" the blonde posed, with a concerned expression on her face.

"I've gotten used to it," Fluttershy blurted out without thinking.

"What?"

"Nothing," said the pink-haired abruptly.

"Alright...", said the blonde, not entirely convinced.

"I don't know what it feels like when you have romance-related problems, but we can still give advice," said Fluttershy.

The two stopped.

"Have you ever been interested in someone?" asked the farmer.

"Not yet," admitted the pink-haired girl.

"Not even a crush?" the blonde insisted, with a curious expression on her face. Fluttershy shook her head. "One day your boy or girl will come... maybe in this last year of university, that person who touches your heart will come into your life," said Applejack with a smile. "Love comes when you least expect it, you'll know when it happens."

"..." Fluttershy said nothing in return, just returned the smile. "Was it like that when you met Rainbow?"

“So you think you did something to Fluttershy and you're trying to figure out what it was?" Pinkie asked, finishing listening to what the athlete had said. She nodded.

"That would be a summary of what's going on," said Twilight.

As she was about to continue speaking, they heard a small scream.

"What was that?" Twilight asked ironically.

"It's Fluttershy, silly," said Pinkie.

"Pinkie, it's obvious, we know it's Fluttershy's scream," commented Sunset. "We should see what's going on."

"Girls, this might be my chance to talk to her," Dash commented.

"You said you can barely come up with a conversation topic," said the redhead/yellow.

"Hey girls, we're talking and we still haven't turned around to see if something's wrong with Fluttershy," said Twilight.

"Right…" commented Dash. The four turned around to see what was going on, but everything seemed fine.

"Fluttershy, is everything okay?" Sunset asked.

"Is everything alright, Fluttershy? Since you scream-" Twilight was about to say.

"And it's one of the few times you do," said Pinkie.

"Everything's fine, we were just talking about something, and she got surprised," the blonde said.

"If that's what happened, I'm fine, girls," said Fluttershy.

"Are you sure it was just nothing that you screamed?" Pinkie asked insistently.

Fluttershy hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Pinkie, don't insist, she said everything's fine," Sunset intervened.

"Great, everything's fine, but I won't miss the opportunity," thought Rainbow, determined.

*Whistle sound*

Just as she was about to take some action, Professor Spitfire appeared blowing the whistle, unaware that the six of them had come near the open field court area. There were also other students there.

"Alright, Wondercolts, go change for training," ordered the teacher, raising her voice slightly.

"This has to be a damn joke," Dash muttered, with evident frustration.

"Next time will be…" said Sunset, putting her hand on the athlete's shoulder.

"See you, we have biochemistry with Fluttershy," said Twilight, taking a few steps to stand next to the animal lover. Slowly, the two began to walk away.

"See you later, girls," Fluttershy bid farewell with her characteristic soft voice.

"I'm free, so I'll be around or I'll watch the training," said Pinkie, starting to jump away from the girls.

"See you at the exit," said Applejack, saying goodbye to the three and approaching the athlete.

"See you there, or maybe sooner," said Sunset, starting to walk towards the locker rooms with the other students.

The blonde was about to put her arm around Rainbow, but she was also about to do it, so they both stood still.

"You or me?" the farmer asked, looking her.

"I'll do it," said the athlete, putting her arm around her girlfriend and they began to walk towards the locker rooms.

Side A/Yard

On side A, the students were on break. Among those students, three girls were walking suspiciously towards a part of the school's center.

"Where are we going, Crusaders?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"We're going to side B," Scootaloo replied.

"To side B!? But we're not allowed, Rarity told me about the rules. Plus, how would we even get to the other side? As far as I know, only the main entrance connects us, and it's near the administration building, and Principal Luna wouldn't approve," said Sweetie Belle.

"That's why we sneak out in the middle of recess," said Scootaloo as if it were the most obvious thing.

"There's a gate nearby that they sometimes leave unlocked, and we take advantage to get through," said Apple Bloom.

"Oh."

"Come on, I want to see Rainbow train," said Scootaloo.

"See Rainbow? But wouldn't they be on break like us?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Applejack has explained to me several times that they have different schedules, either short or longer, depending on the grade... I think they call it a period. That's why some students on side B may be in class and others not, and they stay to hang out doing other things or just leave," explained the redhead.

"Aren't you curious?" Scootaloo said.

"Before leaving, not really, since I never had any reason to go to the other side, and now Rarity is on the other side, so now I am curious to know what's over there," said Sweetie, remembering.

"Exactly," said Apple Bloom excitedly.

The Crusaders continued to sneak away, and after a few minutes, they reached a gate that led to a hallway, seeing a light at the end.

"Where are you going?" a voice asked.

The three were startled by the sudden voice, backed away a bit, turned around, and saw a boy with light violet skin and green hair.

"Oh, Spike, you almost scared us to death!" exclaimed Sweetie Belle, putting a hand on her chest.

"For a moment I thought it was a teacher," said Apple Bloom.

"Or Principal Luna, when she gets mad you don't know what she'll do," said Scootaloo.

"Sweetie Belle just arrived, and they're already going to get her into trouble," Spike commented, crossing his arms.

"Seriously, Spike, you've also gone to side B several times," said the redhead raising an eyebrow.

"Well... it's because sometimes I get bored, and the other side is more fun."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other knowingly.

"Do you want to come?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"Why would I?"

"You just said you sometimes get bored, and that's why you followed us," said Scootaloo with a half-smile.

Spike didn't know what to say when caught. "Alright, you got me," admitted. "But if Twilight shows up, I'm on side A, and I never followed you."

"Deal," said Scootaloo.

"Wait, you mentioned Twilight as if you knew we were going to the other side," said Sweetie Belle confused.

"It's because our sisters know," Spike commented.

"And they allow it?"

"At first, no, as they were a bit upset when they found out we were sneaking out and skipping classes," began the redhead.

"But then they realized that sometimes our schedules don't clash, so they allowed us to go with the condition that it be few times and we didn't go anywhere else other than to watch them train, either soccer or to see the Rainbooms, who just this year formed the band," Scootaloo continued with the explanation.

"Also because it benefited them in another way," Spike continued.

"What's that?" leaving Sweetie in doubt.

"We'll show you at the end of class," commented Apple Bloom.

"Alright. So why don't you want Twilight to know we're going to side B if our sisters already know?" Sweetie asked, referring to what the green-haired boy had mentioned earlier.

"It's because last week I went to side B and, accidentally, I sat near a student who was sick, so I caught it. Today I was able to come because my fever had subsided, and I woke up feeling better," Spike explained.

"That's why you want us to cover for you if we see Twilight," Sweetie Belle deduced.

"Yes, because she scolded me for going to side B too often," Spike confessed.

"If we've explained everything, shall we go?" said Scootaloo, nodding towards the gate with her head.

The three said nothing and just approached the gate, opened it, and started walking.

Side B/Open Field
The women's soccer team was in the middle of training, dressed in their characteristic uniforms: blue jerseys, matching shorts, and the classic socks that also served to cover their shin guards. Meanwhile, the opposing team and Rainbow Dash's team were wearing sports bibs of different colors to distinguish themselves.

Rainbow Dash dribbled the ball, skillfully dodging her teammates. Seeing Lyra approaching, she passed the ball to another player and kept advancing, while Applejack passed the ball back to her anticipating Sunset's approach. She was close to the goal, but still had to overcome another obstacle to score. A girl slightly taller than her, with short white hair, tackled her again.

"Ah, shit, Gilda! Always so rough," expressed Rainbow Dash, sitting on the ground resignedly.

"Hey, Dash, I'm just following orders," replied Gilda, extending her hand to help her up.

"Remember, Rainbow Crash, that in any match, you'll face players of different heights and builds. You have to be prepared for that," shouted the coach.

Rainbow hated that nickname, but she let it slide. The coach said it when she failed in some of the training sessions or friendly matches.

"Next time I'll get past you," Rainbow promised with determination, accepting Gilda's hand to get up.

Sunset approached her. "How are you holding up?"

"That was quite a tackle you took, are you okay?" Applejack also approached.

"Yeah, I'm fine, it was nothing," replied the athlete, stretching a bit. "Let's go, this time I know I can do it. Here I come, Gilda," said with determination, getting back into action.

"I'll be waiting for you in defense," said Gilda, challenging her.

After their brief interaction, they dispersed to resume their positions.

Outside the field, from the stands, Spike and the Crusaders watched the practice.

"Ouch," said Spike when he saw Rainbow fall.

"Oof, that must have hurt," commented Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom noticed Sweetie Belle's gaze wandering around the field. "What are you looking for over there?" asked.

"I was looking for Rarity, but I guess it's obvious why she's not here," replied Sweetie Belle sadly.

"¿You mean-" Scootaloo began to ask, but Spike interrupted her.

"You mean what Rarity hid in Rainbow's locker?" Spike said quietly.

"Shhh..." the three shushed him with fingers to their lips.

"No one here knows what happened three years ago," whispered Spike. "Twilight said there were barely any people that day."

"But it's better not to mention it," added Apple Bloom.

"Okay... okay."

"I saw her looking a bit down yesterday, and Rarity would hide well if something is bothering her, unless it's something big. If I ran into you guys, she surely ran into our sisters and the others," Sweetie Belle deduced.

"I think they didn't take it very well. At first, I didn't think much of it when Applejack didn't respond when I mentioned you, but then I thought about it," Apple Bloom commented.

"The same with Rainbow," added Scootaloo.

"Do you think they'll ever talk about it?" Spike asked hopefully.

"I hope so," whispered Sweetie Belle.

After a brief silence. "Did they sneak out again?" asked a voice, with its characteristic cheerfulness and overflowing energy.

The four startled to see her. They looked back, Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere.

"Were you here all this time?" Spike asked.

"I just got here," replied Pinkie with a smile, offering candies she had taken from a vending machine. "Want some?"

"At what point did you come up-" Sweetie Belle was about to ask, but remembered Pinkie's unpredictable nature. "You know what, better not ask," decided, taking some candies from the envelope the partygoer had offered. The other two Crusaders and Spike did the same, following her lead.

"How's the training going?" Pinkie asked, watching the players.

"Rainbow just got tackled by Gilda," Spike reported.

"Hmm..." pondered Pinkie. "Last year she was facing taller players; now she's up against the bulkier ones."

"Let's keep watching if she makes it," proposed Apple Bloom.

"She'll make it!" affirmed Scootaloo confidently.

Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle were sitting together in their biochemistry class. Fluttershy was focused on examining some samples under the microscope, while Twilight, with her glasses and thoughtful expression, flipped through a textbook. Twilight stopped flipping through the book, wanting to subtly help Rainbow.

"Have you noticed anything about Rainbow Dash lately, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked, trying to be discreet.

Fluttershy, looking up from the microscope, with a pensive expression and a gesture of confusion. "Rainbow Dash? No, not really. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I just noticed she's been a bit down lately, don't you think?" Twilight said, trying to sound casual.

Fluttershy frowned with concern. "Down? I hadn't noticed. Is there anything in particular that makes you think that?"

"Well, I've just noticed she hasn't been as lively as usual and thought maybe something was on her mind," Twilight said, nervously scrutinizing the textbook.

"Yeah, now that you mention it... she seemed to have an argument with AJ, maybe that's why," Fluttershy commented.

"They're just the typical problems any couple faces," said with a grimace as she was veering off-topic. "Maybe we should try to find out if something else is bothering her. You're very close to her, after all," Twilight said, trying to keep calm.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, we could talk to her later. We're her friends, so we should find out if everything's okay," said with a slight distraction.

"Yeah, that would be great," Twilight said, feeling frustrated that she hadn't achieved her goal.

Despite her efforts, Twilight failed to capture Fluttershy's full attention on the topic. Fluttershy seemed more concerned about her friend's well-being than Twilight's intentions, and the conversation faded as the professor began to speak. Twilight sighed and decided to wait for a more suitable opportunity to address the issue at another time.

The last few minutes passed, and class ended. As she was packing her things, Twilight waited for her friend to finish packing hers. In the midst of that, she noticed a sheet that caught her attention.

"A musical score? Could she be working on another song for the Rainbooms? Or for a future music performance?" Twilight thought.

Ready to go, Fluttershy and Twilight left the biochemistry classroom together, walking through the university hallways.

"Hey, Fluttershy, how about we go watch Sunset, Applejack, and Rainbow's practice?" Twilight suggested.

Fluttershy stopped in her tracks and looked at Twilight with interest. "That sounds great! We could see how they're doing."

The two friends continued on their way to the university's sports area.

Side B/Open Field
Sunset, Applejack, and Rainbow had been training for almost an hour, focused on perfecting their skills. Suddenly, Twilight and Fluttershy approached the field, observing the training session with interest.

Taking a quick look around, the animal lover spotted some girls they knew well in the stands. Fluttershy approached timidly, offering a friendly smile. "Hello, how are you?"

Twilight nodded, adding, "Hi, girls, what are you doing here?"

The Crusaders returned the greeting, and it was then that Fluttershy and Twilight noticed Sweetie Belle was also with them. The three friends exchanged quick glances, and Sweetie Belle felt Twilight and Fluttershy's attention focus on her.

"Oh, we were just here watching the training," Scootaloo explained enthusiastically, trying to cover the situation.

Twilight and Fluttershy shared an understanding smile between them, deciding to proceed with naturalness. "Is Spike with you today?" Twilight asked.

The Crusaders exchanged nervous glances; they had seen the girls coming in, so they warned Spike to hide. Before their friends could respond, Apple Bloom stepped forward. "No, Spike isn't here today. I think he had to stay a bit longer in class to finish an assignment."

Fluttershy noticed the tension in the air and looked around, sensing something suspicious. "Are you sure about that?" she asked gently.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie was feeling unsure whether to join the lie or not. With a nervous look, she wasn't sure what to do.

Before Twilight could respond, a slight movement in the stands caught her attention. She turned to see Spike hidden among the seats. "What's he doing there?" she wondered aloud.

The Crusaders looked at each other, realizing they had been found out. "Uh, yeah, sorry, Twilight," Sweetie Belle admitted. "Spike is there hiding. Sorry for lying."

Twilight smiled at the confession. "It's okay, girls. I just wanted to know." Then she headed towards the stands.

Spike emerged from his hiding spot in the stands, trying to quickly come up with an excuse to Twilight: "Oh, hi, Twilight! I was..." couldn't find an excuse.

Twilight, with a raised eyebrow, looked at her brother. "Spike, what did we agree on?"

Spike scratched the back of his head, feeling a little embarrassed. "Sorry, Twilight. I just wanted to watch a bit of the training," apologized.

Twilight nodded understandingly. "It's okay, Spike. But remember, you're still recovering," reminded him, with a gentle but firm tone.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy approached the Crusaders with a gentle expression. "Girls, shouldn't you be in class now?" asked curiously, softly.

The Crusaders nodded nervously, surprised at how quickly time had passed. "Oh, yes, Fluttershy! Time flew by!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, looking at her friends with big, surprised eyes.

Spike got up with the Crusaders from the stands to head to the entrance/exit. The Crusaders and Spike quickly said goodbye to Twilight, Fluttershy, hurrying back to their last class.

Pinkie approached Twilight and Fluttershy with a bright smile. "Doesn't it feel like today has been a day full of surprises?" she asked, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Twilight and Fluttershy nodded.

"Hey! What do you think if we organize something fun? We could throw a surprise party or something like that!" The idea seemed to lighten the mood a bit, and the three girls smiled at Pinkie's suggestion.

Rarity was standing in front of the school's main entrance. She was waiting for her sister Sweetie Belle, who was supposed to meet her to go home together.

However, time passed, and Sweetie Belle didn't show up. Rarity began to feel restless, wondering where her sister could be. Frowning slightly, she looked around, searching for any sign of her whereabouts.

That's when an unfamiliar voice interrupted her thoughts. "Rarity, right?" asked a brown-haired girl approaching her. "Are you looking for your sister?"

Rarity nodded cautiously, feeling somewhat puzzled by the question from someone she didn't know. "Yes, have you seen her?"

The girl smiled kindly. "Yes, I saw her heading towards the parking lot a few minutes ago."

Rarity's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. "Oh, wow, thank you for letting me know," she responded gratefully, feeling a slight nervousness about her sister's delay. But wondering what she would be doing in the parking lot knowing she doesn't have a car.

The girls were leaving the school, each busy packing their things to go home through the door that led to the parking lot. Each student headed to their respective cars.

"Girls..." Rainbow called out to Twilight and Sunset. When they realized they were being called, they turned around and approached the athlete, with curious expressions.

"What's up, Rainbow?" Sunset asked.

The athlete approached them and put her arms around their necks in a close and friendly gesture. "Do you remember what I mentioned in the hallway?"

"About Fluttershy," Sunset asked, with an inquisitive look.

"Yes."

"You said you discovered something," Twilight commented, with interest in her tone.

"I'll tell you, but first, did you... by any chance, manage to talk to her?" Rainbow asked hopefully, her eyes showing a hint of anxiety.

"I wanted to try when I was in class, but I didn't succeed," Twilight said, with a slightly frustrated expression on her face.

"Dash, it's not like we'd just go up to her and ask. Like, 'Hey, Fluttershy, is something up because you're ignoring Rainbow?'" Sunset said, with a touch of humor in her tone.

"Good point..." Rainbow said, nodding in agreement and showing a grimace of understanding.

"And are you going to tell us what you found out?" Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yesterday I was thinking, and I had an idea of what could have happened or when things happened," Rainbow said, with a determined gleam in her eyes.

"What did you deduce?" Twilight asked, tilting her head slightly to one side.

"I remembered the time Fluttershy suggested, one of the many times she did, that I transfer to Canterlot."

"So it all started when you transferred to Canterlot?" Sunset asked, with a mix of surprise and skepticism in her tone.

"It doesn't add up, because I remember they were still close," Twilight said, slightly furrowing her brow as she thought.

"Exactly, so something happened in between, but it's progress, right?" Rainbow said, though more to convince herself.

"Yes..." Sunset nodded, smiling encouragingly at Rainbow.

When Rainbow mentioned Fluttershy, Twilight had a memory flash, her eyes lighting up with a spark of understanding.

"Hmm... I remembered something," Twilight commented.

"What?" Sunset asked, leaning forward a bit.

"When Fluttershy talked about you transferring," Twilight said, referring to Rainbow.

"I remember, we hadn't known each other for long, and the six of us started hanging out..." explained Sunset, with a pensive expression on her face.

"What's up, Sunset?" Rainbow asked, with a touch of impatience in her tone.

"With the six of us... we counted Rarity," Sunset said, looking at Twilight.

"Oh, right... it was one of the recent outings the six of us had, so Rarity also commented on some things," Twilight said, nodding in agreement.

"Well... um..." Rainbow didn't know what to say. Despite being angry, she felt some curiosity, so she had no choice. "Okay, what happened? I never knew when you found out about my arrival, since we met on the basketball court when you and AJ started playing."

Sunset and Twilight began to talk about that day.

Three years ago

The girls had known each other for a short time, so now they were gathered in a quiet café in the city center. They sat on wooden benches, while one of the girls stayed behind to answer a call.

As the five girls began to talk, commenting on some things about the others due to their recent encounter, suddenly the animal lover appeared.

"Sorry for lagging behind, I got a call on my phone," Fluttershy said as she approached the group, with an apologetic expression for arriving late.

"Don't worry, we haven't started yet," Sunset replied, approaching the animal lover with a warm smile.

"What a relief," Fluttershy sighed, relieved to see that she hadn't missed anything important, while curiously observing Pinkie Pie and Twilight approaching. She looked confused not seeing the purple-haired and the blonde. "Where are Rarity and Applejack?" she asked, furrowing her brow slightly.

Twilight pointed to a table in the corner.

The couple seemed to be absorbed in a conversation. As they spoke, Applejack stroked the fashion designer's hand with her thumb, and although they seemed to be talking, they were more lost in each other's gaze.

"They're in their own world," Sunset joked with a playful smile.

"It seems like they won't realize you're here... well, that we're here, until they come back to reality. I've seen this before with my brother," Twilight commented with a small laugh.

"We were chatting, but when we finished talking about trivial things, they started saying sweet things to each other, so we gave them some privacy," Sunset explained.

The four girls looked back at the loving couple with a mixture of curiosity.

Rarity took out her phone and stretched her arm to take a selfie with the blonde. They changed to other poses, and in one last pose, Applejack kissed Rarity's cheek. The fashion designer seemed happy with that gesture, closing her eyes with a smile so wide she forgot to take the picture. She lowered her phone, turned around, and they looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds. Then, Rarity wrapped her arms around Applejack's neck and kissed her, initiating a kissing session.

The four stopped looking to give them some privacy, exchanging glances and giggling a bit.

"Let's let them be in their own world," Sunset suddenly said, with an expression of respect for the couple's intimacy.

"It's better if they're in their own world," Twilight agreed.

"Don't let them get too hot," Pinkie added mischievously, with a playful smile on her lips.

"Please, Pinkie!" exclaimed Sunset, putting a hand on her face with a mix of surprise and amusement.

That innuendo made Fluttershy blush, who covered her face slightly with her hands, while the other girls laughed gently at the joke.

"Isn't that... normal?" Pinkie asked, with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Yes, but that's something private," Sunset said, blushing a bit at the idea of talking about such intimate topics in public.

"You're partly right. At 18 and 19, it's normal for our hormones to start experiencing some changes due to puberty, like physical, emotional, and... sexual aspects, such as the desire to have..." Twilight didn't want to continue the next sentence, feeling her cheeks color at the mention of such personal topics. "Oh, Pinkie, don't make me go on," said, laughing softly as she tried to steer the conversation to a more comfortable topic.

"How about we change the subject?" suggested Sunset, trying to lighten the mood and return to a more neutral topic.

"I wanted to say something, but I think it might sound bad," Fluttershy said, a little unsure about expressing her thoughts out loud.

"I don't think it'll be that bad," said Pinkie, encouraging her with a smile.

"I agree with Pinkie," added Sunset, showing her support for Fluttershy.

"Okay... umm... I didn't think Rarity would be Applejack's type, or that Rarity would be interested in someone like Applejack," Fluttershy said, with a concerned expression in case her comment sounded inappropriate.

"Don't worry, we understood perfectly," said the bespectacled girl, trying to reassure Fluttershy and make her feel comfortable.

"I was surprised too... well, a little, since we teased her a bit when they met," added Pinkie, ending with a giggle.

"You see, girls, you can have a type, but you don't choose who you fall in love with. For example, have you ever wondered why you like vanilla ice cream more? Or when you chose it as your favorite? It happens unconsciously," explained Twilight.

"Um... I never thought about it," Fluttershy murmured delicately.

"Yes, from my perspective, I also want to share something. When I saw Rarity in the hallways, I thought she was one of those selfish girls," added Sunset.

"I thought the same thing," admitted Twilight, lowering her head.

"And what did you think of us?" Pinkie asked, with excitement in her eyes.

"Well, Pinkie... you always seemed very... unique to me," said Twilight, trying to find the right words to describe her friend respectfully and affectionately.

"Fluttershy, you... you're a very sweet girl," said Sunset, with a kind smile as she sought the right words to describe her friend sincerely and affectionately.

"The same," Twilight agreed, nodding with a smile.

"Truth is, yes, I am. Is that bad?" Fluttershy asked, looking at her friends with a vulnerable expression and concern if her more reserved personality was a problem.

"I think we just need to get to know each other better and grow in personality," commented Twilight, trying to encourage Fluttershy and make her feel more confident.

"You're right, it's not about judging by appearances," said Sunset, nodding seriously as she expressed her opinion on the matter.

The three knew that with appearance they were referring to Rarity.

Remembering the couple. Twilight, feeling curious, broke the silence: "How did you two meet?" asked with interest.

Pinkie let out a playful laugh. "Someday I'll tell you that story! It's quite funny," promised.

"If you say so," responded Sunset with a smile.

Pinkie's expression changed to a more serene one. "I'm happy for my cousin. With the last one she dated... well, let's say... she was difficult," confessed.

"Has she dated someone else before?" Twilight inquired curiously.

"I think it would be better if AJ tells it, if she wants to," Pinkie suggested, somewhat unsure.

"Sorry, I asked too much," apologized Twilight, lowering her head. Sunset put a comforting hand on her shoulder, she knew Twilight well.

"It's okay, it's a somewhat complicated topic to tell," admitted Pinkie

"Not that I want to continue with the topic, but I didn't imagine Applejack as a girl who showed her feelings a lot," commented Sunset, changing the subject.

"She kind of is," Pinkie agreed. "With those closest to her, she's more open."

"That reminds me of Rainbow, she's also like that," added Fluttershy.

"Your friend?" Twilight asked.

"The one who's going to transfer?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"Yes, and that's why I stayed behind a bit. She confirmed that everything is ready and that she'll be with us within the week. Although she's going to transfer on the condition that Scootaloo also transfers," explained Fluttershy.

"Who's Scootaloo?" Sunset asked, showing interest in meeting her friend's sister.

"Her sister," Fluttershy responded.

"So, she'll meet Apple Bloom and Spike," said Twilight.

"Also Sweetie Belle, Rarity's younger sister," added Pinkie.

"You must be happy that your best friend is in your same Institute?" Sunset asked, showing interest in the relationship between Fluttershy and Rainbow.

"Yes, it'll be less complicated to meet... not that we had complications before, but I had to leave school and take a taxi to meet her after class, and now it won't be necessary because she'll be with us and we won't have to walk that much," Fluttershy said, with an excited smile as she imagined all the advantages of having her friend closer.

"I can't wait... the group keeps getting bigger!" exclaimed Pinkie, with a joyful smile at the thought of having Rainbow as part of their circle of friends.

"Is she always this euphoric?"  Twilight wondered, showing curiosity about Pinkie's energetic and cheerful personality.

"Did we miss something?" Rarity asked, joining the group with Applejack and intertwining their hands in an affectionate gesture.

"Or is it my cousin being herself?" the blonde joked, trying to make a joke.

The three girls looked at each other with a questioning expression, wondering what Applejack meant by that enigmatic comment.

"You'll understand in time," Rarity said, "Believe me, it happened to me when I met her a few months ago. I don't know if she's been like this since she was a kid, only Jackie knows," concluded with a giggle.

Applejack also laughed a bit and, after planting a kiss on Rarity's forehead, looked at the girls. "I'll just say you'll get used to it."

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm being me," said Pinkie, downplaying her cousin's comment.

The girls decided to leave it at that and see what happened over time.

"What were you talking about?" Applejack asked, showing interest in the conversation they had just had.

"Do you remember I told you about my friend Rainbow Dash? Well, she just confirmed to me that she'll be with us in a few weeks," said Fluttershy, with an excited smile as she remembered the news she had just received.

"So, more for the runway. Maybe I can try some designs with her," said Rarity, excitedly, imagining the possibilities of having Rainbow as a model for her creations.

"Designs?" Twilight asked, interested.

"Rarity is quite the design artist. She has a talent for creating different styles of clothing," explained Applejack.

The fashion designer moved away from the farmer a bit, letting her creativity flow. "Designing is my passion. I can visualize the perfect design," she said, raising her hand and tracing a sketch in the air.

At that moment, Pinkie, Sunset, Fluttershy, and Twilight approached out of sheer curiosity to see what Rarity was imagining.

"She's unique in her designs, just like she is to me," added Applejack, with a proud smile as she tenderly wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's shoulders.

"Oh, Jackie," responded Rarity, affectionate, planting a kiss on the blonde's cheek, expressing her love for her girlfriend.

"Ahem," Sunset interrupted with a smile, delicately pointing out the romantic diversion of the conversation.

"Oops, sorry," apologized the fashion designer, returning to her previous position next to the blonde and wrapping her arm around hers.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" Applejack asked, trying to pick up the thread of the conversation after the brief exchange of affection with her girlfriend.

"I'm not sure if Rainbow will like the designs. She's more into the sporty style, so I don't know if she'll be willing to try something new," Fluttershy commented, with a doubtful expression as she reflected on her friend's preferences.

"Ah, then she'll get along well with Jackie. Apparently, they have common tastes," said Rarity, with a smile, showing optimism about the possibility that Rainbow and Applejack shared similar interests.

"Same with you, Sunset," said Twilight, showing appreciation for her friend as they shared a smile.

"Do you like sports too?" Applejack asked, interested in learning more about Sunset's personality.

"Yes," Sunset replied, with a smile, sharing a common interest with her new friend.

"Great," said Applejack, showing enthusiasm.

"No need to say more, there's no doubt we'll get along," said Pinkie, with a radiant smile as she hugged the girls effusively, celebrating the connection they were forming.

Present

"Each one of us was giving our point of view on what we thought about each other, and that's when Fluttershy mentioned that your style is more similar to Applejack's when it comes to sports," Sunset concluded with a reflective tone as she looked at Rainbow.

"Even Rarity mentioned that you two would get along well because of those common interests," Twilight added, finishing her reflection with a raised eyebrow curiously. "Who would have thought that commonalities would be what brings you closer to AJ?"

"Uh-huh," Rainbow expressed, and that was all she said on the matter.

Rainbow's response seemed odd to both Sunset and Twilight. The bespectacled girl wondered if it had something to do with the fight Fluttershy mentioned in class.

"So Fluttershy was excited because we would be in the same Institute, not surprised, but... what changed?" Rainbow asked, letting out a sigh as she brushed aside the girls, her expression showing a mix of confusion.

"As we said, we'll find out in time," Sunset said, offering her support with a reassuring smile.

Rainbow nodded, thankful for her friends' support, though her expression still reflected some unease.

Just as Rainbow was about to continue talking about what Sunset had shared, the three of them stopped dead in their tracks upon seeing a girl with purple hair standing in the parking lot.

Minutes Earlier
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Spike, and Sweetie Belle arrived at the parking lot, the afternoon sun casting long, warm shadows.

"This is the other reason we use the gate or shortcut," Spike replied with a friendly smile.

Sweetie Belle nodded, taking in the information enthusiastically. "Wow! That's great. But do you always take it after classes?"

"Not really, Sweetie," Apple Bloom interjected. "Sometimes we run into our older sisters here or in the cafeteria," she explained.

"Exactly," Scootaloo added, smiling. "Plus, it saves us time. We don't have to wander around the whole Institute looking for them."

Sweetie Belle nodded in understanding. "I see. What a great idea," she said, admiring her friends' cleverness.

"Isn't it, though," Apple Bloom agreed, with a proud smile as she looked at her friends.

After that brief conversation, the girls began chatting animatedly among themselves, enjoying the quiet afternoon in the parking lot.

Rarity had arrived at the parking lot, searching among the cars with a worried expression. Finally, she spotted Sweetie Belle, surrounded by her friends. Relieved, she approached her with a smile.

"Sweetie Belle, is everything okay? I was waiting for you at the main entrance," said with a tone of relief and concern.

Sweetie Belle turned to her sister with a surprised expression. "Rarity! I'm sorry, I lost track of time. The Crusaders showed me a shortcut, and we got caught up in conversation."

Rarity furrowed her brow slightly, intrigued by the term "shortcut," but before she could ask, she noticed the presence of the other girls around her.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and, in the distance, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle, were watching Rarity. The tension in the air was palpable, due to the fact that all of them were together in the same place.

Applejack frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Rarity's presence at that moment, her gaze alternating between Rarity and the rest of the group.

Pinkie Pie, always sensitive to others' emotions, noticed the tension and bit her lower lip with concern. "I feel like the atmosphere is a bit... tense," said quietly, trying to break the ice. Fluttershy nodded silently.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle exchanged worried looks. They knew that the relationship between Rarity and their older sisters didn't seem to be going well, and seeing them together in the parking lot only confirmed their suspicions.

"Apple Bloom, do you think we should do something?" Sweetie Belle asked in a low voice, looking at her friend with concern.

Apple Bloom sighed, feeling equally concerned about the situation. "I don't know, Sweetie Belle."

The three friends exchanged looks, unsure of how to approach the situation. They knew they had to be careful and respectful, but they also felt the need to help their friend if something was wrong.

Meanwhile, Rarity tried to maintain her composure in front of her sister, but her evasive gaze revealed her discomfort. "Sweetie, let's go home, alright?" she said, trying to divert the girls' attention.

Sweetie Belle nodded as she said goodbye to Spike and the Crusaders, following her sister.

In the distance, Rainbow Dash frowned.

"This seems a little tense, don't you think?" Sunset commented to Twilight. She nodded

"This year is going to be very intense," added Rainbow, her voice laden with uncertainty.

Chapter Text

Rarity was now in class, the projector illuminated the dark room showing some numbers that the dressmaker could barely understand. She could now tell the difference between when she was studying online and now being in person.

"It's been a few weeks and I understand less and less, but at least I'm not in Sports, that day was horrible," Rarity thought, remembering. "At least the rumor didn't spread so much, at least they didn't make fun of me like I thought would happen, but I did feel ashamed of what happened that day..."

A few days ago

On the covered sports field, full of animation. The Mane Six were practicing volleyball together with other students. The boys were in the other half with their teacher Bulk doing something else, this time not participating with the girls.

The students wore a variety of sports attire, from classic shorts and T-shirts paired with sneakers to more varied styles. Reflecting the diversity of styles and preferences among the students.

Many girls tossed the ball in the air so that, when the time came, they could hit the ball to the other side of the small net with their other arm and thus make it reach the other student for her to respond. They all seemed to do it well, even some who were a little bad at that sport could barely hit it properly, but still managed to get it over the mini net.

Among those girls was one who couldn't even hit the ball properly with the palm of her other hand when it was in the air.

"There it goes!" Rarity attempted to hit the ball. It passed by her face and fell to the ground.

Dash frowned, "Really?" she said, seeing the dressmaker's failure not too far away.

"It looks like someone should have spent more time practicing instead of choosing their outfit," Sunset commented sarcastically.

Rarity blushed, visibly frustrated by her lack of ability. At that moment, Professor Spitfire approached the field with a serious expression.

"BELLE!" the teacher shouted.

The dressmaker startled at hearing her name again, turning towards the teacher. She knew what was coming.

"Yes, Professor?" she asked, with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"I see you're still struggling to keep up with the game. Have you been practicing like I told you?"

"Well, I've tried to practice, but it doesn't seem to be working," Rarity lowered her gaze, feeling ashamed of the teacher's reprimand.

"It's not enough! You must try harder if you want to improve! Mediocrity is not acceptable on this team!" the teacher exclaimed. "SOMEONE TEACH HER HOW IT'S DONE!"

Rarity felt even more embarrassed by the extra attention she was receiving.

"Sports isn't her thing," Fluttershy commented sympathetically.

"Then what is she doing here? If it's obvious that this isn't her thing," Rainbow added, crossing her arms.

"Sports is not part of the design unless she takes additional classes," Sunset remarked.

"It doesn't make sense for her to take this additional class and it wouldn't even be part of her career," Applejack said with a furrowed brow.

Starlight approached Rarity alongside Trixie.

"I didn't know you were this bad," Trixie joked.

"Trixie!" Starlight intervened, elbowing. "At least try to get it over to the other side," she suggested.

"How do I do that? I've only managed to get it close to my face," Rarity responded, frustration in her voice.

"You take the ball and gently toss it in the air, then with the other arm you kick it to get it to the other side of the net," she explained, demonstrating the motion with her hands.

Rarity got into position to try again, determination on her face.

"Come on, Rarity, you can do it," murmured Pinkie Pie, trying to cheer her up.

"Did you say something, Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy asked, curious.

"No, nothing," Pinkie responded with a nervous smile.

Carefully, she took the ball and gently tossed it in the air, following Starlight's instructions. Then, with a quick movement, she kicked the ball with the other arm, sending it to the other side of the net.

"See, there you go. We'll be over there," Starlight said, pointing to the other side of the court. Rarity thanked her and nodded, Starlight and Trixie began to walk away.

Rarity was so focused on throwing the ball that she didn't notice the presence of the student on the other side of the net. Suddenly, the ball came back with force, hitting her directly on the forehead. A cry of surprise escaped Rarity's lips as the impact took her by surprise.

The dressmaker brought her hands to her forehead, letting out a dramatic groan. "Oh, Heavens! I feel like a bolt of pain just struck me directly in the forehead!" she exclaimed.

"I think she forgot that they would return the ball to her," Trixie commented to Starlight with a chuckle. They had turned around upon hearing the scream.

"The Drama Queen's comeback," Rainbow commented, rolling her eyes.

They couldn't identify it, but someone around them let out a small laugh, though it wasn't a mocking laugh. The girls assumed it was one of their classmates nearby. So, they didn't pay much attention to it.

"That must have hurt. But at least it wasn't in the stomach like that time Twilight got hit by a ball," Pinkie mentioned.

"Yeah, Pinkie, it definitely wasn't a pleasant experience. I remember when the ball came straight at me. I felt like all the air was knocked out of my stomach. I couldn't breathe for a while, it was completely disastrous," Twilight said, rubbing her stomach as she remembered the sensation she felt at that moment.

On the other end of the court, beyond the volleyball net, a group of boys was doing warm-up exercises. Among them were Caramel, Timber Spruce, and Flash Sentry, among others. As they stretched, they couldn't help but notice the commotion unfolding on the other side of the court.

Timber raised an eyebrow when he heard a cry of surprise. He turned to see what was happening and saw a purple-haired girl on the ground, holding her forehead.

"Oh, looks like there's some action on the court," he commented casually.

"That's the new girl, Rarity, right? The one they say is hot," Caramel commented with interest.

"If it's her, Sandalwood told me that when she arrived on her first days, she asked to change seats in art class," Flash said, then changed his expression to a playful smile. "Looks like her charm isn't protecting her from the ball," he joked, making the other boys laugh.

Caramel chuckled softly, while Timber nodded with a smile. "I guess nobody's perfect, huh?" he remarked with a playful glance at the girl.

"Oh, wow! Looks like the new miss is having some trouble with the game. I hope she can improve soon, it would be a shame to see someone so pretty suffer like that," Feather Bangs added as he approached the other boys.

The boys continued to watch the scene with interest, exchanging occasional comments and laughing among themselves as Rarity got up from the ground.

The Mane Six hadn't noticed that the ball had rolled near them. They looked at each other, someone had to throw it back or return it in person. Applejack took the initiative, crouched down to pick up the ball, and headed towards the purple-haired girl.

Rarity was getting up from the ground and saw someone approaching. Sitting down, she began to apologize: "Teacher, I know what you're going to say...". She stopped when she realized who was standing in front of her and looked up. There was the blonde with a serious expression and the ball in her hand.

"You know, many take extra classes for sports or because it's part of their curriculum, like those who want to specialize in sports. I guess everyone has their reasons for being here. Anyway, I don't know how long you plan on staying in this," Applejack commented casually. The farmer dropped the ball next to Rarity and walked away, returning to her friends.

The dressmaker caught the ball just in time before it veered off. Rarity lowered her gaze, pondering what the blonde had said. "I don't have to tell you," muttered.

"Despite being annoyed by what she said, I wasn't going to back down. Although... she was right about what she said last time, before I left town," Rarity thought, lowering her gaze. She closed her eyes and tried to suppress that memory, pushing it aside.

The projector on the board switched to another page with numerical calculations. Rarity frowned in confusion as she tried to solve them.

The dressmaker returned to her thoughts. "After that, I changed my clothes and when I left the locker room, I ran into the girls and tried once again to find a way to apologize and...

Rarity was on the other side of the dressing room, finishing putting on her everyday clothes. She glanced at the mirror to check for any bruises or anything, as she was feeling a slight pain. Then, she headed to the door and opened it. As she walked a bit, she encountered them. The girls seemed to have noticed that someone else was present. When they turned, they found the dressmaker again, showing various expressions among the six at her presence.

Rarity wanted to say something, took a deep breath to speak. "Hey, about what happened..."

"We don't need your drama right now," Rainbow interrupted firmly, crossing her arms with a serious look.

"We really don't have time for this, we have classes," Twilight commented.

It wasn't difficult for Rarity to understand that they were avoiding her. It's been several times now, although this time they didn't leave her talking alone, they were direct with her. The dressmaker, without further ado, turned around and left the place, shoulders slumped and a resigned expression on her face.

Pinkie watched her leave and tried to hide her sadness. She looked at her friends. "Girls, have you considered the possibility that...?" Pinkie hesitated to say the last words, nervously fidgeting with her hands. "...what if Rarity wants to talk to us like she just did?" she asked, changing the last words with a feigned smile. "Talking to her was what I meant," she thought.

"She's already tried, Pinkie, and you know it, also it just happened," Twilight responded, raising an eyebrow.

"And the answer is obvious... like it just happened, say a few things so she gets the message," Rainbow said.

"Though it sounds a bit harsh, I prefer to keep our distance," Sunset declared, crossing her arms with a serious look.

Fluttershy glanced at Sunset. What she said echoed in her head and then she looked at Rainbow, with a sad expression.

"Do you have something else in mind, Pinkie?" Applejack asked, with a calm yet observant smile, showing curiosity.

"Nah, girls, hahaha," Pinkie tried to play it off, laughing nervously and twirling her hair. "As if we'd listen to someone who betrayed us," she added with a fake laugh, avoiding eye contact.

"Like you said, she betrayed our trust," Twilight affirmed, with a serious and firm gaze.

"Time goes on," Pinkie tried to play it off again, with a forced smile and showing slight tension in her posture.

"How do we know if she really changed or, rather, if she's pretending?" Sunset asked, furrowing her brow.

"it is not known" Fluttershy responded, with an expression of uncertainty and compassion.

Pinkie sighed discreetly and lowered her head at her friends' words. She wanted everything to go back to how it was before somehow.

Elsewhere, by the lockers, Rarity was at hers, looking at herself in the mirror she had placed there when she arrived on the second day of class. Starlight and Trixie, who were passing by, approached Rarity.

"How's your forehead?" Starlight asked with a compassionate tone, noticing the mark on her forehead.

"Oh, I'm fine," responded, trying to downplay the incident. Although inside, she was dying of embarrassment for what happened.

Trixie frowned as she examined the mark on Rarity's forehead. "Are you sure? It looks painful."

The dressmaker nodded. "It hurts a little, but nothing serious."

"It will probably disappear soon, but as a precaution, you should put some ice on it," Starlight suggested optimistically.

"I will when I get home."

Starlight nodded. "Well, if you need anything, we're here," she offered sincerely.

"Thank you, girls," Rarity thanked them, feeling comforted by their kindness.

Trixie stayed quiet for a moment, then gave Rarity a pat on the shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry. You'll surely recover quickly."

When classes ended, Rarity and Sweetie Belle were already at home. Just as Starlight had advised when she arrived, Rarity went to the kitchen for some ice. Minutes passed, and the other family members had already arrived.

"Darling, what happened? Are you okay?" Cookie asked, entering the dressmaker's room and seeing her with an ice pack on her forehead.

Rarity, with a gesture, placed a hand on her forehead and sighed. "Mother, you won't believe what happened."

"Tell me," said Cookie with concern.

"I was playing volleyball, and out of nowhere, I got hit in the forehead with a ball," recounted, pausing dramatically before continuing her story.

"Oh, Rarity, you nearly scared me. I thought it was something more serious," her mother expressed, with a tone of relief.

"That's what I told her," commented Sweetie from the doorway, with an amused smile.

"Just as a precaution, I put on the ice pack since I felt a bit of pain afterward and a mark appeared," explained Rarity as she held the ice pack to her forehead.

"Let me see," requested Cookie, approaching to examine the mark.

Rarity removed the ice pack, and as she did, she winced slightly. "It's red, but it might be from having the ice on my forehead for too long," opined her mother. "Does it hurt?"

"Not anymore, but my forehead feels cold," replied Rarity, slightly furrowing her brow at the sensation of cold.

"Then don't put that on again, just let it pass," advised Cookie with a reassuring smile.

Sweetie looked at her sister curiously. "Is it really painful?" asked.

Rarity nodded. "When I got hit, yes, and afterward, a little," admitted.

"Well, Rarity, I wanted to ask you, how are your classes going? Any difficulties or anything I should know about for a note?" her mother asked.

Rarity straightened up a bit at the question, but then her shoulders relaxed. "Not at the moment, you know I'm just starting, so I haven't had assignments yet," responded.

"This is your last year, Rarity, no distractions," said Cookie, raising a finger in a warning gesture.

"I know, mother, I'm determined to do well this year," Rarity affirmed with determination.

"I hope so, and try not to stress out, I don't want you to have another episode like the other day," added her mother with concern, while placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"From what I saw, it didn't seem like an episode," Sweetie interjected, who hadn't left yet.

"Exactly, it was just a nightmare," confirmed Rarity with a reassuring smile.

"Alright. I can't help but worry, you know?" sighed her mother as she crossed her arms.

"Don't worry," replied Rarity, trying to reassure her mother with a comforting smile.

Then, Cookie looked at the younger one. "Sweetie Belle, remember to do your homework," she said with a stern yet affectionate look.

"Do you think I can go play with Apple Bloom after I finish my homework, Mom?" asked Sweetie Belle, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Of course, as long as you finish everything on time, okay?" her mother replied with a smile, gently stroking her hair.

"Thank you, Mom!" exclaimed the younger one, jumping.

"You're welcome, dear," said Cookie tenderly, returning the smile.

"Well, I'll leave you to continue with your activities," said her mother, starting to walk towards the door. "We'll call you later for dinner," she added with a wave goodbye.

"Yes, Mom!" exclaimed Sweetie, returning the gesture.

"Yes, Mother," Rarity nodded, with a gentle smile.

The youngest frowned, took a few steps, but stopped, looked at her sister. "Rarity?'"

"Yes, Sweetie?"

"..." The younger one hesitated, she's always wanted to ask something, but she decided to leave it for another time. "Forget it."

"Okay," replied Rarity a bit confused, shrugging with a kind smile.

"I'll leave you, sister," said Sweetie Belle before leaving, with a last glance over her shoulder.

Present

"Fortunately, the mark has disappeared," thought. She glanced at the board, another calculation; this time, she decided to take notes. "I wonder what Sweetie Belle wanted to ask me that day." The dressmaker continued writing; luckily, she did it in time, as seconds later the lights were turned on, and the projector was turned off. Then, the teacher ended the class.

Rarity left her classroom and headed to the cafeteria.

Upon arrival, she grabbed her tray and chose her lunch before heading to her usual spot in the cafeteria, which was two rows away from the Mane Six. Although she sometimes talked to Starlight and Trixie, or to Lyra and Bon Bon, Rarity was almost getting used to being alone at lunchtime.

What she should get used to is the weight of the gazes from the Mane Six during lunchtime, which made her uncomfortable.

The Mane Six stopped looking at the fashionista and began to eat and talk about trivial things, until Pinkie Pie wanted to talk about something she had noticed in recent weeks.

"Girls, doesn't it seem strange what Rarity is studying?" Pinkie asked, causing the others to raise their eyebrows in surprise.

The girls stopped their movements. Despite being an uncomfortable topic to discuss, they decided to find out what their party-loving friend meant.

"What do you mean by that, Pinkie?" Applejack asked, curious.

"You said you got literature with Twilight and Rainbow," Pinkie continued.

"It could be like Rainbow, who took an additional class for some particular liking, like Dash with Daring Do," Applejack tried to deduce, downplaying its significance.

"That's right, Rainbow gets excited about Daring Do's adventures," Fluttershy mentioned.

"Twilight always said that literature could broaden our horizons and other things," Rainbow added, trying to disguise her discomfort.

"Not only that, you could analyze and discuss not only Daring Do books but also other literary works," explained the bespectacled girl, moving her hands to emphasize her words.

"What she said," Rainbow added, slightly tangled by her friend's explanation, furrowing her brow slightly.

"And Twilight is in literature because..." Applejack wanted to explain, but she preferred her friend to explain.

The bespectacled girl lowered her head slightly. "You know I sometimes have trouble relating to others, and I thought that reading about characters facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, perhaps similar to mine, might help me feel identified and overcome my own obstacles," she explained.

"You've made progress in that, and I'm sure literature will help you," Sunset said, supporting her friend with a understanding smile. The others nodded with a smile.

"And what about the most striking thing... Sports?" Pinkie continued, returning to the initial topic, raising her eyebrows expectantly.

"It's true, in all the shared classes I didn't expect to see her there," Rainbow commented, nodding in agreement.

"And she was really bad at volleyball; next thing you know, she'll be trying out for soccer or basketball, and we all know how bad she is at sports," Sunset added, grimacing.

Applejack recalled the other day when she was straightforward with her. She didn't regret what she said, but the purple-haired girl seemed determined when she attempted the volleyball shot, so she figured Rarity wouldn't pay any attention to what she told her.

"And the hit she took," Fluttershy mentioned, feeling empathy.

"I kinda agree with what Pinkie said; I didn't bring it up earlier. The other day, I saw her leaving a class," Twilight said, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

"And...?" Pinkie prompted, expectantly.

"Just out of simple curiosity, I passed by to see what classes she was taking, and it was accounting," Twilight revealed, raising her eyebrows in surprise.

"Accounting?" Sunset asked, astonished. "That doesn't seem to have anything to do with fashion design."

"Exactly! I saw her leaving an accounting class," Twilight confirmed, nodding. "And I wondered the same thing. What does that have to do with fashion design?"

