The sunrays from the window shine down on your room which led you to slowly open your eyes. You yawned and stretched for a bit as you turned to Rarity who had trapped you in a hug as you felt her nuzzle your chest.

(Y/N): ** Even when she's asleep, she's still so beautiful.

You peck her on the lips as she began to wake from her slumber.

Rarity: Mmmm...good morning, love.

(Y/N): Morning my aesthetic beauty. How was your sleep?

Rarity: Mmmm... simply divine with you around.

(Y/N): Heh, that's kind of an effect I seem to have on you girls.

Rarity: Well...you are quite comfortable to snuggle, dear.

(Y/N): You as well, Rares.

You kissed her forehead as you sat up in bed.

(Y/N): So, how does breakfast in bed sound?

Rarity: That sounds delightful, darling.

(Y/N): Alrighty. You stay right here and enjoy being comfortable. I'll go get some breakfast for you.

With that, you hopped out of bed and headed downstairs to prepare her breakfast. A few minutes passed before you came up with a delectable meal for your precious gemstone.

(Y/N): I hope you love this, Rares.

She smiled and sat up in bed as you placed it in front of her.

Rarity: Oh my stars, dear, this looks amazing.

(Y/N): While it might look good, the only thing that truly matters is taste.

She nodded before using a fork to pick up a piece and feeding herself.

Rarity: My word! This is delicious!

(Y/N): Heh, I knew you'd get a kick out of it. When you've got multiple girlfriends, one of the things you gotta learn how to do is cook and thanks to a certain pink girl, I was able to achieve that without a sweat.

Rarity: Well, I'll be sure to give her my thanks. And thanks to you as well, love.

(Y/N): No trouble at all, Rarity. Enjoy.

You pecked her lips as you felt your phone buzz in your pocket. You looked and saw a text from Applejack.

Applejack (Text): Hey hon, has Fluttershy asked you out yet?

You responded back.

(Y/N) (Text): No, not yet. She might be busy today at the animal shelter, so I'm sure it'll just be you and me today.

Applejack (Text): Alrighty, in that case, you wanna go out today? I'm done with my chores today so I'm free.

(Y/N) (Text): Sure. I'll pick you up some time today.

Applejack (Text): Great! See you then, hon. Love ya.

(Y/N): Love you too, Jackie.

You put your phone away and turned to Rarity who was halfway through her breakfast.

(Y/N): AJ just texted me asking if she and I are going out today. I told her we could and she seemed really happy by that.

Rarity: Why, of course she would, love. Any given moment to spend time with you would be a blessing.

(Y/N): If only Shadow was the same way.

Rarity: Well, don't let me keep you waiting. Go ahead and make yourself look presentable, dear.

(Y/N): You sure?

Rarity: Positive.

(Y/N): Okay then. I hope you had fun yesterday, my beautiful gemstone.

Rarity: ** No worries, my love. I had the time of my life.

You went over and gave her a kiss which lasted for a few seconds before pulling away.

(Y/N): Well, I'm glad. I'm gonna go get ready now. Love you, Rares.

Rarity: Love you too, handsome.

You went into your bathroom to get yourself ready for today. Finally, you stepped out while wearing your new casual outfit as Rarity had redressed into hers. You both went down to the front door and opened it for her as she stepped through. She gave you one final kiss before walking home while you stepped out and headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. After a bit of walking, you made it to the peaceful farm as you noticed Applejack leaning on one of the front deck's support beams as she too was wearing a different outfit.

She soon saw you coming and smiled before walking over to you.

Applejack: Howdy there, good lookin'.

(Y/N): Hey, AJ. I'm guessing Rarity made you that outfit too?

Applejack: You guess right. She knew that you'd take me out at some point, so she had this made to impress you.

(Y/N): Really? Gotta thank her later, because it makes you look quite beautiful.

Applejack: ~Aww, shucks...

She grabbed your cheek and shared a kiss with you to which you happily returned.

Applejack: You always did have a way with words.

(Y/N): You can thank my mom for that. She's the one who taught me to be a true gentleman.

Applejack: What'd your dad teach you then?

(Y/N): How to be a jokester. He taught me how to get laughs out of people. I'd say it was a good combination.

