The Sweetest Cider is Diamond White

Chapters

Chapter Two - Closing Time
Chapter Three - Thunderstruck
Chapter Five - Physics, Biology, Chemistry
Chapter Six - Hot Lips and Love Tips
Chapter Eight - One Small Step, One Giant Leap
Chapter Nine - Newsdash
Chapter Ten - Jericho's Walls
Chapter Eleven - Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark, Part I
Chapter Twelve - Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark, Part II
Chapter Thirteen - Of Sewing, Sophistication and Sisterhood
Chapter Fourteen - An Appetite for Self-Destruction
Chapter Fifteen - When You Wish
Chapter One - Let's Go to the Halt
Chapter Four - Any Port in a Storm
Chapter Seven - One Way to Cap Off An Evening

Chapter Two - Closing Time

Luna's moon shone brightly over Ponyville as the clock struck half past eleven. The lights were dimmed for the evening everywhere from Town Hall to the edge of the Everfree Forest, and the younger members of the community had long since settled down for a night of peaceful slumber. However in one corner of the town the ponies had no intention of going gently into that good night.

Down by the railway station The Engineer's Halt was packed to the gunwales for the first time in years. Word of a welcome home party had spread like wildfire and soon nearly everypony was descending on the tiny tavern. There were a few objections in the beginning, not least from High Spirits. A quiet whisper in his ear and some cold hard logic as to potential profits won him over to the idea. The poor barstallion had near enough run himself into the worn old floor but the constant ringing of the till kept him going, along with the grandiose visions of what the Halt could be floating around his head.

In the middle of the pub Ponyville's premier party pony was truly in her element. Ever since Vinyl Scratch had commandeered the bar's sound system Pinkie Pie had danced herself ragged. Her only respite came when she bounded over to the bar to knock back tequila, sambucka, any liqueur the bar carried that was adequate for shots, and all of it in dangerous quantities. Almost any other pony would fall backwards into a near-comatose state after the number and variety of shots she ingested. For her the firewaters only acted as regular changes of battery, and it wasn't long before she bounced over to the makeshift dancefloor and renewed her flank-shaking with greater vigour.

Beside the bar Rainbow Dash was in heated discussion with a group of earth colts. The pegasus was a keen hoofball fan and seeing the gaggle of local Manechester United fans enter the bar presented her with the opportunity to catch up with the latest news. It turned out that the Manechester fans had returned home from a victory against Real Mare-drid, a fact that pleased Dash to no end. For the last hour she had chatted excitedly of her second heroes (after the Wonderbolts naturally) and sang the familiar victory songs with her new companions, free from her inhibitions and free from the outdated couture she began the night in. It wasn't cheap to make Rarity relinquish her control over her clothing.

Tucked away in a booth the quieter ponies sipped the finest wines that the Halt offered and talked of matters more worldly than that of 22 stallions kicking a ball around. Twilight Sparkle, Doctor Whooves and Lyra were deep in conversation in regards to all things astronomical. The librarian took a keen interest in both of her associates' belief in life beyond the stars – her normally ferocious scepticism silenced by the countless drained glasses in front of her and the one held in her hoof. Beside them Fluttershy and Big Macintosh chatted at breakneck pace of animals and agriculture. To the outside observer this development was puzzling and startling. It was no secret that both parties were ponies of few words and to see them yammering away like two old parliamentarians was a sight to behold. Granted, both Fluttershy and Big Mac were evidently worse for wear. The timid yellow pegasus' face was a shade of deepest scarlet that came very close to matching the coat of the stallion beside her. Whether this was a result of the 'Flim Flam Brothers' Lemon Cider' that Pinkie had been plying her with or of something deeper was up for debate.

Making her way back through the small pub, Applejack acknowledged her friends' with a smile and doff of her trademark stetson. All night she had mingled and chatted with people keen to know of her endeavours and adventures of the previous fortnight. She and Bon Bon talked of Cherry Jubilee and laughed at their similar views on the cherry tycoon, Bon Bon knowing of her through her dealings in the confectionary business. Octavia congratulated her on her rodeo performance and told her how Vinyl had dragged her to the competition only to be astounded at how enjoyable it was (and equally disheartened that AJ had failed in her pursuit of glory). AJ was forced to silence thoughts of whether another high society pony would enjoy it as much along with the usual pangs of despondency.

She'd long since dragged her brother aside for a friendly yet stern lecture in regards to Fluttershy, his goofy grin at the mere mention of her friend's name saying more about what was on his mind than he would ever articulate. She'd even had time to knock back a few shots of a concoction of Spike's invention (three different varieties of hot sauce and tequila) at the dragon's expense having sworn to him not to inform Twilight to his less-than-legal presence in the bar. Not that she or the barstallion minded particularly much.

However all she had wanted was time with the mare of her dreams, a pursuit unfortunately lacking that evening. Sure she had enjoyed a spell with her a few hours ago. That was in the company of all her friends though and the affairs of her heart wouldn't exactly make for comfortable conversation - not that she'd have the courage to bring up the subject in any case. Since the atmosphere had grown ever boisterous AJ was swept off her feet with Ponyvillians buying her drinks or stealing her away for less than brief chats. 'So much fer a quiet one with friends,' she thought ruefully whilst finishing the glass of vodka and apple juice foisted upon her by a tearful (and trashed) Mayor Mare.

Her eyes wandered across the room before fixing themselves on a purple aura guiding a glass of cognac towards a snow-white mouth. Alcohol's magical property of magnifying the beauty of even the homeliest of mares meant nothing. To Applejack, Rarity was artistry ponified. Her mane was the most well-kempt in all Ponyville – 'nah, all Equestria!' she corrected herself – and her tail flowed just as perfectly. Her body had the appearance of a sculpture of the finest marble carved by the goddesses themselves. And those cobalt eyes! Not even Luna's mane could match the purity and depth of that shade of blue. Whenever Applejack saw them fixed upon her it took a great deal of strength not to lose herself in them completely. What she wouldn't give just to have a day - she'd even accept an hour - where she could gaze into the deep blue...

**********

'Time gentleponies, please!' came the cry that shook AJ from her reverie, the clanging bell behind the bar further consigning her daydreams to memory. All around the bar ponies sighed and drank from their glasses a little quicker, knowing their night of merrymaking was soon to end.

“Aw, come on everypony! Don't be glum!” Pinkie yelled over the sound of the quietening music. “Spirits, any chance of a lock-in?”

“Sorry Ms Pie, but I'm beat. A comfortable bed awaits me and I'm not giving it up now.” Spirits replied with a mix of his usual cheeriness and genuine exhaustion.

“Well, how about we get some to go and make a night of it?” said Rainbow Dash, having bid adieu to the gentlecolts she had grown acquainted with with some hearty hoofshakes. "That cool with you HS?"

"When has it ever not been? Though if the Guards are called on your little soirée, I had nothing to do with it." High Spirits responded with a hearty chuckle.

“Such a splendid idea!” Rarity chimed in. “Sweetie Belle is staying with Scootaloo and Applebloom, so the boutique is empty for the evening. And it should be large enough for us all provided you fine ponies wish to accompany us?”

Most of the remaining party responded in the affirmative – only Doctor Whooves made his excuses and took leave. Bon Bon and Octavia took some persuasion from Lyra and Vinyl respectively, but soon acquiesced with knowing smiles all round. Big Macintosh shot a cautious glance at his sister, whose clandestine nod gave her approval and to which he responded with a hearty 'Eeyup!'. Even Cheerilee, whom Rarity had spent much of the night talking to and whose presence at the town's innumerable parties was all-too-rare, decided to tag along. It wasn't a school night after all.

“Applejack? What say you?” said Rarity, approaching Applejack. That voice never failed to stir something deep inside her. It flowed like the voices of angels even with the slight hint of inebriation lurking.

“Ah'd love ta, sugarcube.” came the slightly breathless reply. 'Consarn it, be subtle!' the voice in Applejack's mind yelled, more than miffed at the unnecessary affection. A blush lit up Applejack's cheeks, though thankfully the rest of the group put this (and the near-panted reply to Rarity's query) down the the sweltering heat in the bar.

“Count me in too!” came the confident voice from under the bar. Spike staggered out with a look of contentedness and apprehension.

“SPIKE!” shouted Twilight, who dashed from her seat at a speed a Wonderbolt would be proud of. Spike instinctively cowered in fear at the prospect of what punishment his friend and master would visit upon him, but instead found himself lifted into a crushing hug. “What're you doing here? Aw, it's so good to see you looking out for me, little Spikey-Wikey. You're growing up so fast!”

All the ponies found this display of affection utterly baffling and totally hilarious. Drunken Twilight truly was a sight to behold.

Rarity and Dash made the arrangements to send a selection of drinks to the boutique as the rest of the party vacated the bar. Spike sat atop Twilight (at her behest) with a look of sheer bewilderment on his face. Pinkie bounded out singing followed by the countless couples, Fluttershy and Mac acknowledging Applejack with grins.

“Penny for 'em?” High Spirits asked Applejack having left Rarity and Rainbow in charge of moving the considerable cargo through Ponyville.

“Ain't nothing, Spirits. Jus' a lot on my mind.” Applejack responded.

“I've seen the way you've been looking at Rarity all night. Something you wish to share?” he asked gently, pushing a last shot of Buck Daniels towards the mare who had made tonight such a success for his humble saloon. Applejack turned and faced her friend, her face frozen in shock.

“How in the hay did ya figure that out?”

“I'm a bartender, AJ. Have been for many a year. I can read a patron's body language as well as you can buck any damn apple tree. Not to mention you came damn near to telling me once before,” said Spirits with a furtive wink.

Applejack couldn't argue with the logic as she let the final shot slip down her throat. “I dunno what's wrong with me. Why can't ah stop thinkin' 'bout her like that?” she said,

“That's the weird way the universe works sometimes.” High Spirits said, leaning closer. “I'll tell you this though. Don't let any chance slip by. Grab it and take it.”

“More bartender wisdom?” Applejack asked as she glanced Rarity levitating a case of lemon cider through the door. She never noticed High Spirits' face flush slightly as he saw Cheerilee trotting through the pub.

“You could call it that.” Spirits replied, hoping desperately that his voice didn't crack as his eyes followed the teacher through the door. “Just remember that AJ. Come on.”

Spirits ushered Applejack toward the exits as Rainbow Dash shot skyward laden with saddlebags full of liquor.

“Thanks for everything AJ. Means a lot.” Spirits called through the streets as Applejack walked off in the direction of the party.

“Same ta you too, old pal.” Applejack shouted back through the night, hearing the door close and leaving her in the street with nothing but her thoughts to accompany her on her way to more festivities.

Chapter Three - Thunderstruck

Applejack set off along the darkened streets of Ponyville. The Carousel Boutique was on the other side of town from the now closed bar, and although this journey would usually take no longer than ten minutes she felt compelled to eke the trip out that little bit more. Growing up on Sweet Apple Acres she had learned to appreciate what little solitude she could get. If she wasn't working hard out on the orchard she would be helping Granny Smith in the kitchen or honing her rodeo skills with her brother. Ever since young Applebloom had begun her incessant quest to find her talent even the once-quietest spots of the farm now echoed with the sound of the Cutie Mark Crusaders' half-baked schemes.

It was this occasional need for alone time that led her to the Engineer's Halt in the first place. It was after Applebloom's 'valiant' attempts at selling fruit at the market which saw Applejack take the hit from Granny Smith and Big Mac. Their constant whining about profits and her countless responsibilities – all of which she had heard numerous times before – pushed AJ too far and she stormed out of the kitchen for a walk. She wandered aimlessly for an hour or so before feeling a droplet of freezing rain land squarely on her nose.

“Aw dangit!” she exclaimed loudly in the rapidly emptying street. She had totally forgotten about the scheduled downpour that night. The clouds above could've indicated that a storm was brewing. Rainbow Dash even dropped by earlier to tell her to batten down the hatches for a big one. Yet in her anger she had still somehow overlooked this important detail. Looking anxiously for some shelter her eyes fell upon a rundown looking building with its' lights still ablaze. 'It ain't the purtiest place, but it'll do fer now,' she mused as she dashed with great haste for the door. The heat of the pub was like a blanket as she stepped inside tentatively. Small, cosy, a little like the den at home. Only a few hardy regulars were scattered throughout and behind the bar stood a grey earth pony greeting her with a warm smile.

Every time she'd needed that respite and peace the Halt and the always smiling proprietor provided a home away from home. In the beginning High Spirits would often leave Applejack in silence but as time passed and her presence in the pub became more regular he'd lend a sympathetic ear or crack a joke that never failed to cheer her up.

'That's not exactly what ah'd call solitude,' the voice in her head piped up. It had a point. Even in the early days High Spirits would provide the bog-standard small talk about weather or how business at the farm was going. From time to time the likes of Berry Punch would invite her over for a gossiping session and she'd usually oblige. Once or twice even Twilight or Dash would join her at the bar to moan about the latest trials and tribulations they'd faced.

It occurred to her that in all that time she'd never truly been alone.

Applejack was generally considered by all her comrades to be near fearless – a trait only her fast and furious friend could match. In truth this was hardly the case. She wasn't like Fluttershy by any stretch of the imagination. But in three of her friends she could see exactly the same anxieties that were rooted in her very core. In Dash she saw the urge to never let any challenge get the best of her that led AJ herself to near-debilitating tiredness one bucking season. In Twilight she saw the impulse to never let down those figures in their life they owed so much to – the same impulse that led to the whole Dodge Junction fiasco in the first place. And in Pinkie she saw the crippling need to be adored. All were flawed but together they were strong as an army.