Applejack furrowed her brow in confusion. "It doesn't add up at all. When I saw her in marketing, I wasn't too surprised, and in art when I saw her, I was surprised since I didn't expect to share classes with her, but it made sense because of the drawings; that has a lot to do with designers," thought. "I remember we used to support her, and then..." she lowered her head, remembering, shook it to shake off that memory.

The girls exchanged confused looks as they tried to understand Rarity's class choices. But they didn't want to dwell on it because, despite not wanting to know anything about her, conversations about her always came up and made them uncomfortable.

Side B / Locker Hallways
After lunch, some of the girls headed to their lockers to prepare for the next class. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash stayed behind. Pinkie skipped down the halls, Applejack had something to attend to before her class, and Rainbow Dash wanted to take a stroll.

Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight were discussing classes as they approached the hallway where their lockers were located. They split up once they reached them.

Minutes later, Rainbow Dash arrived and approached Twilight and Sunset as they were organizing their things in their lockers.

"Hey, Rainbow!" greeted Sunset as she packed her backpack, while Twilight did the same next to her.

"Hey, guys, what if I just apologize and be done with it?" Rainbow asked, looking directly at Fluttershy.

"Apologize? What?" Twilight asked, a bit confused.

"To Fluttershy. I was thinking of apologizing, and maybe things will be sorted out," explained, not taking her eyes off the shy girl, with a hint of hope in her eyes.

"I don't think that would be a good idea," Sunset intervened, shaking her head slightly.

"Why not?" Rainbow asked, turning her head to look at both of them.

"Well, you might end up making the situation even worse," Twilight began. "Imagine if you apologize for something you think caused her distance, but then you mention something that makes her feel misunderstood. That could just make things worse."

"Ugh... hadn't thought of it that way," Rainbow admitted, thoughtfully. "I wouldn't want her to end up avoiding me or even rejecting group outings because of me."

"Have you tried inviting her out like before?" Sunset asked.

"No, it's like talking on Messenger," Rainbow replied, shrugging with some resignation.

"You should give it a try," Sunset suggested.

"Uh... I'm not sure," she hesitated.

"Where's the determined Rainbow Dash we know?" Twilight chimed in, with an encouraging tone.

"Yeah, Rainbow, are you going to let fear of a mistake hold you back? You're stronger than that," Sunset challenged.

The girl athlete stood firm at those words. "Yeah, I could give it a shot," said determinedly, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin with resolve.

"Remember to start with a good conversation starter," Twilight suggested.

"Come on, Twilight, who are you talking to?" Rainbow said, crossing her arms with arrogance.

Twilight signaled Rainbow to approach Fluttershy, who was taking some things out of her backpack. The girl athlete began walking forward.

"Do you think she'll make it?" Sunset asked, looking at the athlete with curiosity.

"If she chooses her words wisely, maybe," Twilight replied, watching as Rainbow headed toward Fluttershy.

Rainbow approached the animal lover with confidence, but as soon as she reached her side, she felt a knot in her stomach.

"Hey, Fluttershy," she greeted with a forced smile, leaning against a locker. "Have you seen the new murals in the gym? They're amazing!"

Twilight slapped her forehead and Sunset shook her head, fighting the urge to laugh at Rainbow's unexpected choice to start the conversation.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, I saw them," replied briefly before continuing to put her things away.

The athlete shifted her eyes a bit. "Did you like them? I thought the artist really captured the essence of... well, whatever they're trying to convey," commented.

Fluttershy glanced up briefly, but her gaze was distant. "Yes, they were fine," replied, returning to her task, leaving Rainbow feeling uncomfortable.

The athlete felt frustrated by her inability to maintain a meaningful conversation. "Well, is there anything more interesting that's happened lately?"

The pink-haired girl shook her head, not looking up. "Not really," responded as she now put some books in her backpack.

Fluttershy's lack of response left Rainbow feeling even more uneasy. "Ah, well... okay then," murmured, not knowing what else to say.

Rainbow glanced at Sunset and Twilight out of the corner of her eye, noticing Sunset signaling her with her hand in an attempt to bring up the other topic.

"Would you like to go to the movies this Saturday?" the athlete asked, a mix of hope and anxiety in her voice.

"The movies?" Fluttershy asked, apparently considering the idea.

"Yes! You could even pick the movie," Rainbow suggested, trying to sound enthusiastic.

The shy girl considered it for a moment. "That would be... wait, will Applejack and you be there?" asked.

"Well... she would have to be, although not necessarily," the athlete responded, trying to sound calm despite her nervousness. "It would be fun if we went out... if AJ goes, the three of us would have fun," she added, forcing a smile.

Fluttershy sighed regretfully. "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, I remembered I already have plans for that day. Maybe next time."

"Oh, okay. Next time then," responded resignedly.

Fluttershy closed her backpack and her locker. "I have to go, Rainbow Dash. See you later," said, turning around and walking away.

"Yeah, see you." Rainbow sighed, feeling frustrated.

After the animal lover went on her way, Sunset and Twilight approached.

"That was... um..." Sunset tried to find the right words, feeling empathy for her friend's situation.

"Your clothes and now murals," Twilight said incredulously, but with a hint of amusement in her tone.

"I just said what came to mind at the moment," Rainbow mentioned, trying to downplay it.

After the comment, Sunset frowned. "There were no murals, were there?" she asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"No, I made them up," Rainbow admitted.

"So, Fluttershy just played along with you," Twilight concluded with a raised eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation.

"It seems so."

Sunset frowned, surprised. "Really? That's odd," commented, thoughtfully.

Twilight nodded, reflecting on the situation. "Yes, it's a bit unusual."

"I was also surprised, but I was more focused on talking about something and then asking her why she played along," Rainbow confessed, with a tone of bewilderment in her voice.

In another hallway of lockers, Pinkie Pie was skipping along and greeting everyone as usual. Suddenly, she stopped upon seeing Rarity further ahead. She was close enough to be seen but far enough for the fashionista not to notice her presence. Pinkie thought about approaching, something she had wanted to do since Rarity returned. She lowered her head, lost in her thoughts.

Three years ago: That day

In the school hallway, the atmosphere was very tense. Pinkie Pie and the others were near a broken showcase, with Rarity standing in front of them, trying to explain.

"But listen, listen!" exclaimed Rarity, desperately trying to justify her actions. "There was a reason behind what I did. It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone."

Sunset interrupted sharply. "A reason? That doesn't justify anything, Rarity! You had no right to do what you did."

"Do you think that reason would change anything? You betrayed us. Or rather, you betrayed me. You can't just excuse yourself and expect everything to go back to how it was," said Rainbow, her voice filled with disappointment.

Remember how Fluttershy told you she considered you a friend. Those words echoed in Rarity's head. After that silence, Pinkie pulled something out of her pocket.

"Do you know what this is?" asked the party girl, with a serious tone.

"A deflated balloon?" Rarity asked.

"It's punctured, it's what you did. You punctured the balloon of joy... and friendship," said Pinkie with seriousness and a touch of sadness in her voice. "The friendship we had built together. I don't know if I can look at you the same way again..."

Remember how the fashionista had lowered her gaze and then turned it towards the blonde, who despite not saying anything, her silence spoke volumes, making Rarity feel the weight of her gaze. Within seconds, the fashionista's gaze returned to the party girl. "Pinkie, please understand... I don't know what came over me. It was a moment of weakness, a foolishness..."

"A foolishness?" Pinkie replied, her voice trembling with emotion. "Is that really an excuse, Rarity?"

The girls had nodded in agreement, showing expressions of disappointment on their faces. None found anything valid to justify the actions of the fashionista.

"We understand that people make mistakes, but what you did affected all of us. You failed us, Rarity. You failed us all," said Fluttershy, her voice full of sadness.

"Failed us? You have no idea what you're saying! I..." she began to protest, but the stern looks from her friends left her speechless.

Pinkie was surprised by what the fashionista said at that moment. She still remembers the harsh words Rainbow and Twilight said to her for that sudden attitude. Maybe before she didn't understand why Rarity showed that side. But now Pinkie has an idea of why.

"I just... I..."

"You know why you can't say anything? It's because you have no excuses," declared Twilight, crossing her arms.

Present

"Maybe if I had one..." Pinkie murmured, still with her head down. She pushed that thought aside and began to take a few steps towards the fashionista.

As she approached, she looked around, observing the lockers and the students using them. Some were open, with students rummaging through or leaving their belongings. She saw a boy who seemed downcast and felt the urge to approach and cheer him up, but then noticed another student trying to do the same. She experienced a sense of déjà vu witnessing that scene.

Three Years Ago

Pinkie Pie walked through the hallways with a somber expression. Her friends immediately noticed the change from her usual bubbly demeanor.

"Are you okay, Pinkie?" Twilight asked, concerned.

Pinkie sighed, looking down. "I don't know, girls. I've been feeling a bit down lately. I can't shake the feeling that nothing I do is good enough."

"Oh, Pinkie, that can't be true!" exclaimed Rarity, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're the spark that brightens our lives. Without you, our adventures wouldn't be half as fun."

"But I feel like I'm always trying to be funnier, more exciting, and it's never enough," murmured Pinkie.

Rainbow gave her a friendly tap on the shoulder. "Pinkie, you're the best at being yourself. Don't try to be anything else, okay?"

Applejack, Fluttershy, and Sunset Shimmer, who had just arrived, joined the group, looking at the party girl with concern.

"Pinkie, are you alright? You don't seem very lively today," the girl farmer asked.

"Do you need a hug? We're here for you," Fluttershy said.

Pinkie let out a sigh. "I just feel a little disheartened lately, like I'm struggling to fit into a mold that just isn't mine."

"Hey, Pinkie, I get how you feel," began Sunset, sympathetically. "We all have days when we question ourselves. But remember, you don't have to be perfect or meet anyone else's expectations."

"Exactly. Darling, real fun doesn't come from trying to be someone else, it comes from being yourself," Rarity said softly. "You're unique, Pinkie, and that's what makes you so special."

The other girls nodded in agreement. With the support of her friends, Pinkie Pie felt a little light return to her heart. She knew that no matter what, she could always count on them to lift her spirits.

"Thanks, girls," Pinkie said with a sincere smile. "You always know how to make me feel better! I'm grateful to have such amazing friends like you!"

With a comforted smile, she looked at her friends with gratitude in her eyes, feeling the warmth and love they radiated.

Present

Exiting that memory, Pinkie paused her steps; a small doubt invaded her. "She betrayed our trust," she remembered Twilight's words. "I'm sure we can trust her again," she murmured to herself.

The party girl struggled between being loyal to her friends' words or following her gut feeling. She looked at the fashionista again and then glanced around, undecided about what to do. She stepped back, turning around, and began to walk quickly, bumping into some students along the way.

"Careful, Pinkie," said a boy with blue hair.

"Flash, sorry, I was... um..." Pinkie began, searching for an excuse. "I'm just in a hurry... I remembered I had rehearsal with the Rainbooms," Pinkie replied, trying to get out of the awkward situation.

"Aren't some of them supposed to have classes?" Flash asked.

"Then, wrong day. See you, guys," Pinkie bid farewell, hurrying off.

"What was that?" Ringo asked, furrowing his brow slightly.

"Pinkie being Pinkie?" Sandalwood suggested with a playful smile.

"That Pinkie is always in her own world," Brawly commented, chuckling. "You never know what to expect from her."

Flash's group began to walk, leaving Pinkie behind.

"Rarity..." Flash greeted, approaching with his friends.

"Flash, guys," Rarity responded, returning the greeting. The boys walked past. Then, Rarity returned her gaze to her notebook from the previous class. "Just when Mom asked about classes, I told her everything was fine, but now that I'm going to tell her...," thought with concern.

"Hey Rarity," greeted Lyra, snapping the fashionista out of her thoughts.

"Lyra..." Rarity greeted, looking up.

"Did you notice they're not talking about you anymore?" Lyra remarked. Rarity raised an eyebrow. "It's true that maybe we left out some things from the gossip and they could take what really happened out of context." added, smiling nervously.

After a few seconds, Rarity nodded. "Yes, it seems rumors can easily spiral out of control in this place, right? Fortunately, what happened wasn't big enough to be heavily gossiped about," she replied.

"Exactly," Lyra nodded. "People forget about these things quickly," she said optimistically, though in her mind, she thought that if the gossip was potent enough, it could linger.

"Yeah, you're right," Rarity said.

Lyra looked around. "For being the new girl who catches the attention of many, I'm surprised other students aren't approaching you to be your friend or go out with you," she commented curiously, changing the subject.

Rarity lowered her gaze, feeling a knot in her stomach. "As you said, I'm new here and still getting to know people..." responded cautiously.

"Well, you'll make more friends soon. If you consider me a friend or acquaintance, I'm still here if you need anything," Lyra offered.

"Thank you, Lyra," Rarity said gratefully. "Regarding dating someone, I admit I've seen many cute guys who caught my eye, but for now, I don't have any plans to date."

"Of course, Rarity! It's important to do what makes you feel most comfortable and happy," Lyra said kindly.

After the conversation, Rarity stored her things in her locker and then began to walk with Lyra through the university halls.

Parking lot
Once classes were over, the Mane Six gathered in the parking lot, waiting for their siblings.

Rainbow tried to force a smile as she spoke with Fluttershy. "I can't wait to see my sister. I'm sure she has something exciting to tell us," said.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, I'm sure she does," replied.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie watched her friends closely and frowned upon noticing the tension in the air. "Girls, are you okay? I can sense something in the air," commented, breaking the silence.

The other girls glanced at each other, knowing that Pinkie could tell when things were tense or when the girls were feeling down. Dash sighed. "Things have happened," she said.

"They're probably like this because exams are coming up," Twilight intervened, lying, knowing the real reason.

"Is it because of what Rainbow told us about Fluttershy? She must have tried something and failed," Pinkie thought. Always ready to lift spirits, she proposed an idea. "I have an idea! How about we have an outing on Friday? Plus, we get out earlier on Fridays. We could go see a movie or go out to dinner together," she suggested enthusiastically.

The girls nodded in agreement, looking forward to the idea of spending time together. Twilight and Sunset glanced at the animal lover and the athlete. If Rainbow couldn't invite her, at least going out together would be the next best thing.

After agreeing, the girls headed to their respective vehicles, except for Rainbow and Applejack, who were still in the same place.

The farmer let go of Rainbow's arm, and the athlete stepped back a bit. "See you later," Rainbow said, her voice neutral.

"See you," Applejack replied with a faint smile, watching Rainbow walk away before joining Pinkie, who was waiting with a bright smile.

Sunset watched the scene from her motorcycle. "Okay, that's the most normal...," muttered to herself. "Seriously, that already—" her thoughts were interrupted when he saw the pink haired girl

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were the only ones without vehicles. There was no problem with Pinkie, as she would go with Applejack, while Fluttershy could only walk or take a taxi, unless her friends suggested giving her a ride.

"Fluttershy, do you want a ride?" suggested.

Fluttershy, with a slight expression of nervousness on her face, replied, "Speed isn't my thing, but still, thank you... I hope it doesn't bother you."

"Sure thing, don't worry," Sunset said, offering a sympathetic smile. "It's funny how in some mechanical games she likes speed."

Just then, Twilight approached. "I can give you a ride," offered kindly.

"Thank you, Twilight," Fluttershy accepted, grateful for her friend's suggestion. "Spike still hasn't arrived?"

"No, not yet," Twilight replied.

"Goodbye, Sunset, and sorry again," the pink-haired girl bid farewell, heading towards Twilight's car with a apologetic expression.

"Goodbye, and don't worry," Sunset replied with a smile, watching Fluttershy walk away.

The blonde reached her truck and stood next to the party girl, both leaning against it.

"Pinkie, are you okay?" Applejack asked, watching her cousin closely.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" Pinkie replied, trying to maintain a smile on her face.

"You suggested we go out on Friday, besides cheering up the others as you always do, is also for you, something is wrong, isn't it?" the blonde pointed out.

"Oh, well, um..." she hesitated, trying to find the right words.

"Do you want to talk about it?" the blonde asked, with a tone of understanding.

"How could I bring up Rarity's example without her noticing?" thought. She knows her cousin can recognize when someone is lying. "Could it be a no for now?" asked, with a nervous smile. It wasn't really a lie.

"Alright, but isn't it something I should be concerned about?" the blonde insisted, showing her concern.

"No, there's nothing to worry about," Pinkie assured her.

Applejack knew there was something, but she respected her wish not to talk about it for the time being, so she decided to leave it at that.

With the conversation over, they continued to wait until finally the sisters, or in Twilight's case, the brother, arrived in the parking lot and got into their respective vehicles.

Getting out at a corner from Twilight's car and bidding farewell, Fluttershy headed to her house's door. She opened the door and entered with a sigh of relief. Instantly, she was greeted by her mother, who was preparing something in the kitchen.

"Hello, dear! How was your day?" asked with a warm smile.

Fluttershy returned the smile. "It was... fine, mom," she replied.

From the living room, her father's voice was heard. "Fluttershy, you're home!" he greeted happily. "I hope you had a good day."

"Yes, dad, thank you," she replied as she made her way up the stairs to her room.

Upon reaching the hallway, she encountered her younger brother, Zephyr, who was busy playing his guitar in his room.

"How's it going, Flutters?" Zephyr greeted with a carefree smile.

The pink-haired girl returned the greeting with a small smile. "Hi, Zephyr," she replied.

Unlike Fluttershy, Zephyr had chosen not to attend college and instead decided to work.

"How was work?" She asked.

"Not bad, the day flew by," her brother responded. "And how was your day?" he asked.

"Ah... the usual, nothing new to report," she replied kindly, still thinking about her conversation with Rainbow. "I'm going to my room," she said before heading to her own room.

Once inside, she closed the door behind her and flopped down on her bed with a sigh. "I almost thought it would work..."

The conversation with Rainbow had been uncomfortable, like many others lately. She had hoped that the movie invitation would be an opportunity to reconnect, but once again, things didn't go as she had hoped.

The animal lover closed her eyes, recalling every word of the conversation. Her attempts to keep the conversation light, her forced smile. But no matter how hard she tried, there was always a barrier between them, a distance.

"I knew how it was all going to end," muttered to herself, feeling the weight of disappointment on her shoulders.

She got up from the bed and walked over to her desk. There, lay a small framed photograph.

The photo showed Fluttershy alongside Rainbow Dash and her other four friends, smiling and laughing together. They had been taken at a happier time. But now, looking at the photo, she realized how much things had changed.

A pang of sadness pierced her heart as she looked at the image. How had they come to this point? How had they gone from being best friends to barely being able to hold a conversation?

With a resigned sigh, Fluttershy put the photo back in its place and sank into her chair. She couldn't help but feel nostalgic for the good times, but she also knew she had to accept the reality of the situation.

Chapter Text

It was already Friday and, as they had agreed during the week, they all met at the entrance of the mall. After waiting for everyone to arrive, they finally decided to go in to enjoy their outing together.

"Wow, it's been so long since we came to the mall together!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed with enthusiasm, jumping up and down with joy.

"Yes, it's going to be great!" Fluttershy agreed with a smile.

Sunset looked around, observing the stores. "It's nice to go out and do something fun together."

"Totally," Twilight agreed. "It's good to take a break from our studies once in a while."

As they walked through the corridors full of stores, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were a little behind the group, chatting with each other.

"What do you think about going to that electronics store?" suggested the farmer, pointing to a store that displayed the latest technological gadgets.

Rainbow glanced at the pink-haired girl; it seemed that Pinkie was asking her to go with her. They were all together, so if she hadn't managed to invite her during the week of classes, at least she could try to strike up a conversation with her. She looked at the farmer to respond. "Fine by me."

Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Pinkie decided to venture to a candy store they had seen nearby, excited about the prospect of enjoying some sweet treats together.

"Look! They have a great variety of candies!" Pinkie exclaimed, pointing to the shelves full of sweets.

Fluttershy smiled shyly and nodded. "Yes, they look very delicious."

The party girl picked up a handful of different flavored candies and put them in a bag. "Let's try a little bit of everything!"

Twilight stopped in front of a bookstore and was mesmerized by the books adorning the shelves. "Oh, look at all these novels," she whispered in admiration.

Sunset approached her and smiled. "Do you want to go in and take a closer look?"

Twilight nodded, and together they entered the bookstore to explore the titles and immerse themselves in the stories.

Meanwhile, Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued exploring the electronics store, examining the latest models of phones and tablets with interest.

"Have you seen these new headphones?" Applejack pointed to a particular model on the shelf. "They say they have incredible sound quality."

"Uh-huh," Rainbow responded, barely paying attention.

"Is something wrong?" asked the blonde, noticing how distracted Rainbow was.

"Uh-huh," murmured again, her gaze lost in the store's horizon.

Seeing that the athlete wasn't paying attention, Applejack decided to change her approach.

"I hope you don't consider this as the group date you wanted to have," said the farmer, crossing her arms and looking at her intently.

"Uh-" Rainbow started until she processed what her girlfriend had said. "What?!" exclaimed in surprise.

"It's what you said the other time," Applejack continued in a firmer tone. "And now you're finally listening to me."

"Seriously, blondie, you're bringing this up now?"

"It's just that you seem more distracted than usual on our dates," Applejack said, showing her frustration.

"Wait, is that why you suggested coming to the electronics section? To talk about this?" Rainbow asked, frowning.

"Not exactly. You seemed distracted, and I thought, 'Hey, maybe I need to talk to my girlfriend to see if something's wrong,' and since you weren't listening, I brought up this topic," she explained, with a hint of irritation in her voice.

"Ah... you could have just asked me earlier," Rainbow said, annoyed.

"Okay, maybe I should have done it differently," the farmer admitted, still visibly upset. "Is everything okay? Does it have something to do with Fluttershy or is it something else?" she asked in the same tone.

"How do you know about that?" the athlete asked.

"It's pretty obvious," Applejack replied, with a mix of annoyance and concern in her voice.

"I'll just say, I don't know exactly what's going on," Rainbow said, frustrated.

"You don't know exactly what's going on? What kind of answer is that?" Applejack asked, her tone harder.

"It's the honest answer, I don't know what's wrong with Fluttershy," Rainbow replied, growing more upset.

Applejack took a deep breath. "Alright... any progress on that?" she asked, more calmly.

"Nothing," Rainbow replied, frustrated.

"Okay."

They stayed silent for a moment.

"So?" Applejack asked, trying to break the silence.

"So?" the athlete replied.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Maybe we should have another outing. Last time I canceled, and I told you about that place. Plus, you haven't suggested any place."

"Alright, let me think," Rainbow responded, with a serious look.

"And don't even think about suggesting a bar," she added, with a warning tone.

Rainbow frowned, about to say something, but decided to keep it to herself. "How about going bowling?" she finally proposed.

After exploring the stores for a while, the Mane Six gathered in the center of the mall.

"Well, where do we go now?" Applejack asked, looking at her friends with a smile.

"We could go to the games and then the food court," suggested Pinkie enthusiastically.

"Or to the food court and then the games," proposed Twilight thoughtfully.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "I vote for the games," she affirmed with determination.

Sunset nodded. "I say we eat first," she added.

The girls looked at Fluttershy and Applejack, waiting for a tiebreaker.

"I'm fine with either option," said Fluttershy in her usual soft voice.

Applejack smiled. "I'm also okay with either option," added.

"seriously!" complained Rainbow, looking at her girlfriend.

"You asked me to decide, and I did," the farmer responded calmly.

"Why don't we play Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide? It's fair," suggested Sunset, trying to mediate.

"Yes, I love that idea! Let's play!" exclaimed Pinkie, excited.

The others nodded. After several rounds, they finally came to a decision. In the end, they decided to go to the games first and then have lunch.

What the Mane Six didn't know was that in another part of the mall, a girl with wavy violet hair was with her family.

Cookie was leading the expedition, carefully looking at each storefront, while Sweetie Belle and Rarity followed her excitedly, occasionally stopping to look at the displayed products.

"Look at this beautiful dress!" exclaimed Sweetie Belle, pointing to an elegant dress in one of the shop windows.

Cookie stopped next to her, evaluating the dress. "It's quite striking, but don't you think it's a bit too much for you, Sweetie?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rarity joined the group, examining the dress with expertise. "I agree with Mother. Maybe you should look for something more suitable for your age," she suggested while adjusting her purse.

Hondo approached. "Well, Sweetie, how about that outfit we saw in the previous store? I think it would look great on you," he recalled with a smile.

Sweetie Belle nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I loved that outfit. Let's go find it," said excitedly.

As they continued exploring the mall, the Belles enjoyed their time together, taking advantage of this rare opportunity for a family outing since their return to the city.

As the girls entered the arcade, they found themselves immersed in a lively environment full of bright lights. Around them, they saw a variety of arcade games, from classic pinball machines to the most modern virtual reality games. The sound of coins dropping into machines and the laughter of players filled the air with joy.

"This looks awesome!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie with enthusiasm, pointing towards the various options in front of them.

Fluttershy smiled shyly as she observed the bright Air Hockey table in the corner of the arcade. "I think I'd like to try this game," she said, pointing to the table.

Twilight nodded enthusiastically. "Great! It looks fun. Let's play."

Together, they approached the table, where Twilight inserted some coins and picked up a plastic mallet. Fluttershy chose the other mallet with an eager smile. Each of them hit the puck with the mallet. The pink-haired girl moved gently, while Twilight adopted a more focused stance, calculating each move.

Meanwhile, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Sunset headed toward the basketball machine, where they could score as many shots as possible in a given time. Each one had a ball in hand, ready to have fun.

"Come on girls, let's start the fun!" exclaimed Sunset, smiling with excitement.

"Yeah, I'm ready for a good time!" added Rainbow, preparing to throw her first ball.

Applejack nodded. "This is gonna be great! Let's see who can make the most baskets!"

They started throwing the balls, enjoying the game and cheering each other on. Each one tried to make the best plays.

Applejack threw the ball hard, but it bounced off the rim and flew away. The blonde frowned as she missed.

"Almost got it! You were so close," commented Sunset.

"I know, I almost had it! Oh well," responded Applejack.

Rainbow, with determination, concentrated to throw. "You know, this could be like our training for when we start with basketball," she said almost jokingly.

"Yeah, definitely! But we still don't know what's next after volleyball. Soccer or basketball?" said Sunset. After Rainbow, Sunset took another ball and positioned herself to shoot towards the hoop.

"Hmm, good question," said Applejack, waiting her turn.

With Twilight and Fluttershy nearly finishing their game, they moved the mallet, exchanging laughs and comments as they tried to win.

Finally, after an exchange of hits, Twilight managed to score the last point, securing her victory. Fluttershy congratulated her friend on a game well played.

The two moved away from the Air Hockey table, looking for another game that was free to play.

Pinkie Pie was immersed in one of the virtual reality shooting games, moving from side to side while exclaiming, "Pow! Pow! Take that, villains!" She took a few steps back as if avoiding attacks. "I'm on a winning streak!" she said after shooting again, then jumped for joy when she hit the last enemy.

After taking off the virtual reality visor, Pinkie looked around, her eyes lighting up with joy when she spotted the Dance Dance Revolution machine. As she approached, she saw Fluttershy and Twilight.

"Hey girls, want to play?" asked Pinkie, excited, pointing to the dance machine.

"Sure," said Twilight, looking at the machine. "This is your favorite, isn't it?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, I love it," responded Pinkie with joy.

"Who goes first?" asked the pink-haired girl.

"Why don't you go first, Fluttershy?" suggested Pinkie.

"Okay," the animal lover agreed.

Both stepped onto the platform and, after inserting the coins, began to move to the rhythm of the music in an exciting game of Dance Dance Revolution. Twilight watched.

After a few minutes of fun, Sunset thought about leaving the couple alone. "Girls, I'm going to try another game," she announced. "But you keep having fun, see you later."

"Sure," said Rainbow with a smile.

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, see you later."

As Sunset walked away, the farmer looked at the athlete. "What do you think, Rainbow? Ready to compete?" Applejack challenged with a smile, inserting more coins to start the game from scratch.

Rainbow accepted the challenge with a determined look; she would never turn down one. "Of course! Get ready to lose, Blondie."

Both began throwing the ball skillfully, competing with each other to see who could score the most points. The competition between the farmer and the athlete intensified with every passing second.

"That's another point for me! Can you feel the pressure?" the athlete teased, with an arrogant smile on her face.

Applejack frowned, focusing on her next throw and scoring. "Oh, I'm sorry, Dash, did you think I was going to let you win that easily? You're about to see what I can do."

As Sunset walked, she saw her three friends at the Dance Dance Revolution machine. Fluttershy watched with curiosity, while Twilight tried to keep up with the rhythm but couldn't match Pinkie's moves, who was dominating the game. The party girl won again and then saw her other friend.

"Hey, Sunset! Want to join us? It's one of my favorite games, and I want a challenge!" exclaimed Pinkie, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The red-and-yellow-haired girl approached them. "Sure, why not?" she replied with a smile.

"Let's see if you can beat her," Twilight said as she stepped down from the platform, looking exhausted and leaning on her knee.

"Let's see if I can," Sunset chuckled lightly, seeing her friends tired. She stepped onto the platform and prepared for the challenge. Pinkie inserted another coin into the machine to start the game.

"It still amazes me how Pinkie doesn't get tired with all her movements," commented Twilight with a tired smile.

"I guess we shouldn't be surprised anymore, but she still manages to," said Fluttershy with a small laugh. "It's like Rainbow and sports."

"Exactly. Many wonder how she doesn't get tired. Well, she used to, but her body got used to the effort, and most people don't consider that it's not all physical; she must learn some psychological skills," Twilight continued.

"That doesn't exempt her from getting hurt by overexerting herself," expressed Fluttershy with a bit of concern.

"You know Rainbow, despite being a bit irresponsible, knows her limits. She wouldn't overexert herself unless she wanted to, but it has never happened," Twilight explained, nodding.

"You're right," Fluttershy said, relaxing a bit.

"By the way, where could she be?" Twilight wondered, frowning as she looked around.

"She might be at another game, or if Applejack isn't here, they might be together," Fluttershy deduced, shrugging.

"That's most likely," Twilight said, thoughtfully. "Hmm... Fluttershy has been with Pinkie and me, and for now, it seems they haven't spent much time together. We still have the afternoon for something to happen, and if not, another day it will be." Twilight looked back to see if she could spot Rainbow, then turned her attention back, glancing sideways at the pink-haired girl. "What could have happened? Rainbow said it all started when she arrived at Canterlot's Side A. Although they were still close, at some point something happened that made Fluttershy distance herself, and now they can barely talk. It really surprised me when I saw them talking that day. You could feel the tension and awkwardness in the air..." she thought, recalling the conversation. "Wait, Fluttershy was about to accept Dash's outing until she mentioned Applejack... Hmm, it has something to do with Applejack," she came out of her thoughts, still needing to analyze the situation to know if her blonde friend was really involved. She then turned her attention to Pinkie and Sunset's showdown.

In another part of the arcade, the shots continued, quick and precise, as both girls tried to outdo each other. However, as the score evened out, the atmosphere became more tense.

"You're cheating, Rainbow! It's obvious you're shaking the machine to favor yourself!" accused Applejack, frustrated by her lack of success.

Rainbow frowned, indignant at the accusation. "That's ridiculous, Applejack! You're making excuses because you can't keep up with me. But I'm not going to let you get away with it."

The argument intensified, with both girls exchanging insults and accusations as the competition became more aggressive.

The other four girls had reached the basketball machine. After playing, they decided to look for the two remaining girls until they found them, but not as they expected.

"Oh no, not again," said Twilight, frowning and shaking her head.

"I think we should've gone to the food court," commented Pinkie with a frustrated grimace at seeing both girls immersed in the argument.

"I guess it's my fault for leaving them alone at that game," admitted Sunset.

"Are they really going to start this again?" Fluttershy commented with a worried tone before heading towards her two friends.

The four knew well how competitive Applejack and Rainbow Dash could get when they challenged each other; sometimes it bothered them, but they were their friends, so they had to accept that competitive side of them.

"Girls, shouldn't we relax a bit?" Fluttershy timidly intervened, trying to calm them down.

But Applejack and Rainbow were too caught up in their rivalry to listen to her. They continued arguing, ignoring the rest of the group watching them.

Fluttershy looked at Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie, hoping one of them would try to stop them. Sunset was about to take the initiative to stop the argument, but was surprised to see the party girl step forward and address the two.

"That's enough, girls!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie finally, raising her voice to be heard. "This was supposed to be a fun outing with friends, not a damn cockfight!"

Pinkie's words seemed to snap Applejack and Rainbow out of their trance. They looked at each other, taking deep breaths as they put aside their rivalry.

These are some of the few times Pinkie is seen angry, and it always surprises her friends, as she is usually the cheerful and euphoric one in the group, and doesn't seem to worry much about what happens.

"You're right, Pinkie," admitted Applejack. "We should relax and enjoy our time together."

Rainbow nodded with a smile. "Yeah, we definitely need to chill out a bit. How about we go grab something to eat as we planned?"

The others nodded in relief, grateful that the tension had dissipated. Together, they left the games behind and headed to the mall's food court, ready to enjoy a relaxed meal.

The Belle family was strolling through the clothing store, observing the different styles. Cookie, always with a critical eye, examined the garments closely, while Sweetie Belle and Rarity made comments and pointed out things that caught their attention.

"Oh, look at those shoes! They're perfect for your outfit, Rarity," suggested her younger sister, pointing to a pair of elegant heels.

Rarity smiled and nodded. "You're right, Sweetie!" She looked at the heels and then said, "But I think I have a similar pair at home, so I'll leave these for someone who really needs them."

Sweetie Belle nodded and headed to the blouse section.

The fashionista continued browsing clothes with Cookie following closely. "Look, Mother, that dress is absolutely charming!" exclaimed Rarity, stopping in front of an elegant evening gown.

Cookie, with a thoughtful smile, nodded. "Yes, dear, it's very pretty. But remember, you need something you can wear both for special occasions and day-to-day."

"I know, Mother, I'm just admiring the craftsmanship," replied Rarity.

Meanwhile, Hondo, the only man in the group, watched patiently from the side, observing with interest the women's choices.

"Are you looking for something?" asked a sales assistant nearby with a friendly smile.

Hondo nodded with a smile. "Yes, we're looking for some clothes for my daughters and my wife. It's a family shopping day," he replied.

The assistant paused and commented with curiosity, "You're the only man in the family, right?"

Hondo chuckled softly. "That's right, I'm the only man among all these women. Imagine what it's like at home!"

The assistant smiled understandingly. "I completely get it. I'm the only woman in my family, so I know how it feels."

Hondo nodded in solidarity. "It's a challenge, but at the end of the day, they mean everything to me."

The assistant nodded with a smile. "Exactly, family is the most important thing."

"Dad, look," Sweetie Belle exclaimed, holding out a shirt.

"Have a nice day, sir." The assistant smiled as she bid farewell and walked away to continue her work. Hondo nodded gratefully to the assistant as she walked away, then turned towards his younger daughter and began to walk towards her.

"What do you think?" she asked, holding a plaid shirt in front of her. "Do you think this color suits me?"

Her father looked at the shirt. "Hmm, it's not bad, but I think a lighter tone would suit you better," he suggested.

"You're right," the younger girl agreed.

Meanwhile, Rarity couldn't resist having a little fun. She picked up a black leather jacket she had been eyeing, walked over to her father, and put it on him. "What do you think, Dad? Do you think this style suits you?" she asked, barely containing her laughter.

Hondo chuckled softly. "I think these are a bit too much for me, Rarity. But they'd look great on you."

"Oh, come on, Dad! Just try it for fun," Sweetie Belle urged.

Hondo decided to join in the fun and put on the jacket, causing laughter among the women in the family. He looked at himself in the nearest mirror and, to everyone's surprise, he looked quite good. "Not bad. What do you think, Cookie?"

Cookie couldn't contain her laughter at seeing her husband in the leather jacket. "I think it's an interesting look, dear," replied with a smile.

"You're quite the gentleman, Dad," added Sweetie Belle.

Rarity took out her phone and captured the moment with a photo. "This definitely goes into my favorite memories," said with a smile.

"Rarity, can you send it to me so I can share it with Auntie?" the youngest requested.

"It would be better to keep it private for now. Maybe we can share it later," said Hondo, embarrassed by the situation.

"Yes, it's better not to involve her right now. You know how my sister is, always so... cautious," Cookie responded seriously.

After having fun trying on different clothes and taking pictures for memories, the Belle family finally decided on the items they would take home.

Rarity watched attentively with her parents as the items were being checked out at the register. The cashier indicated the total, and she was ready to pay, but suddenly, her parents exchanged worried looks.

"Don't you have the card, dear?" her mother asked, frowning as she checked her purse.

Hondo searched his pants pocket and shook his head.

"Could it be that we left it in the car?" Rarity quickly deduced, trying to stay calm.

"Possibly, we might have dropped it while checking that we had everything," said her father, putting a hand to his forehead.

"Rarity, dear, could you go fetch it?" her mother asked.

The fashionista nodded with determination. "Of course, Mother. Don't worry, I'll be back in a minute," she replied firmly, before turning and heading towards the store exit.

However, as she started walking, she was abruptly interrupted when she encountered the Mane Six, who appeared unexpectedly in her path. Her heart skipped a beat upon seeing them.

"Rarity!" exclaimed Pinkie with surprise, catching the attention of the rest of the group.

The other gazes turned towards Rarity, and she found herself caught in the center of their attention.

Rarity took a deep breath, determined to address the uncomfortable situation. "Girls, I've been wanting to talk to you..." she began, but before she could finish her sentence, the girls started walking away.

The fashionista clenched her fists. "Wait...!" exclaimed, her brow furrowed. "I really want to apologize for what happened," she said with a tone of desperation. "I'm truly sorry, but..."

Some of the girls abruptly stopped, turning to look at her with clearly visible expressions of annoyance on their faces.

"But?" Twilight asked incredulously.

"A 'but' in an apology? Seriously..." said Sunset, her voice containing a mixture of surprise and disbelief.

Rarity realized what she had said and grimaced at her mistake. "I misspoke, that's not how I wanted it to sound," she admitted.

"It's not just that, you approach us as if nothing happened, and it's not the first time," Applejack interjected, with an indifferent tone.

Fluttershy nodded sadly. "I don't know if I'm ready to listen to you."

Pinkie nodded silently, her eyes reflecting a mix of compassion and sadness. The athlete just sighed and looked at her seriously.

Twilight sighed and commented, "You know we always supported you and you..." Pinkie and the others, upon hearing those words from Twilight, looked at her.

Three years ago: that day

Fluttershy, Pinkie, Sunset, and Twilight were walking through the school hallways. After a while of walking, they saw Rarity taking a sip of water from the cooler and noticed her popping a pill into her mouth. The four of them had the same thought and approached their friend.

"Hey, Rarity!" greeted Pinkie.

Rarity didn't respond as she was still drinking water. After swallowing, her friends continued to inquire.

"Are you okay, Rarity?" asked Fluttershy softly, noticing the tension in her friend's shoulders.

"As if you care," Rarity muttered without thinking, feeling her friends' gaze on her.

"What?" Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow.

The fashionista blinked. "Nothing... I just have a headache..." she corrected, looking at her friends.

The four of them observed the dark circles under her eyes and the tired expression on her face. They knew she had been going through a tough time with stress and also because of her breakup with Applejack.

"You should take some time to rest," suggested Sunset.  "That way you won't stress out so much."

"We're here for you, Rarity. If you need anything, just let us know," commented Twilight nervously. She was worried about her friend.

Rarity felt overwhelmed by her friends' support, but at the same time, a sense of loneliness washed over her. "Thanks, girls," she said with a weak attempt at a smile.

"We care about you, Rarity," said Fluttershy, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder, although for some reason, she felt uneasy doing so.

"I hope Pinkie's words helped her; I wish I had been there to support her,"  thought Twilight.

Despite feeling the support of her friends, Rarity sensed a tense atmosphere, and the others noticed it too.

Rarity discarded the cup in the trash can. "I think I should get some fresh air," she said, though her voice sounded more subdued than usual.

The girls nodded understandingly as Rarity walked away, but once she was out of earshot, they began to exchange worried glances.

"Tell me I wasn't the only one who felt that?" Twilight asked, letting out a sigh.

"That tension in the air? Something didn't seem right," said Fluttershy with concern.

Sunset nodded slowly. "Yeah, we all definitely felt it. Do you think it has something to do with her breakup with Applejack?"

"I think that's the most obvious explanation," said Pinkie, looking downcast. "The dark circles and she seemed like she had been crying recently."

"Yeah, you're right; I don't know why I asked. She's also been stressed, but I think we can put that aside," admitted Sunset.

"Yeah, that might not be related, but it's also because of Applejack and Rainbow," added Twilight. "I hope there hasn't been any tension between them."

"Maybe we should talk to her about it," suggested Fluttershy.

With that decision made, the girls set off to find Rarity and make sure she was okay. However, none of them could imagine the chain of events that would unfold in the next few hours.

The girls stopped looking at Twilight and directed their gaze at Rarity.

"That's right, you made them, and I handled it poorly," said the fashionista, acknowledging what had been said. "Mistake after mistake," she thought sadly.

"And now onto your 'but'," said the athlete seriously. "Tell me, Belle... was anyone forcing you?"

"Forcing...?" wondered the fashionista. Rainbow looked at her with a furrowed brow, and that's when Rarity realized what she meant and lowered her gaze.

After taking a breath, Rarity walked through the hallways. She stopped, took a deep breath. She knew she would encounter the others. That feeling of hearing them flooded back to her. She lowered her head, her gaze shifting to the showcase displaying an important trophy for the institution.

An idea crossed her mind. As she got closer, she felt an internal struggle. She quickly stepped away from it, shaking her head to push those thoughts away.

"What am I thinking," she muttered to herself, clenching her fists with determination, taking steps back.

Rarity moved away from the showcase, resisting the urge to give in to her darker desires. She knew that making that impulsive decision would only bring trouble.

The girls headed to the locker hallway after waiting for Rarity to take a few minutes to talk, each with a heavy heart due to the inexplicable tension they had perceived in their interaction with her.

Finally, they reached the locker hallway, where they saw Rarity picking up books from her locker with a serious expression. The girls exchanged glances before approaching their friend. They wanted to address the issue of Applejack and Rainbow subtly. Despite their own concerns, they made an effort to keep smiles on their faces.

"Hi Rarity... again," Pinkie began a bit nervously, feigning a smile.

"Hi, girls. Is there something else?" Rarity asked, glancing at them out of the corner of her eye and returning her attention to her locker.

The girls exchanged sidelong glances and nodded.

"Rarity... I know things have been a bit... difficult for you lately," Twilight began. "Sometimes, relationships can be a real challenge, but we're here for you."

It took the fashionista a few seconds to understand what they were referring to; she simply listened.

"We want you to know that we're here for you. Friends are there to support each other, right?" expressed Sunset.

Rarity opened her eyes a bit wider but returned to her previous expression, not commenting and once again just listening.

"Exactly. We know things can be a bit confusing. If you need to talk about anything, you can always count on us," said Fluttershy.

"Of course! Friends are always there to help each other, even when things are a bit complicated. So, even though we may not fully understand what you're going through, we're here for you, Rarity," Pinkie concluded.

The girls waited nervously for her response. Despite offering her support, they felt that tension again. For some reason, Rarity turned her head in the opposite direction and seconds later looked at the girls.

"I know you'll be there," the fashionista finally responded with a half-smile.

The girls' words dissipated into the air, leaving a feeling of discomfort floating around Rarity. Just then, the sound of footsteps approached.

the fashionista looked up and saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash walking hand in hand. A wave of emotions flooded her immediately.

Rarity directed her gaze towards the blonde. However, Applejack seemed unable to meet her gaze. Her eyes shifted away, avoiding any eye contact with the fashionista.

Meanwhile, the athlete, although not showing the same avoidance as the farmer, also didn't seem entirely comfortable. Still, she kept her gaze fixed on Rarity, without looking away.

Applejack tried to break the silence, asking curiously, "What are you talking about?"

Sunset quickly responded, "Rarity was telling us about her designs," trying to hide the real reason.

The farmer frowned at the mention and turned her head.

Rainbow Dash continued the conversation. "Have you finished your designs already?"

"I just have a few more, and I'm ready," Rarity replied.

A silence fell.

Pinkie tried to break the silence and the tension that seemed to be returning now that they were all together again. "And then you'll see that you'll be recognized for your designs."

"Yes, of course you will," said Fluttershy.

"I agree, but I suggest you take some time so you won't have a headache anymore," said Twilight.

"Are you still in pain? Maybe you should take some pills," Rainbow suggested. "I have some in my locker," she added, heading to her locker and entering the combination to open it.

Rarity, despite the tension, approached to tell her that she had already taken some, but she got distracted looking at the numbers of the combination. Upon opening it, Rainbow searched and pulled out some pills, turned around, and approached the fashionista to hand them to her.

"Thank you, I had already taken some, maybe I'll take them if it doesn't go away," Rarity replied.

Rainbow nodded. Applejack glanced at the fashionista for a moment and then quickly looked away, taking the athlete's hand and pulling her close. "We should do something else while we wait for the next class," the blonde suggested, for some reason, she couldn't look the fashionista in the eyes, faking a smile.

The fashionista didn't miss that attitude. "What about going to the cafeteria?" Rarity suggested.

"Huh?" Applejack expressed.

"To the cafeteria?" asked the party girl. Pinkie put a finger on her chin. "Girls! It's taco Wednesday!" she exclaimed with joy.

"Let's go then, and then we'll head straight to our class," said Twilight, accepting the suggestion.

"Maybe if we all have lunch together, the strange tension that's forming will calm down a bit," Sunset thought.

"I'm not going to miss it," said Rainbow, starting to walk.

"Rarity?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'll be right there, I'll put away the pills and follow you," Rarity said, pointing to her locker and walking towards it.

"Okay," Pinkie said, starting to walk with the others.

Once the girls were out of sight, Rarity lowered her head and thought about following them, but something else crossed her mind. "1,6,4," she murmured and glanced at the end of the hallway leading to another hallway where the showcase was. She looked back where the girls went, thought once again. She closed her eyes after a few seconds, opened them, closed her locker, and headed to the end of the hallway opposite to where the girls went.

Present
Rarity lifted her head, looking at the girls. "No, no one forced me to hide the trophy in your locker," she acknowledged.

Sunset, Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow looked at her with a serious expression, while Pinkie and Fluttershy looked at her with a sad expression.

"That's what I was hoping to hear," Rainbow affirmed with the same expression. "We didn't expect anything less from you."

"I think there's nothing more to talk about," said Sunset. The girls didn't say anything and started walking, but Rainbow stopped.

"You know... there's something I've wanted to tell you since you did that," she added, turning around. Rarity didn't say anything, just waited for her to speak. "I bet when you were with Applejack, you were just using her as a puppet, manipulating her everywhere, that you didn't even truly love her," she expressed.

That comment left Rarity stunned, while Applejack frowned at the remark. The other girls were also a bit surprised by the comment. With that said, Rainbow began to walk with the girls, leaving Rarity behind.

Rarity was paralyzed by the words, watching as the others left, not feeling her sister.

"Sister, do you have the card already?" Sweetie Belle asked, snapping Rarity out of her thoughts.

"What...?" Rarity asked absentmindedly.

"The card-," she was going to comment again, but stopped upon noticing something. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?" she asked, concerned.

"Why do you ask?" Rarity asked.

Her sister pointed to Rarity's face. "You have a tear on your face," she said.

The fashionista moved her hand to her face, and as Sweetie Belle said, there was a tear. She wiped it away and looked at her sister, who was looking for an explanation.

"You know, when I see something, I get very excited," she tried to explain.

Her excuse was not very believable, but Sweetie Belle bought it for the moment. "Okay, do you have the card then?"

"The card... The card!" Rarity exclaimed, remembering the initial reason they left the store. She began to walk towards the escalators.

The younger sister watched her sister, a little worried about how she saw her, but decided to put it aside. "I guess that's a no," she said, turning back to the store.

The girls sat at a table in the food court of the mall, enjoying their individually chosen meals while the hustle and bustle of the place mixed with their conversations. However, there was a palpable tension in the air since they encountered Rarity.

Pinkie nervously played with her food, glancing at Rainbow and Applejack, who were sitting together at the other end of the table. She decided to address the issue.

"Dash?" Pinkie called out to her friend.

"What's up, Pinkie?" the athlete responded, looking up from her food.

"Don't you think you went a little overboard up there just now?" Pinkie said.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Well... that thing you said about Rarity and my cousin. It seemed like a bit of a... harsh comment," Pinkie continued, firmly.

Applejack nodded slowly. "Yeah, Pinkie's right. That was a bit out of line... I felt a little uncomfortable with what you said," she added, furrowing her brow.

Rainbow frowned, feeling uncomfortable under her friends' gaze. "I didn't think you'd take it like that. Besides, don't tell me you don't think something similar when she showed that side of herself that time?".

"Probably in a different way, but the comment wasn't relevant," commented Sunset.

"We're upset, that's true, but that doesn't justify saying something like that," said Twilight, with an understanding gesture.