Applejack: I can agree with ya on that one. So, ready to see what I have planned for us? And don't worry, it's not hard labor or anything like that. I'm sure you'll love it.

(Y/N): I'll trust you, Jackie. Let's get going.

She nodded before taking you by the hand and leading you into the city.

(Y/N): Hey, Jackie? I've been wanting to ask, how is it that Big Mac has his own truck and yet you don't even have a car yet? I mean, your family business seems really profitable so I figured you'd have a car by now.

Applejack: Eh, I never really saw the need for one. I prefer to get a decent exercise out of walkin' rather than using a car to get to places.

(Y/N): Heh, you always were one that preferred the hard way.

Applejack: What can I say, hon? I love a good challenge.

(Y/N): Just another one of the reasons I love about you.

Applejack: Heh, well, I can list many things I love about you too. Compassion, bravery, trustworthiness, and most of all, honesty. The list goes on.

(Y/N): Hey, don't leave yourself out of it. There are many great things about you too, you know? Strong, independent, hard-working, and most of all, truthful. I don't think I've met anyone who speaks the truth as much as you do, AJ.

Applejack: I've been that way mah whole life. Why change it now?

(Y/N): Good point. Hey, can I tell you something?

Applejack: Shoot.

(Y/N): Do you remember the day you told me of how your parents died and how we kissed afterwards?

Applejack: Oh boy, do I. Easily, the best kiss I've ever received. Why bring it up, though?

(Y/N): Well... believe it or not... that's actually my first kiss.

Applejack: I-It was? Y-Ya mean...I...was yer first kiss?

(Y/N): Yeah, you were. So, there's something to be proud of there.

Applejack: ** I could probably brag to the others about that, huh?

(Y/N): Come on, AJ. Let's not turn it into a competition.

Applejack: I know, I know. I was just teasin', sugarcube.

(Y/N): ** Anyways, I thought I'd let you know that. So, where are we going by the way?

Applejack: You'll just have to wait an' see, hon.

She gives you a wink. You're genuinely curious about what she's planning but you decided not to question further as you didn't want her to lose the joy in surprising you like how Rarity did. You continue your way through Canterlot City until you realize that Applejack wasn't walking next to you as you turned around and saw her standing in front of a large lake with a plaque on a stand in front of it as you walked back over to her.

(Y/N): Is this it, Jackie?

She didn't respond as she was staring at the plaque which read "In memory of Pear Butter and Bright Macintosh." You eventually looked in the direction her eyes were staring at as you read the plaque yourself before putting on a sympathetic expression.

(Y/N): Oh...I get it. They were buried here?

Applejack nods as she lowered her hat.

Applejack: This place...was where me and mah parents always used to go every evenin' to skip stones and watch them skip into the sunset. It's the best memories I have of 'em. **

She sniffed as her eyes began to water slightly.

Applejack: I just... I just miss them so much, Y/N. Applebloom never got the chance to know them fully since she was just a baby when it happened. Big Mac and I had to step up as the main providers of our family since Granny Smith was getting too old to handle it all by herself. I... I just wish they were still with us, so that we didn't have to do it all alone. Sometimes...I feel like I was somewhat responsible for their death.

(Y/N): Applejack, you know that that's not true. From what you told me, it was an unfortunate accident at the road involving black ice and someone swerving into them.

Applejack: But I didn't tell ya all of it, Y/N. They were on a family business trip for about a week or two and I was beggin' them to come back. I missed them so much and I just wanted to give mah Ma and Pa another hug. They said they'd come back on Christmas but I couldn't wait that long and if it weren't for mah impatience...they probably woulda still been here today to meet the love of mah life.

She then started to break down and cry into her hands. You immediately went over and wrapped her in a supportive hug as she cried on your shoulder.

(Y/N): Applejack, listen. It wasn't your fault. You only wanted to see them sooner. You had no idea that that would happen.

Applejack: But if I had been more patient, they'd still be alive, Y/N. You would have had the privilege to meet them in person instead of having to deal with me if I wasn't so darn selfish!

(Y/N): AJ... look at me.

You demanded as you made her look into your eyes as you held a stern look.

