Book two of "Who We Become".
Being a princess means always worrying what everypony thinks about you. So when Twilight overhears a private conversation, she has to come to terms with how she feels about herself, love, and a certain somepony, all whil...
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Twilight kept her head held high on the way to Sweet Apple Acres. She walked at a brisk pace because she was liable to turn back around if she didn't, and she needed to do this. She knew Cadance's advice was good, but it never hurt to have a second opinion. True, she did already have Sunset backing Cadance's advice, but while Sunset had definitely been on more dates than Twilight – by virtue of having been on any dates at all – they had all gone badly. Meanwhile, Spike had given her the unconditional love and acceptance he always did, but she obviously wasn't about to go to him for relationship advice, unless she decided the best way to win over Fluttershy was to follow her around like a lost puppy. Applejack wasn't all that experienced in romance, but she was always happy to lend an ear and offer a fresh perspective. Besides, she knew Fluttershy, and would be able to look at the situation from both of their points of view.
In truth, she was terrified of telling Applejack, but she told herself everything would be fine. So far nopony cared, and Applejack was her friend, not to mention one of the most supportive ponies she knew. Logically speaking, there was nothing to worry about. And what was she if not a pony driven by logic? So she kept on, forcing herself to keep moving forward and to not dwell on how things could go wrong. Better yet, don't think of anything. So she cleared her mind as best she could of all her troubles and focused on the rhythmic sound of her hooves against the packed dirt.
Before she knew it, she was approaching the farm house. She had expected to find Applejack working on something around the farm, but instead she was standing back watching in amusement as a Pinkie dashed around the barn, displaying a level of hyperactivity only she could possess. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves Twilight approached her friend. 'Well, I guess it'll be two with one stone.'
"Good morning, Applejack. What's going on here?"
"Hey there, Twi," Applejack said, tipping her hat. "I told Pinkie she could throw Cheerilee's party here, and she said she needed to plan the decorations. Don't rightly know why though, it's not like she ain't thrown half a dozen parties here already. I'll never understand that one." She smiled, clearly enjoying watching the pink blur.
"That's Pinkie alright."
"Well of course it's me!" Pinkie said, causing Twilight to jump back. She could have sworn Pinkie was still across the yard, but here she was standing right next to them. If Pinkie noticed Twilight's shock, she didn't show it. "I mean, I've known Applejack a long time, Twilight. I'm pretty sure you don't have to tell her who I am."
Twilight laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."
"So is this a social visit, or is there something I can do for ya?" Applejack asked.
"Well, actually there is something I wanted to talk to you about," Twilight said. She cast her glance down. Was it too late to turn back? She wasn't sure she still wanted to do this.
"What's eatin' at ya, sugarcube?" Applejack wrapped a foreleg around Twilight's shoulders. Twilight looked at her friends. Applejack was frowning slightly in concern, while Pinkie smiled encouragingly. She was being ridiculous, she could trust her friends.