All except one. To her, only one of her dearest companions was perfect. Flawless as the most perfectly formed diamond ever excavated from the dark depths of the deepest mine in Equestria.

Applejack instinctively paused her stroll and stared across at the window of the flower trio's florist shop. Inside lay countless garlands and bouquets, each arranged more exquisitely than the last. One in particular caught the mare's eye. In a simple vase were eleven white roses in a near-perfect circle. Set in the middle above all others was a flower so extraordinary that they were only to be found in one of the deepest darkest corners of the dreaded Everfree (Applejack pondered as to how Daisy, Rose and Lily could have possibly acquired it). A rose of the deepest blue.

She gazed on this most magnificent and glorious arrangement (and flinched visibly at the price-tag beneath it). It took a moment before the significance of the flowers fully took hold, the briefest flash of imagination jolting through her head and transforming the flowers into an all too familiar eye for just a millisecond. Blushing ever so slightly, Applejack started off again towards the party - which would surely be in full flow by then - with the same slow and steady pace she had walked at before.

“Of all the places in all the towns in all the land,” her mind stated, “why'd it hafta be there?”

AJ was no great believer in fate outwith the strange phenomena known as Pinkie Pie. For much of her life even love was generally a concept she treated with scorn. She had no time in her busy life to be pre-occupied with such things. That was until a year earlier.

**********

The Grand Galloping Gala was fast approaching, and Rarity had taken it upon herself to design the outfits that she and her dearest friends would grace the Palace with. This meant that each of the girls would have to be fitted properly on several occasions. Even though the cordial nature of their friendship had been restored during Twilight's sleepover Applejack dreaded the prospect of Rarity lecturing her on how beautiful she could be and formulating plans for her to wear attire bedecked with unnecessary frills and the like.

When the first fitting session came about it turned out that her preconceptions were terribly off. Rarity was infinitely more relaxed whilst in her element than AJ expected, not the uptight diva she had expected when walking through the door that afternoon. Instead of being bored with constant visions of couture she and the unicorn talked and laughed about their friends, about themselves. There was so much more to Rarity than she had ever imagined. Even with their obvious differences there was still some common ground. For example both had briefly stayed in Manehattan as fillies but found the lure of their small town too great. Every session after followed a similar vein and Applejack usually left the boutique in a far better mood than when she had entered, often having come from a hard day on the farm.

One night as the much-anticipated dress was finishing completion, Applejack stood patiently as Rarity worked her magic on the most intricate details. A purple haze surrounded pins and needles all over Applejack's body, and she felt obliged to stay quiet so as not to break her friend's concentration and ruin some of her most difficult work. Rarity moved slowly around the podium on which Applejack was required to stand when she felt the urge to caress the exquisite fabric as she was so often wont to do, making sure it felt just right to her perfectionist's touch. Her hoof delicately touched the dress, absent-mindedly running along Applejack's back stopping just short of her flank.

A jolt of what felt like lightning shot through AJ's body. It was a tickle of sorts, but one that made her heart skip a beat and set something alight in the deeper, less explored recesses of her mind. She must have subconsciously moved because the next sensation that greeted her was the unmistakable one of a pin sticking in her side.

“Ow, gosh darn it!”

“Oh Applejack, I can't express how sorry I am! Is everything okay?”

Applejack felt her cheeks grow a fraction warmer with both embarrassment and affection at the concern evident in Rarity's voice.

“Yeah, peachy. Just a lil' tender is all.”

“Why did you flinch dear?”

'Because that felt good...' came an unfamiliar drawl from those dark corners now bathed the dimmest of half-lights.

“Chill! Yeah, a... breeze caught me unawares there. Dang weather ponies must've made it a cold 'un tonight.”

“But the windows are closed. And you look so warm. Your cheeks are positively glowing.”

“Musta been a reflex from the pin in ma side,” Applejack said with more than a hint of defensiveness in her voice as she touched her face. The summer heat had nothing on the temperature emanating from her cheeks.

The rest of the fitting passed in the same terse silence from earlier as Rarity corrected the small mistakes she felt necessary to rectify before perfection and allowed Applejack her leave, still apologising profusely for her supposed lapse in concentration. Applejack's mind was racing as she quickly said farewell and headed for the one place she could clear her head. What the hay was with that touch?

“Sounds like someone's been hit by a case of the thunderbolt,” said High Spirits, his voice dripping with relish at this new revelation Applejack had entrusted upon him.

“Beggin' yer pardon Spirits, but what in blazes is that?” Applejack queried knocking back another shot of 'Granny Smith's 4X' in a vain attempt to clear the fog now very much descended over her mind. That was her fourth drink in a mere five minutes since her rapid departure from Carousel Boutique.

“Well to put it delicately, it's that first moment where you start to fall for somepony...”

A splutter and cough silenced the barstallion as Applejack looked at him with a potent mix of bewilderment and anger.

“What ya'll suggesting?!” she said curtly in a slightly increased volume.

High Spirits held his hooves up in defense, clearly seeing Applejack's temper rising slowly.

“I'm suggesting nothing AJ.”

“Good! 'Cause one, I ain't no dang filly-fooler,” she stated with undue emphasis on that old but hurtful playground term.

“Never said as much,”

“And two,” she said cutting across High Spirits once again, “I don't believe in that namby-pamby romance nonsense!”

“Whatever you say Applejack,” came the barpony's response, tinged with the tone of the defeated, “Same again?”

**********
Applejack yanked herself out of that particular well of thought - mainly because much of the remainder of the night was a haze of introspection and alcohol-induced sickness. She hated to admit it to herself but Spirits was right. From that very moment on she had looked at Rarity from a completely different perspective. Those once darkened areas of her psyche were now awash with the lamp-light of love for her friend. Not the kind she felt for Dash and Fluttershy and all the others, nor the variety with which she felt for her sister. When it came to Rarity, she felt nothing but the purest, most selfless, strongest love imaginable. And ever since that moment she had gravely feared that the light would be snuffed out prematurely leaving her in the cold black abyss of loneliness.

Her preoccupation with her thoughts meant that Applejack had paid little attention to her path until she saw the dim glow of Carousel Boutique ahead. Through the large ground floor windows she could see Pinkie flailing around in one of her exuberant little 'dances' all while attempting to pull Rainbow Dash into her jig. Up on the balcony were Lyra and Bon Bon gazing at the stars, wrapped in each other's forelegs. 'One day that could be you...'

Applejack inhaled deeply. The crisp night air helped a little in calming the tribal pounding in her chest as she walked towards the grand dress shop. She hoped that the much needed booze would settle her hammering heart even more as she released a little smile at the potential pleasures of the party and the undoubted delight of the hostess that lay in wait.

Chapter Five - Physics, Biology, Chemistry

Rarity yanked open the heavy wooden door to her shop ready to face any trials possible in the search for her love. Inhaling deeply she strode out briskly into the chill and clear night. Or at least she intended to. After one step she found herself colliding with a powerful force which gave way and fell backwards. Unable to keep her balance Rarity came careening down onto the hard object now sprawled on the ground. An object that was warm, covered in soft fur and smelling very slightly of apples.

“Ow! What in tarnation?!” Applejack yelled, obviously taken aback by the sudden nature in which she now lay on her back.

Rarity audibly gasped, “Oh Applejack, I am so sorry!” failing to mask both the glee at seeing her beloved and the shock at having floored her, “But you have no idea how glad I am to see you!” She buried her head in the pony's shoulder and squeezed her into a tight hug.

Applejack's heart could have driven a fully-laden train such was the speed of its beat as the mare of her dreams clenched her. She returned the hug, tentatively at first. 'Don't be hasty. Rarity is such a drama queen. Ya'll know that,' came the thought in her mind that tempered her ambitions to squeeze her just as firmly.

“It's alright sugar – everypony makes mistakes. Hay, I wasn't even lookin' at the dang door!”

“But my dear, it was so clumsy of me! There must be some way I can apologise”

'You can start by kissin' me this instant,' were the words that Applejack so desperately fought against saying. Sure, she wanted to more than anything at that moment. But it wasn't right. It was too random, too spontaneous. Rarity would be disgusted.

Both ponies lifted their heads slightly and gazed into each others' eyes. At first it was a look of surprise at the predicament both found themselves in. After the briefest of seconds however the mood changed. In the earth pony's almost emerald eyes Rarity swore she could see the same affection she had burning within Applejack's very soul. Staring deep into the sea blue of the unicorn's eyes AJ was adamant that she saw a light in Rarity's mind like the one that had switched on in hers on that infamous thunderous day. 'It couldn't be. Could it?' each pony pondered in perfect unison.

Given how lost the two ponies were in each others eyes neither could brace themselves for the sudden impact of a pink blur crashing on top of them.

“Hey, this group hug thing is fun!” Pinkie exclaimed, much too loudly for that time of night. “Hi AJ!”

“Pinkie Pie, what in Celestia's good name...” Rarity struggled to exclaim. For such a small pony Pinkie could certainly stand to lose a few pounds. She was cut off mid-sentence by the cry of another familiar voice.

“Wait for me-e-e-e!” Twilight yelled as she floated through the air, landing with a thud on Pinkie's back.

“Gals... It's all... good... ya'll missed me...” Applejack gasped, stuck at the bottom of the pile, “But I... kinda... need ta... breathe...”

“Woopsie, sorry...” Twilight giggled with only the slightest hint of apology – but the strongest intimation of intoxication – in her voice. Pinkie's response was equally as unremorseful as both laughed and skipped back towards the party. The moment had gone. Rarity helped Applejack to her feet, her eyes fixed at the ground in sorrow at the loss of something so magical.

“Everything okay, Rare?”

Rarity snapped to attention at the voice beside her and put on her best fake smile, “Marvellous darling. Now about that apology?” Applejack blushed very softly, the idea of sordid activities still fresh in the mind.

“Ya know I can't accept anything or be indebted to nopony.”

“Don't be absurd, my dear. I simply must prove my regret at such an awful accident. I shan't take no for an answer.”

“Ya'll could fetch me a whisky if ya'd be so kind in that case,” Applejack muttered, “But I owe ya a favour too in that case,” she yelled after Rarity who dashed off to fulfil said request. If she had kept up she'd have seen those blue eyes light up and those cheeks become tinged with the palest bloom, much like hers had done only moments previously.

Applejack stayed outside for a few moments more, trying to calm the hornets' nest of emotion now occupying every inch of her mind. 'That look', she whispered. She had known Rarity for a while and in all the time they'd spent together, in all the time that their eyes met as briefly as they had done there, she had never felt the same intensity as she had then. And the feel of her pinning her down – it was almost as if the goddesses had designed them as part of some celestial jigsaw puzzle. Every nook and cranny of their bodies nestled together in perfect harmony in that embrace that ended all too quickly. She shook her head as if trying to rid herself of a particularly persistent fly and trotted inside to the delight of all gathered there.

**********

For much of the night after Applejack's arrival both parties had seemed distant towards each other. They mingled with the guests, danced, laughed, joked around, all whilst imbibing plentiful amounts of the varied selection of drinks that Spirits had provided and that lay in Rarity's very well-stocked bar. Any interaction between the two was brief and genial, but generally lacking the warmth of the earlier exchange. Celestia forbid they lose themselves in each other's eyes and do something that their inhibitions would prevent were they not forcefully silenced by sweet lady liquor.

At the drinks cabinet Rarity mindlessly fiddled with bottles and glasses, lost in her thoughts of the moment. She felt as giddy as if someone had shot an entire case of the strongest cider available right into her brain. Butterflies danced and zipped around like Pinkie Pie as she relived that concise instant in time where she felt pure electricity coursing through both her and the pony she adored – the instant where she knew they breathed and loved as one for the very first time. The aroma of the calvados she had poured herself a large snifter of was no match for the natural and heady quality of Applejack's scent. She wanted to feel that fragrance tickle and enchant every one of her senses again. She needed it. As soon as possible...

Applejack sat atop a dresser, swaying in time with the unwavering tunes that Vinyl continued to blast through the boutique as the night grew ever later. Spike was entertaining her with yarns about his 'mistress' and her misadventures with booze.

“To be honest I'm glad it was Happy Twi that made her way out this evening,” he stated coolly between sips of his obscenely fiery beverage.

“Happy Twi? I ain't followin' ya.”

Spike rolled his eyes somewhat resignedly, “Well in all the time I've been with Twilight, and all the times I've seen her wasted, I've worked out there are three facets to her personality when drinking – Happy Twi, Hurting Twi and Horny Twi...”

Applejack roared with laughter at the thought of these different scenarios (especially the last). Apologising to Spike, he continued his hypothesis.

“Happy Twi is the all-singing, all-dancing ball of bubbly joy you see before you tonight. Hurting Twi usually ends up bawling her eyes out – 'Why doesn't Celestia love me?', 'I'm so dumb, I'll never be a good student', 'Why am I so alone?', that kinda stuff. And naturally my shoulder is the one she'll be buried in.”

'Ah sure know that alone feeling' thought Applejack, sipping uneasily at her glass of Wild Manticore bourbon.

“Then we have Horny Twi who will near enough try flirting with anypony and everypony in the room,” Spike said with a tinge of trepidation. Applejack briefly remembered one or two of her nights on the tiles with Twilight and the girls. Visions of Miss Sparkle talking up a storm with stallions and mares of all descriptions, caressing and nuzzling them coyly, even engaging them in ferociously passionate kissing sessions. Not what you'd expect on first impressions of the bookish unicorn.