(Y/N): You need to stop putting yourself down. What happened was not in any way your fault. These sorts of things happen to all of us. It's an unfortunate part of life that we wish didn't happen and yet it still does. Applejack, you need to stay strong for them. Do you think your parents would want you to be like this?

Applejack: Well... n-no...

(Y/N): Then stop pinning all the blame on you. I'll admit, it would have been amazing to meet them, but I know that there's nothing that can be done about it. As magical as I am, I can't bring people back to life and even if I could, it probably wouldn't look as nice as you might think.

Applejack: B-But-

(Y/N): No buts, Applejack! Quit being stubborn for one moment and listen. While they aren't here, I'm sure your parents love you with all their hearts. The same goes for your friends and I as well. I love you, Applejack, and I can't stand to see someone I care about so much bring themselves down. I went through the exact same thing with Shadow but he's a lot worse than this. I refuse to let you self-deprecate yourself.

Applejack stared at you for a moment or two until a smile slowly crept across her lips.

Applejack: Yer... yer right, sugarcube. Ah'm awfully sorry.

(Y/N): It's fine, AJ. Just... don't make it seem like it was your fault, okay? Because it wasn't. Do you understand?

She nodded before pulling you into a passionate kiss as she wrapped her arms around neck as you placed your hands on her hips. Soon enough, the kiss had ended.

Applejack: I love ya, Y/N L/N. I always loved ya an' not a day goes by where I haven't. Yer the single greatest thing ta ever happen to me.

(Y/N): And I love you as well, Jackie. That's never been a doubt in my mind.

You hugged each other for about a minute before pulling back as you stared into each other's eyes.

Applejack: Ya mentioned Shadow before, how's he doin' by the way? I heard through Rainbow Dash about how destroyed he was from Sunny Flare's rejection.

(Y/N): ** Yeah. He came into the Sweet Shoppe looking like he saw The Year Without A Santa Claus so I decided to talk to him about it. He looked like... he was at that stage where he had enough, if you know what I mean.

Applejack: Ya mean... he was gonna... end himself?

(Y/N): It looked like it at the time, but when Rarity and I last saw him, he seemed to be doing okay. But... it just doesn't feel right. How could he go from a state that looked like he was on the verge of ending himself and then suddenly go back to normal as if it never happened in just three days?

Applejack: It's a mystery alright. You don't think... he formed his own harem, don't ya?

(Y/N): I doubt it. As much as I tease him about it, he'd never agree to the idea... right?

Applejack: I wouldn't know. Ya know him way longer than I have so I should be the one asking.

(Y/N): AJ, let me ask you another question. That pendant that he wears all the time, doesn't it seem like there's something else to it besides giving him that edgy form he likes to transform into?

Applejack: I mean, he seems more emotional than most teens but I shrugged that off as just intense hormones.

(Y/N): No. I don't think it's that. Hear me out, I think that pendant is what makes him all sarcastic and gloomy all the time. He made a promise to me that he'd change himself, but he still hasn't done it. I mean, he's trying but I don't think a lot of progress has been made. It's kinda like how in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows how the Slytherin locket changed the personality of whoever was wearing it. I think it's the same way with Shadow.

Applejack: I don't know, hon. That seems kinda presumptuous.

(Y/N): Maybe, but it makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Look, it's just a theory at this point. Although, there's really only one way to know for sure.

Applejack: What's that?

(Y/N): Well... we take it from him.

Applejack: You mean... steal it?

(Y/N): Not for forever. I just wanna know if my theory is correct is all.

Applejack: Can't we just destroy it like with the Dazzlings at the Battle of the Bands?

(Y/N): We could, but Shadow's pendant is much different than the Dazzlings' pendants. If we do end up trying to destroy it, he might lash out at us or...it might even kill him attempting to. So, it'd probably be best if we separated it from him first.

Applejack: Do ya think it might be the power of the pendant that changed him? Like how it did for Sci-Twi?

(Y/N): That's what I was thinking. You see, Moondancer told me that when I left, Shadow was more saddened then he was angry. In fact, until he was given that pendant by the Dazzlings, he was pretty much like how he used to be. Timid, never really spoke out that much, carefree.

Applejack: Ya think that was part of Adagio's plan to get back at us?