Fluttershy nodded. "It's important to be careful with what we say, especially when we're angry," she murmured.

"I wanted to tell her once, but she had just left town when I had the chance, and I mentioned it upstairs, but as they say, it wasn't relevant," said Rainbow, shrugging.

The girls nodded. With the atmosphere a little more relaxed, they continued with their meal, leaving behind the discomfort that had been present moments before.

Sweet Apple Acres

The afternoon was falling when Applejack and Rainbow Dash returned after spending the day with the other Mane Six. As they approached the house, the farmer noticed that her brother and Granny Smith were at the entrance of the barn, looking at something with a mixture of surprise and dismay. Applejack furrowed her brow and approached, with Dash following closely behind.

"What's going on here?" the farmer asked, not understanding what was happening.

"Oh, Applejack, Rainbow Dash. Look what Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have done," Granny Smith pointed out, indicating the inside of the barn.

Rainbow stepped forward to observe the painted apples while Applejack raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"Wow, this is... colorful," exclaimed Rainbow with a chuckle.

"What the heck have you done with the barn's apples?" asked Applejack.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom emerged from behind a pile of boxes, with a nervous smile.

"Hey, Applejack, Rainbow... What do you think of our natural art exhibition?" Scootaloo began.

"Scoot, what did you do with the barn's apples?" Rainbow questioned with a mixture of amusement and reproach.

Scootaloo shrugged. "Uh... well, we thought we could do something fun with them."

"We wanted to add a touch of creativity to the barn. You see, we thought we could do something fun with the apples and... well, here we are," explained Apple Bloom with a somewhat forced laugh.

"I'm sorry," Scootaloo apologized, lowering her head. Dash sighed and then gave her sister a light tap on the shoulder.

"Well, at least you tried to do something different. But next time, ask for permission before using the apples for artwork," said Rainbow.

"I appreciate your creativity, but now we have wasted apples and a mess to clean up," declared Granny Smith, shaking her head.

"Hey, look on the bright side," said Apple Bloom.

"What's that bright side?" asked Rainbow, raising an eyebrow.

"If Sweetie had agreed to come... it probably would have been even worse," said Scootaloo.

"I'm not sure about that," Big Mac commented with crossed arms.

"Probably not," Apple Bloom admitted.

"Was she going to come?" Applejack asked curiously.

"She was... but she had a family outing," revealed the younger Apple.

"That explains why she was at the mall," Rainbow thought with a furrowed brow.

"So, the Belles were inside the store" the farmer thought.

"Less talk, we need to clean up the mess," Granny Smith called attention, pulling the blonde and the athlete out of their thoughts.

Everyone started to help with cleaning up the mess the two younger ones had made. After the cleanup was finished, Rainbow asked her sister to clean her hands, as they were covered in paint. While waiting outside, near her car, Applejack approached to say goodbye.

"Remember we have plans for...," the farmer was going to continue.

"I know, on Sunday," Rainbow finished for her.

"Okay," Applejack nodded.

"Ready, we can leave now," Scootaloo said, approaching them.

"Did you say goodbye?" Dash asked, walking towards the driver's door.

"I did inside, goodbye Applejack," Scoot said, opening the passenger door.

"Goodbye, and to you too," she said, referring to Rainbow.

"See you," the athlete said, getting into the car.

Once inside, Dash started the car and reversed to head home, while Applejack made her way to the front door of her house.

Three years ago: that day

The seven friends walked through the hallways, chatting animatedly after the last class of the day. Rarity remained in the shadows, trying to go unnoticed while her heart pounded in her chest as she realized which hallway they were walking down.

"Girls, I just remembered something," said Rarity, breaking the conversation.

"Okay, see you later," responded Pinkie, as the girls stopped to listen to Rarity.

The athlete stopped in front of her locker. When she opened the door, her expression changed to one of confusion and surprise.

"What the heck happened here? Who put this trophy in my locker?" exclaimed Rainbow, carefully pulling out the trophy. The group of friends approached to see what was going on.

"What's going on?" asked Sunset, furrowing her brow as she saw what her friend was holding. "Isn't that the school trophy?"

"Dash, what's that in your locker?" asked Applejack.

"I have no idea!" Rainbow was visibly bewildered and upset by the situation.

Principal Mare happened to pass by the hallway at that moment and stopped upon hearing the commotion. "What's happening here?" she asked, approaching the group.

"Principal Mare, someone put this trophy in my locker and I have no idea who could've done it," explained Rainbow, showing the trophy.

The principal examined the trophy with a serious expression. "It's the trophy that was taken when the showcase was broken."

"What?!" exclaimed the girls in unison.

"A few hours ago, someone broke the showcase and stole the trophy," said the principal. "This is serious, Rainbow Dash. Come with me to my office immediately to discuss this."

"But I didn't do anything!" Rainbow was visibly distressed by the accusation.

"Principal, you should..." Twilight tried to intervene.

"I said immediately," the principal interrupted.

"But ahhh..." Rainbow followed Principal Mare with the trophy in her hands.

The other five girls exchanged worried looks among themselves. They knew something wasn't right, but they couldn't understand how a trophy had ended up in Rainbow's locker without her knowledge.

Meanwhile, Rarity watched the scene from a distance, feeling the weight of her guilt crushing her once again. "It's done, there's no turning back," she murmured to herself, feeling the anxiety overtaking her once more. "Not again," she said, heading towards an empty spot to sit down.

She felt a sudden increase in her heart rate, accompanied by trembling hands and difficulty breathing. A feeling of tightness in her chest. She struggled to control her breathing, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly to calm the overwhelming anxiety that consumed her. After a few moments, she managed to regain her composure.

Present

The dressmaker snapped out of her memory. She was sitting on her bed in her room, and she had been distracted since she returned home with her family from the mall, and she knew they noticed.

The dressmaker sighed. "That was one of my first anxiety attacks, I suppose it was a reflex from my actions," she said sadly.

Then she remembered what happened at the mall when she tried to apologize. "I was so desperate that I didn't even realize my words... I've never apologized... only to my parents."

The dressmaker got up and headed towards the stairs. On the first floor, she could hear the sound of the TV. When she walked a bit, she could see her parents were there.

She approached her parents with hesitant steps. She looked at her mother and father, who were sitting on the couch, absorbed in the television. With a nervous sigh, she broke the silence.

"Can we talk for a moment?" the dressmaker asked, trying to maintain her composure.

Cookie, always attentive to her children's affairs, sensed the tension in Rarity's voice and looked at her attentively. "Does it have something to do with university?" Cookie asked seriously.

Rarity glanced away for a moment. "Mother, for now, can we put that aside? It's something else that's bothering me," she said.

Seeing her daughter's expression, her mother decided to let it pass this time and muted the TV to listen to what her eldest daughter had to say.

"Do you remember what happened three years ago at school, right?" she asked, embarrassed.

Hondo and Cookie exchanged meaningful looks, remembering the situation that caused such a stir.

"Yes, we remember," replied Hondo seriously, while his wife nodded silently. "But you made up for your mistake in the past," he said with a smile.

"With you, yes," Rarity said, looking downcast.

"What do you mean, daughter, and what's this about?" Cookie asked.

"Well, when I went to my first day of university... I ran into the girls again," Rarity confessed.

Her parents widened their eyes in understanding. "That... sounds complicated," murmured Hondo empathetically, placing a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder.

"It is... and I've wanted to talk to them, but..."

"They... don't want to know anything?" Cookie asked with concern, anticipating the answer.

Rarity nodded sadly, feeling the weight of loneliness on her shoulders. "I don't know what to do. How can I apologize to them?" she pleaded, seeking guidance and support from her parents.

Hondo and Cookie exchanged a look full of understanding before enveloping Rarity in a comforting hug. Together, they would devise a strategy and suggestion on how to address the situation and repair the relationships with her friends.

Chapter Text

It was Sunday. Sunlight streamed through the window of a colorful room. Pinkie Pie's mind was in a turmoil as she tried to decide what to do.

"What am I going to do?" she murmured, pacing back and forth. "Maybe I should give it a chance."

A silence settled in.

"Perhaps I should try," Pinkie said. "But what if talking to Rarity makes my friends think I'm not being loyal to them?"

She stopped and turned toward the small stuffed crocodile lying on the bed.

"Oh, Gummy, what should I do? My friends don't want to know anything about Rarity, but she seems so remorseful..."

Gummy didn't respond.

"I know it's not easy, but... maybe, just maybe, if I talk to her and give her a chance, things could get better... or worse."

Pinkie sat on her bed, hugged her stuffed animal tightly. Her thoughts were tangled, but deep down, she felt she knew what she had to do.

"You're right, Gummy, maybe I should go out for a bit and clear my head. I wish I had work today at Sweet Snacks Café to distract me, but maybe having a milkshake will help me think."

Put Gummy back in his usual spot on the pillow, got up, took a coat just in case, and headed to the bedroom door to leave the house.

In another part of the city, a girl with wavy hair stepped out of her house.

"I'm going out for a while, I'll be back soon," the seamstress bid farewell to her family.

Rarity closed the door of her house with a sigh, trying to shake off the discomfort from her last encounter with the girls at the mall. She needed to clear her mind and decided that a walk in the park might help.

Sweet Snacks Café

Starlight and Trixie were walking in to buy some takeaway cappuccinos. While they waited for their order to be ready, someone caught the attention of the gray-haired girl.

"Isn't that Pinkie?" Trixie asked, pointing at her. Starlight followed her gaze with curiosity.

Pinkie was sitting at a table in the back of the café, playing with the straw of her milkshake. She looked thoughtful and a little disheartened.

"It does seem like her," Starlight nodded.

"Here are your cappuccinos!" the barista announced with a friendly smile.

"Thank you," they both responded, taking their cardboard cups.

They exchanged a glance and headed to the table of the downcast party girl.

"What's wrong, Pinkie?" Starlight asked.

The party girl sighed and looked at her friends with sadness. "Hi, girls," she greeted with a forced smile.

The two decided to sit across from Pinkie Pie to find out what was bothering the usually cheerful girl.

"What's going on? It's not normal to see you like this," Trixie commented, puzzled. "You're always so happy, bouncing around."

"Girls, what would you do if an old friend showed up who did things in the past and therefore your friends don't want anything to do with her?"

"Hmm... I don't know," the gray-haired girl said thoughtfully.

"It depends on what she did," Starlight added. "Does it have to do with Rarity?" she asked.

"How do you know?" Pinkie asked in surprise.

"Well, lately we've noticed that every time she tries to get close to you guys, you leave her behind before giving her a chance to interact," Starlight explained carefully. "At first, I thought you didn't notice her presence, but it became more and more apparent that something was going on there."

Trixie nodded.

"I really need advice, so I'll tell you what happened," the party girl said.

"Okay, we're listening," Starlight said.

"It all started with Applejack and Rarity..." Pinkie began. Took a deep breath. "In the past, they were a couple, but their relationship ended badly. Then, Rarity did something that upset us. She left and came back to town, things got even more complicated. And now, I don't know how to act." Spoke quickly and anxiously.

"Wow, slow down, Pinkie," Starlight requested.

"Yeah, I barely understood and I think I misheard," said the confused Trixie. "Because I thought I heard you say they were a couple."

"Okay, I'll start slower," Pinkie agreed. "And you didn't mishear, Trixie... AJ and Rarity were a couple."

"They were what!?" Trixie exclaimed in disbelief.

"Rarity... and Applejack?" Starlight asked, a little incredulous.

Pinkie nodded. "Well, it all started four years ago when we went with the Apples to the beach..."

Four years ago

The Apple and Pie families were enjoying a sunny day at the beach. The Pie parents stayed back at the rented house to rest. They preferred not to go out as much and enjoy the tranquility.

"Hey Maud, do you want to swim?" Pinkie asked.

"No, I'm going to take Boulder for a walk," Maud replied in her usual monotone voice as she held a small rock.

Pinkie nodded and turned to her other sisters. "And you, Marble?"

Marble nodded shyly.

"And you, Limestone?" the party girl asked.

"I'm going to stay here and make sure everything is in order. Someone has to watch our stuff," Limestone said firmly, crossing her arms.

"Alright. Enjoy keeping watch," Pinkie said with a smile.

"What if we go for some ice cream? It's hot," Apple Bloom suggested, brushing the sand off her feet.

Pinkie, who was about to walk into the sea, stopped and considered the idea. "Ice cream! That sounds delicious! I changed my mind, let's go for ice cream." She turned around.

"Good idea, Bloom," Applejack said, getting up and shaking the sand off her legs. "Do you want to come, Big Mac?"

"No, thanks. I'm going to stay here and swim a bit," Big Mac replied.

"Okay, does anyone else want to come?" the party girl asked eagerly.

Marble shook her head timidly and pointed to herself and the ocean waves. "I'm going to stay here, Pinkie. I'd rather swim for a while."

"And you, Granny Smith?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I'm going to rest under the umbrella for a while. I'm not up for walking around much anymore," Granny Smith said, settling into her beach chair.

"Alright, then we'll go for ice cream," Applejack said, looking at her cousin and sister. "Let's go."

To accompany her cousins, Pinkie Pie wore her colorful one-piece swimsuit, light denim shorts, and a sleeveless pink shirt. On her feet, she wore pink rubber sandals.

Applejack, who never changed out of her clothes to swim, wore a casual green hoodie with the zipper pulled up, exposing part of her chest before the neck, and with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, which she paired with blue denim shorts and beach sneakers. Instead of her usual hat, she opted to leave her hair loose.

As for the youngest of the Apples, she sported a sleeveless lime green shirt with a drawing of a red apple in the center and light blue denim shorts. On her feet, she wore brown leather sandals with buckles.

"I hope they have my favorite mint with chocolate chips," Apple Bloom said.

"And I want to try one of those crazy flavors they always have at beach stalls," Pinkie added.

As they made their way to the ice cream stand, one of Apple Bloom's sandal buckles seemed to have come loose, causing her sandal to slip off.

"Are you okay?" Applejack asked with concern.

"Yeah, just my sandal slipped off," the youngest replied.

"Go ahead, I'll take care of it," Pinkie offered, squatting down to help her cousin.

"Thanks," the blonde said before heading off to the ice cream line.

Applejack headed towards a small line to buy ice cream, not too far away, so Pinkie could see her from where she was. As the blonde waited, Pinkie helped Apple Bloom fix her loose sandal.

The line moved quickly. The party girl and the youngest finished fixing the sandal and joined the farmer just in time; now there were only two people ahead of them, a girl with a little girl who were buying their ice creams.

With their ice creams in hand, Applejack started to walk, but she didn't notice that the girl who had been in front of her in line had stayed to the side for some reason.

Accidentally bumping into her, she caused the wavy-haired girl to spill her own ice cream.

"Ahhh," the girl started to scream, bringing a hand to her stained lavender blouse.

"I'm really sorry," Applejack apologized, embarrassed, as she looked at her cousin and handed her the ice cream, then took the napkins she had in her other hand.

"Do you have any idea what you've done!?" the wavy-haired girl exclaimed, her tone annoyed, slightly frowning.

Apple Bloom and Pinkie, seeing what was happening, took a few steps back, moving aside but staying close enough to hear and see the scene.

"It really was an accident," the blonde apologized again, looking at the girl from the side.

"Can't you watch where you're going?" the girl complained without looking at the blonde, busy trying to get the ice cream off her blouse.

"But you were the one standing there," Applejack responded in an annoyed voice. "Look, here, I have something for you to clean up with," offered, extending the napkin towards the girl.

The girl lifted her gaze a little, seeing only the napkin in the blonde's hand. When she tried to take it, it slipped from her hand, but luckily there wasn't much wind to blow it away. Both bent down to grab the napkin, applying pressure to keep it from flying away.

"It wasn't necessary, I could do it," the girl said.

"Seriously, you should be more..." Applejack started to say.

"…"

Whatever she was going to say hung in the air, because when they lifted their heads, they looked into each other's eyes, emerald green meeting sapphire blue. Suddenly, it felt as if time stopped and the noise around them was replaced by a harmonious sound.

They stayed like that for a few seconds until the violet-haired girl reacted and took the napkin, then stood up. Applejack did the same.

"Uh... yes, you're right. I shouldn't have stopped in the middle," the wavy-haired girl admitted, calmer and with a soft tone.

"Yeah, and I... should have also paid attention... if someone was in front of me," Applejack added, putting her hand on her neck and lowering her head a bit, but still looking her in the eyes.

"Sis, here, I brought more napkins," the little girl said, returning with more napkins.

The wavy-haired girl blinked twice and turned her head to see the child. "Thank you, Sweetie," she said, taking the napkins and starting to clean herself.

The girl was wearing a sleeveless lavender cotton blouse with an elegant halter neck paired with a short white denim skirt with lace details on the hem. She wore flat sandals adorned with small gems. Her violet hair was tied in a high, loose, wavy ponytail.

"Is something wrong?" Sweetie Belle asked, seeing her sister's expression.

"Uh?" the girl said, somewhat distracted. "Yes, I'm fine," replied, stopping cleaning. "Let's go, Mom and Dad are probably wondering why we're taking so long." She gave one last look at the blonde, with a mix of confusion and amazement, then turned and started walking with the little one.

Applejack watched the wavy-haired girl walk away with her sister.

Pinkie and Apple Bloom, who had seen the whole scene, looked at each other and then at their relative with a knowing smile. Applejack turned to them; she still had an expression of amazement.

"What happened there?" Pinkie asked, raising and lowering her eyebrows.

"What do you mean?" Applejack said, starting to blush a little.

"It seems like my sister had her heart stolen," the youngest commented.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she tried to cover up.

"Uh-huh," Apple Bloom said, holding back laughter. "Tell us, when's the date?" she joked.

"Apple Bloom!"

"I want to be in the front row for the wedding," the party girl joked.

"Pinkie!"

"...and then, when they both bent down to pick up the napkin, they looked into each other's eyes and it was like... boom! Sparks flying everywhere!" Pinkie finished telling with enthusiasm.

"Wow, love at first sight," Trixie said, impressed.

"It's amazing how sometimes the most unexpected things can lead to something so special," Starlight commented with a smile.

"Yeah, sometimes a simple accident can change everything," Pinkie added, reminiscing about the moment.

"And to think it all started with an ice cream... who would've thought!" Trixie said.

"Of course, my cousin acted all indifferent at first, though it didn’t last long..." Pinkie paused dramatically.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is intrigued. What happened next?" Trixie asked with curiosity.

"Well, as I said, my cousin pretended to be indifferent. When we got back to the house we had rented and told everyone what happened, it was obvious AJ wanted to know more about her. So, one day we went out and..."

Pinkie and Applejack left the beach house with the intention of going to the craft fair to see if they could find a certain girl. The blonde had a feeling, as her cousin would say, a 'Pinkie sense,' that something would happen there.

"What are we looking for, cousin?" Pinkie asked, bouncing.

"The girl from yesterday," replied.

"Ooh, is it to ask her out?" the party girl teased.

"What... I just want to apologize! I don't want any misunderstandings and give her a bad impression," Applejack tried to excuse herself.

"Bad impression, ehhh...?" Pinkie insinuated, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

"Impression... of, um... well, you know... of..." Applejack didn't know how to excuse herself. "Let's just go, Pinkie."

Applejack tried not to seem interested and kept walking with Pinkie following her.

"Well, I don't think she left yet... since, as we saw, she has a little sister. They always indulge the youngest despite the vacation ending soon," the blonde tried to find hope in her words.

"You know, since we saw that girl, I noticed something curious," Pinkie commented, frowning.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm sure I've seen that girl before, but I don't know where," the party girl said thoughtfully. "Maybe in the city or... somewhere else."

"Do you think so?" Applejack exclaimed almost excitedly.

Pinkie gave the blonde a playful look.

Realizing what she had said, Applejack coughed, trying to downplay her excitement. "What I meant was that the city must be very small not to notice that she had always lived here."

The party girl raised an eyebrow. "AJ, you're almost always helping at the barn and don't do much else after school."

"Eh... good point," admitted.

After that, Applejack and Pinkie walked a little more until the hustle and bustle of the craft fair surrounded them. Although Applejack tried to seem carefree, she hoped to meet the mysterious wavy-haired girl again.

They had already walked along the exhibits, and Applejack was starting to lose hope of seeing the girl again. Pinkie, noticing her cousin's expression, decided to cheer her up by distracting her a bit.

"What do you think of this bracelet?" Pinkie asked, holding a bracelet decorated with bright colors.

The blonde smiled. "It's nice... we could see it for Apple Bloom."

"Hmm... let's go there," the party girl suggested, pointing to another bracelet exhibit. They walked to see what kind of bracelets they had. The party girl took one and showed it to the blonde.

"That bracelet looks great. But I think... eh," murmured, looking at a bracelet that caught her eye. She took a few steps to the other side of her cousin to see it better.

She reached out to grab it, but another hand touched hers, feeling a spark. She quickly turned her head to see who it was. Standing there beside her was the wavy-haired girl.

The girl took her hand, feeling that strange sensation and frowned slightly, confused. "I apologize, I liked that brace-" She stopped realizing who she was talking to. Remembering their previous encounter on the beach, she decided to break the ice casually.

"Hello again," she greeted with a friendly smile.

Applejack was surprised to see the wavy-haired girl again but was glad to meet her. "Hi! Uh... how are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you. You're the girl who stained my blouse at the beach, right?"

The farmer nodded, smiling somewhat shyly. "Yes, I'm really sorry about that."

"Don't worry, although I'll have to do a few things to get the stain out," she replied kindly.

"To make up for it, take the bracelet. Though honestly, I'm not sure a charming girl like you needs it."

For some reason, the girl felt something unfamiliar inside her. "Thank you, I was looking at it for my sister. It was her idea to come here," said, taking the bracelet. In a few seconds, she heard her sister's voice.

"Rarity! Did you find something?" Sweetie Belle approached and greeted the fashionista enthusiastically.

Rarity pointed at the bracelets. "I'm looking at these bracelets. What do you think of this one?" she asked, showing the bracelet in her hand.

"Oh, it's very pretty," the little girl said, looking at the bracelet. "Do you think mom and dad will let me buy it?"

"How far did you go to see and ask them to pay?" the fashionista asked.

"Not too far, I'll be right back," her sister replied before running off.

Rarity smiled and turned to the blonde.

"Rarity..." the farmer smiled, finally knowing the girl's name, thinking how well it suited her.

The fashionista was surprised to be called by her name. "Yes... my name is Rarity," she introduced herself, feeling a slight blush on her cheeks.

"I know you didn't ask me," the farm girl said, scratching her head a little, "but... my name is Applejack."

"Nice to meet you, Applejack," Rarity replied with a smile.

"Same here, Rarity," Applejack replied kindly.

The younger sister rushed back, holding some coins in her hand. "Rarity! Here you go to pay for the bracelet."

The fashionista accepted the coins and gave them to the vendor, then handed the bracelet to her sister. Sweetie Belle put the bracelet around her wrist and then looked at the blonde with curiosity.

"And who are you?"

Before Applejack could respond, Rarity intervened. "She's Applejack. We met a few days ago."

"Hi, Applejack," the little girl greeted. "Hmm... have I seen you before?"

The blonde let out a laugh, remembering that Rarity's sister was also there. "Yes, it was at the ice cream parlor."

"Oh, you were the one who stained my sister," the little girl recalled.

"But it's all sorted out, and everything's fine now," Rarity clarified, so her sister didn't extend the topic further. The farmer seemed grateful for that.

"Okay... Mom and dad said we should hurry," Sweetie Belle commented. The older sister nodded and looked at the blonde.

"Well, goodbye, Applejack. I don't know if we'll meet again someday, but see you," the fashionista said goodbye.

"Goodbye, Rarity."

After saying goodbye, the fashionista began to walk away with her sister.

Pinkie, who had watched the scene from the next exhibit, approached her cousin, seeing the girl leave again. "You're right, the world is so small. And by the way, did you flirt with her?" asked with a mischievous smile.

"Flirting? It wasn't that, I just wanted to be decent in front of her," Applejack replied.

"And who would have thought you'd like a refined girl like that Rarity?" Pinkie said.

"I don't like her that way," the farmer insisted, trying to hide her feelings, though she felt a slight warmth on her face.

"Whatever you say. I have good news for you about that girl," Pinkie said.

"What do you mean?"

"No wonder she seemed familiar, and now that I heard her name, I know why," Pinkie commented.

"So, where do you know her from?" Applejack asked, trying to sound casual.

"She goes to our school," the party girl revealed excitedly.

"What? She goes to our school? Wait, do you know her because she's in your class?" Applejack asked, surprised.

"No, she's not in my class, but since I roam the 'A side' a lot, I sometimes see her walking down the halls, and she's considered one of the prettiest girls," Pinkie explained.

"I see why she's considered the prettiest," Applejack said with a sigh.

Pinkie gave her a half-smile and nudged her gently.

"I mean because she's pretty and nothing else," the farmer added.

"It's true, she is," the party girl acknowledged. "The good thing is you'll see her again, eh..."

"Pinkie, stop," Applejack said, crossing her arms, but her gaze softened as she looked where the fashionista had gone and smiled.

"Applejack was almost losing hope, so I decided to try to cheer her up and we went to see one of the exhibits, and then it happened... they met again. It was so exciting!" Pinkie exclaimed, waving her hands enthusiastically.

"Wow, it seems like destiny keeps playing an important role in their lives," commented Trixie.

"Definitely. It's amazing how they keep bumping into each other again and again," added Starlight.

"Exactly! It sounds like something out of a movie," Pinkie added with a wide smile.

"No doubt," affirmed the gray-haired girl.

"Sometimes I think the universe conspires to bring the right people together at the right time," said Starlight.

"Totally agree! Isn't it exciting to think about all the possibilities and what would have happened if...?" the party girl continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"And their sisters had something to do with it," Trixie pointed out.

"Chains of events..." Starlight nodded. "If Apple Bloom hadn't wanted to get ice cream, AJ wouldn't have bumped into Rarity."

"And also with Sweetie Belle. If she hadn't decided to go to the craft fair, they wouldn't have seen each other again, or they might have met again at school," added the gray-haired girl.

"What a thing, right? And you're not wrong, Trixie, they saw each other again, but since I wasn't there that time, I'll tell you what my cousin told me," Pinkie continued.

The gray-haired girl took a sip of her cappuccino and put it back on the table, intrigued by what would come next.

"Well, the week went by and classes started. The two of them met again at school. According to what Applejack told me, it was quite an unexpected situation. AJ had to stay a bit later than usual and unexpectedly bumped into her in the hallway, and when Rarity saw her, she seemed as surprised as she was excited..."

"... My cousin told me that she saw how Rarity's eyes opened wide in recognition, as if she had seen something she didn't expect to find there. Her expression was a mix of surprise and something else..."

"... Then they started meeting during recess, and my cousin said that all along she could see a struggle on Rarity's face, as if she was discovering a part of herself that she didn't even know existed."

"Did they start dating after that?" asked the gray-haired girl, curiously.

"No, actually, they started getting to know each other," Pinkie replied.

"I thought they would already be a couple. Wasn't it love at first sight?" said Trixie, looking confused.

"Trixie, even if it was love at first sight, you need to get to know the person well. You might fall in love with the wrong person," Starlight clarified, frowning slightly.

"Hmm... I hadn't thought about that, but I guess that was part of it too," the party girl said, looking thoughtful.

"A part of it? Wait, internal struggle? ... I think I understand," Starlight thought. "And what happened next?"

"I think we'll need more milkshakes or coffee," said Pinkie, pointing to her empty glass. "Hey!" she called to an assistant and at the same time one of her coworkers.

"Hmm?!" exclaimed Trixie, looking at the party girl confused.

The boy approached the table. "Yes, Pinkie? More milkshakes?" her coworker asked with a friendly smile.

"You read my mind," Pinkie replied, winking.

Trixie and Starlight looked at each other, intrigued.

"Get ready, girls, because this is just the beginning of their story..." the party girl announced with an enigmatic smile.

The fashionista arrived at the park, feeling a bit more relieved as she saw the lively activity around her. She decided to enter, hoping to find some distraction.

She strolled along the paths, admiring the natural beauty around her and enjoying the fresh air. However, her mind kept returning to the conversation with her parents about how to handle the situation with the Mane Six.

Stopped near a bench and sighed. "Why does it have to be so complicated? I know I'm responsible... I wish I hadn't let myself get carried away," murmured to herself.

"Hi, Rarity!" Lyra greeted, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Hello, Rarity! How are you?" Bon Bon added with a smile.

Rarity turned and returned their smile. "Hello, girls."

"Exploring the city?" Bon Bon asked.

"No, I already know it. You know I'm new, but I used to live here before," she explained.

"Sorry, I thought..." Bon Bon quickly apologized.

"It's okay... I came for a walk," the seamstress responded. "And you?"

"We're on a date, and like most couples, we usually walk around here after or before our date," Lyra explained, holding Bon Bon's hand.

"I understand, I used to do the same when..." Rarity stopped, realizing what she almost said.

Lyra and Bon Bon exchanged curious looks.

"With whom did you used to do that?" Bon Bon asked, raising an eyebrow with interest.

The seamstress smiled. "Oh, just things from the past."

"One day, you'll tell us about that beau," Lyra commented with a giggle.

The seamstress looked surprised at the comment. "Uh... maybe," was all she said.

"Well, we're off," Bon Bon added.

Rarity smiled as she bid them farewell. "Goodbye, girls."

"Goodbye, Rarity!" Lyra and Bon Bon replied, continuing on their way hand in hand.

Watching them walk away holding hands and remembering what she almost revealed, Rarity had a small flashback of when she was with Applejack. She remembered meeting her at the beach, then meeting again at the craft fair, and later at the school. It was so unexpected for her to see her there, but a part of her had hoped to see her again, though she didn't understand why at the time. She was surprised to find out they had always been at the same school, just never crossing paths.

They shared lunches, helped each other with school projects despite being in different classes. She remembered how the farmer was always there for her when she needed it. Although Rarity didn't like activities related to the earth, she made an effort to accompany Applejack when she was in the barn or picking apples.

"Beau..." the seamstress chuckled humorlessly. "I don't seem like that kind of girl... I don't blame them, I thought the same too."

A memory came to mind. "Ha, I still remember that time. It was so embarrassing..."

Applejack got out of a taxi, apparently alone, and approached a large house. She checked a piece of paper where Rarity had written her address to make sure she was in the right place, as she hadn't expected to see such a big house. After confirming she was in the right place, she rang the doorbell and waited. Seconds later, a young woman with red hair opened the door.

"Ah, hello. Does Rarity Belle live here?" the blonde asked.

"You must be Applejack," the red-haired woman responded. "Hello, I'm Roseluck, Rarity and Sweetie Belle's aunt. The girls are under my care while their parents are away."

"I see," Applejack said.

The fashionista approached the door. "Auntie, I'm not that young. I am already of age," Rarity commented.

Roseluck nodded with a sympathetic smile. "I know, dear, but you'll always be the little girl I watched grow up," she added affectionately. "Besides, I can't leave my nieces alone," she said as she went back inside, leaving her niece at the door.

"Hi, Applejack," Rarity greeted with a dreamy smile.

"Hi, Rarity," Applejack responded with a similar smile. "Uh... I know you said you only invited me, but I couldn't leave my sister."

"I don't understand," the fashionista said, frowning slightly, confused.

"Apple Bloom, come on," the blonde called to her sister.

"Hi, Rarity," greeted the youngest Apple as she approached the door.

"No one was going to be home, so I had to bring her," Applejack explained, a bit embarrassed. "I hope you don't mind," said with a forced smile.

"Hello... unexpected surprise..." Rarity said, surprised, and then put a hand on her chin. "You can have fun with Sweetie Belle."

"Sweetie Belle?" asked the younger girl.

Rarity opened the door wider and stepped aside, letting the two sisters in.

"Sweetie Belle, can you come here?"

The younger sister came out of the kitchen and approached. "Yes, Rarity," responded, surprised to see someone her age.

"Sweetie Belle, this is Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom, this is my sister Sweetie Belle," Rarity introduced her sister.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle greeted each other shyly but quickly began to converse, finding common interests. Meanwhile, the older girls watched the interaction with smiles.

"I'm glad you could come," Rarity confessed, looking at the blonde with a slight blush. "I wanted to spend more time with you."

"I wanted that too...," Applejack responded, looking at her with a soft expression.

The two girls looked at each other for a moment, feeling a special connection.

"Shall we go inside? You can show me where you work your magic," Applejack suggested, breaking the silence.

"Sure, come on in. I'll show you," Rarity agreed with a smile.

The fashionista turned to close the door.

"Come. I'll show you my sewing room. It's where I spend most of my time creating," Rarity said, taking her by the hand.

"Sure," the blonde responded.

Rarity guided Applejack to her sewing room, while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went to another part of the house to play. Once inside the room, the fashionista realized their hands were still joined, so she slowly let go. Both seemed to blush, and Rarity tried to change the atmosphere by beginning to show Applejack her materials and designs.

"This is where all the magic happens. I love creating beautiful things from these simple fabrics," Rarity shared, pointing to a table full of fabrics and sketches.

"Wow. You're really talented. All of this is impressive," the blonde praised, looking around.

The fashionista felt flattered by the compliment and continued showing her work.

"I always knew you were amazing, but this is even more than I imagined. You have a gift," Applejack expressed with a warm smile.

Rarity stood there looking at her, feeling her heart race. Applejack's words moved her deeply, and the mix of emotions began to overwhelm her. She started to get lost in the features of the farmer: her freckles, those emerald eyes, and her smile.

The farmer was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt with green details on the edges of the sleeves, which were rolled up. In the center of the shirt was a drawing of an apple. This outfit was complemented by blue jeans and light brown cowboy boots, finishing with her characteristic hat.

"I... um... thank you. It's... it's really nice of you," the fashionista stammered.

"I really mean it. You're a wonderful person," affirmed Applejack, taking a few steps towards her.

Rarity felt a warmth in her face and began to sweat slightly. She tried to keep her composure, but the blonde's proximity and her words made her increasingly nervous.

"I... I also think that you're... wonderful. What you do in the barn is great," she responded.

"Thanks, Rarity. That means a lot to me," said Applejack, smiling even more.

The seamstress looked at the table trying to find something. "Oh, look, this... this fabric is... is silk. Yes, silk."

"It's really beautiful. You have a great eye for details," appreciated the blonde, getting closer.

"Yeah, well, thanks... um, do you want to see... see more fabrics?" Rarity said nervously.

"Of course, I'd love to," the blonde accepted. "Although I don't know much about it," she thought with amusement.

The seamstress began frantically searching for the fabrics. "Here... here it is... oh, no, this one isn't it. Um... here... Oh! Look at this, it's... it's cotton. No, wait, it's linen... no, no, yes, it's cotton. I think," she said even more nervously.

"Relax, Rarity. You don't have to get nervous," said the farmgirl, laughing softly.

"Yeah, sure, I'm not... not nervous. It's just... it's just hot in here, don't you think?" Rarity said trying to hide her nervousness.

"Yeah, it could be. Maybe we should take a break," suggested Applejack, noticing the girl's attitude. Something told her she knew the reason for her behavior.

"Yeah, yeah, that would be... great. Let's go for a drink..." said the seamstress quickly, opening the door.

"Perfect, let's go," the blonde agreed, following her.

"What's happening to me? I've never felt like this before..." she wondered.

Applejack followed Rarity as they headed to the kitchen.

"Follow me. The kitchen is just this way," Rarity indicated, trying to sound calm.

"Thanks. I didn't want to get lost in your mansion," the blonde commented, letting out a laugh.

"Oh, it's not that big. Just a little... spacious," Rarity replied.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, Rarity served the drinks while Applejack observed her, noticing the elegance with which she moved.

Both took their drinks and headed to the living room. Roseluck was nearby, watching the little ones as they played, but she observed the interaction between the two older girls with curiosity.

"So, Applejack, tell me more about your farm. Must be a lot of work, right?" Rarity asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"As I told you before, it's more of a mini farm since we have apple trees and the barn. And yeah, it's quite a bit of work, but I enjoy it. Every day brings something new, and it's rewarding to see the results of our effort," explained Applejack.

"I admire your dedication. I... I couldn't do it; I'm not much of an outdoor worker," admitted Rarity with a slight smile.

"Well, you have your own impressive skills. I couldn't imagine myself doing what you do with fashion," commented Applejack.

"Oh, well, thank you. It's just... um, what I'm passionate about," responded Rarity, trying not to stutter.

"It's great to find something you're so passionate about," commented the farmgirl, looking at the seamstress warmly.

"Yeah, it's... it's important to follow your dreams, right?" she responded nervously, with the drink trembling slightly in her hand.

"Absolutely," said Applejack with a smile that made Rarity's heart beat faster.

Roseluck, from her nearby position, watched with a mixture of curiosity and understanding. She saw how Rarity was getting nervous and decided to intervene a bit to smooth things over.

"It looks like you two get along very well. It's nice to see my niece with such an attentive friend," commented the red-haired woman with a friendly smile.

"Yes, Applejack is... is a great friend," said Rarity, trying to calm down.

"And Rarity is a very important friend to me," added Applejack, looking at her affectionately.

The seamstress felt her cheeks grow warmer. Her heart beat strongly every time the blonde looked at her like that, and she started to stutter again.

"I... um... yeah, you're also... Applejack. It's... it's great... to be with you," said Rarity, trying to smile, but clearly nervous.

"Everything okay?" asked the farmgirl, noticing the modiste's nervousness.

"What? Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm fine, just... it got a bit hot again, didn't it?" she responded.

Meanwhile, Roseluck, with a subtle smile of complicity, moved slightly away from the scene, giving space to the two young women.

"Yeah, maybe a little. Why don't we open a window?" suggested Applejack, laughing softly.

"Yeah, yeah, that would be... that would be good," agreed Rarity.

As Rarity got up to open a window, she accidentally tripped over a table, spilling a bit more of her drink. Applejack quickly approached to help her.

"Relax, Rarity. It's okay," said the farmgirl, smiling softly.

"I... I'm so sorry," she apologized. [i]"Why am I acting so clumsy?"[/i] Rarity thought, her face red with embarrassment.

"Don't worry, it happens to all of us," assured Applejack, helping her clean up.

Rarity opens the window and returns to her seat, trying to calm down. Applejack looks at her with a comforting smile, making Rarity feel a little calmer. They both look at each other for a moment. Roseluck watches from a distance, seeing the sincere friendship. Something tells him that she is going to have a talk with her niece.

After Rarity calmed down and got back on track, the two returned to her room, where the dressmaker showed her some sketches that she was working on, but that are not yet finished.

After a while, they moved to the living room along with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. After a moment, the doorbell rang.

"Oh, that must be my parents. Come, let me introduce you to them," said Rarity, heading to the door.

She opened the door and greeted her parents with a warm smile. The two sisters got up to greet them.

"Mom, Dad, let me introduce you to Applejack, a friend from school, and her sister, Apple Bloom," introduced the fashionista.

Rarity's parents greeted Applejack and Apple Bloom kindly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Applejack, Apple Bloom. Rarity has told us a lot about you," said Cookie.

"Yes, she's told us things, but how about we go for dinner and continue the conversation there?" suggested Hondo.

Although Applejack initially declined the idea, mentioning that they should leave before it got late, she eventually accepted the invitation. With everyone at the table, Hondo began the conversation on some topic.

"Tell us, Applejack, what do you like to do in your free time?" asked Hondo.

The blonde smiled. "Well, I love working in the barn we have at home, taking care of the animals, and spending time outdoors."

Rarity's parents nodded with interest as the conversation continued.

"That sounds like a very active and rewarding life," remarked Hondo.

"And tell me, do you have any more... sophisticated hobbies? Something not related to the farm, let's say," asked Cookie.

Applejack hesitated for a moment, surprised by the question. "Well, I'm not sure if you'd consider it sophisticated. I'm interested in construction because I enjoy working with my hands and seeing how things take shape. I'm still learning," she replied.

Cookie nodded with a serious expression.

Rarity smiled, pleased that Applejack was making a good impression despite her mother's unexpected question.

"Is there anyone special in your life?" Rarity's mother asked again.

The blonde, taken aback by the question, was about to speak, but before she could respond, they heard Rarity cough; apparently, she had choked on her tea. Roseluck rubbed her niece's back to help her get rid of the cough.

"Rarity, are you okay?" her aunt asked.

The seamstress nodded as best she could.

"Responding to your question, I don't have a partner, but there is someone very present in my daily life," said Applejack, looking at Rarity, who finally stopped coughing and blushed at those words.

"Yes, and it's..." Apple Bloom was about to reveal who it was, but Sweetie Belle gave her a slight kick. "Ouch! Hey..." exclaimed.

"Come on, Apple Bloom, what are you saying..." said Sweetie Belle with a playful smile.

"I agree, you shouldn't spill the beans prematurely," added the aunt.

"I agree with Rose. Darling, are you feeling better now?" asked Cookie.

"Yes, Mom, I just got distracted, and that happened just now," replied Rarity, trying to cover up.

"So, Applejack, have you ever thought about exploring other areas of interest besides farming and construction?" asked Hondo.

"Well, actually, yes. Lately, I've been interested in learning more about music and art. Although I don't have much free time between the farm and school, I try to dedicate a few hours each week to practicing guitar and attempting to draw," replied the farmer.

"How interesting! Music and art are wonderful forms of expression. How do you feel when you play the guitar or paint?" asked Cookie.

"When I play the guitar or try to paint, I feel completely at peace. Everything else fades away, and only the music or art remains," explained the blonde.

"It sounds like you've found a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in your own creativity," commented Rarity.

"Exactly. It's like a refuge where I can set aside all worries and simply let myself be carried away by the creative flow," said Applejack.

"Rarity also finds refuge in music. She must have told you that she plays an instrument," added Roseluck.

"Really!?" exclaimed Applejack and Apple Bloom.

"She can play the piano excellently!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Come on, Sweetie, don't be modest. I can play, it's true, but I do tend to make mistakes in some notes," admitted Rarity.

"Just like my sister, she often makes mistakes," said Apple Bloom.

"It's normal, dear, you start slowly. Later you'll see that you'll know everything by heart and maybe you'll even play more instruments," said Cookie.

The farmer thanked them; she could see they were a very close-knit family. The conversation continued, but as Applejack shared her experiences and passions, she began to feel a slight knot in her stomach. Memories of her parents, who always encouraged her in her artistic interests, flooded her mind, causing a mild sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Although she tried to stay present in the conversation.

Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle were waiting outside as they waited for their Uber to arrive. Applejack, spending most of her time working, wasn't familiar with modern things, so she didn't know what an Uber was.

"Are you okay, Applejack?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, why do you ask?" responded.

"I saw how you got lost in the conversation," Rarity said.

"I felt nostalgic being surrounded by your parents. It reminded me of... well, you know..." confessed the blonde.

Rarity nodded understandingly, recalling previous conversations in which Applejack had talked to her about her past.

"Sometimes, remembering those who are no longer with us can be difficult. But it's nice to think that they're always with us," commented the seamstress, searching for the right words.

"Thank you, Rarity. It's just that... sometimes, I miss my parents. I wonder how everything would be if they were still here," said Applejack, a little subdued.

"I imagine... um, I don't like to think about what would happen if..." she tried to continue.

"I understand. No one would like to think about it," added the blonde.

Applejack seemed on the verge of tears, but she struggled to stay strong. Rarity noticed this, so she placed a comforting hand on the blonde's cheek, looking at her with affection.

"You don't always have to be strong and tough. It's okay to show your emotions and allow yourself to feel. We all need support from time to time," expressed.

The farmer was moved by Rarity's words and placed her hand over hers. "You're right. Being with you makes everything better," admitted with a smile.

The seamstress felt her heart beating a little faster and blushed. She saw the charming eyes of the blonde, those emerald greens she had seen the first time she met her, and those freckles that, even though Applejack herself said she didn't like how they looked, Rarity thought looked cute.

"T-that's the least I can do, I... your... side... always. Um, what I meant is being... by... your... side... oh, sorry, I can't speak," stammered the seamstress.

Applejack smiled. She knew exactly what was happening, and she wasn't going to force her to realize it. She knew it would be complicated for her. The blonde had been through that situation before.

The two younger ones who were having fun in the front yard saw some of their sisters' interaction.

"Hey, your sister really got to mine. Applejack doesn't usually open up to just anyone," commented Apple Bloom.

"I could tell, but my sister doesn't like girls," Sweetie asserted confidently.

"Then why did you hit me at dinner?" asked Apple Bloom, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not entirely sure what's going on with Rarity," said Sweetie, pausing a bit to sigh, "but I think it was better not to say anything to avoid causing a stir in my sister's head, who seems to have her mind all over the place," she explained.

Minutes later, the Uber arrived, but before leaving, Applejack approached and hugged Rarity tenderly.

"Thank you, Rarity. I had a nice day with you," said the farmer.

"Goodbye, Applejack," Rarity bid farewell.

"Goodbye, Rarity," said Apple Bloom.

Rarity said goodbye to the younger of the Apple sisters and watched as both of them got into the vehicle. She unconsciously smiled, feeling a mixture of emotions. She remembered Applejack's words throughout the day and how she made her feel. She widened her eyes in surprise, wondering if that's how it feels... But she immediately tried to dismiss that idea.

"I was surprised to realize that my preferences leaned that way," Rarity murmured to herself as she watched Lyra and Bon Bon disappearing into the distance, lost in their own world. She lowered her head with a slightly sad smile. "I remember trying to deny what was happening to me... trying to deceive myself."

How could it be that her sexual orientation had taken such an unexpected turn? That was the question she asked herself years ago.

She lifted her head and saw some leaves fluttering in the wind, which brought a smile to her face. "Sooner or later, I had to accept it..."

The dressmaker was sitting on the bed in her room, with her hands on her face and her elbows resting on her thighs. Roseluck entered the room and gently closed the door behind her.

"Are you all right dear? I’ve noticed you’ve been a little quiet lately,” her aunt asked.

Rarity lifted her head, sighed, and looked down, unable to find the right words to express what she was feeling.

“I don't know, aunt. I feel confused. But I think I have the answer, although at the same time I don't know what to think,” replied.

Roseluck sat next to Rarity and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Confused about what, honey? You can talk to me, I’m here to help you,” her aunt said.

“It's just... lately, I've been feeling strange things towards Applejack. Things I had never felt towards a person before,” Rarity confessed.

Roseluck nodded in understanding.

"I understand. What exactly do you feel?” Her aunt asked.

Rarity looked at her aunt, doubting her a little.

“At first I didn't know for sure, but the other day I confirmed it. When I'm around her, my heart beats more than usual and every time she says nice words to me... And with my acting the other day it was kind of embarrassing,” Rarity explained.

“Yes, the other day it hit you really hard. It was your way of showing your love,” Roseluck observed.

“But I shouldn't…” the dressmaker murmured.

“Why shouldn't you?” Roseluck asked.

“She's a girl and I shouldn't feel that way either." She began, pausing a little. "We were always taught what couples should be like. But when I met Applejack, it felt like the world stopped. It was the most beautiful thing that happened to me,” said as she began to shed tears, but with a smile.

“What you are experiencing is completely natural, Rarity. Sometimes love and attraction can manifest in unexpected ways. There is no single correct way to feel,” Roseluck said.

Rarity nodded slowly, absorbing the words of her aunt, who began to wipe away her tears.

"Thank you Aunt. “I feel a little better knowing I can talk to you about this,” Rarity said.

Roseluck tenderly hugged her niece, assuring her that she would always be there to support her every step of her journey.

“I will always be here for you, dear. Don’t be afraid to be who you are and follow what you feel in your heart,” her aunt added.

Present

Back in the present, as she looked around her, her aunt's words echoed in her mind.

"Don't be afraid to be who you are," Rarity murmured to herself. “They already have an idea of ​​what I am like, if only I could show them… that I am not that person.”

Although she still wasn't sure how to approach the topic, the idea of ​​being honest with herself and others resonated in her mind. Even with doubts, she decided to walk a little further to see if she would find more answers. Her parents had already given heradvice, but she also had to think about what would happen next.

Chapter Text

Pinkie continued her story about the relationship between her cousin and the fashionista to Trixie and Starlight.

"Then Applejack mentioned how much Rarity stammered and didn't want to force her. She thought it was cute, seeing that awkwardness from Rarity... although it didn't last long," the party girl recalled, remembering her cousin's words. "It seems she had a conflict in her mind."

"I see, that's what you meant by the other part," Starlight commented.

"Huh?" expressed Pinkie.

"You said they took time to formalize their relationship for another reason besides getting to know each other better," Starlight reminded.

"Ohhh... now I remember. Yes, that's the reason."

"Did I miss something? What are you referring to?" asked the gray-haired girl, a bit confused.

"Come on, Trixie. Discovering a part of herself she didn't even know about, internal struggle, awkwardness," Starlight explained to help her friend understand.

"Ohhh..."

"For Rarity, it was something new to realize she was attracted to a girl, and apparently, she had never been in love before," Pinkie continued.

"She must have felt out of her element," commented the gray-haired girl.