“No matter what species they may be of.” Spike concluded quietly, before downing the remainder of his Sriracha Sensation (as he had christened the drink during a conversation with Cheerilee earlier). Before the full chill of awkwardness could drift unwelcomed over Applejack, Fluttershy had quietly rescued her and pulled her outside for a quick chat.

“Oh Spikey Wikey...” came the voice that shook Spike from his painful recollections. Shuddering at the thought of which Twilight Sparkle he would encounter he nervously hopped down from his perch and ambled over to his friend.

**********

Outside the boutique Fluttershy and AJ had sat on the cold grass and chatted rather openly. Applejack enjoyed the company of the timid animal-lover ever since she had aided her to climb the mountain during the dragon debacle. Once or twice her expertise with small creatures had come in very useful on the farm. Their conversations were usually relaxing and slow-paced. However it was well noted that with a drink in her Fluttershy spoke at a pace often compared to a sober, sugar-rushing Pinkie Pie.

“And I must say that Luna has done a wonderful job tonight, I mean look at those stars twinkling! Oh it's so beautiful, and not to mention that it's so crisp and clear you can see them all...”

Applejack looked Fluttershy over once and cut across her never-ending gushing about the beauty of nature, “Shy, why do ah get the feelin' ya'll dragged me out here fer a reason?”

Fluttershy shot looks sideways and swigged heartily from her glass of cider.

“Applejack... what would you say... about me... me... dat...” she stammered with every syllable reverberating with trademark timorousness. Liquid courage obviously hadn't firmed up her nerves for this particular conversation.

“'Bout you datin' mah brother?”

A small squeak left Fluttershy's mouth as she raised her hooves in shock.

“How? How did... you... know?”

Applejack chuckled heartily – flustered Fluttershy was always an adorable sight to behold.

“Please sug'. Ah seen the goofy way he looks at ya. Take a mighty dumb 'un not ta notice,” she said as reassuringly as possible.

“I see... Well, what... what do you think?”

In all honesty Applejack didn't know how she felt about the prospect of it all. She had worried in the past that such an eventuality may arise – Big Mac was one of the most eligible bachelors in all Ponyville. It was natural that mares would fall for him, what with his strong body and sensitive personality. One of her friends though? The thought of any future misfortunes in a relationship and the potential loss of one of her confidantes distressed her immensely.

“Ah really dunno, Shy. I mean, he's a grown-flank stallion who can do what he fine well pleases.”

Fluttershy pressed ahead, “I know that,” she said in a more assertive tone, “but what do you think?”

Of all her friends AJ could see Fluttershy and her brother as the best fit for a couple. Time for a little test.

“How does he make ya feel?” she queried. If this was some fleeting drunken fascination (or a schoolfilly kind of crush) she'd know right away. And if that were the case, Applejack would have no choice but to let her friend down gently.

The pegasus' eyes widened and her pupils dilated slightly as she inhaled deeply. “It's like... when I'm with him... every cell in my body is on fire. Like my cutie mark is dancing... all over my fur... but in a great way. He makes me feel warm, and safe, and so smiley that I could always sing... It's almost like... there's no other pony in Equestria that could make me feel the same. I mean, it's as if there's this... teeny tiny piece in my heart missing... and he fills that gap perfectly...” She tailed off as she noticed Applejack staring at her with a curious intent. “You know what I mean?” she shyly asked.

AJ was speechless. She knew exactly what she meant. Here was the most unconfident and quiet pony in all Equestria spilling her heart out to her, and at the same time saying everything she had ever wanted to exclaim to Rarity. It amazed her how eloquently she put it, and how every word was more sincere than the last. How could she deny her the chance to love someone when deep down she herself longed for the same chance?

“Applejack?”

She quickly extracted herself from her train of thought to see the yellow pegasus looking straight at her, more frightened than ever.

“That was some spiel, Fluttershy. And it's clear to me that ya'll obviously care for ma brother a great deal. That in mind, I ain't got no problem...”

Her words were silenced by an almighty squeal and Fluttershy wrapping her forelegs around her in a vice-like hug. Such strength for such a quiet pony...

“Oh thank you thank you thank you AJ! I'll never forget it! Ooh, I have to find Mac right now!!!”

She let go of Applejack (not a moment too soon, as she swore her head was about to shoot off such was the pressure) and raced off like a Wonderbolt to find her paramour.

“Shy, wait!”

Fluttershy peered her head round the door and saw Applejack standing with the slightest look of confusion.

“How'd ya'll ever pluck up the stones to say all that? Liquid courage help ya out?” Applejack asked with a forced nonchalance.

“Liquid courage helped a little, but mostly it was lo... lo...” Fluttershy struggled to push the last word out. Her face turned the colour of the red dusk sky usually seen in the waning days of summer.

Applejack laughed slightly.“Go get him,” she urged her friend who took her advice without a nanosecond of hesitation and disappeared from sight once more.

The farm pony lay back on the grass for a second. She mulled over everything her brother's new lover had said about the feelings of longing for somepony, trying and failing to fault it. Every word was one she could sympathise with when she put it in the context of her own feelings. Not to mention the last part she uttered. 'Liquid courage helped, but mostly it was love.'

AJ gazed up at the glimmering stars dotted against the canvas of the dark indigo sky. She noted how they reminded her of gemstones shining on a rockface before dragging herself to her hooves and heading back into the heat of the party.

'Maybe tonight wouldn't be such a terrible night to go claimin' a gem of ma very own,' she contemplated as a purple maned angel passed through the periphery of her vision.

Chapter Six - Hot Lips and Love Tips

It was testament to the vitality of every pony (and dragon) within the Carousel Boutique that even as the clock struck four, their spirited partying showed no signs of stopping. The dancing may have been more intermittent than before, and the pounding dance music became progressively mellower and ambient sounding, but not one of the ponies caved in to any internal demands for sleep. Even further proof of this was their continually steady alcohol consumption which made this feat of endurance all the more impressive. Conversation became more the order of the day as the night wore on. Slurred words and nonsensical topics were no match for the determination of everypony to make this a night for the ages. Not even the more uptight members of the gathering – namely Cheerilee, Octavia and Bon Bon – were immune to the socially liberating qualities of vast quantities of wine (a fact that pleased and amused Vinyl Scratch and Lyra to no end).

Rarity once again lay in repose surveying her domain as a general surveys the battlefield. In the corner a large circle consisting of all the guests bar Spike, Fluttershy, Big Macintosh, herself and Applejack (albeit only temporarily) were engaged in a loud, lively and on some occasions lascivious game of truth or dare. Rarity herself was above such childish activities but couldn't help but wonder if a more relaxed and pressure-free environment – like the one the game provided – would aid her in overcoming what few but intense qualms she had about her feelings for Applejack.

Her eyes wandered to the edge of the circle and the blossoming couple sat wrapped in each others' forelegs observing the game from the outside. The timid twosome would regularly laugh along with the revelations coming to light or crack wise about the feats of 'daring' being undertaken. More often though they could be seen nuzzling up to one another, looking deep into each others' eyes and kissing with a love and compassion not oft seen outside of the theatre. If it were almost any other pony these displays of affection would be downright nauseating. With Fluttershy and her new beau however, there was no other way of describing it than touchingly adorable.

'How in the name of Luna did she manage it?' was the question that repeatedly plagued Rarity's mind. Here she was, fretting about her desires more than Twilight during an important assignment, whereas in the corner the two most bashful ponies in the whole town confidently basked in the glow that only new love can provide. It was baffling.

'It can't have been the mere bravado granted by gin, surely?' she wondered. By now everypony (and Spike) was very much worse for wear. She herself had been caught up in the spirit of things – albeit wearing a false smile to mask the colossal conflict being fought in her soul – and had consumed more than she had ever intended. Granted, much of it was consumed during an impromptu whisky tasting with Octavia, Twilight and Rainbow Dash (who was surprisingly knowledgeable in the field of fine single malts) but nevertheless it had filled her with the airy, warm and generally carefree feeling that drunkenness mercifully provides.

Except in cases where it came to speaking with the one pony she wished to open up to more than all else. Every time she had the welcome opportunity to speak with Applejack she froze up. It was as if behind the beautiful green eyes she had been possessed by the spirit of a cockatrice. The conversations weren't a total catastrophe and they had managed some typical banter (one of the benefits of a theatrical mother was that Rarity had learned some acting skills – most importantly how to fake an air of confidence). She had even managed to take Applejack's somewhat irksome nickname for her with good humour when she came out with it...

"Marshmallow...”

Applejack's voice called out from somewhere in the ether. Except it was different from usual. That name was usually said with joyful mocking, or on rarer occasion an undercurrent of anger. This time the voice was low. Every syllable was drawn out and caressed by that pure Southern drawl. Seduction oozed from the word. It flowed like honey. And Rarity loved it. The sound of it sent the tiniest prickles up her spine and caused her head to sway and eyes to close as if she were swooning.

“Marshmallow...”

It came again. Only this time with a touch more urgency and volume. It was more delightful than the first time, the shivering sensation in her back spreading all over her body. What she wouldn't give for that voice to be even closer – the breath expelled with it tickling her neck...

**********

Another familiar but all too different voice accompanied a sharp poke in the leg. “Rarity?”

She opened her eyes to see Spike looking at her with a naïve yet bewildered expression on his youthful face, chewing on a roasted marshmallow.

“Spike!” she cried, her face growing ever redder, “What're you doing? You startled me.”

“Offering you some food,” he said, holding a stick with one of the sweet confections perfectly toasted impaled at the top.

“Why thank you darling. Though I must ask where you acquired them?”

“One of the privileges of being friends with Twi. Even moreso when she's a little more suggestible and willing to please.”

Rarity laughed politely as she sank her teeth into the deliciously chewy marshmallows. Spike hopped up onto the chaise longue next to her, a glint of determination in his eye.

“Rare?” he started nervously, “Mind if I tell you a secret?”

Rarity stopped eating, a sense of foreboding and alarm at a likely revelation now hanging over her head. 'Why tonight, of all nights?' she thought ruefully.

Spike leaned in closer, almost cheek to cheek with the unicorn.

“I think Twilight has the hots for me.”

It was a good thing Rarity had stopped devouring the marshmallow for it would have certainly choked her at this news. She fought the urge to laugh maniacally.

“Wow! I certainly didn't expect that,” she squeaked whilst urgently trying to regain some modicum of composure.

“Neither did I, to tell the truth.” Spike continued resolutely, “But then again, you know Horny Twi...”

Rarity struggled to contain herself as another wave of laughter bubbled inside her.

“Oh, indeed I do my dear,” she gasped through increasingly deep breaths. “So what's troubling you little Spike?”

“I just don't know what to do about it!” he cried out exasperatedly.

“OK, keep calm Spikey. First things first how do you feel about her?”

“I love Twilight. Course I do. Just not enough to do... well... anything of that nature.”

“Then that is what you tell her,” Rarity stated manner of factly, “It may be hard but it must be done to prevent greater heartbreak.”

Spike pouted a little, “It's so hard though.”

“That is life my young acquaintance. Sometimes the hardest things to say are the most necessary.”

The voice in Rarity's mind laughed dryly, 'Tell me about it.'

“And besides,” she continued, “it might just be a fleeting drunken fascination. It might not be anything too major.”

The young dragon perked up a tad at this revelation, “Hey, you're right! Maybe I don't have to worry about it tonight! I could just wait and see how things turn out tomorrow morning instead!”

Rarity looked a little apprehensive, but any potential objections to this plan were quickly over-ruled by Spike pulling her into a grateful hug.

“Thanks Rarity! This is why you're the best pony in the whole town.”

Rarity smiled and returned the hug. The whole scenario played out better than she had ever imagined. She knew about Spike's infatuation with her – 'I'd need to be blind not to have noticed,' the voice in her mind stated – and to have to hurt the dragon's feelings would have added to the immense feeling of dread she was currently experiencing.

“It's no trouble at all, Spikey Wikey,” she said reassuringly, leaning in to give him a polite peck on the cheek. Any other time she would have thought better of this action but the fact that Spike had chosen her as a party to such delicate information and the copious amount of alcohol flowing through her blood silenced any protests.

It was an action that the unicorn would immediately regret. No sooner had her lips touched Spike's face than she felt an overwhelming burning overcome her mouth. An unusual reaction given that she had kissed the dragon's cheek before and felt no such side effects. Such things never occurred to Rarity at the time given the extreme pain she was experiencing. Even more disturbing was the sight of a dark red liquid resting on Spike's face where her lips had been moments previously.

“Rarity? You okay?” Spike queried upon seeing the white pony's face turn a deep shade of crimson and her forelegs flail somewhat wildly. A point of her hoof led the young dragon to the source of her acute discomfort as he quizzically gazed at the liquid now covering his fingertips

His look turned to that of shock as he realised what had led to Rarity performing a remarkable impression of one of Pinkie Pie's more extreme twitching fits.

“Oh dear,” he quietly muttered, “I must have gotten some of my Sensation on my face when I was dancing with Cheerilee...”

Spike's embarrassed and ingratiating smile was to be in vain. The white unicorn tore off towards the bathroom like a pony possessed, eyes streaming and mouth ablaze. She never even paid any heed to Applejack's concerned questioning as she raced past and dunked her head in the sink.

**********

By the time Rarity had surfaced with her suffering significantly sated, a few of her fellow ponies had taken the baffling decision to undertake Spike's Sriracha Sensation challenge. Judging by the expressions on Rainbow Dash, Lyra and Vinyl Scratch's faces the fiery concoction had proven too much for them. As she walked into the living room, Octavia had slammed her glass against the bar apparently no worse for her experience.

“My my, Miss Philharmonica!” Applejack exclaimed. “How in the hay did ya manage that?”