(Y/N): Possibly. We won't know for sure until we get that pendant. Which is why I'm counting on you for support, Applejack.

Applejack: Y/N...if this doesn't work, you and him might go back to being how you were after the tricross relay. Are you sure you want to take that risk of losing him again?

(Y/N): ** It's not something I want to think about but I'd rather have a chance of getting my best friend back than be stuck with this edgy, depressed version of him. Please AJ, I need your help.

Applejack: Well... if you really believe that his pendant is what's making him this way... then I'll do what I can to help, sugarcube.

You smiled before pecking her lips.

(Y/N): Thank you. If this works, then you'll see a whole better side to him that you've never seen before.

Applejack: I hope so. I really want to meet the Shadow Moonlight you once knew.

(Y/N): Hopefully, I can too.

You turned your attention to the lake as an idea came to mind.

(Y/N): Hey, do you maybe wanna have a picnic somewhere?

Applejack: That's a great idea, hon. But, where would we have it?

(Y/N): I was gonna suggest here, but it'd be kinda weird having a picnic near your parents' resting place.

Applejack: Yeah, Ah' agree. How about the park?

(Y/N): Good choice. I'll quickly zoom back to my place and get the stuff while I meet you there?

She nodded.

Applejack: Sounds like a plan.

(Y/N): Great, I'll be back in a flash.

You grabbed your geode and sped away towards your house and got the essentials: food, drinks, picnic quilt, all of them before you headed towards Canterlot Park. You quickly got the picnic set up and just as you were done, Applejack came into view as she made her way towards the picnic you set up.

Applejack: Wow, this doesn't look half bad, Y/N.

(Y/N): Thanks. So, shall we?

Applejack: Uh-huh!

She sat down next to you as you started having your picnic. A few minutes passed before you heard a familiar singing voice. One that belonged to a certain shy animal lover.

(Y/N): Hey AJ, you hear that?

Applejack: Yeah, I do. Sounds an awful lot like Fluttershy.

You stood up and followed the voice. Sure enough, you found the timid girl singing to another group of animals that had gathered around to hear her sing.

Gopher: Wow, that was amazing!

Sparrow: Truly breathtaking!

Blue Jay: I wish I could sing that well!

Fluttershy: Oh, thank you, my little friends.

(Y/N): Well, this is certainly deja vu.

Applejack: You're hearing animals talk again, hon?

(Y/N): Yeah. I share Fluttershy's ability to talk to animals, so I can hear what they're saying.

Fluttershy soon came out of the bushes she was hiding behind and noticed you two.

Fluttershy: Oh, hi there, Y/N. Hi, Applejack.

(Y/N): Hey, Flutters. Singing to some of your animal friends?

Fluttershy: Mm-hmm. Now that I can talk to them, I can always know what they feel when I sing. So, are you two on a date?

Applejack: That's right.

Fluttershy: Um... I-I don't suppose... you and I... could go out tomorrow, right Y/N?

(Y/N): Heh, sure thing, Fluttershy. I mean, you're the only one I haven't gone on one with yet, so why not?

Fluttershy: O-Oh, okay! Thank you.

(Y/N): No need for thanks, Flutters.

Fluttershy: Well, I guess I should get going. I wouldn't wanna intrude on your date.

Applejack: It's alright, sugarcube. Why not take some to go?

Fluttershy: A-Are you sure, Applejack?

Applejack: Go ahead.

Fluttershy slowly went over and took one of the sandwiches.

Fluttershy: Thanks again. I'll see you tomorrow, Y/N.

(Y/N): See you tomorrow, Fluttershy.

You stood up and walked up to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead which made her blush before she shook it away and smiled at you. She left as you went back and sat next to Applejack.

Applejack: That was awfully brave of her to ask you like that.

(Y/N): It was. Seems like she's really growing out of her shell.

Applejack: I think you might have somethin' to do with it, hon.

She nudged your shoulder playfully as you chuckled.

(Y/N): It's not just me, Jackie. We've all had a hand in helping her with her shy nature.

Applejack: Heh, I guess you're right. Alright, let's get back to it.

You nodded before resuming your picnic. After you were finished with it, you packed everything up and quickly zoomed home to put everything away and ran back to Applejack.