"From what I know, she also confessed to Big Mac about what was happening. She said that the more time she spent with AJ, the more she realized she had feelings, but she didn't know how to respond if the time came for AJ to confess to her or for her to confess. She didn't know what to do because she was afraid of how her parents would react," Pinkie explained.

"Big Mac!?" exclaimed the gray-haired girl, a bit incredulous. "But he hardly says anything."

"I know, but he's really good at giving advice," the party girl pointed out. "I learned a few things from him and Granny Smith when I was little."

"How old were they then? When Rarity had her self-discovery," Trixie asked.

"18 years old," Pinkie answered.

"That's just the age when one is learning about sexuality, so it makes sense that Rarity had a hard time," said Starlight.

"When my cousin realized her preferences, she didn't complicate things too much," Pinkie recalled. "Actually, she did go through something similar to Rarity, but not as much... because AJ was taught about that."

Trixie nodded. "So, from what you're saying, Applejack and Rarity were somewhat aware of their feelings?" asked, interested.

"Isn't that cute!" exclaimed Pinkie.

"And what happened next?" asked the gray-haired girl, eager to know more.

"Well, they became close, almost like Fluttershy and Rainbow," Pinkie continued. "Although now not so much, since they hardly talk," thought. "They would go to each other's houses... um... they also hung out at school events, and yes, some people were surprised that someone like Rarity would hang out with someone like Applejack."

"Yeah, someone so elegant, hanging out with someone of lower status..." commented Trixie.

Starlight looked at her friend with a raised eyebrow.

"No offense," added Trixie. "You know, it surprises me that Rarity didn't ignore AJ to maintain her popularity... No offense again."

"Don't worry... but in a way... Rarity does seem like the typical popular girl who could do that, and AJ was afraid that hanging out with her might lead to that."

"But she isn't someone who lets herself be swayed by what others say," Starlight concluded. The party girl nodded sadly. That caught her attention, but she preferred to let the girl finish the story.

"And when did they become a couple? Do you have any details?" Trixie asked.

"You'll love this... not that I was there, but..."

"Wait, you still weren't hanging out with Rarity or didn't even know her?" Starlight asked, interrupting the party girl.

"Nope," Pinkie responded, shaking her head. "My time came later, although I would have liked to introduce myself earlier. But I would have missed those jokes," said with a giggle, sipping some of her milkshake.

"Jokes?" asked the gray-haired girl.

"What were we talking about?" the party girl asked with a hand on her chin, downplaying the gray-haired girl's question. "Oh yes... the day, or rather, the night of the confession," said with a touch of drama.

Trixie seemed eager, so she took a sip of the milkshake she had ordered.

"AJ wondered where she could take Rarity, to a place she would like and that had a bit of her style, and then the moment would come. So, I suggested..."

Applejack insisted on taking Rarity to a special place for the afternoon, keeping the destination a secret. Rarity, curious but trusting her friend, agreed to follow without asking many questions. After a short Uber ride, they arrived at an enclosed location.

The fresh air hit them as they stepped out of the car, a pleasant contrast when they entered inside, as the temperature was controlled. The place was adorned with bright lights and decorations.

"Ice skating?" Rarity asked with a mix of surprise and excitement in her voice. "I haven't skated in years."

Applejack smiled, enjoying the expression on the fashionista's face. "I thought it would be fun. Besides, you're always so elegant. I bet you skate like a ballerina."

Rarity blushed slightly at the compliment but quickly regained her composure. "Well, I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best."

Pinkie Pie, who had arrived earlier and was unaware that a blonde was nearby with a fashionista, was just finishing tying her skates. Once tied, she got up and approached the entrance to the rink.

Meanwhile, Applejack was putting on her skates but stopped when she saw someone she knew well by her distinctive hair.

"Hey, Rarity? Can you wait for me a bit? I'll be right back," Applejack said, standing up from her seat.

"Oh, it's fine," Rarity responded, picking up a skate to put it on.

Pinkie was about to enter the rink when she heard a familiar voice, so she turned around.

"Pinkie?" the blonde asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Hi, Applejack!" Pinkie greeted with her usual smile. "I came to skate. This time of year is magical. Did you see they already put up decorations?"

"Yeah, I saw... but you had to come today," the farmer replied with a slightly exasperated tone.

"Hey, that sounded mean," Pinkie replied, pretending to be offended.

"Sorry, it's just that I'm a bit anxious," Applejack confessed, lowering her voice a bit.

"Anxious? Wait, are you here because of the suggestion the other day?" Pinkie asked excitedly. "Is Rarity here? I want to introduce myself—"

"No," the blonde interrupted, putting her arm in front of Pinkie to prevent her from passing. "Sorry, yes and no. She's putting on her skates," indicated, pointing to a seat.

The party girl saw the fashionista trying to put on her skates. "Come on, AJ, I already want to meet her officially," she insisted.

"Pinkie, please, I want this moment to be for the two of us," the blonde requested with a smile. "Why are you coincidentally here today?" asked thoughtfully.

"In my defense, you didn't tell me what day you were coming, so you can't complain that I'm following you," the party girl defended herself.

Applejack was going to say something but realized that when she asked her cousin for a suggestion if she knew a place with an elegant touch to spend some time with her friend, she didn't mention the day.

"You're right," the farmer admitted, sighing.

"See?" said Pinkie, spreading her arms and smiling widely.

Applejack nodded. "You can introduce yourself another day and try not to make a 'ruckus.' I want this day to be special," she murmured, lowering her gaze a bit, blushing, and biting her lower lip slightly.

"Okay, I'll leave it for another time," the party girl conceded. "And don't worry, AJ, it will be like I'm not here, and I'll just do basic maneuvers," she added, entering the rink. "Good luck," she whispered softly before starting to skate.

The blonde smiled at her words of encouragement. Pinkie took a few steps on the rink, turned her head, and watched as Applejack returned to Rarity.

"How's it going?" Applejack asked the girl trying to put on her skates.

"As best as I can," Rarity responded, somewhat embarrassed.

The farmer knelt in front of the fashionista and took a skate. "Let me help you, Cinderella," said, laughing.

Rarity smiled at the compliment and, seconds later, joined in the laughter. "Thank you, my noble prince charming," said. Both laughed again at the joke.

Once ready, they headed to the rink, with Applejack taking Rarity's hand to support her.

"Come on, don't be afraid," the farmer said, her voice full of confidence.

Rarity smiled gratefully and held onto Applejack's hand as they took their first steps on the ice. At first, their movements were clumsy, but slowly, they began to find their rhythm. The blonde, being more experienced thanks to the times she skated with her cousin, guided the fashionista with patience.

"See? It's not that hard," Applejack commented, laughing softly.

"Well, that's because I have an excellent instructor," Rarity responded, smiling back.

As they advanced, their hands remained intertwined, a simple but meaningful gesture. Both felt the connection between them, their mutual feelings resurfacing with each step.

After a while, the fashionista began to feel more confident and decided to let go of the farmer's hand to try skating on her own. She took a few tentative steps but soon found her balance.

"I did it!" she exclaimed, turning to look at Applejack, her eyes shining with excitement.

Applejack watched her with pride and something more in her eyes. "I knew you could do it."

Pinkie was skating and doing basic movements, avoiding 'the ruckus' as her cousin called her attention-grabbing skilled maneuvers. She wondered how her cousin and the fashionista were doing, so she looked around, turned halfway, and there were the two girls skating peacefully.

She caught the blonde's eye and couldn't help but give her a thumbs up from afar. The blonde shook her head but with a smile. She looked to the side to see how the fashionista was doing and noticed her difficulty, so she gave her cousin a signal that she initially didn't understand but quickly comprehended.

Rarity stumbled, and Applejack hurried, taking her hands again.

"I've got you," the blonde whispered, her heart racing from her slip-up.

"Thanks, AJ, that was close," Rarity responded, breathing a sigh of relief.

They looked into each other's eyes, the moment filled with a sweet and inexplicable tension. The feelings both harbored in their hearts, neither of them dared to break the spell of the moment.

Pinkie watched the scene with a satisfied smile. She knew this day would be special for both of them, and she felt happy to have contributed to it. Later, she would ask the blonde for details about what was going to happen.

Rarity continued walking through the park, emerging from that memory of the ice-skating rink. She had remembered it upon reaching a part of the park where many people were holding hands with their loved ones.

"If I went to the rink now, I'd be just as rusty. It's been so long since I skated," she murmured to herself.

She looked around and saw more couples. She knew the park was popular among those in relationships, but this side of the park seemed new to her. It was evident that in those three years of absence, there had been some changes in the city, but she hadn't imagined they would expand the park.

She walked a bit further, coming across a small pond. "It looks a bit like the other one, but the other was larger, more like a river, and... 'that'... happened not far from where we went skating."

Once they had skated for a good while, the girls decided to walk under the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the leaves of the trees. Applejack and Rarity were talking about how much fun they had on the ice rink. After a few minutes, they stopped, admiring the nocturnal landscape near a large pond that reflected the stars and the moon.

Rarity sighed, gazing at the sky. "It's such a beautiful night, don't you think?"

Applejack smiled. "Yes, it's incredible. But not as beautiful as you."

The fashionista blushed at the compliment, but a shadow of doubt crossed her expression. She had the feeling that the moment had come.

"Are you okay, Rarity?" asked Applejack, noticing the change in her expression.

"Yes. I just... um..." Rarity hesitated.

Applejack stepped closer gently. "Do you want to talk?" she asked, giving her a reassuring smile.

Unable to find the right words to express what she was feeling, Rarity bit her lower lip, struggling with her emotions as her heart pounded.

"It's just... there's something I want to tell you," began Rarity with a tremor in her voice.

Applejack gently took her hand. "Rarity, you can tell me anything. You know you can count on me. I also want to tell you something..."

The fashionista felt comforted by the farmer's words, a small smile forming on her face as she met the warm emerald eyes.

"Thank you," Rarity said, her voice trembling. "I- I want to tell you..."

Applejack caressed her hand gently to calm her. Rarity inhaled and exhaled.

"I think it's clear what's happening between us, and with my clumsiness the other time, it's very obvious."

The blonde laughed softly. "Yes... I thought you were adorable, and I know this is new for you, but I want you to know that I haven't felt this way in a long time, the way I feel when I'm with you."

Rarity remained silent for a moment, processing Applejack's words. Then, a tear of relief rolled down her cheek.

"Oh, Applejack... I've been afraid of what might happen."

The farmer wiped away her tear with her thumb. "You don't have to be afraid. I've been nervous too...," she took a deep breath, looking directly into the sapphire eyes, "I want us to try this together. I want us to be something more."

Rarity felt a wave of relief and happiness at those words. Her eyes shone with excitement. "I want that too, Applejack. I want to be with you."

The blonde smiled broadly. "That's all I wanted to hear," she said, her eyes reflecting the same emotion. "We have nothing to worry about. We just need to take it one step at a time, together."

"Together," repeated the fashionista with a smile.

They moved closer to each other, their lips almost touching. Rarity shyly pulled back.

"Shh... it's okay, all in due time," the blonde murmured, caressing her cheek.

"No... this is what I want," replied the fashionista with a smile, leaning in again.

They both moved slowly, closing their eyes and feeling the warmth of each other's lips in a soft and delicate kiss that sealed their love.

The kiss was brief but significant, filled with possibilities for the future of Rarity and Applejack. When they parted, they looked at each other with a new understanding and complicity, knowing they were ready to explore this new path together.

"Talking to Big Mac, as well as Aunt Roseluck, really helped me for that night," murmured the fashionista, sighing. "Who would have thought we’d end up like this?"

She remembered how Big Mac had been a silent support, listening attentively as she confessed her other fears. She also recalled the wise words of her Aunt Roseluck, who had given her the courage to accept herself. Those moments were crucial for her to take that step toward Applejack that night.

She shook her head slightly, realizing what she had been thinking about.

"I don’t know why I’m remembering this now. I came out to get some air and think about what to do with the girls." She looked down a bit and then lifted her gaze forward. "Though, in remembering, I’ve gotten some possible solutions." She glanced at the sky. "I’d better head home," she told herself and began walking back the way she had come.

Returning to the party girl

"And under the moonlight, with the stars shining, they decided to talk and it happened... they officially became girlfriends," Pinkie said, waving her hand in the air as if painting the scene.

"That very night, Applejack came to my house. My parents wondered what was going on with her because when they opened the door, she kept sighing. When she headed to my room, she greeted me with a big smile and sat on my bed..." Pinkie paused to take a sip of her milkshake.

"I asked her how it went, but her smile and sigh said it all. Still, I wanted her to tell me..." Pinkie put her glass on the table and began waving her arms, imitating Applejack's excitement. "Then she stretched out on my bed and said, 'It was as magical as I imagined it,'" mimicking the blonde with a wide smile.

"That's so sweet!" said Starlight, smiling.

"Yeah, it really is," added Trixie, her eyes shining with excitement.

"And that's how their relationship started. They did couple things, spent a lot of time together, always so happy... time passed," Pinkie said, pausing to let her friends absorb what she had just shared. "And finally, I came into the picture..."

Starlight leaned forward. "How did you get involved?"

"Well, I'm always involved in everything, right? So..."

In the kitchen, Pinkie was attentively watching Grandma Smith, who was teaching her some baking techniques. Lately, Pinkie had taken an interest in everything related to baking, and she had already learned to make some sweet mixes, although sometimes she went overboard or missed steps.

"So, you have to be careful when separating the yolk from the white," Grandma Smith said, holding a cracked egg in her hands. "Pay attention, from one side to the other."

"Got it, from one side to the other," Pinkie mimicked, trying to follow the movements.

Suddenly, they heard whispers and the front door closing. At first, they thought it was Big Mac and Apple Bloom, until they recognized Applejack's voice along with another peculiar voice, which they deduced was Rarity's.

Pinkie wanted to officially meet Rarity, but first she had to finish here, so she just listened.

"I want to prepare you a dish," Applejack said.

"I would like to try it," Rarity replied.

"Also a dessert, with apples. You'll like it," the blonde continued.

"I rarely eat apples, but it doesn't hurt to eat more," the fashionista said.

"Oh, and if you're cold, I could make a hot dish," Applejack commented.

"Let's hope it doesn't burn me," Rarity joked.

"I doubt it. I could make it at an intermediate level or warm it up enough to warm you up," the blonde said.

"Be careful, that dish of yours might heat me up more than enough," Rarity continued the banter.

"I'd like to see that," Applejack paused, "I could consider it my favorite dessert," said playfully.

"Are we still talking about food?" Rarity asked, with the same tone.

"I don't know, if you want we could go upstairs and find out," the blonde said teasingly.

"That sounds tempting. We could find out, just like we did last time," the fashionista responded.

Pinkie blinked, surprised by the tone of the conversation. She looked at Grandma Smith. Her family taught her little related to those topics, but her distant family had taught her enough to know what the two girls on the other side of the wall were talking about.

"So you can see what hormones do at this age, Pinkie Pie," Grandma Smith murmured.

"I'm noticing," Pinkie murmured, both eyebrows raised.

Seconds later, they couldn't hear anything, just some faint *muah*

On the other side of the wall, Rarity and Applejack were on the couch, kissing.

"Hi, hi, hi!" Pinkie said, suddenly appearing on a chair.

"Ah, Pinkie!" Applejack exclaimed, surprised by her cousin's sudden appearance, quickly separating from her girlfriend.

"Pinkie Pie!" Rarity exclaimed, equally surprised.

"Cousin! What are you doing here?" the blonde asked, still a little dazed.

"Wait, Pinkie's your cousin?" the fashionista asked, surprised by the revelation.

"Yes... how do you know her?" she asked, looking at her girlfriend.

"In Institute, I hear about a hyperactive girl with pink hair named Pinkie Pie," Rarity explained, returning the gaze.

"That makes sense," the party girl said, still sitting on the chair.

"You haven't answered my question," the blonde insisted, looking back at her cousin.

"My parents went out, my sister Maud went with my other sisters to the rock museum, and I decided to come and ask Grandma Smith to help me with the kitchen," explained. "In fact, I just came from the kitchen."

"From the kitchen? Grandma Smith? Did you... hear... anything?" Applejack asked, nervous. The fashionista also seemed a little uncomfortable.

"Nothing important... if you call their sex-related jokes important-"

"Pinkie!" they both said simultaneously, their faces flushed.

"But setting that aside," Pinkie said, standing up with a smile. "Let me introduce myself, I'm Pinkie Pie, Applejack's cousin."

Rarity, returning to her usual tone, looked at her girlfriend. "We're distant relatives," the farmer explained.

"Oh, that makes more sense," the fashionista thought aloud. She looked back at the party girl. "The pleasure is mine... I'm Rarity Belle," she introduced herself, extending her hand. But Pinkie hugged her sideways, surprising the fashionista.

"I can see that, Rarity... we're going to be great friends," Pinkie said, raising her arm in front as if imagining a future scenario.

"hahaha, you should have seen their faces when I appeared in the middle of their moment and made that comment," Pinkie said, laughing.

Trixie dropped her straw into her glass, looking at the party girl with wide eyes and blushing. "Um... I didn't expect it to be like that," commented.

Starlight also blushed a bit. "Yeah, it's quite unexpected. I never would have imagined that Applejack and Rarity had such... a passionate relationship."

"Interesting, isn't it? And that's what I meant by missing out on the jokes," Pinkie added, wiping a tear from laughing so much. "It was a moment I'll never forget."

Starlight and Trixie looked at each other, still processing the information.

"Well, that definitely explains why they were always so close," Starlight said, regaining her composure.

"Yeah, but still, it's a bit shocking," Trixie added, taking a sip of her milkshake to calm down.

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, it was, but it was also nice to see them so happy together. And that's what really matters, right?"

They both nodded, sharing a smile with Pinkie.

The party girl continued with the story. "At some point, their parents found out. I don't have much context on whether they opposed or accepted their relationship, since Rarity started to be more open, to the point of posting pictures with my cousin on her social media."

"Did they find out about their preferences or that she was with AJ?" Starlight wondered.

"Somewhere in between, some things happened," the party girl continued.

"Fights?" Trixie guessed.

"Not... well, they did have their fights..."

"... Like that time Rarity told me they briefly argued about going to an outdoor place related to the earth and she wanted to go somewhere else that had nothing to do with what AJ wanted... among those there were other disagreements."

"It's normal for couples to have those kinds of fights," Starlight said.

"But what I was going to mention was something external..." the party girl remembered, regretting almost bringing it up, changing her expression. "Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have mentioned it... but that affected Rarity a lot and my cousin felt a little guilty about it."

Trixie and Starlight wanted to know more, but it was clear that Pinkie didn't want to talk about that topic. "It's okay, Pinkie, we won't ask."

"Thanks... once that problem was solved, they spent time together like couples... on cloud nine... all over the place. They went back to the classic things that lovebirds do. They also talked to me about it or doubts regarding..." the party girl didn't finish.

"Regarding...?" the two friends asked.

Pinkie smiled and began to tell them.

Pinkie was at the Apple's house as usual. She was climbing the stairs heading to Applejack's room. Upon arrival, she knocked on the door and opened it after a few seconds.

"Hey, cousin, dinner's re-"

She stopped upon seeing Applejack's nervous expression, quickly trying to hide something on her desk.

"What are you doing?"

"Just a drawing," the blonde responded, trying to sound casual as her hands attempted to cover the paper.

"What are you drawing?" Pinkie asked, approaching the desk. It was impossible to see what her cousin was doing.

"Nothing..."

"Okay, what's that?" Pinkie asked with a mischievous smile, pointing in the opposite direction.

"What thing?" Applejack turned her head confused, a moment Pinkie took advantage of to grab the sheet. "Wait..." she said quickly standing up as she realized what was happening.

Pinkie examined the sheet curiously. "Is this supposed to be a heart?"

She knew the farmer had skills in playing guitar and painting, but clearly, drawing wasn't her forte.

"Yeah... it's a heart split in half."

Pinkie put on a concerned expression. "Is something wrong with Rarity? Do you want me to talk to her?"

"What? No, not at all, we're fine. It's just..." Applejack began to blush.

"It's for Rare, I want to give her something. I know I've done it several times, I know it's still early for our first anniversary together, and I thought about having a necklace made with my initials in the middle of a heart," explained, avoiding eye contact.

"Do you think it's too much? Do you think she'll like it?" she asked with a shaky voice.

Pinkie smiled seeing the sweetness and concern in her cousin's eyes. "AJ! That's a wonderful idea! Rarity will love it."

The blonde sighed in relief. "Do you really think so?"

"Of course!" exclaimed the party girl, approaching to hug her. "She'll love it. How could she not? It's a gift full of love and meaning."

Applejack hugged Pinkie, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Pinkie. Sometimes, I worry too much."

"That's because you love her a lot, and that's okay," said the party girl, pulling away from the hug and winking at her. "Now, let's go have dinner. And then, we can plan more details for the necklace."

Applejack nodded and then they left the room.

"Hahaha," Pinkie couldn't stop laughing.

"Ah, Pinkie, what's so funny?" Starlight asked.

"Shouldn't it be cute?" wondered the gray-haired girl.

Pinkie stopped laughing. "Sorry, girls, it's just that I'm surprised by the connection they had."

Trixie and Starlight exchanged confused looks.

"Connection?" Starlight asked.

"Yes, what do you mean?" her friend added.

"You see..."

Pinkie and Rarity were sitting on a bench in the plaza, enjoying the afternoon together.

"What have you been up to today, Rarity?" asked the party girl.

"Oh, nothing out of the ordinary. I've been working on some sketches for future designs."

"That sounds interesting! Can I see them?" Pinkie asked, curious.

The fashionista nodded, taking out a small notebook from her purse and passing it over. "Sure, but they're just preliminary sketches."

The party girl opened it and started flipping through the pages. "The sket... aren't..."

"It's called 'sketches'," Rarity gently corrected when Pinkie tried to pronounce the word.

"I don't know much about modeling, but they look nice." Pinkie moved to another page of the notebook, finding another somewhat peculiar drawing. "Half of a heart?"

"Ah, Pinkie!" the designer tried to intervene, trying to cover the drawing with her hand.

"Is it a separate design for a dress?" the party girl asked curiously. "And why a heart split in half?"

Rarity sighed and decided to confess. "Actually... I've been thinking about giving something special to AJ. I've seen couples wearing necklaces with initials or hearts, and I thought about combining both."

"Oh! That sounds adorable. But, do you think Applejack would like to wear a necklace?" the party girl asked, trying to imagine the farmer with such a delicate accessory.

"I know she doesn't like wearing bracelets or necklaces, but this would be something very special and meaningful," said Rarity, smiling.

"I don't know much about romance, but seeing how you two are, anything that comes from you she's liked. It must be the same with you with AJ's gifts."

"Um, yeah," Rarity responded, blushing. "She's given me a few things, even some roses she finds. Sometimes it's not necessary, but Jackie somehow knows I'll like it."

"Don't roses deteriorate?"

"That's why I take a photo of them. I could have them digitally, but I prefer it in physical," explained the fashionista. "I learned a bit from her," murmured. "Now, about the necklace... I don't know if I should give it to her on our anniversary or extend it to Christmas."

"Wow, you two have a special connection, don't you," Pinkie thought, remembering when Applejack showed her drawing. "I think it should be for your anniversary," said the party girl with a smile.

"PERFECT!" Rarity shouted and then coughed as she realized her excitement. "I mean, perfect. Do you think it makes me conceited to give her something with my initial?"

"Not at all, she'll love it. And a suggestion: make it on the left side," said Pinkie.

"Left side," she nodded

"Have you thought about how you'll give it to her? You could do something special, like a picnic or a walk in a field."

Rarity smiled. "It's still early to think about it, but I have to keep in mind some places. Although your suggestions sound lovely."

"Wow, what a connection!" said Trixie, still amazed. "I can't believe neither of them knew what the other was doing."

"Right? It's incredible!" exclaimed Pinkie, laughing. "They had no idea I was helping both of them. And the funniest part is that they were both so worried about surprising each other."

Starlight smiled. "It must have been hard to keep the secret, especially knowing you."

"Oh, it was," admitted. "I had to bite my tongue more than once. And I almost let it slip several times!"

"Really?" Starlight raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you manage to keep it a secret?"

"I had to be very, very careful. And every time one of them mentioned something about gifts or surprises, I quickly changed the subject," Pinkie explained.

"Good strategy," said Trixie.

"After a while, some time passed. Applejack, always so direct and honest, and Rarity with her touch of drama, but always so attentive. And then we met the others."

"How did they meet?" Starlight asked.

"Well, it happened that I wanted to pull a prank, but it didn't turn out as I wanted..."

Pinkie Pie was putting the finishing touches on her latest big prank. She had tied a small water balloon to the door of the math classroom, hoping that an unsuspecting victim would push it and end up soaked. Pinkie hid behind a locker, stifling her laughter as she waited.

However, things didn't go as planned. A girl with slightly lighter pink hair than hers was passing by the hallway and noticed that the door was slightly ajar.

"Oh, this is curious," she murmured to herself. She decided to approach and close the door.

Just then, a teacher appeared in the hallway. It was Professor Cranky Doodle, known for his bad mood.

"What's going on here?" he asked in his usual tone.

The girl with the light pink hair, nervous in front of authority, tried to explain. "Oh, umm, I was just trying to close the door, professor." Then she grabbed the handle.

But before she could say more, Pinkie, who had come out of her hiding spot to intervene, tripped over her own feet and accidentally pushed the girl towards the door. The water balloon burst over the head of the light pink-haired girl, soaking her completely.

"You!" exclaimed the professor, pointing at Pinkie. "What is this? Another one of your pranks?"

Pinkie, wide-eyed and feeling guilty, tried to apologize. "I'm sorry! It wasn't for her, just... oh no."

The girl with the pink hair, soaked but always kind, tried to intervene. "It was an accident, professor."

"You orchestrated this prank for me. Both of you, detention. Now," the professor interrupted. "I won't tolerate this kind of behavior."

Pinkie and the other girl looked at each other, one with guilt and the other with understanding, and walked towards the detention room.

"I'm so sorry... I didn't want this to happen to you," murmured the prankster.

The girl, wiping the water from her face, smiled faintly. "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. Just... next time, be more careful, okay?"

Pinkie nodded. "I promise I'll be more careful. I'm Pinkie Pie, by the way."

"Pleased to meet you, Pinkie Pie. My name is Fluttershy," she introduced herself with a shy smile.

Pinkie and Fluttershy entered the detention room, looking for a place to sit. They saw two girls already present in the room, one of them engrossed in a book, while the other looked at the ceiling with a bored expression.

The prankster approached with her characteristic energy. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and this is Fluttershy. Are you also here for some mischief?"

The girl reading looked up from her book and smiled kindly. "Hello. No... I'm here because... well, apparently doing chemistry experiments in the hallways isn't allowed."

The other girl straightened up upon hearing Pinkie's animated voice. "Wait, Pinkie Pie? Aren't you the girl who's always bouncing around?"

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! That's me. Do you already know me?"

The girl with red and yellow hair nodded with a smile. "Yes, I've heard some things about your funny antics. And from what I see, they seem to have caused a little trouble this time."

Fluttershy, maintaining her typical shyness, sat down next to the girl with navy blue hair.

Pinkie, unable to contain her excitement, started talking rapidly. "Wow, what an interesting day. And what exactly did you all do?"

The girl with red and yellow hair, observing Pinkie with curiosity, replied with a smile. "Well..." she looked at her glasses-wearing friend. "I was in the library looking for a book on the top shelf, I lost my balance and knocked over a whole bookshelf."

"Wow, that's quite something," said Fluttershy. "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay... and my friend here was waiting for me and started mixing things in the hallway," she said, pointing to the other girl.

"I wanted to advance a bit in what we learned in class while waiting for you and 'boom', it exploded since I got distracted when the teacher noticed what I was doing," explained the girl with glasses.

Fluttershy looked at Pinkie, hoping she would explain. The prankster, taking a deep breath to share her situation, explained: "I tried to pull a prank, but it went wrong and we ended up here. Professor Cranky saw us and, well, he sent us to detention."

The girl with navy blue hair nodded understandingly. "I understand. Sometimes pranks can get out of control."

"Yes, we all make mistakes," commented the girl with red and yellow hair.

"Although Fluttershy got punished because of me, and she had nothing to do with it," admitted Pinkie.

"Don't worry..." said the pink-haired girl. "You reminded me of a friend who's just as much of a prankster."

"Really?" asked the prankster.

"Fluttershy? Sorry, I didn't hear your name properly... aren't you the one who's always handing out animal pamphlets?" asked the glasses-wearing girl, looking at the pink-haired girl.

"Um... yeah, that's me," said Fluttershy timidly.

"Right, I think I've seen you a couple of times," commented the girl with red and yellow hair, looking at the pink-haired girl.

"It can't be, were we always here and didn't know about each other's existence... was it fate?" said the excited prankster.

The three of them smiled at each other.

"It's curious how we never crossed paths before, considering how close we were in high school," commented the girl with navy blue hair.

"Yes, it's strange. I guess each of us was caught up in our own world," said the girl with red and yellow hair.

"What a crazy coincidence! Who would have thought that destiny would bring us all together here in detention?" said the excited prankster. "By the way, what are your names?"

"Twilight Sparkle."

"Sunset Shimmer."

After introducing themselves, they continued chatting and discovering more things, like the courses they were taking.

Present

"Destiny never ceases to amaze me," said Trixie.

"So you were always in the school, but you never crossed paths due to circumstances. It's a bit similar to what happened with AJ and Rarity," said Starlight.

"Not all of us, since Twilight transferred a year ago at that time. But it's incredible that we were all there and didn't even know it, we had only seen each other a couple of times and nothing else happened," she said excitedly.

"Until the four of you were punished and sent to detention," Starlight concluded for Pinkie. She nodded.

"So all that was left was for everyone to meet, including Dash," said the gray-haired one.

Pinkie raised her head and put on a slightly serious expression. "Yes... this is where we enter the final stretch of a series," said enigmatically.

Starlight and Trixie looked at each other and then back at Pinkie.

"It seems that at some point before we all met, excluding Rainbow still, Rarity met Fluttershy, since we saw them talking when we were waiting for her. Although at some point, I was planning to introduce Rarity and AJ, but that wasn't necessary either, since I was looking for 'Rare', as she used to call her, and that's how the six of us met..."

"... And now comes when we all met Dash, in the middle of Dash and AJ's relationship, and later what Rarity did, which disappointed all of us," said Pinkie, somewhat sadly.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in a red truck, arriving to play bowling as they had agreed on Friday.

"Ready for a fun afternoon?" Rainbow asked with a smile as they both entered the bowling alley.

"Sure am," Applejack replied. "No competition this time, remember?"

The athlete nodded with a smile, and they both headed to the counter to rent shoes and choose a lane. Once ready, the blonde headed to where the balls were.

"Who's going first?" Applejack asked.

"I don't mind," replied the athlete, sitting down.

"Well, you go first," said the blonde, but upon seeing the girl sitting, she changed her mind. "Or better yet, I'll go first."

Applejack took the ball, made the classic movements, and threw it, knocking down some pins.

"My turn," said the athlete, heading to the ball rack to take one. The blonde crossed her arms as she watched her girlfriend prepare to throw. Rainbow positioned herself and rolled the ball, hitting the center. "Got it," she said, looking at the blonde.

"I saw it," said the farmer, still with her arms crossed. She headed to the ball rack and took another one. Applejack threw the ball determinedly. "Well, finally hit some," she commented with a half-smile.

"Uh-huh," said the athlete, taking the ball and throwing it confidently, knocking down most of the pins on the lane. "Now that's what I call a shot!" she exclaimed, with a satisfied smile.

The blonde rolled her eyes. "My turn."

As the game progressed, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were neck and neck in points. The farmer couldn't help but check her phone from time to time, responding to messages from her family about farm matters.

"Hey, blonde, it's your turn."

"Okay," she said, getting up and putting her phone away.

Rainbow watched as the farmer positioned herself and decided to bring up a conversation topic. "Did you see that game last night?"

"What game?" she responded, not taking her eyes off the bowling lane.

"It seems that team you supported last time played," explained the athlete. "Dad mentioned it to me."

"Oh, no, I didn't see it," replied the blonde, throwing the ball.

"Alright," was all Rainbow said.

After a couple of games, they both started to check the scores, and it seemed they were tied.

"How about we just play one more round and then we head out?" suggested Rainbow.

"What if we leave it at that and go get some ice cream?" the blonde asked.

"Agreed."

They both returned the shoes and headed for the exit.

"Huh, interesting."

"What's that?" asked the blonde.

Dash pointed to the sky, still sunny but with some clouds approaching. "No wonder I felt like time was passing slowly."

"You're right," said the blonde, looking at the sky. "Shall we go get some ice cream?" she asked.

"Let's go," replied the athlete, and they both continued on their way to the ice cream parlor.

Pinkie finished explaining. "Well, that's what happened," leaving her third empty glass on the table and concluding the story of her cousin's relationship, her friendship with the girls, and the fight with Rarity.

"Wow, it sounds to me like that happened more out of jealousy..." Trixie commented, surprised by the information she received.

"I know... it could be a possibility," Pinkie responded, startled. "At first, I didn't realize it because I was also angry about what Rarity did," she added, looking downcast. "Well, it seems the girls didn't realize it either because they felt betrayed."

"I'm still surprised that Rarity went down that route," the grey-haired girl mentioned. "From appearances, it seems like she would be looking for someone elegant or well-educated; I would never believe she would be attracted to someone like Applejack."

"Girls..." Starlight tried to get their attention.

"Actually, it's both," clarified Pinkie. "I forgot to mention that, before they were girlfriends, Rarity went out with some guys. Nothing serious, just dates. She never had a stable relationship until she met Applejack."

"So your cousin was her first official relationship," said Trixie.

"Yes."

"Interesting," mused Starlight thoughtfully, "but let's get back to the main topic," continued to stay on track. "Let's recap what you just told us. The seven of you met before Rainbow arrived in Canterlot..."

"... You had a great friendship, and apparently Rainbow and Rarity did get along, which I thought their personalities would lead to a fight, as they are now. When AJ met Dash, there was chemistry," she added.

"Yes, it seems, from what we saw, they clicked," Pinkie agreed.

"Is it always love at first sight?" complained Trixie, rolling her eyes.

"Not necessarily. You can be friends with someone and not feel that special connection until after a while of being friends and then start to fall in love," explained Starlight.

"I wish it had been like that for them," said the grey-haired girl, leaning on her hand.

"But it was more or less like that," pointed out Pinkie.

"And what does Applejack say about Rainbow?" asked the grey-haired girl.

Pinkie smiled at the memory. "My cousin always said things like 'Oh, look at those muscles, you can tell she works out' when talking about Dash."

The two friends looked at each other curiously. "Did that happen when she first met her?" Starlight asked.

Pinkie nodded. "Yes, at the beginning, Applejack always commented on how athletic Rainbow was. It seemed like she admired her strength and energy a lot."

"And was she still with Rarity when that happened?" Trixie asked. Pinkie nodded again.

"Okay... at some point, they had a big fight, and she broke up with Rarity, and a week later AJ was already with Dash," said Starlight, raising an eyebrow.

"If you're wondering, my cousin never did anything with Rainbow while she was with Rarity. She's not the type to cheat on her partner."

"I understand... but that doesn't explain my expression. Can I say something about AJ? And I hope you don't mind," Starlight commented.

"It depends, but go ahead."

"I think AJ was a bit insensitive and hypocritical with what she did."

"... What?" Pinkie asked confusedly.

"As you told us, it was clear how much Applejack and Rarity loved each other, and just days after they broke up, she was already with Rainbow," she tried to explain, showing some annoyance.

"Yes, that's what I said."

"It seems like all that romance vanished. She went with someone else, leaving Rarity behind as if nothing. I'm not saying what Rarity did was right, but what AJ did looks bad."

"I still don't understand," said Pinkie, confused by the girl's annoyance.

"Imagine you're with someone, and that person shows you how much they love you-"

"I've never had a partner to understand," interrupted.

"Let me see, do you have someone special you care about, a family member?" Starlight asked.

"I love my friends, my family, and then there's Gummy, my stuffed animal. Sometimes I wish he were real."

Starlight looked a bit incredulous. "Okay, imagine your stuffed animal... Gummy. You love him very much, right?"

Pinkie nodded again with a smile.

"Imagine if he were alive and he was always with you, your whole life, and then, in the blink of an eye, another person appeared, and Gummy turned his back on you and went with that person."

"What!? No!" exclaimed Pinkie, imagining that scene.

"That's what I mean. Do you understand now?" Starlight asked.

Pinkie calmed down a bit and thought about the example and then about her cousin's relationship. "Ohhhh... I see what you mean. It sounds pretty bad when you put it that way." Then she remembered a bit of that moment when Rarity saw Applejack with Rainbow.

"The truth is, it looks pretty bad," Trixie affirmed, nodding.

"I'm not sure if it's entirely true that she forgot about her when she just started dating Dash. I know now, seeing that point of view, it looks bad."

"Why do you say that?" asked the gray-haired one.

"I don't know, it's something I noticed in my cousin when we found out Rarity left... maybe it's just my idea."

Trixie and Starlight looked at each other, but they preferred not to say anything and return to the initial topic.

"Then there’s the trophy incident where Rarity blamed Rainbow," Trixie continued.

"Exactly… if this were a telenovela, Rarity would be the Queen Bee who had her girl stolen and acted out of jealousy," Pinkie added.

"Yeah, it sounds like a telenovela," commented the grey-haired girl. "Do you know why they broke up?"

"Trixie, let’s not delve too deep," Starlight intervened. "Besides, we’re getting the events mixed up."

"I can give you the answer," offered the party girl. "Applejack never told me the reason, but I think it might have been a misunderstanding or some other unknown reason. All I know is that it happened during the contest."

"Contest?" both asked at the same time.

"Rarity entered a sort of contest to prove she could be a great designer. Her aunt even rented her a boutique to design in, as the one she had at home wasn't big enough," explained.

"Rarity is a designer?" asked the grey-haired girl.

"Yes… but I don’t think it was a good idea. I’m not saying she’s a bad designer," the party girl corrected herself. "It’s just that it came right during the final exams period, and we could see she couldn’t handle everything."

"Although it’s possible to do several things at once, you can’t do everything. Studying for finals and creating designs must have stressed her out," Starlight commented empathetically.

"You could tell she wasn’t doing well. She wouldn’t let us help, so we left it in Applejack’s hands," the party girl recounted. "For some reason, Applejack broke up with her and then started dating Rainbow."

Starlight nodded. "Let’s go over this again in order… They broke up in the middle of this contest. Then AJ began her current relationship. After that, Rarity saw the two of them together. Possibly out of jealousy, she broke the display case on side A, took a very important trophy, and hid it in Rainbow's locker, blaming her for something she didn't do."

Pinkie nodded again. "When Rainbow opened her locker and saw the trophy, Principal Mare took her to her office. The five of us followed and waited outside. Then we saw Dash’s mom at the school, so Twilight and Sunset realized this was getting worse. So, we decided to enter without permission. Obviously, the principal was angry. Then we explained the reasons why Rainbow couldn’t have committed the act, and, as if we were detectives, she gave us until sunset to find the culprit."

"How did you find out it was her?" asked Trixie.

"You see, when Rarity broke the display case, she waited until there weren’t many students around. After taking the trophy, she took it to Rainbow’s locker… and how do I know that part? Well, Rarity didn’t realize the janitor was wandering around. When we were looking for evidence, we ran into him and asked if he saw anything…"

"...He told us he saw a girl with wavy hair walking through the halls suspiciously. We asked for more details about the girl’s description, and when he gave them to us, everything pointed to her. Although at first, we didn’t want to believe it."

"I see," said the grey-haired girl. "Did you notice anything suspicious about Rarity before she committed the act?"

"She was acting a bit distant, and despite our support, for some reason, we felt an uncomfortable tension growing… it was very strange," the party girl recounted.

"Maybe there’s something you didn’t see at that moment that motivated her to do that. Something tells me there’s more behind it. Maybe you guys… I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but maybe you did something unintentionally."

"Actually, I do think it’s possible," Pinkie admitted.

"Now we get to the part that left me a bit..."

"Oh, I know what you mean!" said the party girl, resting her face on the table, interrupting her.

"From what you’ve told me, everyone was so angry and didn’t let Rarity fully express herself."

"Shouldn’t you at least have let her speak?" asked the grey-haired girl.

"Because of the way she acted, we didn’t. And as I said, we were angry and disappointed. Also, Rarity was very prideful," the party girl explained, still with her face on the table.

"People with strong personalities often put their pride first," Starlight commented. "Did you try to talk to her again to find out her reasons?"

"No, and for two reasons. One, we had just met her, so we thought she was actually hiding her true personality. And number two, if we were going to talk at some point, it was already too late because she left town a week later," Pinkie explained, lifting her head. "Afterward, I started realizing her possible motives and that we might not have been good friends."

"And I think you judged her a bit by her appearance," Starlight commented. "Now I understand her expression from before."

"That’s another reason I feel bad because the girls and I gave our opinions on how Rarity seemed to be," said with a sad expression.

Starlight was going to say something about not judging someone by their appearance but chose to keep it to herself upon seeing the party girl’s expression.

"At any point after she left, did you talk about the topic again?" Trixie asked.

"No, because after Rarity left town, we decided to leave the topic of Rarity aside and omit it," explained. "After a while, I tried to contact her, but it seems she changed her number."

"I see."

"And now that she’s back, the girls don’t trust her," the party girl continued, distressed. "With Fluttershy, I have some doubts, but the others don’t want to know anything."

"Has she shown any signs of wanting to do something bad in these weeks?" Starlight asked.

"No, from what I’ve noticed. In fact, she seems to be seeking our forgiveness," Pinkie answered, disheartened. "Just the day before yesterday, we coincidentally ran into her at the mall, and she tried to apologize."

"If she seems remorseful and wanting to make things right, I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to give her another chance. I know forgiveness is earned over time, and it seems that was the case for you."

"I did forgive her, but the girls don’t want to..."

"Pinkie, you choose for yourself. If you believe you can trust her again, you don’t need anyone’s permission to do so," Starlight said determinedly. "You know, that speaks well of you. You’re wanting to make peace with the past."

"Forgiving is letting go, releasing. It’s freeing yourself, not having negative things inside you. If someone has wronged you, they must have a full reason for doing such a thing."

"Thank you, that’s a lovely phrase. How do you know so much about this?" she asked with a smile, feeling better.

Starlight smiled. "Because I’m studying something related to psychology."

"That explains why you know some things about romance despite not having been in one," the party girl commented. "No offense."

"I’m not offended," she responded with a smile. "Pinkie, I think you should follow your hunch."

"Has your Pinkie sense ever been wrong?" Trixie asked with a smile.

"Not that I remember," the party girl smiled. "Thank you, girls. I think the answer was there; I just needed to be heard."

The two nodded with a smile.

The couple was in the truck, as after finishing their ice creams, they decided to leave. The farm girl was arriving at the athlete’s house to drop her off.

"Well, here we are," said Applejack.

"Yeah, thanks for the afternoon," replied Rainbow, getting out of the truck and walking towards her house's door.

Applejack got out too and approached to say goodbye.

The blonde leaned in to kiss Rainbow on the forehead while the athlete extended her arms for a hug. They stopped and looked at each other, each changing their mind. The athlete leaned forward, trying to kiss Applejack’s forehead while the blonde extended her arms for a hug. They stopped again.

"Make up your mind, Dash," said the farm girl, somewhat annoyed.

"Decid-? You know what, let’s just leave it," said Rainbow, giving up with a sigh. "See you tomorrow, AJ."

"See you," she replied, walking back to her vehicle.

She got into her truck and started it, watching the athlete as she went inside her house. When she was alone, Applejack muttered to herself, "We’re such a weird couple." With that thought, she drove off, pondering some unimportant things.

Inside the house, Rainbow closed the door behind her and headed to the couch. Sitting down, she let out a sigh.

"What’s that sigh for?" asked Scootaloo, appearing with something in her hands.

"Nothing, sometimes I just don’t understand relationships," the athlete replied tiredly.

"Okay… You got back early from your date."

"Yeah, we bowled and when the game ended, we called it a day. Apparently, it didn’t even last one hours. Then we got ice cream and decided to head home," explained.

"Better, since they predicted rain," said Scootaloo, looking out the window.

"Mmm... I think I saw it getting cloudy," Rainbow recalled. Then she looked back at the younger girl. "What were you doing?"

"I wanted to play some video games here, so I was bringing the console," replied.

"If you want, we can play. Remember I told you I’d teach you to play Need for Speed?" the athlete said with a half-smile.

"Yeah, I’d like that," replied.

Scootaloo sat next to Rainbow on the couch and handed her the console controller. The athlete accepted the controller with a smile. After a while of playing, the younger girl had learned some tricks.

"Alright, now activate the nitro," Rainbow instructed.

"Got it," said Scootaloo, pressing the button and watching her car speed up impressively.

"That's it, you did great! Now watch what’s ahead so you don’t crash."

"Okay," the younger girl said, focusing on the screen. "You know... I’m glad you have more time to spend at home now."

Rainbow lifted her gaze from the game, surprised by the comment. "What do you mean? How do you figure I have more time now?"

"Well, lately you’ve been less busy, don’t you think?" the younger girl continued.

"I hang out with you and the others," the athlete said with a smile, though a bit doubtful about the topic.

"Yeah, but not individually since you’ve been in a relationship," said Scootaloo. "I guess now you and AJ agreed to spend more time with the others," added with a smile.

Rainbow pondered those words. "I suppose so," she responded, somewhat thoughtfully. "Could that be the reason...?"

The younger girl tried to read her sister’s expression. "Are you okay?"

She nodded silently, letting her sister's words sink in as they continued playing. But she had something on her mind: tomorrow, she would talk to Fluttershy. Maybe she had found the possible cause of her behavior.

Starlight and Trixie were walking through the streets, using their usual shortcut to get home. Unfortunately, the path passed near a newly opened bar and it had started to rain. Taxis passed by frequently, which would be useful for Trixie to take one and get home before the rain got heavier.

"Hey, Starlight," called the grey-haired girl.

"Yes, Trixie."

"I was thinking about Applejack and Rarity’s relationship."

"Which part of the relationship?"

"Do you think they exchanged necklaces? According to what Pinkie said, both wanted to give each other that detail without knowing it, which I thought was sweet," Trixie commented with a somewhat sad tone.

"I don’t have a definite answer, but I think and hope they didn’t. On Rarity’s part, I think she did, but on Applejack’s part, I hope she didn’t," Starlight reflected.

"Why do you say that?"

"I made a mental timeline of the events," explained Starlight.

Trixie looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Blame Twilight for doing most of the assignments with her," said, rolling her eyes. "According to my calculations, they became a couple around Christmas, at the end of the year."

"Okay..." Trixie waited for her friend to continue.

"They met the girls halfway through the next year, and then they met Rainbow almost at their anniversary. As Pinkie said, they clicked or felt attracted. And almost at the beginning of the following year, Rarity and Applejack broke up..."

"...Why give that gift if you felt something for someone else? In cases like this, when it’s about giving something very special and significant, sweet words and promises are exchanged. If the gift exchange happened, then those were empty promises without feelings," finished explaining.

"It sounds sad, but it makes sense. Why give it if Applejack would break up with her a few months later?" said Trixie with a sad expression.

"Exactly, that’s why I hope she didn’t give it," she commented with the same expression.

Ending the conversation, Trixie said goodbye to her friend, took a taxi, and Starlight headed home, the rain falling softly around her.

Chapter Text

Pinkie Pie was walking towards the institute. At other times, Applejack would come to pick her up, but they didn’t always go there together.

The party lover was determined: today she would talk to Rarity, she just needed to find the right moment, although she still had some slight doubts about how the others would react to her approaching the fashionista. For now, she wouldn’t think about it. However, she couldn’t help but recall one of the many times the seven friends had shared happy moments together.

Three Years Ago
"Come on, Twilight..." said Sunset. There was a sound of the blue-haired girl bumping into something. "Wait... carefully."

"Sunset, this would be easier if I wasn't blindfolded," Twilight complained with a hint of frustration.

The door was heard opening as Sunset put a finger to her lips and guided her friend inside with her other arm, removing the blindfold.

"Surprise!" they all exclaimed in unison, surprising the girl.

The place was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a big banner that said 'Happy Birthday, Twilight!'.

"Happy birthday! This is your big day. Ready for the cake?" asked Rainbow, holding a big, colorful cake with a wide grin.

"Thank you, girls. I wasn't expecting this," Twilight expressed emotionally, wiping away a tear of joy. Sunset placed a hand on her shoulder, showing her a smile.

"Now let's sing happy birthday," said Pinkie excitedly.

Once the six sang happy birthday, Twilight prepared to blow out the candles.

"Make sure to make three wishes, darling. It's crucial for a successful birthday," advised Rarity with a smile.

"I'll think of some," replied and then blew out the candles.

After blowing out the candles, Rainbow set the cake on the table and Sunset cut slices for everyone.

"Congratulations, you reached adulthood reached adulthood," commented Applejack with a smile.

"Now you can drink," added Dash, extending a small beer bottle to her.

