Fireworks (Patreon)

 Stone Mane and the Apple family made there way down to the banks of the Ponyville River in my Equestria dreamscape. Stone Mane was amazed that for such a small town how crowded it was as they approached the river. 

  
  Soon the show started and mortars began lobbing hissing bombs high into the evening sky filling it with thunderous explosions, brilliant flashes of light, and bursts of colors. However for Applebloom and Stone Mane they were having to peer around the back of ponies heads to see the performance. In frustration Applebloom poked AJ with a front hoof. 

  
  "Sis! Stone Mane and I can't see anything. We're gonna ta go over and sit on one of the rises over there so we can see the show!" 

  Her sister nodded her head and yelled over the display. "Okay sugar cube, but dont'cha go wandering off too far!" 

  
  The two foals nodded their heads and then headed off the find a better viewing location. Eventually they found a small hill where they could clearly see the fireworks. Soon they were whooping and cheering as evening sky was painted with vibrant color and booming explosions.  

 
  Finally the fireworks came to an end and quiet nighttime sky returned to Ponyville. Ponies began filing away from the riverside. Some headed for their homes while others made their ways to get themselves the drink or some late night snack from the vendors that were still open.  

 
  For several minutes the foals laid silently alongside each other in the darkness. They both realized that they should head back down and find Applebloom's family, but neither wanted this moment to end. So they just remained there. Finally the filly spoke in a soft voice. 

  "Did ya enjoy the show?" 

  
  "Yes." Said the colt. "It was fun." 

  In the darkness the colt saw her nod her head. "Stone Mane, I'm glad ya decided ta visit me. I wish ya could stay longer than ya can." 

  "So do I."  

 
  Suddenly to the colt surprise he felt the filly shift over slightly and press her body against his left side. He could feel the warmth of her body through her dress. Suddenly a thought that had been nagging around the corner of his mind popped into his head. After a few seconds he spoke. 

  
  "Um, uh, Applebloom. There's something I'd like to say to you." 

  "Uh huh." Said the filly sleepily. 

  
  Stone Mane tried to organize his thoughts as best as could. "What I want to say is I am very thankful for everything you've done to help, help me deal with. With the death of my parents. I don't think I could say thank you enough." 

  "Mmhmm." Said the filly softly.

 
  The colt pressed on ahead. "And I consider you a good friend now, but there's something else I want to say."

 
  Applebloom leaned her head against the colt's. She smelled of fresh cut hay, cedar, peanut butter, and the floral aroma of her shampoo. The colt felt a shiver run through his spine.

   
  "Um, uh! Well, um, I don't know how to exactly say it, but Applebloom you are a very, uh, special pony to me. And I hope you feel the same way."

 
  The filly was silent.

 
  "Um I realize we've only know each for a little while!" The colt quickly said. "And I understand if don't feel that way at the moment, but, but I wanted you to know that." 

  Applebloom said nothing. Stone Mane looked down at his front hooves. 

  
  "If you're not comfortable talking about it. I, I understand that as well." Said the colt with a tinge of melancholy in his voice.

    
  "Zzzzzzzzz!"     

        Stone Mane turned his head slightly and looked at the filly. After a couple of seconds he realized the filly had fallen asleep. 

  
  "Um, Applebloom." 

 To be continued.