“An artiste never reveals their secret methods,” was the reply from the grey cellist to the laughter and applause of all.

Rarity sat once again on her comfortable couch ruing her bad luck. Her lips still nipped with the tingle of the much-lauded three varieties of hot sauce. 'So much for a romantic embrace with that beauty before me,' she mused with a visible grimace.

“What's gotcha glum, Rarity?”

She turned her face to see Pinkie Pie gazing at her with her own inimitable look of joy and curiosity. Time for her false smile once again.

“Oh, Pinkie my dear. Nothing at all – just still a little sore from that dreadful cocktail.”

“So it's nothing to do with the whole AJ thing?” Pinkie queried further.

Rarity could not contain her dismay at this. All her subtlety and secrecy dashed! And how? Her eyes widened visibly at the still smiling pink pony before her.

“I... I... how did you know?” she probed, the shock causing her voice to audibly crack. Pinkie merely giggled at this seemingly silly question.

“Silly Rarity. It's me! All I needed was 3 shakes of my knee, my forelegs to wave and my flank to clench to know that you are in l...”

Rarity clapped her hoof to Pinkie's mouth in desperation. “Not. Another. Word.” she tersely whispered to the party pony. “And not a word of this to anypony. Clear?”

From the rapid fashion in which she undertook the infamous Pinkie Promise it was clear that she had understood. Rarity removed her hoof and sank dejectedly into the soft sofa. Her feelings were now out in the open thanks to the downright bizarre and inexplicable actions of the hyperactive Pinkie.

“There there, it's alright Rarity. I know Applejack feels at least something for you too...” said Pinkie in a reassuring tone.

Rarity's ears perked up immediately at this new piece of information. “Really?”

“Yuh-huh.” Pinkie replied, shaking her head with such vigour it was a wonder it was still attached to her neck.

The unicorn felt every nerve in her body dance at this fantastic news. 'Applejack feels for me!' the voice in her head squealed in ecstasy. 'My intuition was right.' She would have leapt up into a lively jig were her legs not trembling with such rapturous ferocity. 'I could really be her Marshmallow! Her grin widened at this mere thought of that potentially loving pet name.

'All I have to do is talk to her...'

This final thought brought her crashing down from the high she'd never experienced before. Not even her infamous freefall at that Young Fliers' Competition could compete with the rapidity at which her mood turned from exaltation to fright.

“Something else wrong Rarity?” Pinkie questioned. In her delirium she had almost completely forgotten about the presence of everypony bar Applejack.

“I... I can't do it.” Rarity muttered with all the shyness of Fluttershy faced with a full grown dragon.

“Sorry? Didn't quite catch that.”

“I can't go through with it! What if it's all wrong and she doesn't love me? What if in pursuing a relationship we forget our initial friendship? What if you girls all hate us for it? What if Celestia doesn't want two of the protectors of the Elements of Harmony to date? What if...”

Rarity's rapid-fire stream of consciousness rambling was halted by a bottle of lemon cider being forced into her mouth by Pinkie Pie.

“Whoa there you fretful filly. That's too much to worry about! You just need to clear your head and let intuition take control.”

The unicorn yanked the bottle of cool and calming cider from her mouth to look at Pinkie with what could only be described as sheer dumbfoundment.

“There has to be more to it than that!” Rarity scoffed.

Pinkie sprang to her hooves, “Nope. All there is to it. Watch!”

The pink blur bounded over towards Rainbow Dash and in one quick swoop clenched her in her forelegs and smacked an insanely passionate kiss on the pegasus' unexpectant lips. All the boutique fell silent at this completely unforeseen display of affection. Neither the few kisses undertaken during the truth and dare session nor the plentiful kisses between Fluttershy and Big Macintosh could compete with it for unbridled desire. Dash's wings shooting to attention could testify to that.

Pinkie Pie broke away from Dash first. “Mmm... spicy,” she breathlessly stated before letting go of Dash who fell backwards onto the hard floor, shellshocked. The entire room collapsed into peals of laughter and genuine surprise. Almost the entire room, as a matter of fact. Rarity just sat on her couch, astounded as Pinkie hopped over happy as ever.

“And that's how Equestria was made!” Pinkie proclaimed as she flopped onto the couch.

“What? How? Why?” stammered the astonished unicorn.

“Do I have to get the cider again?” Pinkie said as she watched Rarity floundering and falling over her words.

“How did you manage to do that?” Rarity blurted out after a solid minute of bewildered utterances.

Pinkie Pie shrugged nonchalantly, “I threw caution to the wind. Like you should. Im'ma go help Dashie now. Catch ya later Rarity!”

Rarity was once again left alone to her thoughts. That was one of the most spontaneous things she had ever seen Pinkie Pie do. 'Dash certainly had it right – that Pinkie Pie is so random!' the voice her mind coolly stated before getting back to the main issue at hand.

'Maybe that's all there was to it,' thought Rarity. It didn't take countless glasses of cognac or a decade of planning to do what you wished. All it needed was the perfect moment and the ability to throw caution firmly to the wind. She stared over at Applejack still doubled over in laughter at what was sure to become a favoured memory of the six friends.

“I shall do it.” she whispered to herself. For too long she had waited for the ideal opportunity to fall into her lap. It was time for her to take the buffalo by the horns for a change. She would make the ideal opportunity herself that very night - and if everything went to plan, if that same electricity from earlier was present, she would take Applejack in her forelegs and...

Rarity snapped herself from her daydreams of what was to come. She glanced round at the still very much lively party. As little as she cared of what anypony else thought she still wished such an intimate moment to be carried out in more privacy than was offered at that moment.

“A little later, perhaps,” Rarity whispered again, smirking and lifting the bottle of cider left by Pinkie Pie to her lips. For now, the perfectionist inside her had a moment for the ages to formulate.

Chapter Eight - One Small Step, One Giant Leap

The fortnightly Ponyville market was in full swing in the heart of the town. From far and wide ponies came to browse the finest foods and produce that the community would offer. Trainloads of goods would be shipped in and out before the day's end. More often than not market days would be blessed by the weather ponies and occur in beautiful conditions, and it was no exception on this day – the square basked in the warm midday glow of early springtime to the delight of consumers and salesponies alike.

One small corner of the town did not revel in this weekend sunshine. Instead a near-funereal pall hung over the two-storey shop just a small distance from the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Much of the shop was still shrouded in darkness as the occupants trudged around slowly or slept off the dastardly after-effects of a long lively night. Two of said ponies had become very well acquainted with the toilet in the course of the morning – their remorseful groaning 'conversations' echoing round the ground floor and drawing some smug smirks and stifled laughs.

On the upper floor the atmosphere was a little less melancholy than below. The hangover from the previous evening lurked in the air but was diluted compared to downstairs. Instead the powerful aura of new found love filled the room, emanating from the luxurious four-poster bed in the centre. Here Applejack and Rarity lay wrapped in one another's forelegs, their embrace firm as if grasping onto each other lest they be wrenched apart by some merciless supernatural force.

Rarity woke first, her eyes and grin widening at the first glorious sight to grace her view – that of her dearest Applejack. Her hair was dishevelled and slight bags hung underneath her still resting eyes but to Rarity she was a more exquisite vision than any fashion models ever to have strutted their stuff on the runways of Manehattan. Not even the mild thumping in her head could distract her from admiring the beauty of the mare she held close.

As she lay still – not wishing to rock Applejack from her slumber – Rarity cast her mind back on the events of the early morning she already knew that she'd remember forever more.

**********

Those first two kisses were more satisfying than any quick peck or prolonged sloppy smooching session she'd experienced in her entire life, she had thought. Every brush of the lips or caress of the hooves on her torso further drove Rarity into greater depths of wonder. At times Applejack kissed with the passion and force of a leading stallion in one of those overwrought love scenes of the stage, pressing against her firmly and with urgency. At others she gently grazed her lips lightly against the unicorn's like a filly dealing with such things for the very first time (in her reminiscence it occurred to Rarity that this scenario may not have been far from the truth). No matter how AJ kissed her Rarity responded in perfect synergy, never forcing the tempo and savouring every spine-tingling sensation of what she prayed was the first of many such moments.

After what had seemed like an eternity they ceased their breathless display of tenderness. Pulling back to gaze yearningly into the deep green eyes looking at her Rarity could not help but feel that everything had permanently changed. No longer did the rules of 'casual friendship' apply – with that kiss both had taken a sledgehammer to the walls they had for so long hidden their true feelings behind. They couldn't go back to the way things were after giving themselves so completely to each other. This prospect immediately terrified Rarity. She had expressed those worries before to Pinkie but had abandoned them at the sight of the orange pony acting so coolly upon entering her boudoir.

'If this is to be the pinnacle of it all, our only immaculate evening,' her mind stated in a sultry tone, 'Better make every minute worthwhile.'

With that thought resonating in her head, she took Applejack by the hoof and walked slowly towards the bed. In one swift manoeuvre she had wrapped her arms round the cowpony's waist and flopped onto the soft and welcoming mattress, ferociously locking lips with the stunned AJ. She had craved this for the longest time. Every time she had witnessed Applejack performing her gruelling duties on the farm or practising for any number of the physical challenges she enjoyed Rarity's mind could not help but wander. She pictured the muscular forelegs holding her tight as they drove each other to unbridled heights of ecstasy. Her knees went weak at the prospect of being pushed up against the wall by AJ and submitting to every primal desire they wished. The thought that this one night being her one crystal-clear opportunity for such things drove her over the edge of that cliff.

Unlike during that wondrous first embrace it was the unicorn who pressed the issue on this occasion. Every last kiss was wrought with lust. The desperation to take things to that next level – the plateau from which there was most certainly no return – came in the form of pants and moans as each pony explored one another's bodies and mouths once more. Rarity clambered on top of Applejack and buried her head in her shoulder. She pecked at AJ's neck, taking delight in the squeaks of pleasure her companion struggled to contain all while drinking in her always tantalising scent. Her hooves ran along Applejack's sides and came to rest on her tender flank.

“Wait! Rare!” Applejack gasped as she felt the unicorn stroke her behind and thighs.

Rarity neither moved nor halted her carefree groping, “Yes, darling?”she asked between kisses of AJ's neck.

“Ah... Ah don't think ah can go through with this!”

At that precise moment Rarity felt her entire world nearly collapse. She lifted her head, near shaking as a torrent of thoughts washed every hint of her lust from her mind.

“Applejack... I... what?” she queried, voice trembling in fear at the response.

“Ah can't do this right now,” Applejack stated, her tone just as frightened as that of the pony on top of her.

Rarity tried her hardest to hold back what felt like a river of tears, “But why, my dear? What is the matter?”

Applejack blushed lightly, “It's kinda hard ta say...”

“You're not a... a...” Rarity gasped whilst trying to word her question as delicately as possible. AJ naturally caught on to this line of questioning, causing the colour in her cheeks to grow darker.

“That ain't the issue!” she exclaimed, “It's that... it feels... too quick, if ya'll know what ah'm sayin'.”

“I'm not sure I follow,” was the unicorn's perplexed response. Applejack sighed as she steeled herself for what she wished to say.

“It just feels like... if it all happens at once... it's all too fleetin'. Like it was only meant to be fer one night only. And Celestia knows ah can't have that. Ya mean too much to me Marshmallow. Ah want this – whatever this is – ta last a damn sight longer than one hooch-filled night. And ah know from what ah felt that you do too.”

Rarity was taken aback, “But what if this is our one chance for this? What if somepony tries to stop this? Stop us?”

“Then ah'll kick 'em dang near halfway to Cloudsdale!” AJ stated with a fire she'd not often exposed before, “Ain't no pony in all Equestria that's gettin' in the way a' me and you bein' together.”

A single tear escaped from Rarity's eye and ran down her cheek. Not a single stallion she'd ever known before had ever said anything so deeply touching to her. She had dated a few in the past, but they were just young and stupid colts who wouldn't know real feeling if it had bitten them in the flank. Inevitably Rarity would grow quickly weary of them and give them the heave-ho after a week or two. But here in front of her was the real deal – the one pony she'd put all her blind faith into loving, speaking to her as honestly and plainly as she did to any pony but somehow meaning every word even more. These weren't just the empty macho threats of the muscle-bound stallion. This was the genuine feeling of the one pony for whom she'd drop every gnawing urge for instant gratification if it meant a lifetime of dedication just like the last statement intimated. Applejack's hoof wiped away the tear glistening on Rarity's cheek like a gemstone glinting in the sun, rocking her from her meditation.

“Well sugarcube? How'd ya like ta take things slow?”

“For you Applejack, I'd wait until the light of Luna's stars went out for the very last time,” Rarity croaked happily as another tear of joy fell down her face. Even Applejack was desperately trying to contain her tearful glee. For the remainder of the time they were awake the couple snuggled together on the bed in an elated silence (occasionally punctuated by dreamy sighs or brief kisses), watching the sun rise through the windows before falling into a blissful sleep.

**********

Rarity was so lost in her recollections of the previous night's events that she barely noticed the bedroom door open and Fluttershy float in tentatively, carrying a large tray.

“Hello Rarity, good afternoon Applejack,” came the quiet mutter that shattered Rarity's pleasant daydreaming. She couldn't help but squeal loudly – an action that nearly caused Fluttershy to drop the food she was carrying all over the floor.

“Ahhh! Fluttershy! You startled me!” Rarity replied in a somewhat high-pitched squeak.

“The feeling is mutual.” Fluttershy stammered as she flew quickly through the room and lay the tray on the bed. The stirring figure of Applejack caused her once again to nearly send the tray crashing.

“What in the hay is going on?” Applejack murmured groggily as she slowly woke up.