"No thanks..." declined the drink. "You know, even though I'm of age, there's still a lot to learn, right?" said, adjusting her glasses.

"That learning stuff is a bit overrated," commented Pinkie nonchalantly.

The bespectacled girl rolled her eyes; she knew enough about the party girl to know that she wasn't very interested in learning topics. She looked around, noticing the decorations.

"The decorations are nice. They're a bit... flashy," said Twilight.

"This was a joint effort between Belle and Pie," explained Pinkie, hugging the fashionista from the side.

"Well, Pinkie had the idea and I just designed a sketch of how it would look, and she took care of the decorating," detailed Rarity with a smile as the party girl let her go.

"It's lovely, as you'd say," commented Fluttershy with a smile.

"Yes... although for Sparkle's birthday it should have been something more, or rather, less colorful, but it didn't turn out bad at all," said Rainbow, taking a sip of her beer.

"Oh, dear, it's just a matter of having a good eye for details, and Pinkie has it," responded Rarity.

"Oh!" exclaimed the party girl. "I might consider throwing parties more often," said excitedly.

The others laughed at their hyperactive friend's idea.

Rarity glanced sideways at Rainbow. "You know, details are also nice in certain... areas," commented with a sly smile.

"Oh no, no, no," the athlete began, shaking her head and raising her hands, careful not to drop her bottle.

"I haven't even said anything," said the fashionista.

"No need... I know what you meant," Rainbow responded, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, come on, Dash, it's just a couple of touch-ups," insisted Rarity.

"you won't mess with my face, Miss Elegance," said the athlete, taking a step back.

"You'll look fabulous and you'll look cool," continued the fashionista, smiling.

"If I'm going to be 20% cooler... I already am, being me," replied confidently.

"Well, that extra percent cooler would look good with makeup," insisted again.

"Hahaha," Pinkie laughed. "I'd like to see you with that makeup."

"You say that because you've already fallen to the temptation of makeup," commented, looking at the party girl.

"What do you think, Pinkie, would she look cooler with makeup?" asked the fashionista.

"I'm not as much of a perfectionist as Twi to give an answer," replied Pinkie, shrugging.

"I'm not a perfectionist," protested Twilight, crossing her arms.

"Ehh... Half and half," said Sunset, smiling.

"I think you're cool in your own way," said Fluttershy softly.

"See..." said Rainbow. "I appreciate you wanting to help me look better, but this girl feels fine, we'll see later, Miss Elegance," she finished, taking a few steps forward. "Hey, Fluttershy, will you show me what you were going to show me?" she said, winking at her friend.

"What you..." the pink-haired girl was about to ask, not understanding. A few seconds later, she realized it was an excuse to get out of that situation. "Oh, you mean that..." said. The athlete nodded. "Yes, Dash, it was over here."

Both friends walked a little away from the group.

"Mmm... that sounded like a possibility for the future," commented Rarity, with an amused smile.

"Another day it will be," the blonde laughed before kissing her forehead. It wasn't necessary for her to stand on tiptoe like the fashionista usually did since she was a bit taller than Rarity. After that, she went to talk with Twilight and Sunset.

"You'll have your moment. You've already tried it on Fluttershy and me," commented Pinkie with a knowing smile.

Rarity nodded, giving in for now. "Miss Elegance... what kind of nickname is that? I don't know if I'll get used to that name," she said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's not so bad. She already gave me one," said, laughing.

"What's yours?"

"Sugar Rush"

"I suppose it's quite fitting for you. Always so full of energy."

"Exactly! And you're Miss Elegance because you always look fabulous and you care about every little detail," said Pinkie, moving her hands exaggeratedly to emphasize her words.

"Well, I like to make sure everything is in its place and looks perfect. Although I must admit it can be a bit exhausting at times."

"That's because you're a classy perfectionist! Hey, have you ever thought about making clothes professionally apart from what you do daily?" asked curiously.

Rarity raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Actually, yes. I've always dreamed of having my own boutique someday. I love the idea of creating something beautiful and unique for each person."

"That sounds amazing! You'd definitely be the best designer in the world," said Pinkie with genuine enthusiasm.

"Thank you, Pinkie. And what about you?"

"Well... I've always wanted to do something that makes people happy. I don't know exactly what, but something that brings smiles," said the party girl.

"That doesn't surprise me at all. You have a gift for cheering others up," said Rarity with a warm smile. "You'll come up with something."

As the birthday party went on, each one was scattered, talking in small groups.

"Girls, it's time for the photo!" exclaimed Pinkie.

The fashionista approached her bag to get the camera, and when she opened it, she brought a hand to her mouth with a horrified expression. "Oh, no, this is terrible!" she said, looking at the others.

The other girls looked back at her, a little worried.

"I forgot the camera," said with her typical dramatism, putting a hand on her forehead. "This is a tragedy."

The girls looked at each other and shook their heads, some laughing about it.

"Let her be," commented Applejack with a smile. Then she approached the fashionista. "Rare, who always has a cellphone in hand for selfies?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, that's true," said, changing her expression to a more calm one and taking out her cellphone. "Does anyone have a tripod?"

"I have one in my room," said Sunset, getting up to look for it among her things. After finding a tripod, Rarity placed the cellphone on it and set the timer.

"Alright, girls, get ready," said the fashionista. Each one struck a particular pose as the timer began counting down.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... *Click*

Present
"We used to have so much fun..." sighed, reminiscing. "Sugar Rush... she stopped calling me that, but it had a nice touch."

"In the end, I did find my passion... somehow it had to do with that celebration day. Who would have thought I like organizing parties? Sometimes I give my number to other people in case they want to call me to organize their events..."

"...I wonder where I left that photo and if the others... knowing how things turned out, it's possible they deleted the photo Rarity shared from their phones." Pinkie shook her head. "No, Pinkie, don't think about that. After I manage to talk to her, I'll somehow make the others change their minds."

With that determination, she kept walking.

The fashionista was arriving at the institute with her sister. Sweetie Belle noticed that her sister seemed a bit nervous, although she didn't look sad like she sometimes did when they went to institute. She knew the reason for that was that she was meeting up with the others. She assumed that their outing to the park yesterday had helped her think a bit about how to approach the matter.

Once inside, they stopped near the doors where, to one side, was the main building. This was a large area where some students from Side B often hung around. It was also the place where the younger students separated from the older ones.

"Well, Sweetie, this time don't lose track of time talking with the Crusaders and don't sneak through that 'shortcut' during class hours."

"Haha," the younger one let out a giggle.

"You're lucky Principal Luna didn't catch you," added the older one, crossing her arms.

"According to the Crusaders and Spike, they don't have problems with their sisters..." commented, seeing her sister raise an eyebrow. "As long as recesses are when their older sisters are in class and we don't skip our own classes."

"That doesn't mean you can do the same," Rarity responded firmly but with a smile on her lips. "You know I'm trying to keep you out of trouble. This place is big, and there are many rules to follow."

"I know, Rarity," replied, softening her tone. "I'm just saying that sometimes it's hard not to be tempted to go to the other side."

"I understand, darling, but the rules are there for a reason," said with a softer smile. "Now, go and have a good day. I'll see you after class."

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. "See you." And with that, she headed towards the side that led to Side A, while the fashionista made her way to her own destination on Side B.

The morning had passed quickly, and now Pinkie Pie was in her second hour of class, along with Sunset and Fluttershy, in the baking class. Pinkie, always full of enthusiasm, was busy decorating some cupcakes with colorful frosting, though her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

"How should I start? 'Rarity, can we talk?' or 'Hey Rarity, you know, I don't care what the others say'... although I do care about what the girls think," thought to herself.

"Pinkie," called a soft voice.

"Or maybe I should be more casual," continued, ignoring the voice while she focused on her thoughts.

"Pinkie," tried another voice to interrupt.

"I kno-"

"PINKIE!" Sunset finally exclaimed, interrupting before the party planner could continue her thought-driven distraction.

"What?!" responded, startled, accidentally dropping a tube of frosting onto the table, causing a small mess.

"Misses, is something the matter? Would you care to share with the class?" the teacher intervened, raising an eyebrow as he looked at the three friends.

"I'm sorry, professor, it was my fault," Sunset hurried to apologize while helping Pinkie clean up the frosting mess. Fluttershy nodded with a nervous smile towards the teacher.

The teacher sighed. "Try to stay focused on your projects, girls. And if you need to discuss something important, do it during recess," he advised.

Pinkie, now more centered, nodded and internally thanked her friends for the save. Once the teacher moved away to supervise other students, Sunset and Fluttershy looked at their friend with a mix of concern and understanding.

"Pinkie, are you alright? You seem a bit out of place today," asked the red-and-yellow-haired girl quietly.

"Yeah, you're usually more focused on your decorating... is something bothering you?" Fluttershy asked in the same tone.

"Oh, no, everything's fine. I was just thinking about... about... a new cupcake recipe! Yes, that's it, an incredibly cool recipe," she replied quickly.

Sunset and Fluttershy exchanged glances, clearly unconvinced by her answer.

"Are you sure there's nothing else we can help you with?" asked the pink-haired girl softly, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.

The party planner nodded with a forced smile. "Thanks, girls, I really appreciate your concern. But seriously, I was just thinking about recipes. Let's make these cupcakes the most amazing we've ever made!"

The two exchanged looks again but nodded, deciding to leave the topic for now and focus on helping Pinkie with the class assignment.

A few hours passed, and the third class hour also flew by quickly, marking the end of the school day. There were days when the girls had classes, free time, or, in the case of their three soccer team friends, practice. This time, Pinkie couldn’t make up an excuse to leave with her cousin and had to walk to meet her.

Pinkie was outside, near the statue, waiting to meet a certain curly-haired girl. She watched as some students exited through the main entrance while others headed to the parking lot to leave in their cars.

She had to wait until the end of the classes since she didn’t know the girl’s schedule and whether she would be busy or free. She could have waited for her during lunch, but today she didn't have lunch, as depending on her weekly schedule, sometimes she stayed at the school, and other times she went straight home.

She waited a few more minutes until she recognized the girl's distinctive way of speaking, which apparently hadn’t changed. She saw her walk past without noticing the party planner was there, so Pinkie detached herself from the statue and opened her mouth.

"Hello, Rarity," greeted calmly, though inside she felt nervous.

The fashionista stopped with her sister and turned around, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the party planner's smile. Rarity widened her eyes slightly at the unexpected appearance of Pinkie.

"Eh... Pin... kie?" Rarity's voice had a tone of surprise.

Pinkie approached. "How have you been?"

"Eh... ah... fine," replied, looking around with a confused expression, as if trying to understand what was happening.

"Do you want me to walk you home?"

Sweetie Belle, seeing her sister's expression and how she seemed paralyzed, answered for her. "Sure, Pinkie! We'd like you to join us."

"Perfect, I have lots to talk about," she said cheerfully.

"I'd like to hear it, right, sister?" the younger one asked with a smile.

"Yes..." Rarity responded, still surprised.

Despite seeing her sister's confusion, the younger one noticed she was happy about this. The three started walking, with Pinkie lightly skipping with each step, trying to avoid 'that topic' and starting a conversation. Rarity responded as best she could, and Sweetie Belle joined in the chat as well.

The next morning, Rarity found herself entering the cafeteria for lunch. She didn't want to sit at her usual table again, as she would once more feel the weight of the stares from her former friends, but it automatically became her table because no one else used it during lunchtime. She had thought about finding another place to eat until things were less tense between them.

As she sat down, she sensed someone else's presence and turned to see the hyperactive girl.

"Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked, surprised to see her at her table.

"Hi, Rarity," greeted Pinkie with a smile.

"Aren't you supposed to sit with the girls?" suggested Rarity.

"I'm not obligated to be with the Mane Six all the time," replied.

"Mane Six?" Rarity asked, then recalled the conversation during the first days with the three girls in art class.

"Yeah, sometimes they call us that," Pinkie explained, settling at the table.

"I think I've heard something about that," commented Rarity. There were a few seconds of silence. "Um..."

"Is something wrong, Rarity? Are you feeling like this because the teacher scolded you again in Sports?"

"It's not that... It was unexpected for you to talk to me," admitted the fashionista.

Yesterday, when Rarity was leaving the school with her sister, Pinkie seemed to have been waiting for her and talked to her. It was strange for Rarity, but in a way, it made her happy; still, it didn't change the fact that it was unexpected.

"Ahhh... unexpected things happen, don't they?" Pinkie said.

"Yes... I suppose," Rarity said. "Why sit with me? I know we talked a little yesterday, but you didn't have to."

"I thought you might like some company," Pinkie affirmed with a smile.

"..." Rarity didn't know what to say.

Pinkie noticed that, so she tried something else to lighten the mood. "You know, I've always thought this table has a good view of the cafeteria."

"I'm not so sure about that..." Rarity responded. "Though I won't deny that I've wanted company," thought.

After another moment of silence, Rarity hesitated a bit in what she was going to say.

"I don't know if you want to hear this, but... do you want to know why I did what I did?"

The party planner was surprised by the question. "Not necessarily, but on one side, I would like to know."

The fashionista let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know how to explain it. I had a lot on my mind, it was difficult for me..."

"Difficult, in what sense? In..." Pinkie stopped when she realized her own words, then saw Rarity's expression. She was looking at her with a sad expression. "I used the same words, didn't I?" murmured, looking down.

Rarity stood up and, turning her head, found herself meeting the stares of the others. She looked for a moment and then walked further into the cafeteria.

"Well done, Pinkie," said to herself, lifting her head a little.

The girls, seeing that interaction, got up, leaving their food trays on the table where they usually had lunch. Pinkie stood up, saw the girls already approaching, and out of the corner of her eye, saw the fashionista leaving.

Three Years Ago: That Day
"I still don't believe it," Fluttershy said, frowning, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Why would I?" Pinkie asked, confused.

"We show her our support and she pays us back?" Sunset exclaimed in disbelief.

"She better not hold back, or else..." Rainbow said, visibly upset.

"Girls, I just sent him a message," Twilight reported with a serious expression, but implying that she was affected.

The five looked at each other. Applejack approached; Although he hadn't said anything about it, his expression said it all.

The girls were in a hallway where the broken but clean display case lay. After speaking with the janitor, who provided them with details about the person who broke the display case, they hoped to hear the truth from her friend, if they could still consider her as such. Minutes passed and Sunset noticed something at the end of the hallway.

"Girls, here she comes," the red/yellow haired girl announced, nodding toward the hallway. The six of them watched as a purple-haired girl slowly approached.

"I got your message, Twilight. Is something wrong?" Rarity asked, trying to stay calm.

"You know, Rarity...something peculiar happened," Twilight continued, her tone filled with seriousness of hers.

"What?" asked.

Sunset spoke up. "Someone broke the display case and took something out..."

"What did he pull out?" she asked, trying to hide her nervousness.

"A trophy," Sunset replied, watching Rarity's nervous reaction.

"Did they find out who did it?"

Rainbow frowned, she tried to take a few steps, but was stopped by Applejack. The girls exchanged meaningful glances and turned their attention to the dressmaker.

The air was filled with silence as her friends' gazes became more intense, until finally Sunset spoke again. "Someone saw a person walking through the hallways."

"In the hallways?" asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

"Yeah, we don't know who yet, but we have some suspicions," the red/yellow haired girl explained. "But first... Why were you late to the cafeteria?"

"Yes Rarity, where were you when all this was happening?" Twilight asked with a curious look.

"I was in the library studying for an important project and I lost track of time." She excused herself.

"That doesn't make sense! We're in the middle of testing, and I don't remember any projects," the bluenette questioned. "Also, you said you would leave the pills and go with us, and one more thing: do you know how far it is from the library to the cafeteria?"

"Oh...huh," murmured, feeling her façade of innocence crumble.

"Please, Rarity, tell the truth," Fluttershy urged.

"We know you're not telling us the whole truth. You can't keep hiding behind empty excuses," Sunset said, a serious expression on her face.

"I don't know what they're talking about, but I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this. I don't know what girl they saw," Rarity said, not realizing her own words.

"I never said it was a girl," Sunset corrected.

The dressmaker's eyes widened as she realized that she had given herself away. "Did I say girl? What I meant..."

"ENOUGH, RARITY! You can't deny what you did. Stop acting," the red/yellow haired woman interrupted, her firmness echoing through the desolate hallway.

"Yes, stop pretending!" Rainbow exclaimed, unable to contain herself any longer.

The dressmaker felt cornered by the accusations and she could no longer deny it. "I was the one who broke the display case and put the trophy in Rainbow's locker," confessed, feeling the weight of truth fall on her shoulders.

Twilight looked down, sighed, and looked forward again, taking in Rarity's confession and the impact she would have on the group.

"Rarity, please... Tell us there is a logical explanation for all of this," the pinkette implored, her voice filled with anguish as she looked at her friend with pleading eyes.

"I... I thought that...! You don't understand how difficult it was for me!" the dressmaker exclaimed, getting a little carried away by her pride.

"Difficult, in what sense?" Pinkie exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "Break the display case?"

"How could you do something like that? We thought we were your friends, but you used us for your own selfish purposes," Sunset reproached.

"I didn't use them!" defended herself.

"Oh no?...you suggested we go to the cafeteria saying you'd be there soon," the bluenette interjected, pointing out her manipulation.

"While you broke the display case to get the trophy out and put it in Rainbow's locker," Fluttershy added, her voice shaking with sadness and disappointment. "You made us feel like mere tools in your plans. Did you really think about how we would feel?"

"Girls, listen to me..." tried to speak.

"No, Rarity, you listen! You can't just ignore what you've done," the party girl interjected, her tone reflecting her deep disappointment.

"A friend wouldn't do what you did. What kind of friend... are you?" Twilight questioned.

"I... I thought you were different. I thought you valued our friendship more than anything," the pinkette added.

"But I do..."

"It doesn't seem like... I always considered you a trustworthy friend, but now..." Rainbow clenched her fists. "At first I thought you were selfish, but Fluttershy told me not to judge you. However, with what you did to me, you proved me right. You are just as you seem: a girl full of..." she couldn't finish.

"She considered you one of my best friends. I always thought I could trust you, but... how can I now?" Pinkie said, a tone of sadness in her voice.

Rarity looked down, trying to find the words to justify her actions, feeling guilt and regret consume her, along with frustration.

"But listen, listen!" exclaimed, desperately trying to justify her actions. "There was a reason behind what I did. I didn't mean to hurt anyone..."

Sunset interrupted her sharply. "A reason? That doesn't justify anything, Rarity! You had no right to do what you did."

"Do you think that reason would change anything? You betrayed us. Or rather, you betrayed me. You can't just excuse yourself and expect everything to go back to the way it was before," Rainbow said, her voice heavy with disappointment.

"I considered you a friend. But now... now I'm not sure what you are," Fluttershy added.

The dressmaker didn't know what to say to those words. After a silence, Pinkie took something out of her pocket.

"Do you know what this is?" the party girl asked, with a serious tone.

"A deflated balloon?" Rarity asked.

"It's punctured, that's what you did. You punctured the balloon of joy...and friendship," Pinkie said seriously with a touch of sadness in her voice. "The friendship we had built together. I don't know if I'll be able to look at you the same way again..."

Rarity looked away, feeling Applejack's silent gaze on her, and returned to the party girl's. "Pinkie, please understand... I don't know what happened to me. It was a moment of weakness, a stupid thing..."

"Nonsense?" Pinkie replied, her voice shaking with emotion. "Is that really an excuse, Rarity?"

The girls had nodded in agreement, showing disappointed expressions on their faces. None of them found anything valid to justify the dressmaker's actions.

"We understand that people make mistakes, but what you did affected all of us. You failed us, Rarity. You failed us all," Fluttershy said, her voice filled with sadness.

The dressmaker got carried away. "Fail them? You have no idea what you're saying! I…" she began to protest, but the stern looks from her friends left her speechless.

"Until you're finally showing your true colors," the athlete said, looking at her with disdain.

"I thought I knew you... but you were always like that," the bluenette added, with a look of disappointment.

Rarity's expression fell, realizing that her pride was getting the better of her, although a part of her felt angry at her friends. "Me, just me..."

The tension in the room was palpable as the dressmaker faced the accusatory looks of her friends. She tried to keep her composure, but discomfort washed over her when the bluenette spoke again.

"Do you know why you can't say anything? It's because you have no excuses," Twilight stated, crossing her arms.

Rarity fell silent again upon hearing that and looked at the pink-haired girl. "Fluttershy, please understand..."

"Understand what? Put the trophy in Rainbow's locker..." the pinkette said, her eyes full of sadness, but with a firmer tone of voice. "How could you be so insensitive? Didn't you care at all how Dash would feel when he encountered that?" Her voice shook at the end, once again showing her sadness. "I always saw you as someone so sensitive and thoughtful... It hurts me a lot to say this, but I feel very disappointed. I didn't expect this from you."

"Girls, really..." she tried one last time.

"No more!" Twilight interrupted. "You almost got Rainbow expelled. There's nothing you can say to justify what you did!" she added.

"Exactly. You acted selfishly and thought only of yourself," Rainbow said, her voice filled with anger.

A tense silence takes over the room as Rarity stares at each of her friends. After a moment, Rarity looks at Applejack with a mix of sadness and despair.

"Why haven't you told me anything?"

The blonde looked at her. "There's no need to tell you anything. Your actions speak for themselves... Apparently I wasn't wrong in what I told you the other day," said, with a hard look.

Rarity is overwhelmed by Applejack's words. "No, you didn't say that, I thought you believed in me," thought, feeling how tears began to accumulate in her eyes, but she did her best not to let them out.

"I think this got here. We know what you did and that's enough," Sunset said, her voice firm, as her friends nodded silently, confirming her words.

Another silence was present. Rarity vividly remembered what happened a few days ago. That memory filled her with anger as she faced the stern gaze of each of them. Finally, Rarity, with a mix of regret and anger, makes a decision.

She gritted her teeth and spoke. "If that's what you want," said, as she turned around. "I can handle myself," muttered remorsefully to herself.

With these words, Rarity withdraws from her, feeling the weight of her guilt and the loss of the friendship of her loved ones. The other friends remain silent. The girls' gazes remained fixed on Rarity as she walked away down the hallway, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. Pinkie looked at each of her friends.

First, her gaze shifted to Fluttershy. She bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with sadness and confusion. It was evident that the trust she had placed in Rarity had been deeply shaken.

Then, she saw Twilight, who was serious, with her arms crossed and a piercing gaze. Despite her disappointment, Pinkie noticed a spark of hope in her eyes, although she knew it would be difficult to maintain.

Then her gaze fell on Rainbow Dash, who was staring at the ground, her jaw clenched and her fists clenched. The expression on her face mixed anger and pain, feeling betrayed by someone she had trusted so much.

Next, she Pinkie looked at Sunset, who was looking at them seriously. Her face reflected determination, but also palpable sadness. Pinkie could see that she too felt deeply disappointed and somewhat angry at the emotional consequences this had brought to the group.

Finally, her eyes landed on Applejack. She kept a hard look and a serious expression, although Pinkie noticed a slight hesitation in her eyes. It was evident that she was trying to hide any signs of weakness.

After seeing everyone, Pinkie watched Rarity walk away from her. She held in her hands the deflated balloon that symbolized the friendship that now seemed broken. Rarity's final words echoed in her mind, filled with anger and disdain.  "If that's what you want,"  she had said,  "I can handle myself."  Bitterness mixed with sadness in her voice as she muttered to herself, "I never thought it would come to this..."

The silence deepened as Rarity walked out of sight. Pinkie felt the distance between them widen, and she realized that something had irrevocably changed in her group of friends.

Present
The party girl let out a sigh. "Could it be that she left like that the other time because we didn't let her talk?"

The girls were already in front of the dressmaker's table, where Pinkie Pie was now.

"Hey, Pinkie, what was that?" Rainbow said, frowning in surprise.

"An oversight," the party girl responded, a little sad, turning around to walk into the cafeteria.

The five of them looked at each other in confusion, exchanging glances with each other in search of answers.

"Shouldn't we tell him something?" Twilight asked, with a worried expression.

"Blonde, you should tell her something," said, nudging Applejack.

"Because I?" the farmer asked, frowning a little.

"You're her cousin," Rainbow said, facing her.

"And you're one of her friends, so we should all talk," the farmer said, crossing her arms.

"But maybe Belle told her something to get her to talk to him and she doesn't mean it," raised her voice a little and frowned.

"Do you think that because I'm her relative she's going to tell me?" The blonde said, raising her voice even more.

"Mayb-"

"Not now, girls," Sunset interrupted, noticing the curious looks of other students around her, who were beginning to murmur.

"Sunset is right, I don't think here would be the right place for arguments," Twilight supported.

"We should calm down a little," Fluttershy said, his voice soft.

The two girls took a deep breath to calm themselves, closing their eyes for a moment.

"How about this?" Applejack began, "let's give it some time and see what exactly is going on," raising an eyebrow in suggestion.

"I think we should see what happens," the blue haired girl said, nodding her head in agreement.

"Good idea, let's just leave it at that," Sunset said.

"Yeah, let's go back for lunch?" Rainbow suggested, calmer.

"Come on," Sunset said.

The five returned to their table to eat.

Lunch was somewhat silent. The party girl appeared at the entrance outside the cafeteria, but within seconds she was gone again, she seemed to be looking for someone. So only the five of them had lunch this time.

After lunch, the five of them left their empty trays to leave the cafeteria and go to their only class of the afternoon. The athlete took the blue-haired girl and the red/yellow-haired girl from her shoulders, moving them a little away from the group. She gave Applejack and Fluttershy an excuse, but she assured them that they would be back soon.

"Hey girls, I need her help," said the multicolored haired girl, stopping in a semi-open hallway that led to a small pasture.

"What's happening?" the blue haired girl asked.

"Yeah, to get us away a little bit," Sunset commented.

"I think I figured out the reason why Fluttershy is acting like this towards me," Rainbow explained.

"Oh really?" the two responded in unison.

"I wanted to talk to her yesterday, but she escaped me," said the athlete, somewhat frustrated.

"How did she escape from you? Did she see you and run away?" the blue haired girl joked.

Rainbow looked at her a little seriously.

"Sorry, bad joke," Twilight apologized and cleared her throat. "Keep going".

"Well, I wanted to look for her to talk and I didn't arrive in time," the athlete explained.

"You could have run," Sunset suggested.

"Hey, I don't have as many free classes as you guys," the multicolored haired girl complained. "Do you know how long it takes me to go swimming, then shower and go pick her up?"

"Good point," Sunset admitted.

"When I went to pick her up, there were a lot of students in her classroom, so she must have left through the back door without me noticing," the athlete continued. "Plus, we had training and they know we have to prepare."

"Saying that on Mondays he leaves earlier and sometimes he usually leaves," Sunset recalled.

"Exactly, that's why I went looking for her thinking that this time she would stay," Rainbow said. "But I could have talked to her today before lunch, she just couldn't find the right time. She was surrounded by people and didn't want to make it public."

"Hmm...let's see," the blue-haired girl thought. "I know, you have three options."

"Which is it?" the athlete asked.

"Tomorrow in the second period you have free, you could go to her room and talk, but there is a but," Twilight began to explain. Rainbow waited for her friend to continue. "The break is not long enough for them to talk as much as they need to."

"Then that option is out," Sunset said.

"The other option is that in your last class before lunch you went to her classroom, but you would have to almost run to get there on time," the blue-haired girl proposed.

"Mmm...", the athlete thought a little about the option. "What's the third?"

"You'll have to wait until Thursday, in the middle of that free time we have and when we usually go to rehearse," Twilight suggested.

"What! I'm not going to wait until Thursday to talk," Rainbow protested.

"Then you'll have to run tomorrow," Sunset said, trying to sound optimistic.

Rainbow nodded, still thinking about the options. "I will. Thanks, girls."

"You're welcome. Now, let's get back to AJ and Fluttershy. We don't want them to worry," Twilight suggested, adjusting her glasses.

The three friends headed back to where Applejack and Fluttershy were waiting. Rainbow watched Fluttershy from a distance, remembering the times when her friendship was uncomplicated. "Tomorrow," she said to herself, "tomorrow I will fix everything."

The next day, as dictated by the class schedule, the girls were scattered in their corresponding classes. Applejack was in arts, her first hour of the morning. According to the teacher, today she would finish the drawing section, a task that had always represented a challenge for her. She looked around her as she prepared for class, noticing how the girls were spread out in their respective seats.

The teacher guided the class with detailed instructions on shading and composition techniques, while Applejack struggled to keep up. Out of the corner of his eye, she caught Rarity's concentration on her drawing, her blue eyes shining with typical intensity as she immersed herself in her work.

"What is she up to now?" Applejack wondered, frowning slightly. "Out of nowhere he's talking to Pinkie..."

She shook his head and decided to focus on his own drawing. Turning his head, however, she met Sunset's gaze, who seemed to share her intrigue about Rarity and Pinkie's recent interaction. It was evident that at some point they would have to broach the subject with the group's party girl.

Why, out of nowhere, from one day to the next, did the hyperactive girl in the group start striking up a conversation with the sophisticated girl who was previously one of hers?

The hours passed and Pinkie headed to the playground for the second period break. She was a little thoughtful; she wanted to talk to Rarity and apologize. She sat on a bench and began to think.

"Pinkie Pie?" Rarity called in a soft voice.

The party girl raised her head and looked at her in surprise.

"Hello, Rarity," she greeted with a faint smile. "She was just going to look for you to ask for your forgiveness."

"Oh yeah?" said, somewhat surprised, since she was looking for exactly the same thing. "I wanted to apologize for leaving like that yesterday," she began, looking Pinkie in the eyes. "I was supposed to give you an explanation and I left abruptly..." she remained silent for a few seconds before continuing. "I'm willing to take any criticism for what I did."

The party girl blinked, surprised. "Receive criticism?" asked. "Is Rarity willing to do that? Since when has this been...? well, it's been three years since we've talked and we've all changed."

"Yes," the dressmaker agreed. "What I did was wrong and my explanation may not be what you expect to hear."

"That's probably true... but at least I have to listen to her this time" thought the party girl. "Do you want to sit down?"

Rarity nodded and sat down. There was silence for a few moments before the dressmaker spoke.

"Well, I had a lot of things on my mind: the tests, the... contest... and you know, it would affect anyone if they broke up with their partner. Obviously, at that moment it affected me, although I wasn't good to her "I think it was good that it happened," Rarity began.

"Rarity, it's not like you did anything very bad to AJ, other than stealing her. You pushed her away just like you did us to fulfill your dream of being a designer," Pinkie said. "Sorry for mentioning us..."

"Okay. I accepted that... but leaving a couple out by not accepting their help, and yours when they offered it to me. AJ tried it when she was making the designs, even though she didn't believe in them, "It was bad," said the dressmaker with a sad tone.

"What do you mean?" the party girl asked, curious about what was said about her cousin.

"AJ always thought so. The other day and yesterday I remembered a little when she praised my talent, surely she just had to pretend, I guess it was to not make me feel bad," Rarity responded with a sad look.

"Wait, did Applejack tell her that her designs weren't cute or something? Maybe AJ said something similar and Rarity misunderstood, maybe it was a misunderstanding," the party girl thought with a frown.

"As for the robbery, it was worse. I was angry and I thought that by doing it... I don't know..." The dressmaker couldn't find the words. "I wanted to get AJ's attention, at least to talk to her and say goodbye to her."

"I understand that you might have gotten mad at Rainbow because she, well, because she noticed your...ex-girl," she surmised. "Rarity, there were other means to get attention. And why just say goodbye to AJ? What about us? We were there for you."

The dressmaker put a hand on her chin to remember. "Mmm..." she Then she opened her eyes, not quite sure what to say. "Well, it was because..." she trailed off before speaking. "I didn't know how to tell him... that's all... the other thing I was thinking is no longer important."

Pinkie knew there was something else she didn't want to say, that much was evident. Something was missing that she didn't even remember, for the moment she would let it go, but something the dressmaker said caught her attention.

"Wait, did you just say 'to say goodbye'? Did they already have your trip planned?"

"Yeah, in the middle of everything that happened. You know, the tests and the contest, among other things. One night, my parents took Sweetie Belle and me to a restaurant and told us we were going out of town. ... taking us to the restaurant was a way to compensate for the news," the dressmaker explained. "That happened a few days after we broke up, and Applejack was dating Rainbow."

Pinkie looked down. "Final tests, her designs, them finishing and seeing her with Rainbow, then finding out about her trip and something else she still doesn't want to tell. Yes, she was going through a lot, all the more so she was stressed, but definitely seeing AJ with Dash "After a few days, it must have made her feel betrayed and that's why she went straight to her locker," thought, putting a finger on his chin.

"You know, one day when I had already left town, I had a dream," Rarity said, snapping the party girl out of her thoughts.

"What was she about?" asked.

"It was me and Applejack." The party girl looked at her. "Don't get it wrong, it was a different kind of dream... I was talking to her about our separation and how I was now with Rainbow. I was telling her that it's okay that I'm with her and that I understood," the dressmaker explained as she played with her fingers.

"It's a nice dream," the party girl said with a smile, then her expression changed to a curious one. "You don't say it because she still feels-"

"Ah, Pinkie! That's a thing of the past," the dressmaker interrupted. "Besides, she's with Rainbow and I wouldn't get into a relationship. In the hypothetical case that something happens," clarified.

"You're right," said with a smile. "If that happened, it wouldn't be seen very well," finished, stopping thinking about that topic.

"Can I at least ask you a question?" Rarity asked. The party girl nodded. "Is he happy with her?"

Pinkie looked at her surprised. She then analyzed the question and grimaced, remembering a few things between the couple. "You can tell they have... a good time together."

The dressmaker just smiled, then her expression changed between serious and sad. "Going back to the trophy thing, I had an impulse that day, but I refused so I passed it by," continued.

"Did you have a chance not to?" Pinkie said with wide eyes.

"Yes, but everything changed when we all met in the hallway. Many emotions overwhelmed me. I felt alone, misunderstood. I felt abandoned everywhere...", Rarity closed her eyes for a moment, remembering.

"...I took the trophy as a kind of act of desperation. In my mind, it was an attempt to get someone to notice me. Putting it in Rainbow's locker was very childish and confusing, I know. Partly, I think I "I did it because she represented what I had lost... also to make her see that she is not perfect."

Pinkie looked at Rarity with eyes full of understanding. "So, actually, it wasn't about the trophy itself. It was a way to get attention, jealousy because well, AJ...and abandoned. Did you feel abandoned by my cousin?" asked, thinking about the last bit. . "Why didn't you tell us you felt that way?"

The dressmaker remained silent for a few seconds searching for the right words. "When Applejack and I broke up, I was going through a very difficult time. I felt alone and abandoned, but at the same time, I understood that we were all very busy with final exams. I didn't want to bother them with my problems while they were concentrating on their studies. I thought I could handle it alone, but I was wrong. Now I realize it was a mistake not to share how I felt with you, and I'm sorry for hiding it from you..."

"...I know that it was not desirable to hear and I apologize for what I did to them, I am truly very sorry, Pinkie. I understand that after what I told you, you do not want to approach me again," the dressmaker finished explaining.

The dressmaker expected the party girl to leave her, but she didn't expect the party girl to hug her. The dressmaker returned the hug. "Don't worry, Rarity," Pinkie said with a sad smile.

After breaking the hug, the party girl looked at the dressmaker. "Rarity, I know you made a mistake, but we all do. The important thing is that you're here, being honest with me. I really appreciate that, I really do. And I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We all make mistakes. mistakes, but what matters is how we face them and how we learn from them," he said, finishing with his characteristic smile.

"Thank you, Pinkie. You don't know how much I appreciate hearing that," she said with a smile. She was relieved to hear that, she felt like one less weight was lifted. Only the rest was missing, but for that she would have to wait.

"I can ask you a question, and it has to do with what you did, but I won't criticize you," Pinkie commented curiously. "It's something else we never knew with the girls."

"Which is it?"

"How come all this remained silent? How come they accepted you back despite what you did? Considering the fact that they changed directors and rectors, they must know the things that have happened throughout the year, right?" said the party girl.

"That's two questions," Rarity stated, showing two fingers. "I can answer the first one, but I'm not sure about the second."

Pinkie nodded curiously, waiting to hear the answer.

"Well, about how this was all kept quiet..." Rarity began. "Principal Mare decided to handle the matter discreetly to avoid negative publicity for the institute's reputation. My parents were present during the meeting with the principal, and they both supported her decision to keep everything quiet."

"That explains why yours never came to light," Pinkie pointed out.

"What did they say to you?"

"It was said that someone had broken the display case and caused damage, but the name was not specifically mentioned. Director Mare handled the situation so that the identity of the person responsible was not revealed publicly, but she made sure that the person had consequences." , explained the party girl.

"I understand. So you deduced that I was expelled like Rainbow would have been?" Rarity asked.

Pinkie nodded. "I think the fact that your name wasn't revealed made the girls angrier, or just Rainbow."

"I see, I understand... I think she would be angry about that too," the dressmaker mused.

"Going back to the other side, when we spoke to the principal, she was very firm with me. She clearly explained the consequences of my actions and how I had disappointed her. My parents were there to make sure I understood the seriousness of what happened; they were equally shocked for my behavior and determined that I would face appropriate consequences..."

"...I think the principal considered several factors in not expelling me. First, my parents intervened and assured the principal that they would make me face the consequences of my actions, no matter how embarrassing. Second, Principal Mare was also aware of that expelling me would have generated a scandal that could negatively affect the image of the institute..."

"...But that doesn't mean I was spared the consequences. The principal decided to suspend me, so I couldn't go to the dance or graduation and I had to do community service. Although I probably would have missed it anyway."

"Because of the trip, isn't it?" deduced the party girl. Rarity nodded. "So, the director made a strategic decision to protect the reputation of the institute and she gave you a chance to right your wrongs without expelling you, although at a significant cost to you."

"Even though I know I probably would have missed it anyway, it hurt me not to be able to attend, and my parents probably would have made me feel better in some way," she admitted a little sadly. "But it wasn't going to happen, since I had to compensate them for my mistake and apologize for letting them down," concluded.

"Wow, Rarity, you really did everything," Pinkie exclaimed, collecting all the information. "In a good way... The good thing is that things are better now and we will achieve something with the girls."

The dressmaker just smiled. "I think that's also one reason why I had no problem returning, although I still wonder why Rector Celestia didn't tell me anything and why no one recognized me."

"Possibly, when the two sisters took the position of chancellor and principal, each one was left with the affairs of her areas... That's the only thing I can think of," Pinkie suggested with a slightly nervous smile. "As for why no one recognized you... let me tell you that throughout these years I saw several new faces, therefore, for some who did not know you well, you only remained in their memories as another student and for others "You're the new girl," concluded by explaining.

"Ehhh... sorry for saying this, Pinkie, but since when are you good at making these kinds of deductions?" Rarity said, somewhat surprised.

"Mmm...Twilight and my Pinkie Sentido," replied with a smile.

The dressmaker was going to say something, but she remembered that she is talking to Pinkie Pie and never knows what to expect from her. After a silence, the party girl spoke.

"It's weird, right? The perception of time," the party girl commented, letting out a laugh.

"How so?" asked the dressmaker, confused.

"If you take into account that the final tests are at the beginning of January, and what you did was almost in the middle of the month, and as you said, you did community service for weeks and a little in February, you could say that it was two years ago" Pinkie explained. "But since we never saw you again since that day... you know, the argument, for us, was that you left three years ago."

"I hadn't thought about it like that," said the dressmaker, thoughtfully. "When we came back, it felt like it was two or three years ago," she concluded, thinking that she is not that far from reality.

After that, they started talking about other things. A few minutes later, they realized that a group of five girls were watching them. The two got up. Rarity was going to leave, but Pinkie stopped her by taking her arm and they approached the girls.

"Pinkie, what's going on?" Twilight asked.

"I'm just going on a hunch," he replied enigmatically. She knew well what the blue-haired girl meant.

"Hunch?" Applejack asked, frowning.

Rarity was going to intervene, but Rainbow interrupted her before she could say anything.

"Don't tell me, Belle. I know what you're going to do," the athlete commented with a half smile. "You're going to try again... and then Pinkie, for some reason, will insist that you sit with us at lunch."

"Yes, I had that in mind," the party girl confirmed with a playful smile.

"But I don't think that's the right thing to do," Fluttershy murmured quietly.

The dressmaker opened her mouth as if she were going to say something, but then closed it, hesitant. Finally, she opened her mouth again. "Maybe you're right...I should stay at my table and you guys at yours, like always."

"eh?" Pinkie exclaimed, confused.

"Ha, I knew-" Dash stopped abruptly at the words. "That's- that's...exactly what she wanted...to hear," she acknowledged, visibly taken aback by her response.

The other girls exchanged confused glances with each other.

"I should go now," said the dressmaker, turning around and starting to walk into an area of ​​the university.

"That was…" Twilight began.

"Unexpected," Fluttershy completed with a surprised expression.

The athlete watched the dressmaker walk away from her and then turned to Pinkie, intrigued by the interaction they had just witnessed. "Pinkie..." she started, but her girlfriend nudged her quickly to remind her of the conversation they had yesterday. "Forget it," said with a forced smile.

"Okay," Pinkie replied, nodding with a smile.

"Well girls, next class is almost starting," Sunset announced.

"As soon?" asked in surprise.

"Pinkie, we've been looking for you all break," Twilight added.

"Wow, have I been talking to Rarity that much?" Pinkie thought to herself, somewhat surprised. "Time really flies when you get into a conversation," commented out loud.

Sunset seemed about to ask something else, but then she remembered the conversation from the previous day.

"I'm sorry for making you go all over the university to find me," the party girl apologized.

"Understandable," Sunset commented. "It seems like you got quite involved... in the conversation with... Belle." Finishing saying that, she looked at the four girls.

"Yes, she has that way of making you forget about everything else," said almost nervously.

The five of them seemed a little uncomfortable because of the naturalness with which the party girl spoke about the dressmaker.

"So, shall we go in?" Fluttershy suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

The girls nodded and began to walk towards one of the doors to enter another area.

"I'll figure out what to do," said the farmer.

Pinkie nodded cheerfully. "Great! I'm sure you'll find something interesting to do."

When they entered they said goodbye and began to separate, ready to face the next day of classes before meeting again for lunch. But before separating completely, Sunset and Twilight gave the multicolored girl a gesture of encouragement. She nodded already determined after this class she would talk to Fluttershy.

Applejack was walking through the hallways, greeting some acquaintances. At this time, he had free time, so he planned to go to the music room to play a little. As he turned a corner he bumped into someone unexpectedly.

"It had to be..." the blonde thought with annoyance when she saw who she collided with.

"I..."

The blonde was going to pass by, but she stopped and turned around. "May I know what you're doing, Belle?" she asked.

"Go to my next class?" Rarity replied, stopping and turning around a little confused.

"Don't play with me Belle." Applejack said, frowning a little. "I mean, one day you say sorry, another day you don't say anything, and then you talk to my cousin as if nothing had happened..."

The dressmaker moved a little closer. "She approached me, simple as that. If that's all..." replied, staying calm.

Rarity started to walk, but Applejack spoke again.

"Is that all you're saying?" asked in an annoyed voice.

The dressmaker stopped walking again. "There's nothing else to talk about. Aren't you the ones who don't want me to come near or talk to you?" she replied firmly.

"Well...yes, we thought so," the blonde replied, her expression serious, but hiding her astonishment.

Without saying anything else, Rarity began to walk away, leaving the farmer a little confused by the conversation. Normally, the dressmaker would try to apologize again.

As she walks to go to her third period, she lets out a sigh: "It will have to be like this..." the dressmaker murmured.

A couple of hours had already passed and Fluttershy was grabbing her things; His class had already ended. As usual, he would meet the others for lunch. When she left her classroom, she didn't expect to find one of her friends waiting for her right outside.

"Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Fluttershy...uh...can we talk?" said the athlete, searching for the right words.

"We can talk at lunch," replied.

"No...please, Fluttershy, I need it to be alone," Rainbow insisted.

The animal lover, seeing how tired her friend looked and how desperate she was, decided to accept. "Okay, where are we going?"

"There must be several unoccupied classrooms at this time. Let's go to one," said, motioning with her head.

They both walked in silence through the hallways until they found an empty classroom. Rainbow opened the door and walked in first, making sure she was truly unoccupied. Fluttershy followed her, closing the door behind her. The classroom was quiet, with only natural light coming in through the windows.

The animal lover left her things on a table to be more comfortable, she sat on one of them and turned her attention to the multicolored one. Rainbow walked over to another and sat down, across from her, letting out a sigh before beginning.

"What's wrong, Rainbow Dash?"

"Do you remember that trip to the zoo?" began her.

Fluttershy didn't understand why that came out of nowhere; she assumed it was another attempt to bring up a topic of conversation. "Yes, I loved seeing the animals. That llama mistook your popcorn for his food."

"We had a good time though," Rainbow said, laughing as she remembered that she had to buy new popcorn because that llama ate almost all of it.

"Yes," Fluttershy smiled nostalgically.

"Also that time when we got together with our families... although I didn't like seeing your brother," the athlete said with a sad smile.

"Yeah...it never seems to change," the pink-haired girl said with a giggle, almost heartbroken.

"Then when we went to those games," Rainbow continued, playing with her fingers. "It was a few months ago, right?"

"Actually... almost a year and a half ago," Fluttershy corrected in a sad voice.

"What?!" exclaimed the athlete. "But I remember that I invited you to another outing... it was in..."

"Yes, but it was months later and you canceled that outing because you had a date with AJ, where they were going to a game," the pink-haired girl explained, interrupting her friend, lowering her gaze a little. "Then you called me asking my opinion on who was right."

"And how about that time when I invited you for that training?" Rainbow asked.

"Yes, you invited me and Applejack, but..." Fluttershy said, looking down and not finishing the sentence.

The athlete began to reflect a little on those moments and others. Her eyes widened in realization. "No way, Scoot was right," thought. "This all started when he was already dating Applejack," said out loud.

Fluttershy just looked down; That was enough for Rainbow to confirm that what she said was true.

"But... that... I... I don't know what to say, I... I left you aside and I didn't have time for you," said surprised. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy," she apologized, her gaze downcast. "I focused so much on my relationship with Applejack that I put our friendship aside."

Fluttershy looked up, surprised by her apology. "You don't have to apologize, Rainbow Dash. I understand that relationships can take up a lot of time and energy."

"No, it's not just that," Rainbow continued, feeling a lump in her throat. "How did I not realize that I have been ignoring you and neglecting our friendship."

Rainbow took her friend's hands like she used to before, but the pink haired girl gently moved her hands to her lap. That action surprised the multicolored girl, although she should have expected it.

The pink haired girl lowered her head a little sad. "Rainbow Dash is not just that what happened..."

"Wait there's more?" the athlete asked even more surprised.

"But if you realized this... it would be cruel of me not to mention the other part to you," the animal lover said.

Rainbow looked at her, waiting with a mix of fear and hope in her eyes. Fluttershy raised her head and, with her voice shaking, began to explain the other part of the story.

Chapter Text

The sun was beginning to set in Canterlot's parking lot. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo headed towards the car. Rainbow was unusually quiet, and Scoot noticed it right away.

"Rainbow, everything okay?" the younger one asked as she climbed into the car.

The multicolored haired girl sighed and sat in the driver's seat, starting the engine. "Yeah, Scoot. Just... thinking about some things."

After fastening her seatbelt, the younger one spoke up. "Is it about training? Or did something happen with Applejack?"

Rainbow shook her head as they pulled out of the parking lot. "No, it's not that. Well, partly. It's more complicated."

"Is it about Fluttershy?" asked.

The elder looked at her sister for a moment before turning back to the road. "How did you know?"

"The other day when I mentioned spending more time together, your expression reminded me of weeks ago when you asked about the family reunion," the younger one said.

"Huh, you never cease to impress me," the athlete replied with a forced laugh. A few seconds later, her expression changed. "Do you think... I can be a bit... selfish?"

The magenta pony frowned, surprised. "Selfish? You? I don't think so, but maybe other things."

Rainbow let out a laugh. "That's what I thought."

"What made you wonder about that?"

"I had a talk with Flutters," the athlete said, sounding down.

"Did she tell you that?"

"Not exactly... it's something we talked about," Rainbow said.

"You can do a lot of things, but selfish isn't one of them," said, trying to sound reassuring as she placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder.

Rainbow smiled, feeling a little better. "Sometimes it's good to hear that from someone else."

Scoot smiled in response. "I'm always here for you."

The multicolored haired girl drove in silence for a while, both lost in their thoughts. When they arrived home, each went to their own room. It was a few minutes before Scootaloo knocked on Rainbow's door.

"Yeah?" came her sister's voice from the other side.

Scootaloo opened the door and saw Rainbow lying on her bed, playing with a ball-shaped pillow, tossing it into the air each time it returned.

"Dinner's ready," reported.

The athlete stopped and sat up on the bed, looking at the younger one. "Can you tell Mom and Dad I have work to do and will eat later?"

The magenta haired girl nodded and looked at her for a moment. "You know, whatever happened with Fluttershy, you'll fix it soon. You always do."

The elder gave her a smile. "Thanks, Scoot. See you at school tomorrow."

"Goodbye, Dash. Good night," said the magenta haired girl and closed the door.

Rainbow stayed silent for a moment, her smile slowly fading. "How did I not realize what I did?" murmured to herself, feeling a knot in her stomach. She lay back on the bed again, this time not tossing the pillow.

The night grew longer as she reflected on her actions and their consequences.

The next day, the girls headed out for recess after what could be considered their first class, though it might have been the second since Thursdays and Fridays usually start a bit later.

Fluttershy and Twilight were in the locker hallway when the blue-haired animal lover noticed Fluttershy looking quieter than usual and somewhat downcast.

"Fluttershy, are you okay? You seem to have something on your mind," Twilight asked, concerned.

The pink-haired girl sighed. "Well... Yesterday I had a conversation and... everything I felt at the time came back, and I'd like to talk about it."

Twilight didn't hesitate. "Sure, Fluttershy. I was just about to head to the library, let's go and talk there," said. "The girls can wait for us a little longer."

Fluttershy simply nodded.

They walked for a few minutes until they reached the library entrance. They went inside and sat in one of the empty seats.

"You can trust me. What's going on?" Twilight asked gently.

Fluttershy looked at her for a moment. "It's about Rainbow Dash. As you've probably noticed, we've been somewhat... distant."

"Yeah, several of us have noticed," said the blue-haired girl with a small smile. "Many at the university have noticed too," she thought. "And apparently it's not so recent, you've been like this lately."

"Yeah..." Fluttershy said, nervously playing with a strand of her hair.

"As far as I know, Dash mentioned she would talk to you about it. At lunch and in music class, both of you seemed distracted. Was it something she did that was so bad?" Twilight pondered.

Fluttershy opened her mouth and began to reveal everything she had been keeping inside. "It's been tough, Twilight. Ever since Rainbow started dating Applejack, our dynamics changed. At first, I didn't mind, I'm happy they're together, but..."

Twilight nodded, encouraging her to continue. "But, what?"

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were arriving at the music room to rehearse during their free period, a moment they all shared. Upon arrival, they found Sunset, who greeted them, and Applejack, sitting on the steps, looking down with elbows resting on her thighs.

"Whoa, what happened?" Pinkie asked.

"It's because of art class," explained Sunset.

"But what happened?" Rainbow asked, almost disinterestedly.

"Belle, that's what happened," said the blonde, lifting her head.

"Big surprise," Rainbow expressed, somewhat dejected. "What did she do?"

"It's actually not something she did," clarified Sunset. "Yesterday we finished with drawings, and today we started with crafts, but the teacher asked us to pair up in twos to create a sculpture."

"Oh, oh... let me guess, you got paired with Rari..." Pinkie stopped and changed the name. "...Belle," added.

The party girl hated that the girls had decided to refer to the fashionista as 'Belle' every time a conversation about her came up, to make it less awkward to talk about.

"I didn't have another choice," said the farmer, waving a hand.

"I had promised Starlight that in the next assignment I would work with her, so I didn't choose AJ," explained Sunset.

"The teacher could have mentioned it yesterday about the project, but had to wait until today," said Applejack, standing up and looking at the two. "Look at the irony, the theme of the assignment is... friendship."

"How ironic," commented Rainbow, crossing her arms and looking down.

Pinkie and Sunset glanced at the multicolored girl, a bit confused by her tone and disheartened behavior.

The blonde spoke, snapping the two out of their thoughts. "I have to go find her right now, because when I saw that I had to do it with her, we didn't even talk," she mentioned, approaching a large instrument that no one was using to lean on.

"She didn't say anything to you?" Sunset asked.

"I don't understand what got into her overnight," Applejack commented.

"Yesterday, I was surprised she said something brief and gave us the reason," Sunset recalled.

"It's strange that she's not apologizing like she used to. She did with me, maybe because I was kind and approached compared to the others," thought the party girl. "Maybe I'll talk to her later."

"Well, sorry, girls, maybe we won't rehearse today. Like I said, I have to find her to move forward and I hope and wish... to finish the job as soon as possible," said, walking towards the door and leaving.

"Twilight and Fluttershy are also missing," Pinkie said, looking at the door.

"Where could they be?" Sunset wondered.

The athlete let out a heavy sigh upon hearing the name.

"Rainbow, are you okay?" the redhead asked.

"I talked to Fluttershy," said with her hand on her forehead, letting out another sigh.

"Did you finally find out what happened?" Pinkie asked anxiously.

"By the sigh, it seems like it was more than you expected," Sunset said, concerned.

The athlete nodded. "It was more than just sidelining her."

"Sidelining her?" repeated Pinkie.

"It was about how I handled my relationship with AJ." Rainbow started.

"With AJ?" Sunset asked. "What does Applejack have to do with this?"

"You see, when I started dating the blonde... I mean after Belle left town, we started having our dates."

"The classic thing couples do," commented the party girl.

The athlete removed her hand from her forehead. "Exactly, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to invite her to a date with AJ and..."

Two Years Ago

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were holding hands as they arrived at a game fair. They paused briefly, waiting for someone else.

The athlete let go of the blonde and approached the animal lover. As usual, she greeted her with a hug. Pinkie Pie had always made an exception with affectionate gestures. After breaking the hug, Fluttershy looked at the farmer.

"Hello, Applejack," she greeted with a smile.

"Hey, Fluttershy, ready to enjoy a fun day?" the farmer replied.

"We're going to have a great time, shall we?" said the athlete.

"Sure."

The three of them started walking, stopping at different game stalls to have fun.

"Look at that!" exclaimed Rainbow, pointing to a shooting gallery booth. "Let's try to win some prizes."

Fluttershy glanced nervously at the booth but followed her friends to the line.

"Come on, Flutters, this is going to be fun," encouraged the athlete. "We'll show you how it's done."

When it was their turn, the booth attendant handed them toy shotguns and explained the rules. They had to knock down a series of cans lined up on a shelf.

"Let me show you first," said Applejack, taking one of the shotguns. With a focused look, she aimed and shot, knocking down several cans with a single shot.

"Well done, AJ!" cheered the multicolored girl. She then took her shotgun and repeated the feat with impeccable precision.

Fluttershy picked up a shotgun with trembling hands. "I'm not sure about this..."

"Don't worry, Fluttershy," reassured Applejack with a smile. "Just relax and take a deep breath."

Rainbow stood behind the pink-haired girl, placing her hands over hers to help her aim. "That's right, just focus on the nearest can and breathe."

Fluttershy looked into her eyes for a moment. Rainbow nodded in encouragement, so Fluttershy took a breath to calm herself. The animal lover carefully aimed and pulled the trigger. The nearest can fell, and Fluttershy let out a small exclamation of surprise.

"You did it, Flutters!" exclaimed Rainbow, patting her on the back.

"See, it's not so hard," added Applejack with a smile, giving her a high-five.

As they continued playing, Fluttershy grew more comfortable and knocked down several more cans. Each time she succeeded, Rainbow and Applejack cheered her on. After her turn, the two followed suit, knocking down every visible can.

After several attempts, they managed to earn enough points for a prize. Rainbow looked at the prizes, thought for a moment, and made a choice.

The athlete picked up a plush toy. "Here, this is for you," said, extending her arms.

"Oh, for me?" asked Fluttershy, surprised as she looked at the plush still in her friend's hands. "Shouldn't you give it to Applejack?"

"It's okay, Fluttershy, take it," insisted the farmer.

"Besides, it's a little cheesy to give her something," joked Rainbow, shrugging. "And I wouldn't receive something so cheesy from her."

The farmer frowned slightly for a moment.

"Thank you," said Fluttershy, taking and hugging her prize. "It's really cute. Why a rabbit?"

"You always mention wanting a rabbit, so why not have a plush one for now?" Rainbow replied, smiling at her.

"A rabbit?" asked Applejack.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about it, and I think a rabbit would be ideal for me," said the pink-haired girl.

Rainbow and Applejack smiled, happy to see Fluttershy so pleased with her new plush toy. As they continued walking around the fair, enjoying the various games.

After a while, they sat on a bench to rest and enjoy some ice creams they bought from one of the stalls.

"You know, Fluttershy," said Rainbow, licking her vanilla ice cream. "I'm glad you came today."

Fluttershy smiled shyly. "It's nice to spend time together."

Applejack nodded, placing a hand on Rainbow's shoulder. "Yeah, a girls' outing is always nice."

"I promise I won't let so much time pass without having another outing like this," said the athlete.

"Today has been a wonderful day," said the pink-haired girl.

The three friends shared a laugh and continued enjoying the fair.

Rainbow Dash continued, "...it was great, we had a lot of fun, the three of us," recounted with a smile.

"Wow, Dash, I knew you were close to Fluttershy, but giving her a plush toy..." Pinkie commented with a smile.

The athlete sighed sadly. "Yeah, I've always been closer to Fluttershy, and well, with Applejack... things are different."

"I understand. Sometimes dynamics are different depending on the relationship. Nice gesture on your part to give it to her," Sunset remarked.

Pinkie, ever curious, added, "Yeah, maybe another prize choice would have been liked by AJ, don't you think?"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Like you said, everyone has their different dynamics. AJ and I... we have ours."

Sunset nodded. "But getting back to Fluttershy, how did this affect your relationship with her?" asked.

"Yeah, it seems like a normal outing: playing, having fun... What happened?" said the party girl.

"We kept going out. Sometimes with Fluttershy, and other times with AJ. Occasionally, the three of us together," Rainbow continued.

"That's good, that you have time for your best friend and separately with your girlfriend, and occasionally all three," said the red-haired girl, gesturing with her hands. "I don't see what's wrong... unless you invited her..."

Rainbow Dash looked at her with a somewhat nervous expression.

"Rainbow, don't tell me that..." Sunset began.

"I didn't want to push Fluttershy aside for my dates, so..."

Fluttershy arrived at the local cafeteria, a meeting point for her and her friends. She had arrived a little early to wait outside for her friend Rainbow.

Before long, Rainbow appeared, walking with determined steps and a smile upon seeing Fluttershy.

"Hi, Fluttershy," greeted.

"Hello, Dash. Ready?" Fluttershy took a few steps forward.

The athlete gently stopped her, taking her hand. "Wait, it's not all three of us yet."

"Three?" the pink-haired girl asked, turning to look at her friend.

"Look, just in time," Rainbow said, pointing towards where Applejack was approaching.

"Um... um, hi," Fluttershy said, somewhat surprised to see her.

"Hey, Fluttershy," greeted the farmer with a smile, approaching the two.

Rainbow stepped back a bit from her friend, standing in front of both to speak. "I thought about it and decided to invite my best friend and AJ to spend time together. I had mentioned to the blonde going somewhere, but I had nothing in mind. When you mentioned the Botanical Garden, I thought it would be ideal to spend the day enjoying nature and flowers together," she explained.

The pink-haired girl forced a smile. "I don't... I don't see anything wrong."

"Me neither," added Applejack with a reassuring smile.

The three started walking towards the nearest taxi or Uber stop. Applejack took Rainbow's hand.

"Dash, is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked on her left side.

"Nothing, why?"

"You made a face, did something hurt?" asked again.

"Yeah, I stepped on something hard and it hurt," replied.

"You should be careful with what you step on," said Applejack on the other side.

"I hope you don't step on a screw by accident," Fluttershy joked.

Rainbow gently laughed at both comments as they continued walking to the taxi stop.

"But rest assured, that was all," said the athlete

"I see," said Fluttershy with a playful smile. "Please be more careful, I don't want you to get hurt."

Rainbow nodded with a smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

They soon reached the taxi stand and got into one that stopped in front of them. During the ride, they chatted excitedly about what they could expect at the Botanical Garden and what plans they had for the day, although Fluttershy still felt a slight discomfort as it wasn't the girls' outing she had expected.

Fluttershy nervously played with a strand of her hair as she spoke.

"I thought it would be both of us," mentioned, "but when I saw that Applejack was coming too, it surprised me a bit."

"I see. From what you're saying, it wasn't the first time the three of you went out together," Twilight commented, watching her friend closely.

"I'm not saying we didn't have a good time or that I didn't want to see her there, but I thought it would just be the two of us," Fluttershy continued, her voice soft and somewhat melancholic.

The blue-haired girl nodded understandingly. "I get it. It can be tough when dynamics change. Did Rainbow mention in the other outings that Applejack would be coming?"

"Yeah, the other times she did mention it, and I agreed. They're my friends just like you all are, and even though I was surprised that time, we still had fun," the pink-haired girl said.

"But?" Twilight prompted, sensing a pause in her story.

Fluttershy sighed. "I understand she has to cancel outings for her dates, but after a while of just the three of us going out together, something happened..."

The three friends had decided to spend the day at the park, taking advantage of the good weather.

"Why exactly did you ask me to bring drinks and some snacks?" Applejack asked, pulling a bag off her shoulder.

Fluttershy smiled, revealing another basket with some sandwiches inside. "I brought some sandwiches," said Rainbow. "Why do you think I brought my backpack?"

"A picnic?" reacted, surprised, looking around.

"Yeah, I was torn between going to the field or having a picnic, but I decided on the picnic because of Fluttershy," explained the athlete.

"Oh..." murmured the farmer, watching the pink-haired girl lay the blanket under the tree.

"What? Aren't you one for picnics?" asked Rainbow with a half-smile.

"Uh... yeah... that's it," stammered the blonde, trying to disguise it.

"I knew you were one of mine," affirmed the multicolored film, giving him five.

The blonde saw the gesture. "Sure," replied with a half smile, bumping hands with her.

"I'll swallow your excuse a little... bad liar, bad with excuses," Rainbow thought, watching as the farmer looked into the bag.

"Ready," Fluttershy announced, catching the attention of both.

They sat down and began to enjoy the food and the company.

"These apples are delicious, AJ," commented Rainbow, taking another bite.

"Thanks, Dash," Applejack replied with a smile. "They're from the farm. Big Mac and I have been working hard."

Rainbow savored the apple, thinking that, of the few times he had been to AJ's house, he had never shown him exactly where they came from.

"And the sandwiches you brought are really good, Rainbow," Fluttershy said with a shy smile.

"Thanks, Flutters," Dash replied quickly before focusing back on Applejack. "Hey, AJ, did you see the soccer game last night?"

"Of course I did! I couldn't believe what happened in the last minute," said, feeling more relaxed talking about something she was interested in.

As they talked about the game, Applejack noticed thatthe pink-haired girl was trying to participate, but she was getting lost in the excitement of the conversation.

"That sounds interesting," the pink-haired girl tried to say, "it reminds me of when the animals at the shelter compete to see who's faster. It's fun to watch them run."

"Yeah, definitely," the multicolored pony intervened without realizing it. "AJ, do you remember when we tried to train for that competition?"

The farmer laughed. "Yeah, I never thought we'd run that much."

The pink pony smiled weakly, trying to find another moment to intervene. "And speaking of competitions, at the shelter we organized a little race for the rabbits. It was adorable watching them run."

Rainbow nodded absentmindedly, not taking her eyes off Applejack. "Sure, Flutters. Hey, AJ, was thinking we should sign up for the soccer team?"

As time went on, the pink-haired girl felt more and more like a spectator rather than a participant. She tried to contribute a couple more times, but her comments seemed to go unnoticed amidst the enthusiasm of the other two.

Finally, after a while, Fluttershy took a deep breath and slowly got up. "Girls, I think I'm going to take a walk around the park. I need some fresh air," commented, trying to sound casual.

The two stopped for a moment and looked at her. "Are you sure, Flutters?" asked the athlete. "We can come with you if you want."

The girl forced a smile. "No, no, it's okay. I just need a moment alone. I'll be back soon."

"Okay, take care. See you in a bit," replied Applejack.

Fluttershy nodded and started to walk away, her steps slow and measured. She felt a knot in her stomach as she headed towards the nearby lake, looking for a quiet place where she could be alone with her thoughts. Upon arrival, she sat down on a bench and let out a sigh, feeling tears starting to well up in her eyes.

She felt trapped between her desire to be part of her friends' lives and the reality that her place in that triangle had changed. The feeling of not fully belonging filled her with sadness, and she wondered if things would ever be like they used to be.

"That day..." Fluttershy lowered her gaze. "I felt a bit... ignored." She paused before continuing. "Every time I spent more time with them, it seemed like they barely noticed me."

"Oh, Fluttershy..." Twilight murmured with understanding.

Fluttershy took a deep breath before explaining further. "I could tell our outings became less frequent. Rainbow and Applejack often have plans together, and as I mentioned, Rainbow sometimes cancels our outings."

"Frequent cancellations?" Twilight asked. "That sounds frustrating."

"Yes," confirmed sadly. "And when we do get together, sometimes Rainbow and Applejack seem more focused on each other. They talk about things I don't fully understand, as if they share a separate world."

"It makes sense since they're couples, and it's common for them to kind of get into their own world," thought the blue-haired girl, then nodded empathetically. "It sounds like you felt excluded."

"Exactly," sighed Fluttershy, taking a deep breath before continuing, choosing her words carefully. "Each time that happened, I started feeling like..."

"The third wheel," Twilight finished for her. Fluttershy nodded sadly.

"But amidst that, not only did some outings get canceled and the other... but something else happened," said, looking at Twilight with regret.

"What else happened?" Twilight asked.

Side B / Music Room

"I remember Fluttershy's slight discomfort, but I didn't think much of it at the time," Rainbow said, frowning as she recalled how she had been more focused on Applejack than her friend.

"Dash, it's normal for couples to be focused on each other, but you should have balanced it out and not invited her so often," commented Sunset.

"I know, but I didn't want to ignore her for AJ," responded the athlete.

"But you ended up achieving what you didn't want to," added Pinkie with a sad expression.

The athlete put two fingers on the bridge of her nose and shook her head. She let out a sigh and looked at both of them. "I didn't even realize I was ignoring her when I got lost in conversations with AJ."

"I know you didn't do it intentionally," said the redhead.

"No, it wasn't intentional, but I did push her away a lot..." admitted sadly.

"Rainbow, at least... you didn't do that when we all hung out together," said the party girl, trying to find a positive side.

"That's true," she said with a faint smile that quickly faded as something crossed her mind. "There's another thing that was almost normal for me with you all that I didn't take into account until our conversation."

"Normal?" asked Sunset.

"With us?" asked Pinkie.

"After that, not only did I cancel outings with Fluttershy," continued the athlete. "I used to call her..."

Rainbow sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand, staring at the screen before dialing Fluttershy's number.

("Hello, Rainbow,") greeted the soft voice on the other end of the call.

"Hey, Fluttershy," responded, trying to conceal the frustration in her tone. "Can we talk for a moment?"

("Sure, what's going on?") Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow sighed. "It's Applejack... we had a fight today."

("Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,") responded empathetically. ("Do you want to tell me what happened?")

"It's just... our differences are starting to affect our relationship," explained, frustrated. "I don't know how to handle this."

Fluttershy listened quietly on the other end before responding cautiously. ("What was the fight about?")

"It was about how we handle our responsibilities. I get that college is important and all, but sometimes I just want to chill and do things my way." She let out a laugh. "It's almost like Twi sometimes."

("That sounds tough,") commented Fluttershy calmly. ("Differences in handling responsibilities can create a lot of tension.")

"Yeah, we're always clashing over these things," Rainbow admitted.

("Maybe you both need to find a way to communicate better and find compromises,") she suggested kindly. ("Have you talked about how you feel about this?")

"Not in a really productive way. Whenever I try to talk, she gets defensive," Rainbow expressed, sounding a bit upset.

("It might help to try talking when you're both calmer. Explaining how you feel without accusations can help her understand your perspective,") advised gently.

"Thanks, Fluttershy. You always help me see things clearly," Rainbow sincerely expressed, grateful for her friend's support.

("I'm here for you, Rainbow. You can always count on me,") Fluttershy responded understandingly.

They continued talking for a while longer.

"Well, that was one of the first calls I made to her about my fights with the blonde, and since she's my best friend, I thought of her to talk about the subject," the athlete explained.

"So you called her to advise you, like we usually do now," said Pinkie, then felt Sunset's elbow. The party girl nervously smiled.

"Calling her for that?" Sunset asked, surprised.

"Not just calls... video calls too," admitted the athlete, looking downcast.

"Rainbow!" exclaimed the redhead, incredulous.

"I know..." said, putting her hand to her forehead again.

Pinkie and Sunset looked at each other, understanding the situation more clearly.

"It's easy to fall into that habit," Sunset said. "When you trust someone so much, you can forget that they also have their own needs."

Rainbow nodded. "It's something I always did, even before my relationship with AJ was official. I called Fluttershy to talk about my problems, and she was always there to listen," she explained. "But those calls became more frequent..."

Fluttershy was in her room, working on a research paper for a university assignment. The notification of an incoming video call sounded on her notebook, interrupting her progress. The pink-haired girl looked at the screen and saw it was Rainbow Dash, so she accepted the video call.

"Hey, Dash. What's up?"

The screen showed the athlete in her room, visibly upset.

("Fluttershy, I need to talk to you! I got into another fight with Applejack and I'm so mad...") she began. ("I can't believe what happened!")

"Oh no, what happened this time?" said Fluttershy, concerned.

Rainbow sighed. ("We had planned a date, right? Well, I arrived on time and Applejack was late. It's not the first time this has happened. But when I mentioned it, she said I had made her wait too!")

"I'm so sorry," Fluttershy said sympathetically. "I understand how frustrating that must have been for you. Being late can be annoying, especially when you had already planned something."

("Exactly! And she's the one who organized it and doesn't show up on time... at least apologize when she's late,") said the multicolored girl.

"Sometimes, differences in how people manage time can cause tensions. Have you talked to Applejack about how it made you feel?" Fluttershy asked.

("I tried, but she got defensive... again,") Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. ("And she started mentioning other times when I was late.")

"Sometimes when we're really angry, it's hard to see a solution. Maybe wait until things calm down a bit," suggested Fluttershy.

("You're right, Fluttershy. Maybe I should give her some time. But I feel so bad right now...") Rainbow said.

"I'm here to listen, always. If you need to talk more or distract yourself, we can go for a walk or do something fun together," offered Fluttershy.

("Thank you, Fluttershy. I really appreciate that. Maybe a walk wouldn't be a bad idea,") said Rainbow, sounding calmer.

"Sure, whenever you're ready," replied Fluttershy softly.

("Would you like to go out now?") Rainbow suggested with a smile. ("I think that would do me good. Thanks for being so understanding.")

"Yes, I'd like that. That's what friends are for," said the pink-haired girl with a smile. "See you in a bit, Rainbow."

("See you, Fluttershy.")

The video call ended. Fluttershy prepared to go out and meet her friend.

"After certain calls, we would go out to have fun or distract her," Fluttershy said, sighing. "As I said, that happened in between everything."

"I see. But in a way, at least you were going out with her, right?" commented the blue one, smiling and trying to be somewhat optimistic.

Fluttershy nodded sadly. "At least that happened, and also when all six of us went out together."

Twilight patiently waited for her to continue.

"I don't want to sound bad, but when one of you called, I was glad because it was to talk about other things or get together," Fluttershy said, almost with a smile. "Those moments reminded me that I still belonged to the group."

"It must have been a relief," Twilight commented with a smile.

"Yes, it was," Fluttershy replied. "But those moments became rarer and rarer. Every time my phone rang, I hoped it was one of you, but most of the time it was Rainbow."

The pink one frowned, feeling the growing sadness in her friend's words.

"How did that affect you?" Twilight asked, wanting to better understand the situation.

"I became more reserved, more introspective. I didn't want to worry the others with my problems," Fluttershy admitted. "I felt like my role was the understanding friend, the one who's always there to support."

Twilight nodded. "That explains why we only just realized now that something was wrong."

Fluttershy took a deep breath. "It hurt to see Rainbow suffering, and I wanted to be there for her. But at the same time, it hurt to feel like I was only important when she had a problem."

"Wait, Rainbow was only calling you for that?" Twilight asked, surprised, though something told her she knew the answer.

Fluttershy didn't say anything for a few seconds, looking down at her hands with a thoughtful expression. Finally, she opened her mouth and spoke with a melancholic tone. "Every time I saw she was calling me, I knew what the reason was, and it saddened me..."

Fluttershy was organizing her plants on the balcony of her house when an incoming video call rang on her phone. She glanced at the screen and saw it was her best friend again. With a slight expression of frustration, she accepted the call.

"Hey, Rainbow... What happened this time?" Fluttershy asked softly, but with a hint of strain in her voice.

The phone screen showed her friend with a furrowed brow.

("Seriously, the blonde frustrates me so much. This time it was over something as silly as which movie to watch. She always wants to choose and won't let me decide," the athlete expressed with frustration.

"Wow... that sounds frustrating," replied the pink-haired girl, trying to stay calm.

("I just don't understand why she can't just compromise once in a while! It's always her way or no way. Why is it so hard for her to get that?") sighed Rainbow.

"Now it's AJ. The other time she mentioned that Applejack got angry because it was Dash who always chose. Sometimes I don't understand them." Thought the pink-haired. "Rainbow, I know this is important to you, but have you tried talking to her calmly about how you feel?" She said with a firmer tone.

("I've tried, but it seems like she never listens to me!") replied, exasperated.

"I understand. Maybe you could suggest taking turns making decisions. One day she chooses, and the next day you. That way both of you have a turn," Fluttershy suggested, forcing a smile, but feeling a little frustrated.

("Yes, you're right. But sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who gives in,") said, sighing.

"Maybe you could talk to her when you're both calmer," the pink girl suggested with a small smile.

("I will do that,")

"Is there anything else you want to ask me?" Fluttershy asked hopefully.

("No, that's all. Thank you, Fluttershy. Seriously, I appreciate you always being there for me.")

"Of course, Rainbow. Whenever you need me..." replied with a slightly forced smile.

The video call ended. Fluttershy stared at the screen for a moment, sighing deeply before returning to her activities, feeling a little disappointed that she hadn't been invited out again.

"I tried to be a good friend, but I felt exhausted," confessed Fluttershy, her voice trembling slightly. "Is it wrong to want your friend for yourself for once, outside of those problems?"

"Of course not," said Twilight, looking at her. "It's completely normal to want to spend quality time with your friends."

"I felt like I wasn't important to her anymore," continued the pink-haired girl, her gaze fixed on her hands. "It was like I was just a spectator in her life."

"That sounds very painful, Fluttershy," said Twilight softly, touching her arm in a gesture of support.

"I was just someone to turn to when she needed to vent," she said, letting out some tears she had been holding back. "It hurt so much every time I saw her name on the screen because I knew she just wanted to talk about her problems."

Twilight hugged her tightly as she saw her tears becoming more intense. "Did you ever tell her?" she asked gently.

"No... I didn't want to cause her more trouble," replied, burying her face in Twilight's shoulder. "That's why I decided to distance myself from her... was it wrong to do that?"

"You were just protecting yourself from feeling worse than you already were," said Twilight, gently stroking her back. "Sometimes, we have to take care of ourselves first."

"I had become her shoulder to cry on," Fluttershy continued with a broken voice, "even though many times when she called, she looked angry or frustrated. It was never a call to see how I was doing, just to vent."

Twilight maintained the hug, offering her unconditional support. "You didn't deserve to feel like that. You're a wonderful person and an amazing friend. You deserve to be valued and cared for too."

The pink-haired girl nodded slowly, feeling somewhat relieved to finally be able to share her feelings with someone who understood her. "Thank you, Twilight. It means a lot to me that you listen," said, releasing the hug.

"I'll always be here for you," Twilight affirmed firmly.

Feeling calmer after releasing everything she had kept inside, the pink-haired girl opened her mouth to continue. "Yesterday, I talked to her, well, she talked to me... apparently she realized the reason for my behavior."

"Did she figure it out?" asked Twilight.

"Not everything, but just a part."

Rainbow looked at her friends with an air of sadness and regret.

"I think I used her as a refuge. I only called her to talk about my problems with AJ. I forgot that she also needed time with me as her friend."

"Rainbow, she must know you didn't do it with that intention," said the party girl, trying to console her.

"But still, I hurt her," Dash said, clenching her fists in frustration. "I didn't just push her away or ignore her, I made her feel like she was only useful when I had problems."

"Dash, you could have talked to us too," Sunset said, seeking a solution.

"I wish I had done that a long time ago," Rainbow replied, regretful. "I have to fix this. I can't lose my friend because of my mistakes."

"We'll support you in whatever you need," affirmed the redhead, determination in her voice.

"Yes! Friendship is the most important thing!" added the partygoer enthusiastically.

The multicolored girl took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"So, we need to think about how you can talk to Fluttershy and show her how much you care," Sunset said.

"We can plan something special for you to show her how much she means to you! You'll see, you'll be back to how you were before," Pinkie suggested.

Rainbow smiled faintly, feeling a little more hopeful with her friends' support. "Thank you, girls. I need all the support I can get. Fluttershy is one of the most important people in my life, and I can't lose her because of my own mistakes."

The redhead nodded, something crossing her mind. "Did you agree on something when you finished talking?"

The athlete looked at both of them, eyes filled with determination and remorse. "We didn't talk much after that. But I asked her to give me another chance..."

Fluttershy and Rainbow were in an empty room after the latter had come to talk about what she believed was causing the distance between them. Now, the pink-haired girl was finishing telling the other side of the story to the multicolored one, who hadn't realized it at the time.

"Did... did I do that?" Rainbow said, almost stuttering.

Fluttershy nodded slowly, sadness evident on her face.

"How did it make you feel?" asked, fearing the answer.

The pink-haired girl took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "It's not just that you sidelined me," she began with a trembling voice. "It's also how you made me feel during those moments. Every time you called me, it was to talk about your problems with Applejack. I cared about you, but I also felt... used."

The athlete frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. "Used?"

"It felt like you only reached out to me when you needed to vent," continued, tears starting to fill her eyes. "I felt like I wasn't important to you anymore, like I was just someone to turn to when you were upset or frustrated. We weren't friends sharing happy moments anymore."

The multicolored girl clenched her fists, feeling helpless. "Fluttershy, I never meant for you to feel that way. I didn't realize how much I was hurting you."

"I know," Fluttershy said softly. "And that makes it even harder. I didn't want to distance myself from you, but it was affecting me too much. I needed space... to not feel so... ignored."

Rainbow looked at her with a mix of surprise and sadness. "And when the three of us hung out? Did you feel the same way then too?"

The pink-haired girl nodded. "Yes. At first, I was glad you still wanted to spend time with me. But then, unintentionally, you would dive into conversation with Applejack, and I would feel invisible."

The athlete nodded slowly, processing her friend's words. "I understand, Fluttershy. And I'm so sorry for putting you in that position. I want to fix this. I want to be the friend you deserve, the friend I used to be."

"Rainbow Dash, it won't be easy. But I appreciate that you're willing to try."

The athlete took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust and our friendship. I promise."

Fluttershy smiled faintly, tears still in her eyes. "That's all I can ask for."

"Thank you for giving me a chance to make this right, Fluttershy. I won't waste it."

Present

"She asked for a chance to fix our friendship... She wants to make it right," Fluttershy expressed, looking at Twilight with a reflective expression.

"That shows she really cares. How did you feel when she asked you?" Twilight asked, smiling warmly at her.

The pink-haired girl lowered her gaze, nervously playing with her hands. "I felt relieved and, at the same time, fearful."

"That's understandable," affirmed Twilight, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "But it's also an opportunity to establish clear and healthy boundaries in your friendship."

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Fluttershy conceded, feeling a bit calmer. "But I'm still afraid that everything will go back to how it was before."

Twilight nodded understandingly. "It's normal to fear change, but if Rainbow is truly committed to improving, you can work together to strengthen your friendship."

"Thank you, Twilight."

"That's what friends are for," Twilight replied with a warm smile. "Besides, all of us will be here to support you."

Fluttershy took a deep breath, comforted by her friend's words. "I think I need to talk to Rainbow Dash. We need to clarify some things and establish those boundaries."

"Addressing it directly is a good idea. Do you want me to come with you when you talk to her?" suggested Twilight.

The pink-haired girl thought for a moment. "Thank you, but I think I should do it alone. However, I really appreciate your support."

"I'm here for whatever you need," assured Twilight with a warm smile. "And remember, there's no rush. Take all the time you need to feel ready."

Fluttershy nodded. "I'll talk to Rainbow Dash tomorrow. I hope we can find a way forward together."

Twilight looked at her confidently. "I'm sure you will figure it out. But for now, would you like to relax and go to the cafeteria?"

"I'd love to, Twilight. Thank you," Fluttershy said, rising from her chair.

Together, they left the library on their way to the cafeteria.

Chapter Text

Applejack was wandering the halls, searching for a certain girl with wavy hair to discuss their project. She was getting frustrated by not finding her, having literally searched for one or two hours throughout Building B: the library, the courts, the classrooms.

Not finding her, she decided to head to the cafeteria since it was lunchtime. Upon reaching the door, she saw Twilight and Fluttershy entering. She didn't say anything to them, knowing she'd find them anyway when they were serving lunch or sitting at the table.

As she was about to enter, she heard the sound of heels clicking. Turning her head, there was the girl she couldn't find anywhere. Meeting Rarity's gaze, the farm girl made a gesture with her hands and a look of incredulity on her face.

"If you speak, I'd understand you better," Rarity said.

Applejack narrowed her eyes. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Is that so?" asked with curiosity.

"Don't get it twisted, it's about the project," the blonde clarified. "We haven't talked at all since I had no choice but to pick you."

"Always so honest..." Rarity said with a touch of sarcasm.

The farm girl frowned.

"I was in class, that's why you couldn't find me," she said, trying to calm the atmosphere. The blonde said nothing, waiting for her to talk about the project.

"Alright. We need to make progress on this project. How about after classes?" the fashionista suggested.

Applejack nodded seriously, accepting the proposal. "Better than nothing."

They both headed towards the cafeteria entrance. Upon entering, each walked towards their usual table: Rarity, as she had been doing since her return, sat alone at her quiet table, while Applejack made her way to where the others would be.

But before Applejack reached her table, she took out her cell phone and called her sister. "Hey, Apple Bloom. I need you to stay and come to Building B after classes. I have to work on an important project with... someone, and we need to concentrate. Can you do that?"

From her table, Rarity was doing the same with her younger sister. "Sweetie Belle, dear, could you stay nearby after classes for a couple of hours? Applejack and I are in the middle of an important project."

With confirmations from their younger sisters, both hung up.

Side A / Cafeteria

On the other side of the school, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were in the cafeteria with Scootaloo and Spike. Upon receiving the calls from their sisters, they exchanged knowing smiles.

"Looks like we got the same information," commented Apple Bloom.

"What's up?" asked Scootaloo, curious.

"Our sisters are going to work together on a project after classes," explained Sweetie Belle. "So we have to stay a bit longer."

"Together? Applejack and Rarity?" asked Spike, raising an eyebrow. "That sounds... interesting."

"Yeah, I know. But they have to do it for the project," said the younger Belle.

"Do you think anything good will come of this?" asked the magenta-haired girl. "We saw the other day how things are between our sisters and Rarity... with the girls in general."

"Well... Pinkie talked to my sister, and even though Rarity acts tough, you can tell she misses the company," Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

"Our sisters are very proud," affirmed Scootaloo, resting her head in her hands.

"You can say that again," added Apple Bloom. "AJ keeps everything to herself when she's sad. Pinkie always says she cries on the inside. We often notice what's going on with her, but it can go unnoticed by others... unless she makes up bad excuses, which as you know, she's terrible at."

"Rainbow... mmm... it would be the same, although sometimes she talks to me," said the magenta-haired girl.

"Twilight isn't like that, she would show if something's wrong," said Spike.

The group fell silent for a few seconds.

"So, they'll stay after classes. We have that class after lunch, but then..." the green-haired boy said, thinking aloud.

"We'll soon have permission to go to the other side without sneaking around," said Apple Bloom, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"I bet they'll announce it tomorrow," said Spike, smiling.

"I bet next week," added Scootaloo, with a competitive tone.

Sweetie Belle frowned, a bit confused. "I'd like to follow the conversation, but I don't understand what you're talking about. How can we go to the other side?"

"You'll get it," said the green-haired boy, winking at her.

The other two nodded in agreement.

"Oh, come on, the suspense is killing me," said Sweetie Belle.

"Alright, how about this? If they don't announce it tomorrow, we'll tell you," proposed Apple Bloom, with a smile.

"Mmm... deal."

As the four friends continued eating, they chatted animatedly about what they would do after classes and how they could spend time while their older sisters worked on their project.

Side B / Cafeteria

Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Sunset Shimmer were heading outside the cafeteria with their trays. They saw Applejack and Twilight eating in their usual spot, but curiously, Fluttershy was sitting at another table.

"Why is Fluttershy at a different table?" asked the athlete, frowning.

"We're just as curious as you are, Rainbow," replied Sunset, looking in the same direction. "Let's go get some answers."

"I'll join you in a bit... I need to talk to someone first," said Pinkie, heading towards the solitary girl with wavy hair.

The five of them, from their places, watched the party girl approaching the fashionista. Many questions were on their minds, but they had decided to wait a bit before talking to the cheerful girl and continued with their own business.

"Hey, Rarity," said Pinkie, sitting next to the fashionista.

"Eh..." she didn't know what to say.

"You know you can talk normally," encouraged the party girl, with a smile.

"You're right..." murmured Rarity, picking up her fork and putting some noodles in her mouth, a bold move to avoid conversation.

It had only been three days since the party girl approached her to talk, but Rarity found it difficult to talk as before with the cheerful girl, who seemed to have an easier time speaking to her.

"Anything new? Anything that happened today?" asked Pinkie, noticing that the fashionista was hesitant to speak and decided to find a topic of conversation.

After swallowing the food, the fashionista thought. "No, actually... wait, yes there is something," she said, remembering the morning. "I have to do a project with Applejack."

The party girl nodded, smiling.

"You already knew?" asked Rarity, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, AJ mentioned it to us during our free time," explained Pinkie. "She told us she was going to look for you for the project."

"Since she doesn't know my schedule, it was obvious she wasn't going to find me," she said, putting the fork with noodles back in her mouth.

"Let me guess... mmm... she was looking for you and couldn't find you because you were probably in class," the party girl guessed animatedly. The fashionista nodded.

"We agreed to meet after classes, so I asked Sweetie Belle to stay on this side after classes," explained Rarity.

"AJ probably called Apple Bloom for the same reason, so I'll likely stay to keep an eye on her. If you want, I can do the same with your sister," offered Pinkie.

"That could work, although..." She couldn't finish speaking upon hearing the sound of a tray hitting the floor.

Both looked around to see what was happening. Turning back, they saw Rainbow on the floor, with the tray a distance from her hands and food on top of a girl's head.

A few seconds back

Pinkie Pie was moving away from Sunset and Rainbow. Once the questions passed through their minds, the athlete turned her gaze to the animal lover.

"I'm going to help her, Sunset," said Rainbow with determination. "I'm going to bring her the tray of food to show her that I'm here for her."

"Don't rush, Dash," warned Sunset, concerned.

"Sunset, I'm taking the opportunity," Rainbow insisted, determined.

"Alright, but... be careful," said Sunset.

Rainbow nodded. She took a deep breath and approached Fluttershy, who was engrossed in her biology book.

"Hey, Fluttershy! Let me help you with this," said the athlete with a nervous smile.

The pink-haired girl looked up, surprised by the gesture. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, it's not necessary..."

"I insist," Rainbow replied, trying to sound confident.

However, as she got closer, her foot stumbled over a misplaced chair. In a desperate attempt to maintain her balance, the tray tilted, and its contents spilled over her friend.

The food fell directly onto Fluttershy's head and clothes. She remained still, her eyes wide open, as the spaghetti and tomato sauce slid down her hair and clothing. The juice soaked her biology notes, turning the situation into an absolute mess.

The athlete stood up and observed the mess she had caused. "Oh no, Fluttershy! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, her face full of panic and regret.

Fluttershy took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment to calm herself. "It's... it's okay, Rainbow Dash," said, though her voice trembled a bit. "I know you didn't do it on purpose."

The rest of the girls, who had seen everything from their tables, hurried to help clean up the mess.

"Are you okay?" asked Applejack.

"Flutters, are you okay?" asked Twilight, taking the girl by the arm to lift her from her seat.

"Yes, I'm fine, girls," Fluttershy replied.

"Are you sure?" asked Pinkie.

"You should go to the bathroom to clean up better," suggested the blonde.

"Good idea, AJ. Let's get you cleaned up," said Sunset, taking her other arm. "Twilight, come with me."

The girls went inside the cafeteria on their way to the bathroom to help clean up Fluttershy.

"Oops! That was unfortunate, Dash!" said Pinkie with a sympathetic smile, putting an arm around Rainbow's shoulder. "You'll get another chance."

Rainbow still didn't move, frustrated and guilty. "I just wanted to help... why do I always mess things up?" she murmured to herself.

Applejack approached her girlfriend. "Dash, what was...?"

"Not now, blondie," said Rainbow, heading towards the entrance.

"What was that all about?" asked the farmer.

"I think it was an attempt to get closer to Fluttershy," said Pinkie, shrugging.

"Failing in the process... I'd better leave her to handle her frustration," said Applejack. "I'm going to take the trays from the others," she added, heading to her table. The party girl nodded and went back to where she was before.

The fashionista, on her part, had seen the whole scene from afar. She wanted to help, but she knew it would be a risky move with everything going on with the girls, so she stayed put.

"I feel somewhat powerless," murmured Rarity, gritting her teeth slightly.

"Don't worry. You know you could have approached," said Pinkie with a nervous smile. "Rarity, I'm not saying you should have taken advantage of this incident, but it could have been an opportunity."

"All in due time, Pinkie Pie," said the fashionista, looking at her sideways.

"What?" asked the party girl, confused. She was going to ask, but the girl spoke first.

"I don't recall seeing Rainbow act like that before," commented Rarity, curious. "Is she alright?"

"Yeah, it's just that something's going on within the group... that, well, it's..." Pinkie said, not quite sure about revealing the distant relationship between her two friends.

"It's okay, Pinkie Pie... I know I'm very curious and would like to know, but I understand if you don't tell me important things happening in the group," said Rarity. But the conversation she had in arts with the girls crossed her mind.

Pinkie, on her part, found the fashionista's attitude curious. Before, she would have taken any opportunity to get closer, but she didn't this time. However, if she thought about it, the others probably wouldn't have let her get close to Fluttershy either.

Twilight and Sunset were in the bathroom, helping Fluttershy wash the noodles and tomato sauce out of her hair and clothes.

Twilight grabbed some paper towels, dipped them in water, and started cleaning Fluttershy's hair. Sunset took care of the stains on her clothes.

"I don't understand what Rainbow was thinking," the blue-haired girl muttered, focused on cleaning. "I know it wasn't intentional."

The animal lover sighed. "I know. It's not Rainbow Dash's fault. It was just… unexpected."

"Rainbow just wants to make things right with you," Sunset pointed out, handing Twilight another wet towel.

"Do you know that too?" Twilight asked, looking up curiously.

"Dash talked to us about it," the redhead explained.

"I see," the pink haired girl said in a thoughtful tone.

"She said she would take another chance, but I told her not to rush into it. But...you know how impulsive she is," Sunset continued. "She just wanted to show you that she cares."

"She makes me a little happy, but she's looking like she did when she tried to get close to him and failed in many of her attempts," said, a little crestfallen.

"Are you afraid it will happen again, but this time with her attempts to fix things?" Sunset asked, looking at her friend sympathetically.

"Yes, and one more thing," said, looking at Twilight's reflection with concern. The latter she knew what she was referring to. "Do you think things will go back to the way they were before?"

"Yes, I'm sure she'll find a way to do it," the blue-haired girl replied confidently, finishing cleaning Fluttershy's hair.

Fluttershy nodded slowly. "Thank you, girls. I really appreciate her help."

"We're always here for you, Fluttershy. We've all been through tough times, but we always have each other's backs," the redhead said, smiling at her.

"Exactly. And we're here for Rainbow, too," Twilight added, offering an encouraging smile.

Fluttershy smiled slightly, feeling a little calmer with the support of her friends. After the conversation, they continued helping her friend clean up. A few minutes later, Sunset and Twilight finished cleaning Fluttershy and the three of them left the bathroom.

After classes ended, all underage students walked towards the exit to meet their parents or siblings. This was the case for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, who, after saying goodbye to Scootaloo and Spike, headed towards the main entrance connecting the college and the university.

They received a last-minute message from their sisters advising them to take the main entrance instead of their famous 'shortcut'. As they were passing through, they heard an older female voice.

"May I ask where you're going?"

The two were a bit startled and turned to look at the woman.

"Oh... we were just... going through to the other side," said Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom lightly slapped her forehead at her friend's comment.

"And whose permission are you going with?" asked the older woman with a serious expression.

"Haha... our sisters'?" Apple Bloom replied, showing a nervous smile.

"Your sisters'?" repeated the woman, walking around them.

Celestia, who had been watching the scene, approached with a serene smile.

"Luna, don't scare your students," said the chancellor.

"I'm following academic rules," said principal Luna, looking at her sister and stopping beside her in front of the younger girls.

Celestia smiled and turned to the girls. "Don't worry, girls. I know your sisters are waiting for you. Applejack and Rarity, right?"

"Yes, Ms. Celestia," Sweetie Belle replied, feeling somewhat relieved.

"Very well, then you may pass. But next time, make sure to have a pass or something similar, alright?" the chancellor said kindly.

"Yes, of course!" they both replied in unison.

"Alright, carry on. And Luna, don't be too hard on them. They're learning," Celestia added with a smile as she watched the two girls pass through the entrance.

Luna sighed and nodded slightly, allowing the minors to continue on their way.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked quickly towards the university building, exchanging relieved glances.

"That was close," murmured the younger Belle.

"Yeah, but now we know we have to be more careful. I don't want to face Director Luna like that again," Apple Bloom said.

"Well, let's go find our sisters before they start worrying," said Sweetie Belle as they quickened their pace.

They arrived at the university building and saw Applejack and Rarity waiting for them in the lobby. Their neutral expressions changed upon seeing their sisters smiling and approaching.

"There they are! Everything alright?" asked Applejack.

"Yes, all good. We just had a little run-in with Director Luna," Apple Bloom replied with a nervous smile.

"Really?" Rarity said, embracing Sweetie Belle.

"Yes, but now we know we can't use the shortcut anymore," said Sweetie Belle, laughing softly.

"If Director Luna doesn't find out," Apple Bloom added with a chuckle.

Applejack and Rarity smiled and nodded, leading the younger ones inside. They walked a bit and warned them not to wander off or enter other classrooms where other students might be.

Once briefed, the older ones headed to the art room while the younger ones decided what to do next.

"Hey, mischief-makers, want to hang out or do something?" Pinkie asked, appearing beside them with her characteristic energy.

Both exchanged glances, feeling relieved by the arrival of the cheerful girl, who always knew how to lighten the mood.

"Hi, Pinkie!" greeted Sweetie Belle enthusiastically. "We were thinking about what to do after that little scare with Director Luna."

"Oh don't worry! Luna can seem a bit serious sometimes, but she's very understanding," Pinkie said with a reassuring smile. "How about we go to the cafeteria and share some delicious cupcakes I made in class? I have some new flavors that are super tasty!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged a look, knowing that a sweet treat would be a great way to relax after their little adventure with Luna.

"That sounds great, Cousin Pinkie. Let's go to the cafeteria!" exclaimed Apple Bloom, following her.

On the way, the party girl told them about her day and the latest campus news. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gradually relaxed.

Upon arriving at the cafeteria, Pinkie led them straight to a table, where they could enjoy a peaceful view of the campus while sharing cupcakes and laughter.

Rarity and Applejack stood in the art room, surrounded by scattered clay blocks and tools. Rarity was flipping through the paper with the project instructions, focused on the task at hand.

"Friendship is a unique bond between individuals based on mutual trust, unconditional support and respect..." read aloud.

"Trust and respect! Look at that." she interrupted the blonde with a note of sarcasm in her voice.

The dressmaker looked up, noticing the tone in which she said it. She decided not to respond immediately, knowing that any discussion could make things worse. "Applejack, I understand..."

"No, you don't understand…" she interrupted her again. "That's the problem, you don't really understand what friendship is about."

Rarity took a deep breath, feeling the frustration building in the room. "Maybe you are right..."

"Maybe? Really?"

The dressmaker closed her mouth, trying to control her emotions before continuing. "I'm sorry for having the bad friendship experience." She added with a hint of sarcasm. Applejack looked at her angrily.

"If you're done complaining, we can do this. We have to do this together, Applejack." The dressmaker insisted.

"I don't know if I can do that." She answered.

There was an awkward silence.

"Look, I know we have our differences, but we have to get over this. The teacher expects a joint effort and we cannot fail." Rarity declared. "Let's focus on what a perfect sculpture would look like."

The farmer snorted, visibly frustrated. "You're always talking about perfection and appearances. Friendship is not something you can sculpt and make it look pretty for others."

"And what do you propose then?" she asked, trying to remain calm. “What can we do that is authentic and meaningful?”