“I was... just bringing you some brunch. If that's okay with you...”

“Brunch?” Applejack said with a start, “What time is it?”

“By my calculations it is half past 12, dear.” Rarity calmly replied having recovered from the initial shock of seeing the pegasus.

“Aw horseapples! Ah'm meant ta be working the apple stall at the market! Granny Smith is gonna kill me!”

Fluttershy moved over to reassure the now-panicking AJ, “It's okay, Applejack. Granny Smith and Applebloom have everything under control. Big Macintosh and I made sure earlier when we went to the market for food.”

“Ah, so the rumours were true! Congratulations darling!” Rarity interrupted in regards to this confirmation of courtship between her spa companion and the brother of her beloved.

“Oh, that's great about the stall. And it's about time that quiet lumbering brother o' mine found himself a nice pony. Good on ya, Shy,” said Applejack, winking knowingly. Fluttershy blushed and smiled, letting out the quietest squee of joy.

“Thanks girls. I'll leave you to enjoy your brunch now.”

A sudden realisation struck both parties still ensconced in the grand bed.

“Shy, wait a minute!” Applejack cried out. The shy pegasus stopped in her tracks and looked around, fear in her eyes as per usual.

“Is... is something wrong? You don't like your meal?” she probed gently.

Applejack was momentarily stumped, “Wha'? Nah, it ain't that. It's just... well...”

“It's in regards to the the scene you encountered upon walking in, dear,” Rarity chimed in – saving the floundering AJ in the process.

“Oh, that,” muttered Fluttershy, her face growing redder, “It seemed like nothing, really.”

“It was nothing essentially,” the unicorn continued, “But I believe it best not to go spreading the word willy-nilly...”

“'Specially not to ma brother!” Applejack yelled, disrupting Rarity and startling Fluttershy once more, “Understand sugarcube?”

Wordlessly and trembling slightly, Fluttershy carried out the actions of the near-unbreakable 'Pinkie Swear' to the gratitude of both parties before leaving quietly. An uneasy air hung between the two ponies as they tucked into the hearty portions of hay bacon, pancakes and apple juice.

**********

AJ was first to break the silence through mouthfuls of the lovingly prepared food, “Ya'll don't think she'll tell anypony, do ya?”

“Of course not. This is Fluttershy we're dealing with here,” Rarity responded coolly through sips on a glass of apple juice that was much needed to combat the awful dryness in her mouth.

“Yeah. If the pleadin' didn't convince her at least the Pinkie swear will prevent...” Applejack trailed off, before muttering her usual cursing response to any bad situation, “Horseapples.”

Rarity looked up at Applejack – whose face resembled that of soldiers coming back from battle, eyes locked in a vacant stare into the distance.

“Pinkie Pie,” AJ murmured, “She surely gotta know.”

Rarity nodded slowly, moving closer to comfort Applejack who now lay her head in her hooves.

“I ain't ready for that hurdle, comin' out and tellin' everypony,”

“Relax sugarcube,” Rarity cooed consolingly, “She took the swear so nopony else shall know. And you know how rigid she is with them.” Applejack shuddered at the terrifying sight of the scorned Pinkie she had encountered in Dodge Junction.

“And as I said last night,” she continued unabated, “I'll wait an eternity for anything you need me to if it means that eternity is spent by your side and in your heart.”

Holding back a girlish squeal, Applejack pecked Rarity on the lips. “I know Rare. But it just dang near terrifies me to think of what the gals might think of us.”

“I'd be lying if I said that the prospect didn't worry me,” Rarity sighed, “But I'm sure we can gauge their reactions through subtle questioning and the occasional hint. Like detectives on a mission.” The unicorn suppressed a giggle at the absurd thought of the two dressed in the garb of Sherlock Hooves and Dr. Trotson.

Applejack nodded with a degree of apprehension, “Ah think ah'm capable of that. I'll bring it up with Dash and Twi in the near-future.”

Rarity smiled as she set about finishing her meal. Both ponies ate in near-silence, lost in worries and planning how to broach the subject of their budding relationship with their nearest and dearest friends. At the same time though prickling feelings of excitement shot through their brains.

Not for the first time in their lives they were set to embark on a journey into the unknown. This time however, they would be striding along hoof-in-hoof with one whom the journey could not be concluded without. One who assured that – for the first real time in each pony's life, regardless of how many friends they were surrounded by in the past – the other never walked alone. A new emotion that electrified and energised both AJ and Rarity.

Nevertheless neither was ignorant to the fact that this was only the first miniscule step in arguably the most arduous quest they'd ever have to face, with their single greatest prize of all balanced on a razor-thin plinth so very far away.

Chapter Nine - Newsdash

All too soon the weekend had ended and the ardours of the work week were once more upon Ponyville. Rest and recuperation had seemed to be the watchword for almost all the attendees of the party upon leaving the boutique – the remainder of the Sunday afternoon flew by in the bright and harsh light of sobriety. In the skies above the town Rainbow Dash had surpassed herself by proceeding to sleep in longer bursts than any pony thought imaginable, only breaking from her slumber to hastily retrieve snacks from Sugar Cube Corner before darting off to her cloud home once more. At the market the hungover figure of Bon Bon desperately attempted to make up for lost time with the reluctant assistance of her marefriend, both buzzing around in an attempt to woo the consumers into purchasing some of her delicious confectionary.

It was in this unpleasant spotlight that Rarity and Applejack separately had to address the topic of how they would broach the subject of their new courtship with the four ponies whose opinions and approval they desperately required. Undoubtedly Rarity had the easier task of the two. As per Applejack's suggestion she would have to approach Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy and gauge their reactions with subtle prodding and careful questioning. It was without question that both ponies had some inkling as to the situation following the events of the previous 24 hours. When it came to Pinkie, it was most certainly more than that. Nevertheless it was a task that had to be dealt with in the most delicate manner possible – a prospect which troubled Rarity slightly as she attempted to occupy herself with a spot of cleaning.

For Applejack, the duty ahead was an infinitely tougher one. So far as she could tell neither Twilight Sparkle nor Rainbow Dash were any the wiser as to the relationship between two of their closest friends. Not to mention the fact that neither party was particularly shy when it came to speaking their mind. With Twilight such honesty was a result of her somewhat socially awkward nature – and the revelation to come was certainly one that could force her mouth to move faster than her mind could process such 'unusual' news. Rainbow Dash's brutal honesty was infamous, which could create a somewhat volatile situation when coupled with the matter at hand. Applejack was all too aware of how sensitive the subject of sexuality could be with Dash after hearing of incidents of bullying in her younger days in regards to her supposed status as a 'filly-fooler' (she shuddered at the term, fearing a similar fate very near future). On one occasion AJ and the pony she considered her best friend near came to blows with two muscle-bound pegasi in Cloudsdale following such jibes.

'She's your best friend, she'll understand,' came the voice in Applejack's mind as she absent-mindedly picked at the slice of pie she had retrieved from the kitchen on arriving home.

Another voice responded, 'But ya know how touchy she gets when that kinda stuff comes up!'

'For once it ain't about her though. For once nopony ain't querying her on what she likes.'

'But what if the reason she acts so defensive is because she can't stand ponies like that?'

'Ya'll just bein' stupid now.'

'Am I really? It almost makes sense...'

The sweet dessert she was eating – and the hard cider she washed it down with – did little to distract her from the war inside her head. She gazed out the window into the distance hoping to stir any other thoughts. The first of Luna's stars were cropping up in the skies above Ponyville as the bright blue of day turned ever more rapidly to orange and magenta, with the navy of night lurking just beyond the horizon. In the silhouetted rows of houses and shops AJ swore she could make out the characteristic shape of the Carousel Boutique. She pondered how Rarity intended to deal with the situation, whether she would be as conflicted about revealing all as she herself was. Applejack's mind was suddenly filled with images of her mare tossing and turning in her bed agonising over what to do, whether it'd be worth it at all in the end, if she actually cared enough about AJ to actually go through with such things, if she really loved her...

'Snap outta it!' her mind cried out, breaking the potentially heart-stopping train of thought. The voice was right. AJ couldn't start to doubt what she'd grown certain of. Even if it had only been less than a day since the revelations she was as sure about her feelings and aspirations for a future with the fashionista as she was sure of her name. The time she'd spent falling for her and the manner in which Rarity had reacted to everything made certain of that.

'Even so, talkin' to her some more couldn't hurt.'

On considering that idea for the briefest of instants Applejack wolfed down the remainder of her meal and galloped through the house, past the den where Granny Smith sat buried in one of her trashy romance novels and where Applebloom sat drawing some fantastical blueprint for the Cutie Mark Crusaders' treehouse.

“And where are ya goin' at this hour young lady?” the grizzled old voice called from the chair in the corner as Applejack raced past.

“Jus' headin' out fer a while. Not sure when ah'll be back, but ah'll be at the orchard early as always.”

With that Applejack was out the door and away towards Ponyville, stirring the suspicions of the Apple matriarch as she continued to leaf through her book.

**********

The streets of Ponyville were near deserted. A few stragglers from the market meandered through the town staring in closed shop windows. Occasionally a cab or cargo carriage would trundle along headed for the railway station. Ordinarily on one of AJ's walks she'd follow the same path and proceed to prop up the bar at her watering hole. Not that evening though – only the presence of her paramour could calm her jangled nerves in the way alcohol usually did.

Nerves that weren't helped by a small soft object bouncing off her back causing Applejack to leap off the ground in surprise .

“Sorry 'bout that AJ!”

Applejack looked up to see Rainbow Dash hovering over the edge of a cloud waving apologetically.

“What in tarnation was that fer?”

Rainbow Dash floated down from her perch, “It was for nothing. I just dropped a cupcake,” she said bending down before presenting the offending sweet to Applejack.

“Ah, shucks. Sorry for snappin' at ya Dash. Didn't know it was an accident.”

“It's cool,” she stated bluntly before stuffing the cupcake in her mouth to Applejack's mild disgust, “What're you doing out here at this time for anyway?”

“Could ask you the same question. Or does that cupcake tell me all ah need ta know?”

Applejack's desperate attempt to deflect the interrogation seemed to have worked (to her internal relief) as Rainbow Dash's cheeks grew a shade of puce. A minor miracle given how difficult it was to embarrass the weather pony.

“Well... not exactly... ya see... ah, hay...”

“Relax Rainbow, ah'm jus' teasin,” AJ responded with a low chuckle, “Sure ya visit to our ol' friend was merely business.”

“Yeah, sure it was,” said Rainbow Dash with typical coolness, though the still-blushing cheeks betrayed her supposedly recovered composure. In the brief silence that followed, a brainwave struck Applejack.

“Besides, ah reckon ya'll ain't into Pinkie like that.”

Rainbow Dash's face was etched with an expression somewhere between bewilderment and wariness, “Whatcha mean?”

“Well ah'm sure ya ain't into mares at all. Ya remember that night in The Ol' Rainbow Factory up in Cloudsdale? With those colts callin' ya all the names under the sun?” Applejack queried, her voice tinged with a hint of cunning that she hoped Rainbow wouldn't notice.

Dash scoffed, “With Dumb-Bell? That jack-flank deserves a good hiding anyhow.”

AJ laughed along, “Ain't arguin' with that. So you might be into gals after all?”

“Meh. I've been known to dabble,” Rainbow Dash sighed happily. Few ponies in the town knew which gender 'floated her boat' as it were. Dash wasn't particularly bothered by the fact that she had just let her best friend know for certain yet one thing puzzled her, “Why all the questions about my preferences Jacks?”

“Oh, no reason at all! Jus' the whole Pinkie situation from last night.”

Rainbow's eyes narrowed, “You're a terrible liar Applejack. Spill it!”

'Confound my damn honesty!' Applejack's mind cried out. She sighed in an effort to steel herself for what was bound to come next.

“It's because ah'm certain that... ah... kinda... swing that way too.”

Dash was taken aback for the briefest of moments at this most out-of-the-blue revelation, “Wow. I mean, nice one AJ. Musta taken stones to admit to that.”

“So ya ain't mad? Or disapprovin'?”

“I'd be a hypocrite like no other and a flank-hole of a friend if I was,” she said pulling Applejack into a short playful hug, “Besides, it's not like anypony worth their salt would give a damn.”

“How'd ya reckon Dash?”

RD laughed with a tinge of exasperation, “It ain't the dark old days! Most ponies accept such a lifestyle or even embrace it. Don't ya listen to the gossip?”

Applejack was all ears as she and Rainbow Dash plodded slowly in the direction of her destination. Apparently more ponies than she'd ever considered to be lovers of mares did indeed fall for those of her gender. Photo Finish, Sapphire Shores, Mayor Mare, Junebug, at least two of the flower sisters, the list seemed extensive. With every name Applejack's fear that her news would be met with shocked gasps and pitchforks disappeared even more.

“So am I the first pony who knows?” asked Dash, dragging AJ from her preoccupation. Applejack shuffled on the spot. Sure, she was fine with Rainbow Dash knowing about her leanings, but would Rarity appreciate her revealing all on her behalf? Granted it'd become common knowledge soon enough, but the fact still failed to quell her apprehension.

“Well, not exactly.”

Rainbow Dash's face turned from shocked disappointment at the fact that she hadn't been the first to know this information to stunned delight at the implications of Applejack's words.

“Oh! So I wasn't the only one who got some action last night! Tell me, did Drunken Twi show you a world of Sapphic sensations?”

“What? No!” Applejack responded with mild vexation and a hint of revolt.

Rainbow Dash held her hooves up apologetically, “Hey, no need to be grossed out. For an egghead she sure knows her way around a pony,” the last sentence causing her to drift off slightly and lick her lips.

“Be that as it may, it weren't Twi,” said Applejack with acute discomfort as she attempted to banish the mental image of the pegasus and unicorn's possible past trysts to the furnace where all unpleasant thoughts met their demise.

“I see,” said Dash, the cogs turning in her head, “Well it wasn't Twilight, and it couldn't have been Pinkie Pie or me – which is your loss for both by the way. And it damn certain wasn't Flutters given how she's tucking into another variety of Apple...”

Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks as the realisation hit her. Applejack turned to see her mouthing the name at her. 'Rarity?!' Applejack nodded solemnly as Dash struggled to comprehend the bombshell just dropped on her.

“Well slap my flank and call me a Shadowbolt! I never thought she had it in her!”

A silence descended over the pair, only broken by a nervous cough from the cowpony.

“I dunno what to say... Congrats I guess?” Dash stammered.

“Ya guess?”

“Well, are you guys, like, together now?” asked RD, retreating somewhat. Applejack eagerly nodded, “Then congrats AJ! Looks like you got yourself a good one. And a hottie too.”

Applejack cuffed Rainbow playfully on the shoulder, “So ya'll are fine with it?”

“Course I am! You two are some of my best friends! And it beats either of you getting with some sleazeball stallion only out for himself.”

Rainbow found herself tightly hugged by her orange comrade. “Thanks Dash. It means the world to us. Ah gotta go tell her.”

“You bet AJ. And just because she's the Element of Generosity, doesn't mean you can be a selfish lover.”

Applejack blew a raspberry as she cantered off into the distance. After a moment or two smiling and taking in the wonderous news Rainbow Dash took off, only to stop abruptly in mid-air and head off in the opposite direction towards a certain bakery.

**********

Rarity was busying herself in the kitchen of her home making a pot of tea. As soon as Sweetie Belle had departed for home with her parents she slumped down on the sofa ready to embrace the reality that she was once again blissfully alone. However the state of happiness at her solitude had subsided rapidly at the myriad of thoughts in regards to her new relationship and the perils of telling her friends of the situation. Ever since that point the prospect of relaxation had exited her mind as she buzzed around cleaning, putting half-cocked designs to paper, organising her collections of fabric and jewels. She'd even taken a trip to Sugar Cube Corner to obtain some comfort food. Anything to distract her from dealing with the beehive of insecurity in her brain.

She stared out the kitchen window as the kettle on the hob boiled away – trying to catch a glimpse of light from Sweet Apple Acres in the darkening night to no avail – when she was startled by a knock at the door. Puzzled as to who or what could be wishing her presence at that hour (on a Sunday no less) she raced through the house-cum-shop. Upon opening the door, her heart hammered at the sight of the pony she loved standing in front of her.

“Applejack! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Rarity chimed, unable to disguise her unabashed glee.

“Ah was jus' in the neighbourhood and reckoned I'd drop by. See how ya are.”

Rarity's eyes narrowed jocularly “You're a terrible liar Applejack,” Applejack blushed slightly as the unicorn bit back a giggle.

“Alright. Ah jus' missed ya is all. Plus ah been fretting somethin' terrible about tellin' everypony about us.”

“I'd be lying if I said that it didn't worry me, my darling,” Rarity said as she led Applejack into her abode, “But on my visit to the patisserie earlier our pink partisan expressed her delight and approval at our budding courtship and my worries seemed to subside somewhat!”

AJ was taken aback, but this couldn't affect her delight at the fact that Pinkie Pie was okay with the new reality, “Ah'm surprised, Rare! It just so happens ah ran into a certain Miss Rainbow Dash, and she ain't got no problems either.”

Rarity could contain her delight no longer and leapt towards her beloved, giggling like a schoolfilly, before planting a kiss on her unsuspecting lips.

“This is marvellous! Two down, two to go. And after dealing with Rainbow Dash the remainder should be a cakewalk.”

“Ah'll say,” Applejack replied softly as she nuzzled into Rarity, giving her cheek a peck. They could have stood there for an eternity if it weren't for the high-pitched whistle of a kettle coming from the kitchen.

Rarity tittered, “Would you like to stay for tea and some of Pinkie's delightful crème brûlée my dear Sugarcube?”

“There's nothin' ah want more right now Marshmallow.” Applejack replied, linking forelegs with her sweetheart and marching happily towards the kitchen. Neither pony could suppress the grins with which the afternoon and evening's events had brought to them. Barring a catastrophe of nightmarish proportions, they as a couple were unstoppable.

Chapter Ten - Jericho's Walls

For much of the next week the charade continued. As evening fell Applejack would forget some massive errand that she had neglected in the course of the day, or casually venture out for a drink, or state that she needed to assist one of her friends and not to wait up, or attend a non-existent but entirely probable Pinkie party. Every time Granny Smith would look up from a book or copy of the Ponyville Press, raise an eyebrow inquisitively but signal her approval nonetheless. Once or twice Applebloom would raise a question that the elder Apple sibling would pawn off with a well-rehearsed answer before trotting off to the waiting forearms of her new lover, not to return until the small hours or the early beginning of her work day. It had developed into a cosy little routine.

Rarity and her marefriend had agreed that the boutique in the heart of town would continue to be the initial venue for their daily rendezvous. As comfortable as the two felt in each other's company they were loathe to flaunt their matched-up status on the night-time scene yet. Two members of their immediate group of friends were still somewhat clueless as to the blossoming relationship – although the degree to which Fluttershy was unaware was up for debate, Twilight Sparkle was most definitely a blank slate. Not to mention their families. Rarity's parents were hardly the kind of ponies to live it up but she was nevertheless apprehensive of the prospect of running into the two in the Mare-lot Cellars, Ponyville's sole wine bar and her favoured destination for cocktails of an evening, and having to face a grilling.

When it came to the Apple family Big Macintosh hardly seemed the type of pony to be offended by the prospect of his sister dating a mare - one who was the best friend of his dearest pegasus to boot. Granny Smith was more of a wild-card on the other hand. Applejack had never noticed her express any sentiments against two mares being together. She had even attended the engagement party of Lyra and Bon-Bon, warmly extending her congratulations and gifting them a case of her special vintage hard cider. How would she fare when encountered with the fact that her own granddaughter was also that way inclined however? Could it be that those appearances were all just a charade? It was a possibility AJ was currently unwilling to face up to.

That night Rarity and Applejack reclined in the luxurious chaise longue - as they so often did – with jazz music softly playing through the gramophone. They were exhausted after a day that seemed to drag longer than most. Cider season was round the corner which meant Applejack's efforts on the farm had to be doubled whilst Rarity was in the process of finishing another of her latest creations for Sapphire Shores, furiously struggling to meet the deadline for her client's grand concert in Baltimare. Not even the luxurious roast aubergines that Rarity had cooked nor the sumptuous apple tartlets Applejack had prepared (which Rarity had to admit eclipsed those on offer at the the Cakes' bakery) could rejuvenate them, and both fought back sleep as they lay in each others' forelegs basking in the company of their respective love.

Rarity was the first to break the peaceful silence as a recollection shot through her mind.

“Applejack,” she said, waking her half-dozing companion with a start, “You are aware that it is Friday tomorrow, yes?”

“Ah certainly am,” came the response spoken through a loud yawn.

“Well, it means that the weekend is almost upon us. And I'd quite like us to be able to spend it together.”

“Ah totally intended to, Mallow.”

“I mean in a more public setting. You know. On a date of sorts.”

Applejack was fully awakened by this line of conversation. So far she had made little progress in gauging the reactions of Twilight Sparkle to the realities of her relationship with Rarity. Her arduous work on the farm and late visits to the home of her beloved had deprived her of the opportunity.

“Oh.”

Rarity turned herself from her comfortable position as the little spoon – to her chagrin – to face an apprehensive looking Applejack.

“I mean, I know it has only been a week darling. But what is the point of possessing the most sparkling diamond if you can't flaunt it?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Cocky much, Rare?”

“I was talking about you.”

The farm-mare blushed and retreated shyly as Rarity chuckled and nuzzled into her neck.

“I reckoned tomorrow would be an ideal time to tell all to the two parties not in the know. It is my fortnightly spa day with dear Fluttershy after all. And I am positive you shall have some free time, seeing as it is Friday.”

“Ah still dunno Rarity.”

“It's as good a time as any.”

“But what if Twi' ain't too keen on it?”

Rarity paused for a second before assuming a militaristic stance on the sofa,“Then I shall deal with her personally!” Her joke seemed to work as Applejack laughed and relaxed at this sight. In reality she was just as worried as her love as to the reaction of the bookworm she called her dear friend.

“Sure ya will.”

“I'm serious Applejack. Not a pony alive will keep me from being with you. I'm sure my hooves and horn are more than up to the task of a duel.”

“That's sweet of ya Rare. Ah'm still a mite wary though...”

The unicorn struggled a tad to find a way to convince her companion to open up. That was until the words of a certain pink pony flashed through her memory.

'Clear your head. Let intuition take control,' was the catchphrase that echoed through her mind.

At once Rarity launched herself at Applejack, kissing her passionately and caressing her firm, toned flank. The farm-mare was caught by surprise, and as Rarity broke her kiss she was rendered almost catatonic.

“Wha? Who? Huh?”

“That's all there is to anything, dear Sugarcube. Just let intuition take control and everything shall follow naturally.”

Applejack shook her head in a vague attempt to awake herself from her shocked state.

“Ya'll reckon it's that easy?”

“Of course,” Rarity said manner-of-factly. Her sweetest smile graced her mouth, a smile that Applejack was sure she could never say no to.

AJ sighed, leaning back into the comfort of the overstuffed red couch.

“Ah guess... It would be nice to be able ta have ya walkin' with me through the park on a spring day. Or go ta some nice restaurant for a meal or the like.”

Rarity's smile grew wider.

“So you shall tell Twilight?”

“Ah don't see why not...”

Applejack's sentence was once again interrupted by her lover passionately thrusting herself into the mare's chest and kissing her plum on the mouth. Any second thoughts or apprehensions dissolved as the mist of lust once again overtook her mind and she submitted to the warm and ever-pleasant sensations that Rarity visited upon her unsuspecting but always willing lips.

**********

The afternoon sun beat down on Ponyville as the town set to work. The final few hours of the work week seemed to drag on for everypony as the looming spectre of the weekend grew larger on the horizon. Cheerilee glanced repeatedly at the clock on the schoolhouse wall wishing to get away for some peace whilst the young fillies and colts worked quietly on a pop quiz. Octavia did likewise in the nearby concert hall through a rehearsal for the annual Beethoofen festival, hoping that her dear Vinyl had not burnt down their home in a hungover attempt at making some Dandelion Pop-Tarts.

For some ponies though such afternoons passed in a blissful haze of camomile incense and mud masks at the Ponyville spa. As it was every two weeks, such wonders were to be experienced by Rarity and Fluttershy. None of the other Elements would have had an appreciation for the quiet relaxation that Aloe and Lotus could provide and so both had bonded over these visits. The timid pony's appreciation of fine couture enlightened Rarity at times when she had struggled with particularly tricky designs, and she was always grateful of her ability to listen and deal with problems with sincerity and care when she so needed reassurance – exactly what she had needed on that very day.

Both ponies had settled into a mud bath following a long and indulgent massage when Rarity felt it prudent to start her reconnaissance with some small-talk about a completely different relationship.

“So, my dear Fluttershy,” Rarity began with the relish associated with her fishing for gossip, “What exactly is going on with you and that strapping Big Macintosh?”

An almost-silent squeak from the bath next to her. 'Exactly what was to be expected,' the scheming unicorn thought.

“Well, it's... good.”

Rarity pressed on, “Good? Merely good?”

Fluttershy sank ever lower into the bath, “I suppose it's... better than that.”

“That's marvellous dear!”

“It really is. He's so sweet and caring. Even though it's only been a week I feel like I've known him a lifetime.”

“Truly wonderful, Fluttershy. I congratulate you wholeheartedly,”, Rarity exclaimed as Fluttershy beamed.

“Thank you Rarity. It means a lot that you girls are happy for me.”

“Think nothing of it darling. Anypony who doesn't accept it isn't worth a moment of your time.”

The unicorn sighed absent-mindedly as she lay back, “I suppose it isn't just me that has found their special somepony then.”

'Clever move there, dearest,' came the sardonic jibe inside Rarity's head. She had not meant to be that forward. Maybe all the time with the open-as-a-book and painfully honest Applejack was wearing off on her. And yet it seemed as though Fluttershy was totally unperturbed by the slip of the tongue.

“Oh, um, congrats Rarity. I knew you'd find your stallion in shining armour someday.”

It was now Rarity's turn to sink slightly into the warm yet comforting sludge,

“It isn't a stallion, per se...”

Fluttershy lifted one of the cucumber slices from her eyes to look at Rarity directly. Not quite the stare, but not a universe from it either.

“You... you're into... mares?”

Her eyes bore into the unicorn, who couldn't help but peel the vegetable from her own eyes and face her friend directly. This afternoon was certainly not going as planned.

“Yes. A mare you are rather familiar with to be exact.”

“Oh. Oh my. Oh dear...”

Rarity looked at Fluttershy as she retreated once more from her gaze.

“Oh dear?” she queried.

“I didn't think that Rainbow Dash was into you like that. Oh my...” Fluttershy responded after a short silence. It was at this interval that Rarity had chosen to take a sip of her complimentary iced tea. A decision she'd immediately regret as she performed a spit-take at this assumption.