"Maybe we could start by being honest about what we feel. We can sculpt something that represents our true emotions, not just an abstract idea of ​​friendship." She suggested the blonde after taking a breath.

"That might work. But we need to find a way to do it together." she said, nodding slowly.

"That's the hard part, isn't it?" the farmer said, looking at the block of clay at her as if she expected it to give her an answer.

Rarity moved a little closer to the girl. "Look, I know it hasn't been easy. But if we work together, we can do something amazing. I just need you to trust me a little."

Applejack looked at her. "Trust you?"

"..." Rarity fell silent, realizing that she once again used the wrong words. "Okay, bad choice. So let's trust what we can do. At least we can take the first step."

They both began to work on their clay blocks, the atmosphere still tense. A few minutes passed and the blonde stopped instantly.

"What are you doing?" Applejack asked, looking askance at the dressmaker seeing that she was not moving forward rather she seemed to be drawing something.

"Making a draft. It's better to have an idea of ​​what it would look like." She explained.

"The idea is to do it based on our imagination," said the blonde, pointing a finger at her head.

The dressmaker took a deep breath, she was already getting annoyed by the blonde's attitude. "How about we change the subject and show the bad side of friendship. It doesn't always end well and sometimes there are reasons why that happens."

"Are you kidding me? Do you think the teacher is going to want that for exposition?" she said with a frown. "Only one thing you are right: friendship is not always pretty, but if you are there for them and don't stab them..." she added looking at her. "And as for those reasons, I don't think they are justified."

Rarity didn't say anything for a moment. "So, do we continue with the idea or change it?" she asked with a frown.

"Here's my two cents," Applejack said, taking the things from her and heading towards the door. Rarity, who was on the opposite side of the door, only heard the door slam shut.

"Nice contribution..." murmured.

Pinkie was walking through the hallways, opening each empty room. A few minutes ago she was walking through the halls with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but in the blink of an eye, the two mischievous girls ran away.

She walked a little further until she ran into a familiar face.

"Rarity, have you finished the job?" the party girl asked, with a friendly smile.

"Of course, that job..." the dressmaker responded with a touch of sarcasm. "I would have moved on if your cousin could put things aside for a moment," she added with a sigh, clearly exasperated.

"What happened?" Pinkie asked, curious and concerned.

"We were just starting work until I started reading the prompt and Applejack started with his comments about friendship... Long story short, he indirectly mentioned what happened with the girls," Rarity explained, visibly frustrated.

"Oops, looks like she took it personally," Pinkie commented, grimacing.

Rarity frowned, her voice filled with frustration. "I understand that we are bad, but I could at least, just for work, put the conflict aside. It's not that I'm asking that we be friends again, just that we can finish this project."

Pinkie nodded, understanding the difficulty of the situation. "I know it's hard, Rarity. Maybe they just need a little more time to let go of the past."

"I'm just on that," Rarity said, sighing. "But in the meantime, we have to find a way to work together without everything turning into an argument about what happened."

Pinkie frowned a little at the first thing the dressmaker said, she was just going to ask, but she beat her to it again.

"What were you doing here? It's not like I'm kicking you out," Rarity said, a little nervously.

"Don't worry, Rarity. I'm not going to think anything bad," Pinkie responded with a smile.

"You're right..." she murmured. "So what were you doing?"

"Oh, I was with Sweetie and Apple Bloom..." Pinkie explained.

"Well, I think it would be ideal to call them before we leave," Rarity suggested.

"Oh...Haha," she laughed nervously. "They were with me, but at some point they were no longer with me, although I saw where they went."

"Ah, that girl is already 14 years old to be doing her mischief," commented the dressmaker.

"Tell me, how old were you when you were running out there?" Pinkie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ehhh..." she said, not knowing what to answer.

"Come on, I'm sure they're both over there," Pinkie said. "Applejack must also be looking for Apple Bloom," she said, starting to take a few steps.

"Oh, Applejack," the dressmaker said, stopping and putting a hand to her forehead.

"What else happened?" Pinkie asked.

"I stayed a little longer since I thought he would take a breath to calm down and try to get back to work," Rarity said.

"You know how stubborn she is," the party girl said.

"Yes...she reminded me of the time she got upset over one of the final tests," Rarity said.

The party girl raised an eyebrow, confused.

"The final tests before moving on to the last year and the rest happening," the dressmaker clarified.

Three Years Ago: Winter

Applejack was sitting at one of the tables in the school library, surrounded by books and notes. She was frowning as she tried to concentrate on her studies, clearly stressed by the academic load. Rarity, sitting next to her, was flipping through a fashion magazine, enjoying a moment of quiet.

Applejack slammed the table in frustration. "I can't do this, Rarity! It's too much!"

Rarity looked up from her magazine, surprised by the blonde's outburst. "Applejack, honey, what's wrong?"

"The thing is, this is impossible!" exclaimed, her voice echoing in the silent library. "I don't understand any of this and I need to pass this exam!"

Rarity closed her magazine and stood up. "Sorry, I did not want to bother you." she said and started walking away leaving the library.

Applejack watched her walk away from her, immediately feeling the weight of her own guilt. He knew she had gone too far, that he shouldn't have yelled at Rarity.

The dressmaker walked through the hallways thinking about what she could do to relax her girlfriend, and an idea crossed her mind, so she almost jogged towards the stairs to go to her destination. .

A few minutes later, the farmer was still deep in thought, when she heard footsteps approaching. He looked up and saw Rarity standing in front of her, holding a small package.

The dressmaker smiled shyly. "I know you like apple pies, but the cafeteria only had pear ones."

Applejack blinked in surprise and stood up. "Rarity... I... I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I'm really stressed and... that's no excuse." said, looking down.

Rarity leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "It's okay, honey. I understand you're going through a hard time. I just want to help you."

Applejack took the cupcake. "Thank you, Rarity. You're amazing. I don't know what I would do without you. You know, it doesn't matter that it's apple..." she looked around her a little. "Don't tell Grandma Smith this, but I recently tried a pear dessert and I liked it." she confessed in a whisper.

Rarity laughed at that. "Then it will be our secret." said with the same tone of voice.

Then they both sat down again, this time closer to her, and Rarity took her hand. "Come on, I know you're going to be able to handle this. Would you like to study together? I can help you with whatever you need."

The farmer nodded, feeling comforted by Rarity's presence. "Yes, I would love to. Thank you for being here for me."

They both began to study together, the tension fading as they shared laughter and sweet moments, like when Rarity touched a part of the cake cream with her finger and then smeared the tip of Applejack's nose, and they both laughed about it.

Rarity sighed with her arms crossed. "And that was what happened..."

Pinkie, with her hands clasped near her cheek, smiled sweetly. "I knew you guys were cute, but that was so sweet!"

The dressmaker cleared her throat to change the subject. "Sorry..." the party girl began, "I meant it was a good way to calm you down."

"Thank you," Rarity said looking at her nails.

"So...were you thinking of bringing her something to calm her down?" Pinkie asked with a giggle.

"Pinkie Pie!" Rarity exclaimed, "don't say those things. Besides, she left and... I was left waiting for her to come back." She then raised a finger to clarify, "Don't misunderstand, it was just a mistake to think that."

"Okay," Pinkie agreed.

The wavy-haired one wondered aloud, "I wonder if Grandma Smith finally found out about her taste for pears."

The party girl laughed a little. "Let's just say she had no choice," she replied with a knowing smile.

The dressmaker looked at Pinkie somewhat confused, but she decided not to ask.

"If only I knew that Aunt Buttercup had a pear farm in the end, and that we all found out about it after that. Grandma Smith let us do anything related to pears. Looks like blood ties will never separate us," Pinkie thought grimly. a little grace

"Did you say she saw Sweetie around here?" Rarity asked, pointing to a part of the hallway.

Pinkie nodded with a smile as she followed Rarity through the halls of Side B in search of Sweetie Belle. The afternoon sun illuminated the central courtyard, where they met Applejack, who seemed to be looking for someone.

"What a coincidence meeting here!" the party girl exclaimed, trying to break the ice before any tension between Rarity and Applejack could arise.

Applejack, with surprise on her expression, barely nodded in response. His gaze shifted to the side, as if she were evaluating whether she should continue searching or retreat.

At that moment, a sudden "Boooo" echoed from behind them, followed by a high-pitched scream from Rarity. The two little sisters, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, emerged laughing, enjoying the success of their prank.

"You almost scared me to death, Sweetie Belle!" she exclaimed, trying to catch her breath as she hugged her chest.

Applejack, with a slight smile, but still evident reservation, approached the girls. "Apple Bloom was looking for you... you know? It's not time to scare anyone," he said with a slightly scolding tone.

"We just wanted to play a prank on you," Apple Bloom said, high-fiving Sweetie.

"Sweetie Belle..." the dressmaker began to speak, followed by responses from the minors and the blonde.

Pinkie watched the interaction carefully, remembering something similar to this, but at the same time not.

Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie walked together through the hallways of Side A, sharing an animated conversation. Rarity and Applejack were holding hands like they usually did.

"Do you think we'll have a dance?" the party girl asked excitedly.

"Ah, that would be a dream! But first I have to find something new to wear, I can't go with just anything," Rarity commented, stopping her in her tracks.

"Rare, whatever you wear you'll look beautiful as always," Applejack stated tenderly.

"Jackie, always with those words that make my heart beat," said the dressmaker, wrapping her arms around Applejack's neck, while the farmer hugged her waist.

"I hope I'm the only one," Applejack added.

"Jackie and Rare?" Pinkie asked with a smile.

The two, still in that position, looked at the party girl. "Well...yeah," the blonde admitted, blushing a little. "The other day we went on a date and it came out of the blue, and we both liked each other's nickname."

"Sounds nice," the party girl commented with a smile.

"Yes..." they both sighed in unison.

They stayed like that for a few more seconds, until Rarity noticed something alarming and quickly took Applejack towards the janitor's room to hide.

Pinkie watched the scene curiously. She found it strange that Rarity and Applejack were suddenly hiding. At that moment, she saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom running down the hallway.

"Hello Pinkie!" Sweetie Belle greeted as they walked past her.

"Hey girls! Are you looking for your sisters?"

"Yeah!" Apple Bloom responded enthusiastically. "We need to talk to them about something."

"Oh, I see," Pinkie said with a giggle. "They're... uh... busy." For some reason her 'Pinkie sense' told her not to tell on her two friends. "Applejack is in the woodworking club and Rarity is in the sewing club. I'll bring your message to them when I find them."

The two little girls nodded gratefully and continued on their way quickly.

Pinkie waited a few seconds to make sure they were out of sight, then she opened the door to the janitor's room where Rarity and Applejack were kissing.

The party girl coughed to get attention. "Everything okay, girls?" she asked with a raised eyebrow, flashing an amused smile. The two laughed when they saw Pinkie. "They calm me down, lest something else happen," she added, raising her eyebrows up and down.

"Pinkie!" the two exclaimed, then leaving there.

The dressmaker cleared her throat to speak. "Thank you, Pinkie. I knew I could count on you."

"I will always be here for you!" she replied briskly, closing the door behind them. "But why did you hide with AJ?"

"Oh, I told Applejack inside..." Rarity explained.

"Yes," the farmer confirmed with a nod.

Pinkie made an expression waiting for a response.

"Oh, sorry...it's just that Sweetie still doesn't know about me and AJ," she explained.

"Okay...for a moment I thought you were embarrassed to be seen with my cousin," the party girl commented.

"Never that," Rarity said, hugging the farmer's arm. Applejack kissed her forehead. Pinkie smiled when she saw that.

The three friends continued walking, sharing a new conversation through the school hallways as if nothing had happened.

Present

Coming back to reality, remembering what the atmosphere was like before, there was now a palpable tension between Rarity and Applejack, a distancing that did not go unnoticed. Not only with each other but also with the other girls.

"Girls, what are you doing here?" Pinkie asked, trying to steer the conversation toward something lighter. "They were with me and plop!... they disappeared."

"Ah, we just wanted to get to know this place a little more," Sweetie Belle said, trying to sound casual.

"Sweetie Belle convinced me," added Apple Bloom.

"They could have gotten lost, this side is big," said the dressmaker, worried.

"According to Apple Bloom we're going to have per-," the youngest Belle was going to say, until she felt her friend's elbow. "Nothing."

"What were you about to say?" Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms.

"No need to pressure them," Applejack interjected, looking at the dressmaker. "You shouldn't force your sister to say something she doesn't want to."

Rarity looked back at him. "Are you going to give me lessons on how to treat my sister?"

The courtyard fell silent, only the bustle of the few students coming and going. The looks of the minors and the party girl alternated between the farmer and the dressmaker, who held serious looks, one more than the other.

"Well, girls, maybe we should calm down a little! We don't want the atmosphere to get any more tense than it already is, right?" The party girl tried to intervene with a nervous smile.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, looking for a way to ease the situation. "Hey, Rarity, we were thinking we could take a tour of campus together sometime," Sweetie Belle suggested. "So we won't get lost next time."

"Yeah, that would be great," Apple Bloom added, trying to sound enthusiastic. "And so we could spend more time with you."

The dressmaker took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "That sounds like a good idea, Sweetie. We could do that one of these days."

"Yes, we could plan something like that. But right now... no." said the farmer

The group was silent for a few seconds.

"I think we should go home now," Apple Bloom said, breaking the silence, trying to ease the tension.

The girls nodded, recognizing the need to end the conversation. With one last exchange of glances, they began to gather their things and prepared to leave the school with their sisters.

Applejack and Rarity began walking towards the corresponding exit, going their separate ways without saying another word, each heading towards their respective houses.

Chapter Text

Rarity was in her room, engrossed at her desk facing the door, reviewing her progress on her art work. The entrance of her father brought her out of her thoughts.

"Hello, princess," Hondo greeted.

"Dad," Rarity replied, looking up from her notebook.

Hondo watched his daughter carefully. "Everything okay? You seemed a little upset at dinner."

Rarity sighed. "Some things have happened at the university."

"And that bothered you?" Hondo asked.

"No. I felt a little helpless for not reaching out to my old friends because of something that happened during lunch. Plus, right now I have to do a team project with one of them and the trailer didn't end well," Rarity said, fiddling with his pencil.

"I see. Remember, honey, everything is in due time. Let things calm down and everything will be resolved," Hondo advised with a reassuring smile.

The dressmaker stood up and hugged her father. "Thank you, Dad. I don't know what she would do without your support." Hondo reciprocated the hug warmly. "Although following advice is a little difficult sometimes," she admitted with a laugh.

"Life always presents us with challenges, but we must learn to face them," Hondo responded calmly.

"In fact, surprisingly one of them approached me... wanted to listen to me. It was... unexpected," Rarity revealed, releasing the hug.

"That shows that knowing how to wait for the moment and being willing to listen. Many things can change from one day to the next," she commented, smiling proudly at her daughter.

Rarity nodded, feeling comforted by her father's words. "Thank you, Dad. You always know what to say at times like these."

Hondo smiled and put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "We are here for you, daughter. Always."

Rarity smiled back and looked towards her desk. "I think I should keep working on this. See you tomorrow."

"Sure, honey. Good night," Hondo said with a warm smile.

The dressmaker returned to her drawing thinking what the sculpture would be like, tomorrow she would undoubtedly talk to the farmer and make her see reason about her work.

It was already daylight and the clock next to Fluttershy's bed was ringing. She turned off the alarm and got up to clean up, but before that, she looked down at the dress she had worn the day before, reminding her of the incident with the meal. Sighing, she decided that she would have to wear another similar dress. The others she used to wear should be drying outside of her, so she looked for one that she almost never wears.

After a quick shower, the pink haired girl headed to her closet and she put on a pale pink dress. It was comfortable and gave a delicate touch to her style.

Before going to the bathroom, she took her cell phone and played a background track without lyrics. As she untangled her hair, he paid attention to the instrumental that sounded good to her, although she felt something else was missing.

Her mind returned to what had happened. It was embarrassing having food spilled on her and the stares of the students. She knew Rainbow felt guilty, as he could tell from the message he received from her. Fluttershy knew she had to reassure him that everything was okay.

But were things really good between them? They finally talked about what she had kept to herself, but she knew it would take time for things to go back to normal. The jock could be impulsive at times, and Fluttershy hoped her friend wouldn't give in to that side again.

In addition, she had the support of her friends, who would help her in some way in this process.

The pink haired girl came out of her thoughts, although she still had doubts and fears about what could happen to the multicolored haired girl. One side of her hoped that everything would go back to the way it was before.

She went downstairs and met her mother in the kitchen, who was preparing breakfast.

"Good morning darling!" her mother greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Mom," responded with a soft sigh.

"How did you sleep?" asked, placing a cup of tea in front of her.

"Not very well," Fluttershy admitted, stirring her tea carefully. "I was thinking a lot about yesterday."

Her mother looked at her with concern. "Is everything okay with your friends?"

The pink haired girl nodded. "Yeah, just... there was a small incident at the university. Nothing major."

"If you need to talk about it, I'm here," her mother offered lovingly.

"Thank you, Mom," she replied sincerely. "And dad? And Zephyr?"

"Your dad already left for work early, and Zephyr is still sleeping," explained.

"Isn't he supposed to be working today?" the pink haired girl asked.

"He apparently swapped shifts with a coworker. You know how your brother is, he looks for an opportunity to get away from his work," her mother said with an amused laugh.

The animal lover just let out a laugh.

"Do you have plans for today?"

Fluttershy took a sip of her tea before answering. "No...unless the girls want to do something, but they haven't said anything."

"Well, maybe we can do something today," her mother said.

Fluttershy smiled slightly. "That would be a good idea."

"Maybe go to a coffee shop to have some cappuccinos and eat cake," her mother suggested.

"I would like to."

With that exchange, Fluttershy finished her breakfast and prepared to leave.

"I'm leaving, mom. Say goodbye to Zephyr," the pink-haired girl said, opening the front door.

"Good bye daughter."

After saying goodbye to her, the animal lover left the house to go to the stop for a taxi or bus.

Rainbow was getting out of her car, this time without her sister, since she was getting in a little late today. As she put the keys into her backpack, she noticed some students looking at her and murmuring. She frowned for a moment, put on her backpack, and walked toward the entrance.

"Could she really do it on purpose?" said one student to another. Rainbow managed to hear that, but she decided to ignore them and continued walking.

At the entrance, a slightly muscular white-haired girl greeted her.

"Hey, Dash," the girl greeted.

"Gilda, are you ready for today's training?" Rainbow asked.

"We'll see if you can handle my sweep this time," the sturdy girl said.

"Ha, we'll see," Rainbow responded with a confident smile.

The two entered the building and continued talking as they passed by several students.

"Did you hear? It seems like he wanted to finally end their relationship," another student commented.

Rainbow heard another student. "They've already started..." she said, clenching her fists.

"Everyone saw what you did yesterday, and you know what they are like..." Gilda commented.

"And apparently they took me out of context..." she said, letting out a sigh.

"It seems that the tension was so strong that she wanted to make it clear to him that she didn't want her in the group," one student murmured.

"Hey you, come here," Rainbow said, approaching a student.

Meanwhile, Twilight was in the library with Sunset, returning a book before joining the other girls. While she was waiting to be attended to by the person in charge of her, a student who was in front of her and Sunset spoke to them.

"I'm so sorry Fluttershy has to leave the group," the student said.

"That?" Twilight exclaimed, surprised.

"You know, some people said they heard Dash yell at her friend before throwing the noodles at her and that you guys had to step in to comfort Fluttershy," the student explained.

"Great, the rumors have started," Sunset said, shaking her head.

"That's not what happened," the blue haired girl said firmly. "Rainbow didn't yell at Fluttershy, it was an accident."

The student shrugged. "I'm just saying what I heard," said and then left.

Twilight exchanged a worried look with her friend. "We need to clear this up before she gets out of control."

Sunset nodded. "Let's meet the girls in the music room and talk about this."

Once the book was delivered, they left the library.

Twilight sighed. "These rumors can cause a lot of damage. I don't want Fluttershy or Rainbow to suffer any more misunderstandings."

"I know," Sunset replied. "It's been a long time since they took rumors out of context. Not to mention Belle."

Applejack walked through the halls, aware of the rumors that were circulating. She received Sunset's message in the messenger group to meet in the music room. She advanced a little and saw the athlete with Gilda arguing with a boy. As she approached, he heard that Rainbow seemed to be trying to clear things up.

"Now do you understand how things went?" said the athlete calmly.

"I think so," the boy replied.

"Perfect, now go," Rainbow said, patting her shoulder. The boy obeyed and walked away from her.

"It seems like you handled the situation well," Applejack commented as she arrived in front of them.

"For a moment I thought you were going to hit him," Gilda said with a laugh.

"I'm not just punches," said the athlete with a half smile.

"Well..." Gilda shrugged her shoulders. "See you both at training," she said goodbye.

"Bye, Gilda," the blonde responded as he began walking with his girlfriend. "How are you doing with what they say?" she asked.

"I didn't think yesterday's incident led to this, I almost forgot about these rumors," Rainbow said.

"Hey, Rainbow, rumors aside, what was yesterday?" she asked, trying to understand the situation.

The two stopped.

The multicolored haired girl was silent for a moment. "Have you noticed that since we started dating, I always invited Fluttershy?"

"Yeah, that's what you did," Applejack replied, remembering.

"Did you ever see her feel uncomfortable?" Rainbow asked, her tone serious.

The farmer put a hand on her chin, trying to remember. "I think so, I remember a couple of times she seemed to want to say something, but she didn't."

"AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME ANYTHING?!" Rainbow shouted, pushing her with her arms.

"Excuse me? What should she say?" the blonde asked, not understanding.

"You could have told me she was ignoring Flutters for you!" she said, raising her voice.

"Are you blaming me for your fight with Fluttershy? And how would I know that?!" Applejack exclaimed, her voice rising and visibly angry, pushing him back.

"Looks like it's a love triangle," one student commented, murmuring to another.

"So it seems," the other student responded.

The two girls heard that and looked at each other, but Rainbow glared at her partner.

"Look what you caused!" the athlete said, pushing her again.

"That's what you get for screaming at the top of your lungs!" Applejack replied, trying to stay calm, but still annoyed.

"Girls, please stop," interjected Sunset, who had arrived just in time to see the argument. "We don't need more rumors."

"She started it," Rainbow said, pointing at her partner.

"That's not true and you know it," Applejack crossed her arms.

"Both of you, stop it," Twilight said, coming up behind Sunset. "This is not the time or place to argue."

Rainbow gritted her teeth and finally, forcing the words out of her, said, "I'm sorry, AJ. I shouldn't have exploded like that."

Applejack nodded, but his lips remained tight. "Yeah, well, I'm sorry too. Let's just try not to make any more noise, okay?"

Sunset and Twilight exchanged a look. "We have to clear things up. Let's go to the music room," said the blue haired girl.

Rainbow and Applejack nodded and the four of them headed towards the music room.

Upon arriving, they found Pinkie Pie sitting on the drum stool, clearly upset, playing random notes without her usual enthusiasm.

"Did you hear what they're saying?" asked as soon as she saw the four of them.

"Yes, and we need to stop it," Sunset replied as they took their seats. "Where's Fluttershy?"

"I don't know, after yesterday, I'm not sure how he feels," Pinkie said.

"We need to talk," Twilight said. "It's important that we clear this up before the rumors get out of control."

Rainbow nodded. "I didn't know what to say to him after yesterday."

"And we must also confront those who are spreading those rumors," Sunset added. "This cannot continue."

Just then, Fluttershy walked timidly into the music room, clearly flustered by all the stares on her. Seeing her friends, she quickly approached. "Hello," she said quietly.

"Hello, Fluttershy," the blue-haired girl said with a reassuring smile.

"It seems you've already heard the rumors," the party girl said.

Fluttershy nodded slowly. "There are many perspectives..."

The five looked at each other worried.

"I don't know if you read the message, but I'm really sorry about yesterday. It was an accident and I never meant to hurt you," Rainbow said, approaching with her head down.

"I know, Rainbow Dash. I know you didn't mean to and it's okay," the pink haired girl responded, with a small smile.

"Now, we need to get this all straight," Applejack said. "Let's talk to everyone who is spreading these rumors and put an end to them."

"I agree," Pinkie said, finally getting some of her energy back. "We can't let this affect us anymore."

The group agreed and went out to try to convince the others about what really happened. They spent a few minutes talking to some students to clarify things, but although they managed to convince some, others still stuck to their points of view. After a while, they dispersed to go to their classes.

Rarity was in marketing class, trying to concentrate on the professor's words. However, her gaze repeatedly drifted to Applejack, who was sitting a few seats away. They needed to move forward with the art project, or ideally, finish it. This time, she would make sure the farmer heard her.

With midterms quickly approaching, she couldn't afford any delays. She didn't want to face her mother's lectures, even though she hadn't had any so far.

When class finally came to an end, Rarity picked up her things with a mix of determination and nervousness. She kept her books in her backpack, an elegant and personalized design that she always highlighted for her good taste. Just as she was about to approach Applejack to talk to her, she realized that the farm girl was no longer in her living room.

She left the classroom and looked around her for someone who could help her. Seeing a blue-haired boy she knew, she decided to approach him.

"Hey, Flash. Do you know if Applejack has any classes now?" Rarity asked with a smile.

"Hello, Rarity. No, he doesn't have class right now, but he does have training," Flash responded with a friendly smile.

"Training?"

"Yeah, she and the other girls have soccer practice. Sometimes they don't, but I'd bet she does today."

"Thank you, Flash, I owe you one," Rarity said gratefully.

"You're welcome," he replied with a smile and continued on her way.

Rarity headed towards the outside court. As she walked, she tried to organize her thoughts, preparing to face Applejack and make sure that this time they could both work together without personal conflicts.

When she arrived, she saw some girls running after the ball on the court, throwing passes and scoring. She recognized Lyra and Bon Bon among the students. The ones that stood out the most were Rainbow Dash, who seemed to have a challenge ahead of her when she came to the defense, and Sunset Shimmer, who was on the opposing team in the forward position. Finally, she saw Applejack, the girl she was looking for, who was on the same team as the multicolored girl and was in the defense position.

"I don't understand much of this, but they do play well," the dressmaker said to herself. "I've been at this institute for a month now and it's the first time I've come here."

She always thought that the girls would be on a basketball team, since that was what they played the most when the seven of them were together. But times change, and now football was what the three of them were passionate about.

Many thoughts ran through her mind, wondering what would have happened if... But there was no use in regretting the past that couldn't be changed.

Her thoughts were interrupted by some murmurs next to her; two students were watching the training and were murmuring to each other.

"Fluttershy isn't here, I'm sure she left the group like they say," a student said.

"You think?" answered the other.

Rarity did not live in another world, she was aware of the rumors that were floating around today due to yesterday's incident. But they were rumors taken out of context, that's all. Once, they had already said things about her, and although in a way they were not wrong, what she did not like was that her criticism of the girl who received the ball was unfair. Even though she lasted almost two weeks, she didn't like that the other girl had a bit of a hard time.

Rumors can be both real and false, but what limits would these criticisms reach?

The dressmaker shook her head to stop thinking about it; She didn't even want to imagine what would happen. She better focus on her studies than on what others said.

Since he didn't have classes now, he decided to stay and watch the training, like he used to do before when the three of them played basketball.

A few hours passed and she saw how the girls in blue suits left the court and headed to the dressing rooms. Rarity let out a sigh; She would have to wait a little longer. She walked to the nearby vending machine and bought some candy.

She waited a few minutes and headed towards the locker room. She saw someone leave; She wasn't sure what to do when she saw Sunset Shimmer standing there. She was going to say something, but Rarity stood her ground and turned to leave, leaving the redhead a little taken aback.

Once she sensed that Sunset was gone, she returned to the locker room and watched Lyra leave. She had no choice but to ask him if Applejack was still inside her.

"I'm sorry to tell you that you were a few seconds late," Lyra said.

"What are you talking about?" Rarity said.

"He just left with Sunset and Rainbow," Lyra replied, gesturing with her hand.

"It must be a bloody joke," the dressmaker said, putting a hand to her forehead and shaking her head. She must have left when she turned away from Sunset, she deduced. "Cowgirl is really going to give me a headache," she muttered.

"Is something wrong, Rarity?" Lyra asked.

"Nothing, honey. Could you answer another question for me?" Rarity said.

Lyra nodded and listened to the dressmaker's next question.

The jock of the group, once separated from Sunset and Applejack, headed to the backyard where she knew she would find the animal lover tending to some plants. When she arrived, she saw Fluttershy crouching down.

"Hey, Flutters. Can I talk to you?" said cautiously.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash. Sure, tell me," replied, looking at her with a small smile.

Rainbow took a breath before continuing. "I know yesterday was a disaster, but I really want you to know how much I care about you. Would you like to go out for coffee after school?"

"Umm...Thank you, but I already have plans," Fluttershy said hesitantly.

"So, how about tomorrow? Or we can go for a walk right now," she insisted.

"Rainbow Dash, I really appreciate you trying, but I need some space."

"But, Flutters, I just want to fix things. I don't want there to be any misunderstandings between us," Rainbow said, frustrated.

"I know, but sometimes forcing things doesn't help," she whispered.

"But if we don't do anything, it will never be solved!" Dash raised his voice.

"Another argument?" a nearby student murmured.

"It seems like it doesn't end here," added another student.

Fluttershy, noticing the murmurs, felt even more uncomfortable and decided to move away from her. "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, but I need to go," she said softly.

Rainbow watched as Fluttershy walked away from her, feeling frustrated. "Don't you guys have better things to do?" said angrily to the students who were murmuring.

The pink-haired girl walked away from her, not knowing if she could put up with the rumors and the multicolor-haired girl's insistence any longer. She walked a little further to another part of the patio and sat on a bench, remaining silent until a country voice broke the silence.

"Hey Fluttershy, are you okay?"

"Yes, it's just...rumors," she replied regretfully.

Applejack nodded and sat down next to her. "Can I talk to you about something?" asked her with a serious expression.

"Sure, Applejack. What's up?" replied, looking up.

"I wanted to talk to you about something Rainbow and I discussed recently," Applejack began.

"Another fight?" the pink haired girl guessed.

"Sort of. It's something she mentioned."

"What did she say?" Fluttershy asked, curious.

"About the rift between you and Rainbow. I noticed that when we first started dating, we sometimes left you aside. It wasn't intentional, but now I see that it must have affected you a lot," she explained, looking at Fluttershy seriously.

Fluttershy looked down, fiddling with a leaf. "Yes, I felt a little lonely sometimes. But I didn't want to say anything because I knew they were happy together."

The farmer sighed, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I should have been more aware and made sure you felt included."

The pink haired girl nodded slowly. "It's not your fault, Applejack. Maybe I should have said something too," she said a little crestfallen.

"Don't blame yourself. You're a good friend, Fluttershy," Applejack said with a sad smile. "It hurts me to know that I made you feel left out. I want you to know that I care a lot about our friendship, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make you feel valued and loved."

Fluttershy smiled slightly. "Thank you, Applejack."

"If you ever need to talk or if you feel uncomfortable with something, please tell me. I want to make sure it doesn't happen again," the blonde said sincerely.

"I will. Thank you for understanding," replied, appreciating her friend's words.

"Well, I won't take up any more of your time. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am and how much I value you," Applejack said, standing up.

"Thank you, Applejack. I really value your friendship too," Fluttershy responded, standing up as well.

They hugged briefly. Fluttershy and Applejack left together until they separated to go to their respective lockers. Fluttershy walked over to her locker, mulling over the conversation as she put her things away.

On the other hand, Rarity was walking through the locker aisles to talk to the blonde girl about work. Walking a little further, she saw her, but she was not alone; With her were Rainbow Dash, who seemed somewhat crestfallen, and Pinkie Pie, with her usual classic smile. Applejack was going through his things in the locker. The party girl, upon noticing her presence, greeted her with a smile.

"Hello, Rarity!"

Rainbow frowned at Rarity's name and turned around. "Belle, if you're here to talk... I'm not in the mood."

"No, I'm not here for that, Rainbow Dash," replied.

The athlete raised an eyebrow in confusion. "So what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to talk to your girlfriend about our project," Rarity explained, directing her gaze to the farmer.

Applejack slammed her locker shut. "Do you want to continue like yesterday?" asked.

"I'd rather not," said the dressmaker. "I don't know if I know you well yet, but I don't think you want to fail this class."

The blonde grimaced and opened her mouth. "You're right. But you don't know much about what friendship is about so we can move forward."

"Then enlighten me," Rarity said, opening her arms.

Pinkie and Rainbow watched the conversation with curiosity.

"Friendship is about being there for that person, being honest and supporting them whenever they need it," Applejack said.

"You're right, but there's also another part of friendship that's important." Rarity began to approach the blonde. "Also try to listen, understand and give space when they need it."

Rainbow analyzed the words of both girls realizing something. "Belle, for the first time since you came back you've said something useful," said, closing her locker, taking her things and walking down the hallway thoughtfully.

The dressmaker raised an eyebrow, she didn't know if she should feel offended or flattered with that comment. She put it aside and looked at the green-eyed girl again, but neither of them said anything.

Pinkie, seeing the awkward silence, tried to break it. "So are you going to continue your project?" asked with a nervous smile.

"It's up to Applejack."

"Okay, let's go," she said.

The two walked towards the living room, leaving Pinkie behind, a little confused by the scene.

"That was weird. In both cases..." muttered, watching where her multicolored friend and the two girls went.

Side A / Cafeteria

On the other hand, for the minors it was their lunch time. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stood next to Spike and Scootaloo. The atmosphere between them was relaxed.

"And how was it yesterday?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"How do we have fun?" Apple Bloom asked.

"They already said that at recess," Scootaloo said, rolling her eyes.

"We mean his sisters," the green-haired boy said, crossing his arms.

"Rarity and Applejack were working on their project together in the art classroom," Sweetie Belle began to explain. "Well, it happened that we ran away from Pinkie and by coincidence we saw through the window where our sisters were"

"Apparently they were going well at first," Apple Bloom interjected, frowning. "But we could hear them starting to argue. It seemed pretty tense."

Spike frowned. "It was a little expected," he said, shrugging.

"Yes, since from what we heard I think we understood that they were talking about what happened with the girls," the youngest Belle continued, looking around her to make sure no one else heard them. "We listened to my sister saying that they should show the bad side of friendship and Applejack complaining about that choice. Then that led to other comments and left my sister alone."

Scootaloo nodded thoughtfully. "I guess working together wasn't going to be that easy," commented.

"I hope they can figure it out soon," Apple Bloom sighed, fiddling with his sandwich. "The atmosphere between them yesterday was not the best."

"Me too," Sweetie Belle agreed, resting his chin on her hand. "I hope the day comes when everything smoothes out between them... well, not only them but also with the girls."

Spike looked at his friends with a comforting smile. "I'm sure they will. Sometimes they just need a little more time and patience," he said, patting Sweetie on the shoulder.

"Yes, I miss when the six of us spent time together," the magenta-haired girl said, with a melancholic sigh.

"Yeah, and when we discovered things we didn't fully understand," Spike added, laughing softly.

There was a melancholy silence, until the youngest of the Belles broke it.

"Hey, we're almost getting to our last classes and nothing's happened," said, frowning.

"It's true," the green-haired boy said, nodding his head.

"Ha, I beat you. They're going to wait until Monday," Scootaloo said, laughing and nudging Spike. This defeated sigh.

"Then they will tell me what it is about. They promised me that if nothing happened today they would tell me," insisted, crossing her arms.

"We promised," Apple Bloom said, looking at her seriously and then at the two who nodded. "Well, you see, when we arrived around this time..." she began.

Sweetie Belle listened and little by little a smile formed, waiting for her to arrive that day, so she decided not to tell her sister yet. She knew she would like it too.

Side B/University

Rarity and Applejack met again in the art room. They chose to collaborate on a single sculpture, joining their talents in a collaborative way.

Rarity organized the tools and materials while Applejack reviewed the project guidelines. Once the dressmaker organized the materials, she took out her notebook to draw. The farmer saw that and sighed lightly.

"I hope you don't start drawing your dress sketches and pay attention to the work," said, trying to joke.

Rarity bit her lip upon hearing that. "I wish I could go back to those days..." murmured barely audible.

"Eh...?" she expressed the blonde, raising an eyebrow.

The dressmaker remained silent for a few seconds. "I think we should set some rules this time," suggested cautiously.

Applejack nodded, noticing her comment, but determined to focus on work. "Okay. Rule number one: keep the conversation focused on the project."

"Exactly," she replied seriously, resting her pencil on the notebook. "And rule number two: respect the opinions and suggestions of others without judging."

"Got it," the blonde nodded.

"I think we should work on something that really challenges us and allows us to combine our strengths," Rarity suggested, looking at the drawing she had made the night before. Next, she chose a block of clay and began sculpting the initial outlines.

"The theme of honesty remains central," the blonde said, taking another part of the material and beginning to sculpt more precise details.

After hours of concentrated work, they finally finished the sculpture. When they saw the final result, they both felt great satisfaction.

Rarity broke the silence with a smile: "I think we did a good job today."

"We did," Applejack replied with a slight smile. "Now let's hope the teacher approves it and maybe we can display it at the event."

"Event?" the dressmaker asked herself then she looked down, noticing her hands covered in clay. "I think we should go clean our hands before we leave," she suggested, pointing to her hands.

"Good idea," Applejack agreed, carefully picking up the sculpture and carrying it to a table where the other works were.

They both headed to the bathroom to clean their hands, in silence without any talk involved, but from time to time Rarity glanced at the blonde. Afterwards, they returned to collect their things.

Rarity adjusted her backpack while Applejack made sure she had everything in her light brown canvas crossbody bag. "See you...see you. I guess," the dressmaker murmured quietly.

"Of course..." the farmer responded with a neutral expression.

Since neither of them said anything, they separated again, each one going her own way. Rarity made time to wait for her younger sister and then headed towards where she used to meet Sweetie Belle. She noticed immediately that her younger sister looked remarkably happy.

"Sweetie," she called as she approached. "What's got you so happy today?"

Sweetie Belle looked up with a mischievous smile. "Oh, nothing you can know, big sister," she replied enigmatically.

The dressmaker frowned, intrigued by the answer. "A secret, huh?"

"It's a secret for now," the youngest said.

"It's okay, I'll find out eventually."

Sweetie Belle nodded with a wide smile. "Thank you, Rarity. So... how did it go with Applejack today?"

Rarity was quiet for a second at the question. "It went well, actually. We worked together on our project and managed to finish it without any major setbacks."

"That's great!" the youngest exclaimed. "I'm happy things are getting better between you."

"I wouldn't say that exactly," Rarity thought as she grimaced subtly. "Yeah, we're definitely making progress," she said, faking a smile. "Come on?"

Her younger sister nodded and they began walking home together.

It was already Saturday and the girls were busy with their usual activities. Sunset and Pinkie, who worked part-time on weekends, were at their respective jobs. Applejack was helping out on the family 'farm', Rainbow was doing her personal training despite her practice with the team, and Fluttershy had just returned from the animal shelter. On the other hand, the girl with glasses used to spend most of her free time studying.

Therefore, the animal lover was not surprised to receive a video call from Twilight and she accepted it immediately.

("Hello, Fluttershy! How are you?") Twilight greeted through the screen.

"Well, it's just... I was expecting another call, I don't want to sound bad," Fluttershy replied.

("Oh, don't worry. You were expecting Rainbow, right?") she asked with a sympathetic smile.

"Uh, yeah... she got a little pushy yesterday, and in some ways it's not like she expected me to call to insist again, but maybe to talk about some topic other than..." she hesitated.

("About some other Applejack fight")

"Emm...yeah, but at the same time I feel like it's better that we don't communicate yet," she admitted.

("I understand. It gives you a little room for things to flow," Twilight agreed.

"Yeah, it's weird though, isn't it? When the thing that left me out was happening, I wanted her attention, but now that I appreciate her trying to show it, I want my space too," Fluttershy mused.

("This is how our defense system works. Sometimes we want something, but we act exactly the opposite to protect ourselves and then achieve our goal," she said.

"I don't want to talk too much about myself. Were you doing something important?" the pink haired girl asked, changing the subject.

("You could say it's important, but it's not academic, although at the same time it is," she responded thoughtfully. ("I was thinking a little about rumors and how to convince others")

Fluttershy frowned slightly. "Any ideas?"

("Still nothing")

The pink haired girl looked down. "There have been many rumors, some strong and some not so strong, and they can be both false and real, so we had to rule out the false ones."

("Mmm...Fluttershy, you're a genius,") she said with a smile. ("I might start there to get an idea.")

The pink haired girl raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Whatever you came up with. I hope it works."

("I just have to tie the threads together a bit,") Twilight assured with determination. ("Now, how was your day at the animal shelter? Was there anything special?")

Fluttershy smiled and started chatting with her friend about how she did at the animal shelter.

Sunday passed and it was already Monday. The girls were on their 'lunch break' and they all decided to sit together, even though some of them had free time and weren't planning on having lunch. They wanted to prove that there was nothing wrong with the group and discuss the rumors that continued to circulate.

"Girls, I was thinking a little over the weekend about the rumors," Twilight commented.

"Any way to get other people to stop saying things?" Fluttershy asked.

"Or better that there is something to make them forget about this?" Rainbow added.

"I've been looking at the chances of success in getting them to stop talking," she explained. "And I came to the conclusion that the rumor is of an intermediate level. It is neither that powerful nor that light."

The girls looked at each other confused, and Sunset lifted her shoulders.

"I didn't want to use this example, but let's take Belle's," the blue-haired girl suggested with a nervous giggle.

"Ugh, really, Twilight," the athlete replied.

"Just listen...the ball she received plus her drama only led to people saying things like 'the spoiled girl who can't handle a ball' or 'the dramatic girl who only cares about appearance,'" she explained. .

"They weren't that wrong about that," Rainbow commented sarcastically.

"She is always attentive to her appearance. Has she been like this before or did she just take up the habit when she already had an interest in impressing others?" Sunset wondered.

Applejack made an annoyed face and looked at Pinkie. The two of them had already dealt with that side of the dressmaker before meeting the rest of the girls. Then they saw the girl with glasses again.

"Well, when we saw her we already had an idea of ​​what she was like, but what does this have to do with it?" Fluttershy inquired.

"Remember that another point of view also came out, which was that the girl who threw the ball at him did it on purpose because she couldn't stand seeing someone more attractive," Twilight mentioned.

"I still don't understand," said the farmer.

"The girl was criticized, yes, but she didn't last long since the students put the rumor aside. Therefore, the same thing will happen to you two too," the blue-haired girl stated, looking at Fluttershy and Rainbow.

"Ah, I understand," said the athlete.

"That's why it's good that what happened wasn't so big that it took too much out of context. Now we just have to show that there are no bad vibes in the group," Sunset added with a nod.

"Exactly," Twilight agreed.

"I don't want to imagine what a big scandal would be like," Fluttershy said, a little nervously.

"When was the last time there was a big one?" Applejack wondered, trying to remember.

"Well, there was that time when... when they believed about Wallflower..." the redhead hesitated, avoiding going into specific details.

"What happened to Wallflower?" the pink haired girl asked with interest.

"Ah, nothing serious really, just rumors," Twilight interjected, trying to divert the attention.

"Yeah, it was more of a misunderstanding that went a little overboard," Rainbow added, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm sure it was so big I blocked it out of my mind," Fluttershy commented.

They all stayed silent for a moment just listening to the bustle of the other students.

"I was thinking of making a joke with Pinkie so they would stop talking," the athlete mentioned, breaking the silence and abruptly changing the subject.

"Would have been fun!" exclaimed the party girl, encouraged by the idea.

"And I would have stayed away if they did," Applejack commented with her arms crossed, remembering the previous pranks that had been played on her, especially by the multicolored girl.

"Come on, last time it was just a little joke," Rainbow said, downplaying what happened.

Once she gave the blonde girl a chocolate that had a liquid inside that painted her mouth blue and that took a while to get out.

"Better avoid those jokes," Twilight suggested.

"Yes. Better to show that everything is fine and skip the jokes," Sunset added.

"It's calmer that way," Fluttershy agreed.

"Okay, although it would have been fun," Pinkie admitted, a little exhausted at the moment. "The good thing is that what happened is mild," she commented, returning to the topic.

"You're right, this could be said to be mid-level and Belle's was a lower scale," Rainbow acknowledged. "Something good Belle did," she murmured.

The party girl heard him. She looked in front of where the dressmaker would be and then spoke to her, but she realized that she was not at her table and, apparently, at no other table. When she surreptitiously glanced at the other tables, she wondered if she was inside, but, if she weren't there, where would she be? She would surely have gone to her house by now.

After talking, each one felt calmer, so they began to talk about typical trivial things, such as things that happened in their respective classes.

Once they finished, they separated since some of them had free time, but in the case of the three girls in the group who were on the soccer team, they went to get their things. A certain blonde girl had the need to go to the bathroom. After leaving it, she went down another hallway that would also lead to her locker.

Walking for a few minutes, she saw the wavy-haired girl at her locker, looking in her mirror as she touched up her makeup and ran her hand through her hair.

"You're still the same," the farmer murmured, shaking her head.

Three Years Ago: Ending Winter

Applejack arrived at the imposing mansion, as she called it, impressed once again by how large and spacious the Belle house was.

She wore a dark brown leather jacket open over a white lace sleeveless blouse. Instead of her usual jeans and boots, she opted for sleek, tight black pants and black sneakers that combined style and comfort. She had left out her beloved hat for the occasion.

Upon ringing her doorbell, she expected to be greeted by the always welcoming Roseluck, but she was surprised to see Rarity's mother answer the door.

"Hello, Mrs. Belle. How is she?" Applejack greeted.

"Oh, hello, Applejack. I'm fine," Cookie replied, letting the blonde pass. "I heard they're going to a party."

"Yeah, Rarity was a little sad about not having the New Year's Eve dance," the blonde commented.

"Yes, she seemed a little discouraged. So your cousin Pinkie Pie suggested that the three of you go to that party together," the lady added.

"Yes, she's waiting for us," Applejack smiled.

Cookie, as always with her serious expression, nodded. "And that rose?" asked, pointing to the bouquet the farmer was carrying in her right hand.

Applejack got a little nervous. "Oh, uh... It's... for you. A gentle lady like you deserves a gift," said, extending her arm with a nervous smile.

"Thank you, Applejack. You didn't have to," Cookie replied, carrying the rose to a vase.

"Rare... I mean, is Rarity ready?" asked to avoid an awkward silence.

"I'm not sure. She's upstairs, if you want to go see her," Cookie said.

"Excuse me," she said before moving towards the stairs.

She went up, passing through the youngest Belle's room and heading towards the last door. She knocked and after hearing a "come in" from inside her, she opened the door and closed it behind her.

Inside it, she saw Rarity, but she frowned as she realized that she wasn't ready yet.

"Rare, aren't you ready yet?" asked.

"Jackie..." Rarity said happily, walking over and kissing her on the lips. "No, I'm not ready yet," replied.

"But we're already getting late and you're still... what exactly are you doing?" asked impatiently.

"I still haven't decided what dress to wear," Rarity replied.

"Just pick anything. I told you that you look beautiful in anything," Applejack said.

"But dear, I can't just wear anything. I must present myself properly for where we are going."

"Rarity, it's just a nightclub. We'll be in the dark," Applejack frowned.

"Oh, it can't be. You're right... I won't be able to look good in the dark," said the dressmaker.

The farmer sighed calmly and approached. "What do you have in mind to wear?"

"Look, what do you think of this light blue dress? There's also this purple one, or this red one that would also make me look good," she said, posing with each one.

The blonde thought a little before speaking. "Put on the light blue. Even though purple looks good on you, the light blue stands out on you," she suggested, trying to remain patient.

"Perfect. I'll be right back, honey," Rarity said, heading to her personal bathroom.

A few minutes passed and Applejack was waiting outside, but Rarity wouldn't come out. Finally, she knocked on the door to find out the reason.

"You can come in, Applejack. I'm ready," the dressmaker said on the other side.

"So what were you doing?" asked as she opened the door and entered the bathroom. She sighed in frustration as she saw that Rarity was putting on her makeup in front of the mirror. "Rarity, we're going to be late."

"A good makeup and we're ready, honey," Rarity replied.

Suddenly, the dressmaker's cell phone rang with a message. She was going to see him, but Applejack stopped her.

"Leave it, Rare. Put your makeup on quickly and let's go," she said urgently.

Rarity nodded and continued with her makeup in detail.

The blonde rolled her eyes at her. This was a side she didn't really like about her girlfriend, the fact that she took so much interest in her appearance.

Present

The farmer sighed and took advantage of the fact that Rarity was focused on her locker to walk past her and avoid starting a conversation. Knowing the dressmaker's attitude, she probably wouldn't have wanted to talk anyway.

Pinkie, who was a few steps behind, approached Rarity's locker. Before speaking to her, she could notice in the distance the hat and dark brown flannel that her cousin was wearing that day, but she lost sight of it when more students passed by her.

"Hello, Rarity!"

"Hello, Pinkie Pie."

"You never stop being elegant," commented, eyeing the lipstick the dressmaker had in her hand.