“Rainbow Dash?! I'm sorry to break it to you, Fluttershy, but that filly has had nothing to do with me in a romantic sense in the slightest.”

Fluttershy immediately applied her most apologetic tone on hearing the disgust in Rarity's voice – one that hardly differed from her normal voice but apologetic nonetheless, “Oh, I'm sorry Rarity. I just assumed... you know...”

“It's quite alright dear,” Rarity reassured her friend as she mopped the spilled ice tea from her hooves, “Though I wish to ask why you automatically assumed that our lightning-quick compatriot was the pony who had stolen my heart?”

It took some effort on her part, and a glass of Chardonnay at Rarity's expense, but Fluttershy opened up to her past history with Rainbow. It appeared that Dash had developed quite a crush on the timid pegasus in flight school. As time passed and Fluttershy relocated to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash did likewise. No matter how much time the two pegasi spent together the quiet pony remained oblivious to the reality of Rainbow's crush. In the end it took a long, tearful and regrettable conversation to inform her oldest friend she did not see her in a similar way. A conversation that she had long since suppressed.

“It wasn't long after that that Dash got together with Gilda, and we all know how that ended.”

Rarity, who had hitherto been silent through Fluttershy's tale of heartbreak, spoke up.

“We most certainly do. Though rest assured, it is not Rainbow Dash who has stolen my heart.”

A pregnant pause lay over the two ponies as they both processed the previous conversation, “Who then?”

“It's... Applejack.”

Unlike the self-confessed queen of etiquette who was now blushing furiously, Fluttershy supped her wine with nary a hint of slapstick shock. 'She's good. Better than I imagined,' Rarity begrudgingly pondered.

“So what I saw when I walked in was, um...”

Rarity beat a rapid retreat when she twigged as to where the conversation was leading.

“Oh dear no! Nothing of that nature. Rest assured you didn't catch us in flagrante,” she said with a blush developing on her cheeks to match that on the face of Fluttershy.

“I see. And, um, is Applejack... aware?”

“She most certainly is.”

“Which means it is more than a one-night thing?”

The voice in Rarity's mind snorted, 'A one night stand usually involves some physical loving.'

“Not at all. What I have with our dear friend Applejack is much deeper than that.”

“And you're happy?”

“More than I have been in an eternity,” Rarity stated after a momentary pause, trying her hardest to prevent her voice cracking. The fact that Applejack was in her life as more than a friend – that all the nights wondering if she would ever feel the same as she did were not in vain – never failed to elicit a tear of joy or two from the drama queen.

“Then I have nothing but happiness for you and Applejack,” stated Fluttershy, trying (and failing) to suppress an infectious grin. One that instantly graced Rarity's mouth.

“It means a lot to hear that, Shy. I thank you,” she stammered. She was so overcome with joy at the approval of one of her best friends that words came close to failing her.

“Besides, it'd be great to have someone I love so much as a sister-in-law.”

It was impossible for Rarity not to double-take at that news. To her internal relief she had not taken a sip of her deliciously sweet iced tea and lost even more credibility in the eyes of everypony with another spit-take. Her gasp was enough as she looked around, stunned.

Only to see Fluttershy tittering and winking at her little joke. Being with Big Macintosh seemed to have instilled some confidence – only the slightest modicum of it, but confidence nonetheless – in the pony who daren't normally indulge in such japes, thought Rarity as she laughed along.

'No doubt about it. She is far better than I gave her credit for.'

Rarity chuckled as she reclined once more with the arduous task now far behind her, replacing the cucumber on her eyes. She only hoped that her beloved Applejack would meet with similar approval from Twilight Sparkle – an outcome that seemed a mere formality to her based on the reactions of everypony else.

**********

Applejack strode confidently through Ponyville toward the grand old oak tree housing the local library. Her work day had come to an early end thanks to her lung-bursting efforts in the orchard, harvesting more apples than she had ever thought possible. Not even her brother could cope with the ferocious nature of her apple-bucking that Friday as she hammered tree after tree, the words of her dear Rarity echoing through her mind. Every kick of her hooves and cascade of apples filled her with a confidence that would rival that of Rainbow Dash faced with a light layer of cloud that would carry her in good stead for the later conversation.

'Jus' take it head-on this time. The Applejack way,' her mind reassured her.

The opposing force wouldn't take this idea lightly, 'This is Twi we're talkin' bout. Ya sure that's real clever of ya?'

'She's a grown mare. Sure she'll understand. And she's just as blunt. Ah reckon she'll appreciate that too.'

'Whatever ya say,' the more measured voice sighed in resignation. Not a moment too soon either, as she nodded to Derpy Hooves (who was departing Twilight's abode laden with a veritable smorgasbord of literature) and entered the library.

“Applejack! Good to see you. Granny Smith looking for more of her romantic dross?” came the warm greeting from Twilight Sparkle. She seemed in a good mood, another positive omen for Applejack.

“Course ah am. She may be old but she sure laps that stuff up.”

Twilight nodded as the unicorn set her magic to business. Time for AJ to leap from the metaphorical diving board into the conversation she had steeled herself for.

“Hey Twilight, ah wondered if ah might tell ya somethin'? It's kinda private,” she started. Her voice was tentative but behind it lurked the confidence. She didn't want to come across as nonchalant or cocky.

Twilight was fooled by this feigned nervousness. “Of course you may AJ. What's the matter?” she queried in a voice wrought with concern.

'Now or never...'

“Well, me and Rare are thinkin' about, nah, definitely gettin' together and we wanted ta let ya know,” said Applejack in a manner-of-fact tone. With that, she felt an enormous weight lifted from her muscular shoulders.

Twilight Sparkle's face remained frozen with the troubled expression she met AJ's initial advance with.

“What?”

“Ya know, like Lyra and Bon Bon. Two mares fallin' for each other and all that.”

The magical aura surrounding the books faded as Twilight Sparkle looked downwards, her trained mind struggling to comprehend the information ungracefully dumped upon her.

“Does... any pony else know?”

“Pinkie and Dash sure do, and ah'm certain Rare is tellin' Fluttershy as we speak.”

Twilight turned slightly away from the cowpony.

“I can't believe it.”

“Neither could ah to be honest...” Applejack said, having abandoned all pretence of nerves. She was cut off by the sight of Twilight turning rapidly, her face growing redder by the second.

“What the hay are you two playing at?” she asked, straining to contain what was most definitely fury. The weight lifted from Applejack's being just moments before hurtled through the sky towards her like an out-of-control Wonderbolt.

“Beg ya pardon Twi?”

“You waltz in here to tell me that you and the pony least like yourself in the whole town – no, the whole damn country – are getting together, just like that, and you expect me to be alright with it?” Twilight asked tersely, slowly marching towards Applejack like a pony possessed.

“Ah...”

“You forget we have a duty to Celestia herself? How can we defend everypony from dangers unknown if your little cosy relationship crumbles and you can't stand the sight of each other?”

“Twilight...”

The unicorn was not for being interrupted, however, her protests growing louder, “I can't believe how selfish this is of the two of you. Taking a course of action regardless of anypony else's input is something I'd expect of you, Applejack, but not from Rarity.

Applejack could do little more than mutter meek protest. Discord himself would be hard pressed to drain colour from a pony faster than the blood drained from AJ's cheeks at the verbal barrage she faced.

“And the final cherry on the cupcake,” Twilight steamed ahead with her remonstration, the volume reaching a bellowed crescendo, “Is that I am the last to know. 'Poor social outcast Twilight doesn't matter, she'll be alright with it'. Same as it was in Canterlot. From ponies I consider as close as family no less!”

A surge of magic flowed from the infuriated unicorn's horn and yanked the door open.

“Now I suggest you get your country flank out of here before I really lose it with you!” she finished with a menacing growl and jab of her hoof at Applejack's chest, wary that a continuation of her volume would potentially cause a scene with the door wide open.

Applejack was terrorised by the torrent of emotion now buzzing around like hungry parasprites in her head. Her primary concern was that of any pony faced with danger head on. 'Fight or flight?'

Applejack chose the latter.

She tore off out the door and through the busy streets of the town, fast as her toned legs could carry her. She paid no attention to Rainbow Dash who kept a half-hearted aerial pursuit of her after passing her outside a cafe. She took no heed of Pinkie Pie bouncing along in an attempt to fathom what had happened. She even ignored Rarity and Fluttershy's concerned yells upon charging past them as the two friends exited the spa.

On reaching Sweet Apple Acres she made a beeline for the stairs and the sanctuary of her bedroom. Granny Smith could barely respond as her granddaughter cantered up the stairs and slammed her door behind her. In the room, the farmmare locked her door and launched herself at the bed. Pillows and quilts scattered as she landed with a crash.

And for the first time in as long as she cared to remember, Applejack broke down and wept.

Chapter Eleven - Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark, Part I

The Ponyville sky was grey streaked with orange and magenta as dawn broke on the Saturday morning. Late Friday evening saw a much-welcomed rain fall on the town and the ground was soft underhoof to any stragglers staggering home after celebrating the end of another tough work week. That distinct and refreshing smell that so often accompanies the first downpour following a dry spell permeated the cool morning air and tantalised the nostrils of the very few early risers such as Fluttershy. All around the town ponies lay in their beds thankful for the ability to lie in their beds that little bit longer, more often than not entangled in the forelegs of their respective special somepony.

Outside the town, in the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres, such comforts were not in store for one of the clan. All night Applejack had tossed and turned. Sleep was interrupted with unfortunate regularity by disturbing thoughts and harsh recollections. More than once she had sobbed silently into her near-sodden pillow, the feathery cushion having born the brunt of her plentiful tearful onslaughts since her abrupt arrival at home the previous afternoon. It was a sorry state of affairs for a pony for whom tears were ordinarily hard to come by and for whom life seemed so rosy just a day before.

That was all before her fateful visit to the Ponyville library, however. The image of Twilight Sparkle – so often smiling and helpful to Applejack – almost apoplectic with rage at the news of her and Rarity's relationship was ingrained on AJ's subconscious. The unicorn's shrill shrieks and thunderous bellowing echoed unwelcomedly through her mind, catching her unawares and never failing to send shudders up her spine and through her soul. These unwelcome images peppered the near-incessant post mortem which had raged for countless hours.

'I told ya not ta be so casual 'bout it,' the reactionary side of her psyche regularly piped up.

'There ain't no way that reaction came from her not appreciatin' yer manner o' speakin,' the more reserved and measured voice would rebut.

'Ya know how socially awkward she is.'

'So?'

'And ya saw how she blew up at Pinkie Pie after the whole doozy thing.'

'That's hardly a fair comparison.'

'How else could ya explain it?'

'Maybe she's longin' for you. Or Rarity?'

'Psh,' the first voice responded with smug disdain, 'Ain't no way that's the case surely. More likely Twi ain't too keen on filly-foolers like us.'

'The same Twi who regularly gets her drunken kicks with any dang mare in Equestria? Don't be stupid.'

Such verbal volleys were common, and Applejack had long since grown weary of them. Yet she couldn't help but over-analyse every minute aspect of the fiasco which had befallen her. Her most worrying analyses and hypotheses came when addressing the topic on where this left her and her beloved Rarity. Any future romantic interludes with the couturiére would be risky to say the least, especially lest Twilight Sparkle find out - not an impossibility were she to broach the subject with Applejack again. It would be the kind of thing that could tear friendships apart easier than AJ could buck a solitary apple from any tree in the land. In an ideal world both parties in the offending relationship would call it quits and agree to continue their lives as friends to appease everypony.

But this was not any mere pony that was the object of AJ's affections. This was Rarity. No other pony in the world could compare to the beauty of the lilac-maned unicorn she adored so deeply. Even the undoubted physical charms of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were inferior to those of the mare she had fallen head over hooves with – 'Treason be damned!' the voice in her mind stated with a theatrical flourish. No other pony carried themselves with such grace and elegance without possessing an ego as grand as Canterlot Palace as Rarity did. Not to mention the fact her romantic and loving nature would make the manufacturer of any love elixir question how to imitate or eclipse it. She had made a promise to her love the night they came together as one to fight any creature brave (or foolish) enough to stand in their way. If that creature had to be one of her most treasured acquaintances such as Twilight then so be it.

Then again, they were all Elements of Harmony. If their relationship was to continue, and everything go swimmingly as the unicorn neglected to mention, would the friction between Twilight Sparkle and the couple put them – and in the grander scheme of things, all Equestria – in jeopardy? Twilight hardly seemed the kind of pony to hold a long-standing grudge, but she was emotionally volatile and Applejack believed it might not take much for a repeat performance of the disaster at the library to play itself out.

**********

A knock at the door – surprisingly the first since she had barricaded herself in her bedroom – shook Applejack from her pondering. She didn't answer. Looking round at the clock, she noted that it was six thirty. On a normal Saturday she'd not budge from her bed until at least half-past nine, but it was cider season after all. Every hour's work was necessary.

Another knock at the door, this time accompanied by the voice of a grizzled old mare.

“Applejack, ah know you're in there. Time to rise.”

Yet no response from the younger Apple mare. The silence was broken by the unwelcome noise of a key turning in the lock and the heavy wooden door creaking open. 'Forgot Granny had a key. Dang...' Applejack thought bitterly.

“Applejack? Ya still in the land a' the livin' with the rest of us?”

Reluctantly, AJ dragged herself into a sitting position. “Ah'm up Granny.”

“Sweet Celestia on high. Ya look terrible this mornin' Applejack!” Granny Smith exclaimed. The matriarch wasn't wrong. The substantial bags under Applejack's eyes could be mistaken for bruises, and her hair was wilder than was to normally be expected of a waking AJ.