"I was eating a piece of cake, but when I wiped it with the napkin, I got too much of my lipstick and the color looked a little uneven, so I didn't think it was appropriate to leave it like that," explained.

"Oh..." Pinkie murmured.

"What's happening?"

"Nothing," Pinkie replied.

There was a brief silence before the party girl spoke again.

"For a moment I thought you were gone," said, curious.

"For some reason, Sweetie Belle asked me to stay a little longer," Rarity replied.

"Oh yeah?" said the party girl.

"She told me she would understand," the dressmaker said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Mmm..." murmured thoughtfully. "Oh, I get it, it was probably Apple Bloom."

Rarity frowned in confusion.

"You'll understand in a few minutes, something tells me," Pinkie said enigmatically. "So, were you in the cafeteria? I didn't see you."

"Actually, I went somewhere else... to be honest, I didn't want to meet the girls' gazes while I was waiting," admitted.

"I see, it must be awkward," Pinkie nodded.

Rarity nodded as well.

"You know, Rarity, you're acting different. I don't know if it's good or bad, but I can tell," the party girl said, trying to be honest but careful with her words. "You haven't apologized like before and now you seem a little... distant."

"I'm just trying to do the right thing this time," Rarity said with a more serious tone.

Pinkie raised an eyebrow, still not fully understanding.

"You see, the last time I apologized to them, you saw how it ended," the dressmaker said, referring to the incident at the mall. Pinkie nodded, remembering. "That day I was very distracted and I wanted your forgiveness, so I went to talk to my parents to ask them for advice," she began to explain.

"And what advice did they give you?" she asked, eager to know more.

"Wait"

"Wait?" Pinkie repeated, intrigued.

Rarity gestured to let her continue speaking. "Wait for the right moment. Give them space to manage the emotions you have with my presence after so long," she explained.

"I get it, you're waiting for things to calm down," Pinkie said.

"I've been thinking about what to do after things calm down, how to show them that I'm not what they imagine me to be," she said.

"We'll work on that," the party girl said, nodding. The dressmaker smiled.

"Hello, Pinkie, hello, Rarity," Bon Bon greeted as she approached with lyra.

"Hello," they both responded.

"I see you're getting to know Pinkie," Lyra commented.

Pinkie looked a little confused at Rarity and she then looked down.

"You know, any new student is a new target for making friends," Pinkie joked. "And you guys, how did you meet Rarity?"

"In art class," Bon Bon replied.

"Yes, although we already knew her name, you know how some students are, always talking," Lyra added.

Both Pinkie and Rarity understood what they meant and agreed that it was exactly what was happening with the athlete and the animal lover.

The sound of the speakers caught everyone's attention, recognizing the chancellor voice. Pinkie grabbed Rarity's shoulders shaking her.

"It's happening, Rarity!" said excitedly.

"Ah... what?"

("Good morning everyone! I am pleased to announce that this year's homecoming event is about to begin. There will be a variety of activities for everyone, from club fairs, festivals and sports competitions. It will be a fantastic opportunity to get to know each other better and enjoy of our community between the school and the university. We will give more details of the activities in the next few minutes. I hope to see everyone participate with energy and enthusiasm!")

Side A / Yard

On Principal Luna's side, she gave the same information to the minors, who seemed excited to hear the words.

("...I inform you that you will be allowed to participate in joint activities with the university," Luna announced seriously. ("I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to learn and enjoy yourself, but I also remind you that you must behave with the utmost respect and follow all established rules. I will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior.")

The Crusaders gave each other a high five and together with Spike they observed the varied expressions of their companions. Snips and Snails looked excited.

"Let's go see Trixie! Let's go see Trixie!" exclaimed Snips and Snails excitedly.

Diamond Tiara, among other students, was showing off a bit. The Crusaders exchanged glances with each other, shaking their heads.

"See that? Diamond Tiara is in 'look here she's the winner' mode," Scootaloo commented sarcastically.

"That's typical of her," Spike replied with a wry smile.

"It seems like everyone is pretty excited about this event," said Sweetie Belle. "I managed to keep it a secret," she added, proud of herself.

The Crusaders and Spike continued to watch as the excitement spread among their classmates.

Side B/Hallway

Everyone had finished listening to Rector Celestia report on the start of the year event.

"Wow, that sounds super exciting!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping excitedly. "There's always so much fun and cool things to do!"

Lyra nodded excitedly. "Yes, it's the best time to meet new people and make friends!"

Bon Bon smiled, but noticed that Rarity looked a little hesitant. "Aren't you excited, Rarity?"

Rarity frowned slightly. "Well, will it be really interesting? I've never attended these events before..."

"Ahhh..." the three of them sighed dramatically.

"What?! You've never been to one of these events at the beginning of the year?" Lyra asked incredulously.

Rarity sighed softly. "Well, I studied online for the last few years, so... I don't have many memories of what it feels like to be at those events."

"Didn't you have any fun this whole time?" Pinkie said, putting a hand on her chest.

"So, do we agree on that issue?" Twilight asked the girl next to her.

"Yes," she replied, but she stopped when she saw the somewhat peculiar expressions on the four girls. "What's wrong with them?"

The party girl approached her. "Starlight, can you believe Rarity hasn't had events like this in recent years?"

Twilight, curious, approached. "How is that?"

"Apparently, our refined girl has not participated in welcome events because she has been studying online," Bon Bon explained.

"That explains how she is in her last year without having been present in the previous beginnings," thought the blue-haired girl. "Well, this year... you will... experience an event." She tried to sound natural.

"So it seems," the dressmaker responded somewhat doubtfully.

"Rarity, you're missing out on so much," Starlight said, avoiding any awkward silence as she was aware of the situation between the dressmaker and the other girls.

Pinkie put a hand on her shoulder sympathetically. "But don't worry, I promise you'll love it. We're going to make this the best kickoff event you've ever experienced!"

"Exactly," Lyra commented.

"Oh... uh, thanks girls," Rarity said looking at the three, slightly avoiding the gaze of the girl with glasses.

Twilight observed the gesture of her hyperactive friend and frowned, beginning to sense what was going through the party girl's mind these days.

Elsewhere on the b-side, some students looked happy, like Flash with his band, thinking about the possibility of being able to perform, and others were talking about what their exhibitions would be like and what kind of games there would be.

Rainbow crossed her arms with a half smile. "Get ready, Crystal Prep, we're going to beat you."

"There's still no talking ahead of time," Sunset said with a smile.

"We've trained hard," said the multicolored haired girl. "I literally ended up on the ground by Gilda and we clashed."

"You're right," Sunset agreed. Then she looked next to her and saw a certain shy friend. "Hey, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy turned to the two, smiling shyly. "Hello, girls."

"Are you excited for the homecoming event?" Rainbow asked.

This she nodded gently. "Yeah, although she's going to make me a little nervous about all the attention."

"Don't worry, we'll be together," Sunset said with a reassuring smile.

Fluttershy smiled, grateful for the support. "Thank you." She then looked at the multicolored girl, but neither of them seemed to say anything.

"You know, I'm going to ask the coach if she needs anything," the athlete said before walking away, leaving both girls.

"That was weird," the redhead commented, watching Rainbow leave. "I thought I'd ask you out or something."

"It's the strangest thing, I was hoping that this weekend he would call me or send me a message, but nothing," said Fluttershy, playing with her fingers. "And today she hasn't done it either."

"Oh really?" Sunset asked thoughtfully. "It looks a bit... like..." she stopped before finishing the sentence. "It doesn't matter." She then put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm sure Dash has his reasons, but that doesn't mean he doesn't value your friendship."

Fluttershy nodded, grateful for the words.

Some time later, while some students were taking advantage of their free time and others were still in class, the voice of Rector Celestia echoed through the loudspeakers giving more details about the welcome event. Gradually, the students began to gather their things and say goodbye, ending the school day.

Fluttershy went home thinking a little about her situation with Rainbow. She was there for a while, but then she made up her mind and walked towards the animal shelter, a place that filled her with peace and where she could take care of her furry friends. When she entered, she did not expect to find anyone she knew, so she was surprised to see the athlete talking to one of her caregivers.

"Tell me again who you are looking for," the man said.

"I just told you like three times. Her name is Fluttershy, she has yellow skin and aquamarine eyes," Rainbow said with annoyance.

"Fluttershy? I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere," the black and gray haired man said.

"F-L-U-T-T-E-R-S-H-Y," she spelled.

"Interesting name. What university is she from?"

The already fed up athlete opened her mouth. "Listen, motherfu-"

"Hello, Rainbow Dash. What are you doing here?" Fluttershy came forward before her friend finished her sentence.

"Hello, Fluttershy. I thought I could find you here. I wanted to talk to you, but this man isn't listening to me," she said, pointing to him.

"Fluttershy, I thought you wouldn't come today," the man said, somewhat surprised.

"I wasn't going to, but I thought I'd come hang out," Fluttershy said.

"As for this stranger?" the man asked.

"I'll take care of it," said the pink-haired girl, approaching.

"Okay, whatever, I'll be here," the man said, walking away.

"You see you do know her!" Rainbow exclaimed, annoyed with the man. "You know, I was asking about you, but this guy ignored me," explained.

"He's not against you, he's like that, he likes to bother visitors a little," Fluttershy commented.

"But he treats his visitors well," the athlete said sarcastically.

"But Discord has his kind side," the pink-haired girl added.

"I hope to get to know that side of your friend Discord," replied, crossing her arms.

"What brings you here?" Fluttershy asked.

The multicolored one became more serious. "Ah... I wanted to apologize for being so pushy lately. I just want you to know that I really care about our friendship and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Fluttershy stayed quiet, waiting for Rainbow to continue.

"I focused on doing favors for you that I didn't even think about... I didn't think about what you wanted to do," Rainbow continued.

The pink haired girl nodded with a smile. "It's okay, Rainbow Dash. All in her own time." Rainbow nodded as well.

"I'd still like to talk about some boundaries," said.

"Limits," the athlete repeated, feeling that she didn't like that word very much.

"But we can leave it for another day," Fluttershy said.

A silence was present. Rainbow didn't know if she should say something else or try to start some other conversation. Fluttershy seemed to notice it too and she got an idea.

"Do you want to go with me to walk some of my friends?" Fluttershy suggested.

Rainbow smiled and nodded.

"I'll be back, there are only a few of them and I would like to introduce you to someone," she said, heading to an area where the animals were. A few seconds later, she appeared with some puppies, but something small in size jumping around caught Rainbow's attention.

She approached the small creature and caught it just in time as it jumped towards her. "And this little one?" she asked.

"His name is Angel. I adopted him a year ago," Fluttershy said with a smile.

"In the end you did adopt a rabbit like you wanted," she commented. "I missed that moment," she thought with some sadness.

"Yes, I treasure it very much," said the pink haired girl.

After that, they both took some leashes and took several of the furry friends for a walk. As they walked through the nearby park, they continued talking.

"Fluttershy... About the rumors... I want you to know that I don't care what they say. We can move on," Rainbow said determinedly.

"It'll be hard, but we have to prove them wrong... At some point everything will go back to the way it was," Fluttershy said.

"Even between us?" asked.

"That will take time too," the pink haired girl replied.

"I promise I'll keep trying, but I'll also respect your space. I don't want you to feel overwhelmed. That's why I didn't text you over the weekend... I thought I should give you space even with that," explained.

"Thank you. That means a lot," Fluttershy said with a smile. "You could send me messages... In due time," she added.

The afternoon passed quickly as they walked the animals. Carelessly, Angel jumped out of Fluttershy's arms and came dangerously close to the road where the cars were passing. The traffic light was green for cars and the rabbit was already on the road.

"Angel!" exclaimed Fluttershy, who froze.

She looked next to her and saw Rainbow running towards the animal.

"Rainbow Dash!"

A car was approaching quickly and Fluttershy closed her eyes in fear. She heard a sudden brake, but she didn't dare open her eyes. She felt footsteps approaching and recognized her voice.

"I got it," she said tiredly, reaching out with the rabbit in her hands.

"Rainbow Dash...don't do that again," Fluttershy began, expressing how scared she felt.

Rainbow changed her hand to the rabbit when she saw that her friend was approaching and began to gently hit the athlete's chest. She felt her blows, but it was not painful at all. As she hit her, Fluttershy started to cry and moved away from her a little.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't want to scare you, but I know it would hurt you to lose Angel," she said a little crestfallen.

"I wouldn't want anything to happen to you either," the pink-haired girl responded between sobs.

"Fluttershy..."

The girl continued crying. "Still...thank you, Rainbow," Fluttershy said, bringing her hands to her face.

Rainbow opened her eyes upon hearing her words. She felt the need to hug her, but she knew she should wait. Instead, she placed a comforting hand on Fluttershy's shoulder.

Chapter Text

The Belle family was having dinner together in the dining room, enjoying a homemade meal prepared by Cookie.

Always concerned about her daughters' studies, Cookie looked at Rarity with a serious expression. "Rarity, how are your studies going? Are you prepared for the midterms?"

Rarity, trying to stay calm, replied, "There's still a bit of time before the exams, mother. I'm reviewing everything I need to make sure I'm prepared." Then she remembered the announcement. "You see, there's an event before the exams."

"Event...?"

Before Cookie could continue with her question, Sweetie Belle, full of excitement, interjected. "Mom, Dad! It's the welcome event. It's going to be awesome!"

Cookie, with her usual seriousness, frowned slightly. "Those events? I hope they don't interfere with your studies."

Rarity smiled, trying to ease her mother's concern. "Don't worry, mother. The welcome event is designed to help us integrate and better prepare for the semester." She paused a bit before continuing. "The event is going to last two weeks."

"Two weeks?!" her parents exclaimed.

Hondo nodded. "That sounds like a good opportunity to learn more about the university and see how you both are adapting."

"There's also something else. Many things have changed since we left, so now those from side A can go to the university building to socialize and participate in the activities," the dressmaker informed.

"Interesting," her mother commented. "What other things will there be at the event?"

"The first week focuses more on activities among students, club exhibitions to integrate more students. Then there are outdoor activities. There will also be a food festival, a theater play, among other things," Rarity explained.

The youngest, unable to contain her excitement, added, "And in the second week, families can go, so we can all be together. I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun."

"That's good news, so we'll have to train to win," Hondo said.

"Dad, they're games like hoop shooting and sack racing," Rarity clarified with a smile.

Sweetie giggled a bit.

Then the three looked at the older woman of the house, who was silent.

Cookie sighed, but a small smile appeared on her lips. "Well... it would be an opportunity to spend time together, so we might make an exception with work."

The daughters smiled, celebrating a victory. "As long as you don't neglect your studies afterward. I trust you'll manage your time well."

"Don't worry, Mom, we'll be hands-on with the midterms," assured the youngest.

"Yes, mother," said Rarity.

"It wouldn't be bad to visit beforehand and see what the exhibitions and some activities are like," Hondo suggested.

"They didn't say anything about families not being able to go the first week," Sweetie Belle recalled.

"It's probably because, with those from side A joining us, their parents or siblings will be looking after them," Rarity deduced.

"That's most likely, so we'll go. I don't want to neglect my daughters," said Cookie with a smile.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle nodded enthusiastically, happy to have their parents' support for the event.

Sweet Apple Acres

In another part, specifically in the backyard, the eldest of the Apples, along with her sister, was informing Granny Smith and Big Mac about the welcome event while they were collecting some apples.

"Tomorrow, the preparations begin, and on Wednesday, since it will already be September, the activities start," said Applejack.

"Yeah, first are the club fairs and the theater play. Then in the afternoon is the Wonderbolts' game," added Apple Bloom.

"Get ready, family, because the following week, the family games are coming," Applejack said with a smile.

"We're going to win!" said Apple Bloom, climbing down the ladder.

"Eeyup," affirmed the elder brother.

"If Granny Smith plays, we'll do what we can," said Applejack with a chuckle.

"Then Big Mac, you need to use those muscles," said Apple Bloom cheerfully.

"Eeyup," Big Mac said again with his typical response.

"Well, then let's win," said Granny Smith, smiling. "We'll make sure this family leaves its mark on those games."

"That's what I wanted to hear, Granny!" exclaimed Applejack, lifting a basket full of apples.

"Yeah, we're going to show them what the Apples can do," added Apple Bloom, jumping excitedly.

The family continued collecting apples while discussing more details about the activities.

On Tuesday, the students were in the university's grand hall, a large, adaptable space where important dances and presentations were held. Some were scattered around bringing tables of two, others decorating what would be their stands, placing tablecloths according to the theme of their presentations, and some sticking letters on the table. The younger students were in classes, and other university students were in different parts of the campus helping out.

Fluttershy and Twilight were at the side of the stage, listening to the words of Chancellor Celestia and Principal Luna.

"This is going to be a big welcome event, so Principal Luna and I evaluated among all the students and decided..." Celestia began.

"...you two will be the ones to present each event," Luna said, completing the sentence.

"Us?!" they both exclaimed, surprised.

"Why not? You've overcome many of your fears and insecurities," the principal commented, looking at the two.

"That's right. Fluttershy, you've overcome your shyness on so many occasions," Celestia said with a smile, addressing her, and then her gaze landed on the blue-haired girl. "And Twilight, you've gained a lot of self-confidence since you arrived."

They both smiled at the words, although they knew that those traits still didn't disappear completely when it came to other situations.

"Also, according to the principal, you have this band called the Rainbooms, so you've performed in front of a lot of people more than once," Luna continued.

"Not exactly, but we have sung with Flash's band," Twilight said, still digesting the news.

"All the more reason. With that you've shown that you're capable of performing in front of a lot of people," Luna added.

"Yes, a little, I just thought you'd pick a student from side A," Fluttershy said shyly.

"We understand, but most of my students are underage and don't have as much experience performing in front of large audiences. You, on the other hand, have the maturity and experience needed for these kinds of events," explained.

Twilight sighed, trying to relax. "Well, if you think we're the right fit, we'll do our best."

Fluttershy nodded, though she seemed a little nervous. "Yes, we'll do our best."

"I trust you," the principal said with an encouraging smile. "Now, remember that it's important to stay calm and be yourself."

Luna nodded. "And don't forget to enjoy the event. This is also a chance for you to have fun."

The two looked at each other and nodded, feeling a little more confident.

Meanwhile, near the stage, Rarity and Pinkie were helping put up some decorations.

"Did you hear? Twilight and Fluttershy are going to be emcees," Pinkie commented, hanging a garland.

"Yeah, that's what I heard. I think they'll do... well," the seamstress replied, adjusting a banner.

"Definitely," Starlight added, as she put up some lights. "It'll be interesting to see how they handle it all in front of so many people."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'll do great," the party girl said, smiling.

Rarity looked at Starlight curiously. "What were they like before?" asked under her breath.

Starlight glanced at the party girl. It was obvious that the seamstress wanted to know more without it being obvious that she already knew the girls.

"Well... Twilight had some insecurities and still does, but she's gotten better at it," Starlight said, glancing at the seamstress and then at the party girl out of the corner of her eye. "Still, some things make it difficult for her."

"Yeah, and that's why she's in literature, to get it out of her system," Pinkie said. Then her eyes widened at that. "Like a lot of us who are in an extra class to get over something," she said, laughing nervously.

"Some people choose to do that because they enjoy it, since it's something they love," Starlight said.

"Although sometimes you have no choice but to take that extra class," Rarity muttered, then looked up. "But you still have to get through it, right?"

The two looked at each other strangely at the comment.

"Sure, there are difficult subjects, but you always manage to get through it," Starlight said to lighten the conversation.

"You're right," the seamstress replied, smiling slightly. "We'll do that when the tryouts come around-"

"Da da da, let's not think about the tryouts yet," Pinkie said, covering her ears.

"Okay. By the way, where's Trixie?" the seamstress asked, looking around.

"She's probably rehearsing with the theater," the party girl replied, laughing.

"The great and powerful Trixie doesn't need rehearsals," Trixie said, approaching with a box in her hands.

"But you'll be with Snips and Snails," Starlight pointed out.

"Who are they?" Rarity asked.

"They're from Side A and they're Trixie's minions," Pinkie explained, still smiling.

"They're not minions, they just have a great admiration for Trixie and seem to be very interested in her," Starlight corrected.

"So they're simps," the seamstress concluded with a smile.

"Hmm... I couldn't have called it any better," Trixie said, nodding in approval.

"Speaking of the event, tomorrow is the girls' first game," Starlight said.

"I heard something, though I'm not a big fan of sports," Rarity said, remembering the whole month of getting complaints from the teacher. "But I'll see if I'll cheer."

"It's obviously not your thing," the gray-haired girl said with a giggle.

"Obviously we're going to cheer, well, I will," Pinkie said with her hands in the air.

They laughed a bit at classic Pinkie behavior and continued working together, making sure everything was ready.

The Wondercolts team stood on the university's indoor court, listening intently to their coach Spitfire's instructions.

"Listen carefully, Wondercolts," she began, holding a stick in her hand and pointing at the board. "There will be six universities facing off. In the first round there will be two matches: us, Team A, against Team B, and on the other side, Team D against Team E. The winners will advance to the second round, where they will face Team C and Team F, respectively."

All the players nodded seriously, following the explanation on the board.

"There is one advantage and I hope we don't have to go there, because the chances of advancing are slim," Spitfire replied, turning the board over to show another diagram. "If a team loses in the first round, they will have the chance to enter the losers' bracket. That is, the losing teams will face each other, and the winner of that round will return to the competition, facing the other losers until they reach the finals. But if they lose, they are definitely eliminated."

Some players showed signs of confusion.

"Let's say Team B loses, which is unlikely, and Team E loses as well. They will face each other, and the winner will advance to face the rest of the losers," Spitfire explained.

The students showed a variety of reactions, from nervousness to determination.

"Let's continue. The winner of the third match will face the winner of the fourth match, and that one will be waiting for the winner on the other side, thus reaching the finals. Does everyone understand?"

Someone raised their hand.

"What didn't you understand?" Spitfire asked.

"It's not something I didn't understand. Which universities will be there?" the student asked.

"Yeah, and he said that Team B was unlikely to lose," Lyra added.

"The schools are: Central University, Manhattan University, Baltimare, Fillydelphia, and the obvious one, Crystal Prep."

"Ha, you'll see those Shadowbolts when we face them," Rainbow said, fist bumping her other hand.

"Those Shadowbolts are tough, but this isn't the first time we've faced a challenge. If we play like we know how, we can beat them," Applejack said.

Sunset nodded. "Applejack's right. We've trained hard for this. We just need to stay calm and play as a team."

"This is the first time we've had this important competition, and they'll be there," Coach commented with a serious expression. "And tomorrow we'll face them first."

The news hit like a bucket of cold water, generating a wave of comments.

"You've got to be kidding."

"They're Team B?"

"I thought they'd be in the second match."

"I don't think I'm ready yet."

The farmer put a hand on the shoulder of one of her teammates. "Come on, girls. We've overcome obstacles before. We just need to focus and do our best."

"Remember, we're in this together. No matter what happens, let's support each other and go out and win," said Sunset.

"That's the spirit. We're going to wipe the floor with those Shadowbolts," said Rainbow determinedly.

With the explanation finished, the athlete stood in front of the board as the captain and began to give some strategies that could work against the Shadowbolts.

Several hours had already passed since morning in the classroom. Some students had already finished their studies and others were just arriving, like the younger ones who only had the first two morning shifts.

In a corner of the classroom, the students who would be part of the play were rehearsing their lines, holding their scripts and going over them with enthusiasm.

Flash, who was checking some notes on his guitar, occasionally glanced over at the group. Timber watched his friend, while Pinkie Pie, after helping other students, walked over to where they were sitting, watching intently.

Rarity was checking some designs of the stands, like the fabrics, and found herself lost in vague memories. She shook her head and sighed. Then, her gaze went to the nearest entrance, where she saw some students entering. She assumed it was the football team, recognizing the athlete, the farm girl, and the redhead. When the latter noticed her gaze, the dressmaker averted hers and walked away from that part.

Walking a little further, she saw a small group where the party girl was, watching the rehearsal of the play with curiosity. Upon arriving, she could see several students reading a sheet that would be their line, standing out among them Feather Bangs.

The boy, noticing her presence, smiled even more widely and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

"Ah, my dear lady," Feather said, approaching Rarity with a theatrical air. "How can such a beautiful flower be found on this humble stage?"

Rarity arched an eyebrow, but couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Are you rehearsing your lines? Uh... Feather, right?"

Feather Bangs nodded, still looking at her. "Indeed, but I fear these lines do not do justice to the beauty I have before me."

The dressmaker rolled her eyes in amusement. "I see you are taking your role very seriously."

The boy took a step closer, lowering his voice. "You know, Rarity, I think you might be the muse that inspires my acting to another level."

Rarity laughed softly, though she was flattered. "Well, if you need inspiration, I'll be here to help with whatever it takes."

"That's all I need to know," said, winking at him before turning back to her rehearsal.

The dressmaker turned and began to walk away.

"Nice try, hunk," Timber commented.

"I'd give it a point in my favor," Feather added with a half-smile.

"If you say so," Flash concluded, laughing at the end.

The party girl looked at the boy and then back to where Rarity had gone. He stood up and followed her.

"I see someone has their eye on you," Pinkie said, catching up to Rarity and walking beside her.

"I'm not sure I want to be with anyone, Pinkie Pie."

"It could be a possibility, but..." the party girl hesitated a bit.

"But what?" asked, stopping.

Pinkie also stopped to answer. "He has a reputation for being flirtatious with all the girls and not settling on one," she said with a nervous smile.

"Well... I'm not too far from being like him," Rarity said and started walking again.

"That's what all... What? What do you mean by that?" the surprised party girl said, following her.

At the entrance, Rainbow, Sunset, and Applejack were heading over to where some students were organizing clubs. Rainbow approached Fluttershy, who was intently writing something on a piece of paper.

"Hey, Fluttershy, what's all the concentration?"

Fluttershy looked up, surprised by the interruption. "Ah... erm... Twilight and I were named as the hosts of the activities," she replied, searching for words cautiously.

"Wow! And how did you take it?" Rainbow asked, curious.

"A little surprised, just like Twilight," she replied.

Rainbow nodded, pondering the news. "Well, I'm sure they're going to do a great job. Though I imagine you'd rather be more in the shadows, wouldn't you?"

Fluttershy nodded shyly. "Yeah, I'm not used to being in the spotlight."

"I understand, but I'm sure you'll adjust quickly. If you need any help getting ready or practicing, I'm here," the athlete offered, smiling kindly and putting her hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Thank you, Rainbow," Fluttershy replied, grateful for the offer of support and noticing the pink-haired girl's hand.

"Sorry," she said, pulling her hand away. "It's okay," Fluttershy replied, smiling slightly.

Some nearby students began to murmur amongst themselves, showing confusion.

"It wasn't intentional, but it was progress," Rainbow said with a half-smile as she noticed the curious glances.

"Yeah, it seems like showing that everything is going well, like Twilight said, is going to work," the pink-haired girl added.

"But this was natural, nothing acted," she added, still wearing her half-smile. "I was thinking, how about... every other day?" she said, changing the subject.

"Every other day?"

"Yeah, apparently you're going to be a little busy introducing the activities and I'll be busy with the game. I could make some time to play," Rainbow said with hidden nerves.

"Do you want to play with me in the outdoor activity?" asked again.

"If you want, of course. If you don't want to, that's fine," replied scratching her head.

Fluttershy smiled. "No, that's fine, Rainbow. I thought you'd be with AJ this time, since they didn't participate together last year."

"Well, she was focused on the woodworking club before she quit and didn't have time for me, but I don't mind," Rainbow said.

"I understand. Sometimes it's hard to find time for everything," Fluttershy said.

"Yeah. I'm sure she won't mind me participating with you," the sporty girl said. "It's important to me that we can spend time together, even if it's just a little at a time."

"I'm glad you see it that way," the pink-haired girl nodded.

"So, what do you say? Do we sign up for the sack race? Or could we try the three-legged one?" she suggested, smiling at her.

"That sounds fun. I'd like to try it," Fluttershy said, smiling back. "The sack one," clarified.

"Cool. It'll be like old times, when we competed in camp activities," Rainbow said excitedly.

"Yeah, though I hope you're not too competitive."

"Mmm..." Rainbow said thoughtfully. Her friend looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Just kidding, I promise not to be. This time, it's all about having fun."

Twilight approached them with a list in hand. "Hey, girls. How's everything going?" asked.

"Hey, Twilight. Everything's going well. Rainbow and I were just talking about signing up for the sack race," she replied.

"That sounds great! I'm sure you'll make a great team," Twilight said with a smile. "We could cover for you in that game."

"Thanks. I'll do the same if you participate in any games," Fluttershy said. "Hey, Twi, are you signing up too?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm not sure yet. I have to make sure I have all the activities set up first," Twilight said, looking at her tablet with paper.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. Classic glasses girl, even though the introduction might be a bit minimal, she'd still prepare for anything.

"I'll follow you later so we're coordinated," the pink-haired girl said.

"Perfect, see you later," Twilight said.

With a smile, the glasses girl waved goodbye to the girls and walked past them until she reached her booth, where Starlight would be.

"Looks like you finished early," Twilight said, looking at the finished stand.

"Yeah, I had help," Starlight replied.

"From Pinkie, right?" the blue-haired girl deduced, laughing at the end.

"From Rarity, too," Starlight said.

"Oh, that's... good," Twilight replied, a little surprised.

Starlight nodded with an understanding smile. "Yeah, Rarity offered to help, and it was pretty helpful."

The blue-haired girl adjusted her glasses thoughtfully. "Well, I guess it's a good thing she's actively participating."

"Yeah, definitely," commented, showing a slight support for the seamstress.

Twilight nodded, trying to keep a neutral attitude. "And she didn't say something like 'I can't help right now, my nail polish is too fresh'?"

"No, nothing like that. I know she seems like a typical diva, but I don't think she's always paying attention to her nails."

"Not just that," Twilight muttered.

"What?" Starlight asked, although she did hear her.

"Nothing," the blue-haired girl said, clearing her throat.

Starlight stared at her in silence for a moment. "You know, Twilight? Sometimes when we're in a bad mood, we tend to get carried away by first impressions without considering the positives behind them."

Twilight was struck by the comment. "Why do you say that?" asked.

"It's something you should look into," replied.

The blue-haired girl thought for a moment before nodding. "Let's hope everything stays in order during the event. We don't need any more complications."

Starlight nodded again. "I'm sure everything will go well. The girls have been working to make sure it does."

With a nod of agreement, Twilight prepared to go over some more details of the event.

Elsewhere in the room the hyperactive girl continued to insist a little more, keeping pace with the dressmaker as they walked.

"Tell me," Pinkie pressed, with her characteristic persistence.

"No."

"Please tell me," she softened her voice.

Rarity paused briefly and looked at the resigned party girl. "It's not like I have much to tell, really. I've just had a few experiences that might have given that impression," explained, choosing her words carefully.

"Experiences that might have given that impression?" the party girl muttered as she thought back to something. "But isn't that similar to before you dated...?" asked, trying to fill in the blanks.

Rarity nodded slightly. "Yeah, sort of. It's not like I was like Feather exactly," admitted truthfully. The party girl got the message and let out an 'ohhh'.

"I understand. Do you mind if I ask you more about it?"

The seamstress pondered for a moment before replying with a slight smile. "I don't mind, Pinkie Pie, but I'd rather not go into too much detail right now. I'm trying to focus on other things right now."

"Sure, I completely understand!" She exclaimed, her expression changing into a bright smile. “We can talk about anything else that interests you! Have you seen the new styles that are circulating online? They are amazing!”

Rarity laughed softly at Pinkie’s sudden change of topic. “Oh, yes! I’ve been following some recent trends,” replied, grateful for the change of focus.

Together, Rarity and Pinkie continued on their way, aware of the curious glances of some students around them who were simply watching the five girls.

"Yeah," the farm girl said to herself, watching the party girl across the room with the dressmaker. "I'll talk to her today."

"What are you talking about?" Caramel asked, confused, standing next to the booth.

"Oh, nothing important," Sunset said, approaching with a smile. "Tomorrow is the game and she's always there to cheer, she'll have to wear the right team colors."

"Sure, that's what I meant," the farm girl said, nodding quickly.

"Okay," the boy said, not quite sure of the answer.

"What were you going to ask me?" the blonde asked Caramel, with whom she had been talking about what the woodworking club where she used to be in the previous years would show. However, she stopped since she was in her last year and didn't want to be swamped with work.

"Oh, yeah, I was saying if we could use one of your works as an example," Caramel said.

"No problem," Applejack replied, smiling. "Which one did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking about that wooden bench you made last year. It's sturdy and well made, and I think it would be a good example of what can be achieved with dedication and skill," he explained, excited.

"Yeah, that sounds perfect to me. It's still at home, so I can bring it over early tomorrow," he assured.

"Thanks, Applejack. It'll be a great help in showing the new members what they can accomplish," Caramel said, relieved and grateful.

"You're welcome. It's always a pleasure to help the club," the farmer said, patting Caramel on the shoulder before she headed off to another group of students.

The red-haired girl waited for her to get far enough away to speak. "Did you see it?"

"Yeah," Applejack replied. "I'll talk to her and tell her what happened tomorrow."

"Okay, you tell us tomorrow, but... leave it for after the game, we don't want to get distracted," Sunset said.

Applejack nodded. "I was just thinking about that. Whether it's bad or good, I'll tell you after the game."

Sunset nodded. With the conversation over, the two of them started walking towards their friends.

Elsewhere, the younger ones were making banners for either the stands or the game. The Crusaders, Spike and Ember were doing just that.

"How about 'Go Wondercolts'?" Apple Bloom said, raising her paintbrush excitedly.

"How about 'Go Rainbow'?" Scootaloo suggested, with an enthusiastic smile.

"How about 'Go Losers'?" Diamond Tiara said, sitting idly while her friend Silver Spoon worked on her own banner.

"Do you forget that we Wonderbolts are all of us and if we lose that includes you?" Ember said, looking at Diamond Tiara with a raised eyebrow.

Diamond Tiara stopped looking at them, not acknowledging her mistake and looking away.

The Crusaders laughed for a moment and then continued working on their banners.

"A dab here and a dab there," Spike said as he painted a piece of cloth with a paintbrush. "There you go. Could you tell Rarity what this is?" he asked, holding up a piece of cloth.

"So you could pick it up with a stick. That's a good idea," Sweetie Belle commented, looking at the cloth closely.

"Is something wrong?" Spike asked.

Sweetie Belle shrugged. "No, nothing. I was just... checking to see if it's small enough."

"Should I use a bigger cloth?"

"No," she said, somewhat alarmed.

A few students around her looked at her.

"Are you okay, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Sweetie Belle said, clearing her throat in embarrassment at drawing attention to herself. "Small is perfect," she added slyly.

Spike, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom looked at each other. They decided not to continue the conversation and continued working on their banners, each contributing their ideas and creativity.

After a half-exhausting day decorating everything for tomorrow and the rest of the week, Applejack, as on other occasions, took her cousin back to her house. Upon arriving, she stopped the truck, but first she wanted to talk to her relative about something.

"Pinkie, I let a few days go by so I could talk," began.

"About what?" Pinkie asked, pretending she didn't understand, although she knew exactly what she was going to talk to her about.

"Come on, Pinkie, about the fact that you started talking to Belle."

"Do you know she has a name?"

Applejack raised an eyebrow, a little annoyed by Pinkie's attitude. After a moment of silence, the farmer continued.

"Pinkie..."

"I'm just following my hunch."

"Hunch..." said the blonde thoughtfully. "By that, do you mean give her another chance? But..."

"But what?" Pinkie asked, interrupting her.

"It's not that easy for all of us after what happened," Applejack said.

"I know, AJ, but I think everyone deserves a second chance," the party girl said.

The farm girl was silent about that comment.

"Should I have asked before?"

"Not that you have to ask permission, but you should consider how we feel about Belle," Applejack said.

"I know you guys would feel uncomfortable, you've shown it many times by not wanting to talk, and especially you, AJ, since she was your..."

"Pinkie... no," the blonde said with a frown stopping her from finishing. "I just... you know I'm still mad, not just me, the others too, and I can't imagine..."

"You're going to be mad about that? About me getting close to Ra... to Belle?" the party girl asked, rolling her eyes at the last bit.

"I might get mad. I won't lie to you," replied.

"But you won't, right? You know why? Because we're Apples at heart, remember?" Pinkie said.

The farm girl sighed, looking at her cousin with a mix of frustration and understanding.

"Look, I'm not going to tell you who you can or can't get close to. I just... I don't want to see you hurt again."

Pinkie nodded, smiling softly. "I know, AJ. And I appreciate that you care. Just give me this chance and you'll see."

Applejack was silent for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Okay... Just be careful, okay?"

"I promise."

After that, Pinkie got out of the truck and headed to her front door.

House of the Belles

Rarity made her way to her sister's room. She entered softly, finding Sweetie Belle engrossed in some drawing on her desk.

"Are you excited about tomorrow's event?" Rarity asked, with a smile.

Sweetie Belle stopped drawing and looked at her older sister with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Yes, I'm excited. But... I was also thinking about something."

The seamstress frowned slightly, wondering what could be going through her younger sister's mind. "What were you thinking, dear?"

The younger one bit her lower lip, undecided for a moment. Then, she decided to approach the subject carefully. "Well... about the banners we made today. I thought it would be great if... if you could sew ours."

Rarity was momentarily speechless, surprised by the request. Sweetie Belle noticed her sister's reaction, she added, "But don't worry, he's small, so it will be easier for you." She stood up and went to a bag on her bed, taking out the fabric.

Looking at the fabric, Rarity noticed that she wouldn't need a sewing kit, just a needle. "It won't take much work," she said with a smile, walking over and taking the fabric.

Sweetie Belle smiled sweetly at her. "I had to suggest it discreetly."

"Thank you, Sweetie," Rarity said, grateful for her understanding. "What do you want me to do?"

"Spike had the idea to put two sticks so I could hold it up," explained.

"Do you have the sticks?" asked.

"I asked Mom and Dad to get them, they should be here soon," Sweetie Belle said.

"I'll wait for them downstairs then," the seamstress said, carefully folding the fabric and leaving her sister's room.

Sweetie Belle followed her and they both walked down the stairs to the living room. They waited a few minutes until their parents arrived, whom they greeted. Sweetie Belle asked for the sticks and Rarity set about her task.

Wednesday. Everyone was in the main hall, as the long-awaited welcome event was starting today, and no students had classes.

The atmosphere was full of excitement and anticipation. Students filled the main hall, chatting animatedly as they waited for the day's activities to begin. The main hall was decorated with colorful banners and balloons that reflected the festive spirit of the event. The stands of the different clubs were lined up along the walls, each prepared to show their best.

Celestia and Luna, who were on one side of the stage, gave a nod to the two students they chose who were on the other side of the stage. Both Twilight and Fluttershy sighed in relaxation.

"Ready?" Twilight asked.

"So-so, and you?" Fluttershy said.

"Well, we just have to be confident," Twilight said. The pink-haired girl nodded.

The two walked over and stood in the center of the stage, raising their microphones.

"Welcome everyone to the welcome event!" Twilight began, drawing the students' attention. "We're very excited to have you here and we hope you enjoy all the activities we've prepared for you."

"Yes, we hope you have a lot of fun. We have lots of exciting activities, from exhibitions and plays to games, among other things," Fluttershy continued with a shy smile.

"First we'll start with the club booths to learn about the different opportunities our university offers," Twilight continued.

"And we'll end the day with the first ever women's soccer match," Fluttershy finished.

The students began to disperse, exploring the different booths and talking to the club members.

The group of friends waited for the two girls to get off the stage.

"They didn't do too bad," Applejack said with a smile.

"In the end, my help wasn't necessary, but my support was enough," Rainbow said.

"Yeah, Twilight and I got together and helped each other out," Fluttershy said.

"I knew you had the confidence," Rainbow said with a half smile. "I'll leave you two, I promised AJ I'd go with her to see the explosions," she said, stepping forward.

"See you later, girls," the farmer said before walking away and catching up with the multicolored haired girl.

"Looks like their relationship is moving forward, did we miss something?" Sunset said, looking at the pink-haired girl.

"It's true, I noticed it yesterday but I didn't ask," Twilight said, looking at her as well.

"She surprised me at the animal shelter on Monday. I was going to stay home, but I wanted to go hang out and found her there," Fluttershy explained.

"Oh, is that what the call was about?" Sunset muttered thoughtfully.

"Did you say something?" the pink-haired girl asked.

"Nothing important. And what happened?" the red-haired girl said.

She wasn't going to reveal to her shy friend that Rainbow called her to find out if she was still part of taking care of the animals at the shelter, which surprised her since she had kind of ignored the pink-haired girl hours before.

"She had an argument with Discord and then we both talked honestly, clearing some things up," she said. "Then we took my little friends out for a walk."

"Did she meet Discord?" Twilight asked curiously.

"How did she take his humor?" Sunset asked with a laugh.

"Mmm... as expected from Dash," Fluttershy said. "She was close to throwing words at him if I hadn't intervened."

"Classic of her," Pinkie said from beside the redhead.

"Then they talked, you said," Sunset said.

"Yeah, she explained to me why he acted a little... distant."

"Did he act distant with you?" asked the party girl, a little thoughtful, remembering that that's the attitude the dressmaker is acting with to avoid much conflict with the girls.

"Yeah, but she already clarified it and also after something happened when we walked the dogs, I told her why I sat at another table the day before."

"As Applejack says, talking honestly always works," Twilight said.

"It's true," Pinkie said with a smile. "It helps a lot to understand people."

The girls were a little curious about those words.

"Are we going to see the exhibits?" asked Sunset so as not to be left silent.

"Speaking of exhibits, Starlight should be waiting for me with the rest of the members of the science club," the blue-haired girl said as she walked away.

"Well, there are three of us," Pinkie said cheerfully, looking at the two, who smiled back at her.

Up ahead, Applejack was with Rainbow exploring the clubs. Despite not having any interest in signing up for another club since they had enough with soccer, they wanted to see what new things the clubs had for new students.

"Do we really have to go through all of them?" Rainbow asked, grimacing as they passed the chess club.

"Just a couple more, Dash. I promise it won't take you long," Applejack replied.

They arrived at the Robotics club, where Micro Chips, along with his older classmates and some underage students, were exhibiting.

"Welcome to the Robotics club!" Micro Chips exclaimed excitedly. "Today we have a special exhibit that showcases the collaboration between our older and younger students. They've worked together to build these amazing robots."

Applejack and Rainbow walked over, curious. A group of younger students were showing off a simple robot that could follow lines on the ground.

"This is our first project," one of the younger students explained. "The older students helped us learn how to program and assemble it."

"That's impressive," Applejack commented, watching the robot in action. "And what are the older students showing off?"

Micro Chips pointed to a more complex robot that was being controlled remotely. "This is an advanced project the older students have been working on. It can perform tasks like picking up objects and navigating around obstacles."

The jock, though not all that interested in robotics, couldn't help but be impressed. "Well, that's pretty cool," admitted, watching the robots move with precision.

"Thanks," Micro Chips replied, smiling. "We're very proud of what we've accomplished together. And we hope more students will join us as we continue to explore the world of robotics."

The farmer nodded. "It's definitely something worth seeing. Let's move on, Dash, we still have a few clubs left to visit."

Rainbow sighed. "Okay, AJ, but just a few more."

They walked a little further, coming across the Art Club booth, where students were admiring paintings, sculptures, and drawings while the artists explained their inspirations and techniques.

Applejack recognized a sculpture and let out a laugh.

"What?" Rainbow asked.

"See that sculpture?" she said pointing. "That's the one I made with Belle."

"Did they end up doing it?" she asked with a mix of indifference and curiosity.

"Yeah, although we didn't make much progress at first because we argued."

"What a surprise," Rainbow said sarcastically.

"But we were able to finish it with certain rules," Applejack explained. Her partner nodded.

The farmer looked at the sculpture again before turning around and noticed Rarity coming out of the same group of people.

"When was she here?" she wondered, frowning slightly.

"Shall we go?" the sportswoman said, starting to walk. Applejack, still confused, followed her.

Twilight, meanwhile, was at the Science Club booth, with a table set up with laboratory equipment to demonstrate fascinating biochemistry experiments.

"Welcome to the Science Club!" the blue-haired girl said excitedly to a group of students of various ages. "Today we'll show you some interesting chemical reactions and how biochemistry can be fun."

Beside her, Starlight Glimmer, holding a neuroscience project, greeted the students. "We'll also give you a look at how we study the brain."

Twilight poured a hydrogen peroxide solution into a flask, adding liquid detergent and potassium iodide. Immediately, a thick foam formed, causing amazement among the students. "This is called 'elephant toothpaste.' It's a decomposition reaction that produces oxygen gas and creates this impressive foam."

Starlight explained how chemical reactions in the brain affect our behavior. She showed a model of the brain, pointing out areas responsible for functions like memory and emotions.

Twilight showed a three-dimensional model of DNA and explained its structure and how it relates to biochemistry. She used a microscope to show stained cells, allowing the students to see details at the molecular level.

The younger students helped explain basic concepts, while the older ones took care of the more complex demonstrations.

While the blue-haired girl was writing the names of those who were going to join on a tablet, she could see out of the corner of her eye a certain seamstress who was in the crowd. She met her gaze for a moment, but it seemed that the latter did not notice, since she had turned around to go to the next booth, where she knew the seamstress would sign up.

Rarity walked towards the next booth, but she did not expect to find the Sewing Club, which she had once been part of when she was on Side A. A group of students was admiring the creations. She hesitated for a moment and approached, but before she arrived she was interrupted by a group of younger students.

"Hello, Rarity!" her sister greeted enthusiastically, accompanied by Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Spike.

"Hello, girls! Oh, Spike, Scootaloo, how have you been?" said the seamstress, surprised to see them after so long.

"Fine," Scootaloo replied with a smile.

"What do you think, Rarity? Did I grow up a little?" Spike joked, slowly turning around.

"Yeah, everyone's had their respective developments, but are you still the Spike Wikey I knew?" She replied with a smile.

"No more Spike Wikey," he protested, crossing his arms. "I'm all grown up now."

The younger girls giggled a little, and the seamstress could barely contain a laugh. Then, her gaze shifted to Scootaloo.

"Umm... Scoot, I mean, Scootaloo, about your sister..." Rarity began a little nervously.

"Relax, Rarity. Rainbow may not be completely over it yet, but we've been able to forgive and understand," Scootaloo said with a reassuring smile.

"We have our point of view on how things happened," Apple Bloom said.

"Really?" Rarity asked, surprised. The others nodded, except for Sweetie Belle.

"So what's your take on what happened?" the seamstress asked curiously.

"Uhh... I think we'll just leave it at intrigue," the magenta-haired girl said, somewhat nervous.

"Mmm, okay. For their age, they're very understanding," Rarity commented with a giggle.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Scootaloo replied proudly.

"Are there any clubs that interest you, Rarity?" Apple Bloom asked, changing the subject.

"Some are interesting, but I don't think I'll join any," the seamstress replied.

"You're like my sister in that way," Apple Bloom chimed in. "She dropped out of carpentry this year, since it's her senior year, plus she has a lot of work at home," she explained.

"I think I understand her a little," Rarity said with a smile. "I'll leave you to continue having fun, but don't get into any mischief," he said before walking away in the opposite direction he had been heading.

After watching Rarity walk away, the four friends noticed that before they interrupted the seamstress, she had headed towards the Sewing Club booth.

"Do you think Rarity will join the club?" Spike asked, pointing towards where the club leader was signing up new members.

"I think so," Apple Bloom replied with a thoughtful smile. "She's always had a natural talent for fashion, and being in that club could be perfect for her."

Scootaloo nodded, looking over to where Rarity had disappeared into the crowd. "It's possible. Rarity loves creating and designing. I wouldn't be surprised if she decides to join."

As they discussed the possibilities, Sweetie Belle made a few comments and then discreetly broke away from the group to follow her older sister through the bustle. She wanted to make sure Rarity was okay regarding one particular issue.

The other three continued exploring the different clubs, moving from the Sewing Club to others such as the Carpentry Club, to the one for the works that would show off their talents in the future. They arrived at the last Music Club, where some talented students were playing various instruments.

Flash who was leading the presentation was almost finishing his speech when they arrived.

"Now you will hear our cellist, Octavia Melody," Flash announced.

"Thank you, Flash. Now enjoy," Octavia said, sitting down and positioning her hands to begin playing. The sound of the violin, capturing the attention of everyone present.

"Finally, you will now hear Vinyl, who will show you different sound mixes," Flash said.

Vinyl began to move her hands on the records, back and forth, following the track. The girl with headphones continued to enjoy the mix, but she became so immersed in it that she began to make other more complex mixes.

Some students were surprised by the sound, exchanging looks of amazement.

Flash and the other members smiled a little nervously and glanced at the cellist, making a hint.

"Vinyl," Octavia called to her friend in a low voice.

But the girl was still in her own world.

"Vinyl!"

Once she reacted, she surreptitiously made one last mix to finish.

"Well, that was exciting. Our DJ always surprises us," Flash said with a laugh.