“Ah know. Ah didn't sleep too well, Granny.”

“Well what in the wide world of Equestria is ailin' ya? Ya didn't surface for dinner last night, ya ain't even so much as looked at any of us since yesterday afternoon. Hay, if it weren't for ya groanin' and moanin' last night we'd have sent in the coroner!”

“Ain't nothin' wrong with me besides the restless night. Ah'm fine,” Applejack sighed. She faked a smile toward the elderly Granny Smith. Unfortunately for her, the old pony wasn't swallowing it.

“Ya'll are a terrible liar, Applejack Apple-Smith,” Granny Smith replied. Applejack rued the use of her full name – whenever she heard it she knew she was in for some trouble. “Spill it, missy. Some stallion been causin' ya heartbreak?”

Applejack cringed slightly, “It ain't a stallion, Granny! It's more a mare.”

Her sleep-deprived mind took a few seconds to take stock of what she had just said, but on realising her face turned a quite un-natural shade of scarlet. That was hardly the way to come out to a member of her family. Granny Smith, however, looked unperturbed by this bombshell.

“'Kay, so a mare been causin' ya heartbreak then? Who is it?”

Applejack was surprised by her grandmother's nonchalance.

“Ya'll are okay with me bein' that-a-way inclined?”

“Applejack, ah've looked after ya for Celestia knows how long, Ah'd be fine with ya datin' dragons, donkeys or zebras, so long as it made ya happy. Though at the moment, it don't seem that way.”

Through the figurative clouds in Applejack's mind shone a chink of light. It was the reply she'd expected from Twilight Sparkle, but from an even more unlikely source. It seemed the first impressions of Granny Smith not giving a care in the world to anypony's sexual preferences were indeed correct. A small token of comfort for the disoriented AJ to cling to.

“So who or what is troublin' ya Applejack?” asked Granny Smith, as she moved towards the bed and sat down.

AJ proceeded to tell all about the developments of the last week – the party, her long-held admiration for Rarity, the kisses, the agreement to break it to each pony in sequence, the acting and sneaking around (which Granny Smith admitted she had long since debunked – hence her initial line of questioning), everything up to and including the encounter at the library which had left her in the dishevelled wreck of a state she was in at that moment. Granny Smith listened intently, rarely interrupting and inhaling slightly as her granddaughter concluded her saga.

“So what ya intend to do about it Applejack?” the wise old mare queried after a short pause in which she fully analysed the gravity of the situation.

“Ah ain't got the foggiest. It scares the hay outta me!”

“That don't sound like the AJ ah know! Where's the fightin', fearless rodeo pony who helped save Equestria twice?!" Granny Smith asked with passion in her voice. All Applejack could do was shrug.

"How 'bout ah tell ya a story?” said Granny as she reclined somewhat. Applejack sighed and reluctantly acquiesced. She had sat through many a tale of her grandmother's – often long-winded and dull yarns with little point to them. It was too early for this.

“Ah remember when your daddy was a teenage colt – not much older than ya are now AJ. He could be as hard-headed and stubborn as any dang donkey, but he was still kind and courteous to ya grandpappy and me as well as anypony he considered a friend. Always helpin' out round town, volunteerin', captainin' one a' the Wrap Up teams. Model citizen, ya could call him. That and his tough farm-colt, rodeo star looks made every filly go gaga fer him! But he only ever had eyes fer one a' them. Ya mama.”

“Ya'll know already 'bout the ol' rivalry between our family and your mama's, and me and ya grandpappy were livid at him when he came out and told us. By this point they'd been datin' fer months so he was obviously smitten. So he invites us all fer some kinda peace-makin', get-to-know-each other sorta do. Ah talked it over with everypony and we accepted. Needless ta say, it was a fiasco. Nopony from opposite sides talkin', keepin' to themselves and the like. Eventually an argument broke out and ya mama took it hard, started cryin' and the like.”

“That really riled ya daddy up,” Granny Smith continued after a pause for breath, “And he gets in the middle a' the argument, holdin' us and ya mama's family apart. He starts shoutin' at everypony, callin' us all the names under the sun. We deserved it, no doubt about it, but we was all shocked at the time. Kind lil' Kingston Black! Here he was, effin' and blindin', tellin' us we oughta be ashamed, threatenin' ta run off ta Las Pegasus with ya mama and elope, not givin' a damn about the prospect a' bein' written outta the will!”

“As ya could probably guess, we all got our act together after that display, called a truce and the like. In time the warmness grew. Everythin' turned out rosier than anypony coulda imagined between the two families. All because a' ya daddy.”

Applejack looked stunned – she'd known about the feud between the Apples and her mother's family. But never before had she heard about this fiery exchange. Granny Smith leaned in closer.

“He did all that because he loved ya mama. He stood up and fought fer her – fought like any soldier could when faced with a great enemy. He risked it all fer her – family, friends, money – and it paid off. With huge dividends.”

“If ya really love this Rarity a' yours, ya'll need to fight just as hard and take no heed a' the consequences. And if they other ponies against ya really love ya as a friend or as family, you'll win.”

Granny Smith leaned back again on concluding her story, watching her granddaughter absorb this wisdom. She knew the result on seeing the spark in her eyes – Applejack would follow her father's path to the end. She was so like her father it was startling. AJ leaned forwards and pulled her grandmother into a crushing hug.

“Thank you Granny. Ya have no idea how much that helped.”

“Ah may be old, but ah know young love when ah sees it.”

Laughing, Applejack pulled herself forcefully out of bed and raced for the door.

“And where do ya think you're goin' at this time a' mornin' young lady?” Granny Smith questioned, her voice as sly as ever.

“Ah got some ponies to talk to. If that's alright with you? ”

Granny Smith nodded and smiled as her granddaughter flew out of the door and down the stairs with the same speed as she ascended them the night before. AJ's workrate the day before prior to her breakdown could more than cover a lack of work that day, the old mare mused as she slowly got to her hooves.

**********

Applejack raced toward the door with pure intent in her eyes. She'd canter off to the library and use the fighting instinct that had failed her so catastrophically the day before. Like her father before her, she would stand her ground for the pony she loved. 'To hay with the early hours!' she yelled in her head. If Twilight Sparkle really cared for AJ, and for Rarity, then she'd accept. The cowpony yanked open the front door only to be stopped in her tracks by a pony she'd never have expected to see at that very moment in a millennium.

“Twilight! What the-?”

There before Applejack, in the doorway of the Sweet Apple Acres, stood Twilight Sparkle. Only the unicorn was most certainly not herself at that moment. Her usually neatly combed mane was tousled and tangled. Her eyes looked bloodshot, and her cheeks seemed sunken. It was evident that her sleep had been as comfortable as Applejack's, tear tracks on her face and all.

“Oh. Hello Applejack,” came the frightened reply to AJ's surprised exclamation.

“Twi, it's only near seven am! What in Celestia's name are ya doin' at mah door?”

“I couldn't sleep. I needed somepony to talk to,” Twilight said, in a hushed and timid tone not far off what Fluttershy spoke in, “By which I mean I needed to talk to you. And I figured you'd be awake and ready for work so I could catch you.”

“Tha's all fine and dandy, Miss Sparkle,” the anger rising very slowly in Applejack's voice, “But what if I don't wish to speak to ya?”

Twilight sniffled pathetically. “Please Applejack. I really need to talk to you. I've felt horrid ever since Rarity came to me yesterday...”

Applejack was taken aback by this last statement.

“Wait, Rare came to see ya?”

“Of course she did. After seeing you tearing through town, all the girls did.”

Wordlessly, Applejack guided Twilight Sparkle into the dining room and sat opposite her.

“Tell me what happened, Twi,” Applejack asked, not overly forcefully but with definite urgency. She sat back in the wicker chair staring unwaveringly at the pony across from her. She needed answers to many questions, and that morning she fully intended to receive them. No matter what.

Chapter Twelve - Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark, Part II

Within moments of the sight of Applejack sprinting through the town like a pony Olympian, the four of her most valued friends privy to her run were converging on the local library. The general direction she seemed to be taking and the testimony of Derpy Hooves – who had passed AJ entering the library earlier – gave them some indication that the problem at hoof originated from the den of the town's resident bibliophile.

This knowledge was unhelpful to Rarity's now troubled condition. Seeing the pony she adored so obviously shaken up was one thing, and her immediate instinct was to give chase, find out what had troubled her and provide the consolation that only a marefriend could. The fact that AJ had already promised to speak to Twilight Sparkle in regards to her and Rarity's relationship only gave birth to wild speculation about what could have happened in said conversation – a scenario not helped in the slightest by the town's mailmare confirming that the cowpony had indeed visited the library. 'Something must have rubbed my dearest pony up the wrong way,' she thought with a feeling of unease brewing in her stomach. She daren't think of what that something could have been with the task she had assigned AJ fresh in the mind.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were already on the scene by the time Fluttershy and Rarity had trotted through the town at their quickest pace. Dash was flying around the library, yanking at windows looking for an entrance, Pinkie energetically knocking at the heavy door of the oak tree and calling the name of the librarian. Not a reassuring sight for the fretting fashionista, knowing fine well that only catastrophic circumstances would force Twilight Sparkle into closing early.

“What's the matter here?” Fluttershy asked, more frightened than usual at the prospect of conflict between two of her companions.

Rainbow Dash responded first, groaning as she failed to pry open a first-floor window, “Jacks left here in a hurry and Twilight isn't answering. Something's up.”

“We've tried nearly everything!” Pinkie cried as she hammered at the door.

“Oh my. This isn't good...” Fluttershy murmured as she recoiled slightly. Rarity put a hoof around her companion in a vague attempt at reassurance.

“I'm sure if I get a good enough flight at it I could break the door into matchwood,” Dash deliberated as she floated to the ground, limbering up her forelegs as if ready to give the door a shoulder barge.

“The last thing I imagine Twilight would need is half the front of her home obliterated,” Rarity replied quietly but with enough force to make Rainbow certain of the seriousness behind her sardonic statement.

“What would you suggest then madame?”

“We could get Spike's key! Surely he'll have one!” interjected Pinkie Pie. Rarity greeted this idea with a firm shake of her head.

“He's otherwise engaged as far as I know. Something about helping Sweetie Belle and the girls with a school biology project.”

Dash couldn't resist the opportunity for a joke, “I'll bet he is. Something to do with anatomy, no doubt,” she snickered. Her laughter was only greeted with stony silence – and a stern glare from Rarity – which soon forced her into a hasty apology.

“What could the trouble be?” Fluttershy muttered with her eyes transfixed at the ground. A loud reply from behind caused her to squeak and flinch on the spot.

“I might be able to help you there.”

Everypony in the huddled group turned to face the source of the voice – none other than Roseluck the florist.

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Rainbow Dash asked with barely contained irritation.

“I mean,” Rose said as she moved closer, “I heard the commotion earlier. And it wasn't pretty, believe you me.”

“What are you waiting for then?” Pinkie exclaimed whilst pulling Rose into the small cluster, “Spill it!”

Rarity anxiously shuffled on her hooves. “I don't think we quite need to know all the details,” she said as shyly as the pegasus by her side.

“Sure we do! How we gonna get to the bottom of this if we don't know every detail? You see...” Pinkie queried whilst readying herself for another of her spur-of-the-moment songs. Rainbow Dash clasped her hoof over her partner's mouth before a single note could escape.

“Not the time or place, cupcake,” Dash near-whispered at the sight of a Pinkie Pie dejected at the denial of an opportunity to sing, “But I wanna hear what Roseluck has to say nonetheless.”

Rarity's voice grew a little terser as she addressed Rainbow once more, “I hardly think it will help matters any. Besides,” she turned her attentions to Rose, “how did you manage to overhear said confrontation?”

“I was coming to ask Twilight for her help in going into the Everfree to collect some of those rhododendrons you only get in there. Before I could knock and get in I heard a ruckus. Every word of it.”

“And you didn't think to leave and not butt into other ponies' private affairs?”

“What the hay are you getting so bent out of shape about?” Dash interrupted, taking umbrage at Rarity's increasingly confrontational tone.

“Is it not obvious?”

“You reckon this is about you and Applejack?” Pinkie asked, to which Rarity nodded.

“I already know it. You say you heard the conversation, Rose?”

“Mhm,” the florist replied, “And you're right, Rarity. Applejack came out and told Twilight. Twilight took it real hard – shouting at her, telling her she was selfish and the like. AJ never got a word in before running out.”

Rarity's legs buckled slightly as her worst fear was realised – that her fellow unicorn was disapproving of her liaisons with Applejack. All her complacency about how Twilight Sparkle would be accepting and happy was misplaced. The cold mist of uncertainty had well and truly descended on not only her thoughts of her and Applejack, but those of her and Twilight as well. Could she continue to interact with one of her best friends after what was surely such a harsh rejection that it caused Applejack to flee like a filly? Her brief silent meditation was halted by the comforting hoof of Fluttershy on her shoulder.

“I thought as much,” Rarity mumbled, holding back the urge to either scream profanity or collapse into a quivering ball of tears, “And I'm sorry for snapping a tad. I didn't want to face the possibility that is now most certainly a reality.”

“Aw, don't be sad Rarity,” Pinkie said with equal parts comfort and cheer, “You couldn't have known how Twilight would react. And you never know what caused the trouble. Maybe she was just having a bad day!”

“But I sent my dear in there alone like a lamb to the slaughter! I put her up to it – I should have at least tried to help her out.”

“You can't beat yourself up about it, Rare,” said Dash reassuringly, “The best thing to do is to try and make things right.”

'You can make things right. For Applejack, you can do anything.'

Her conscience was right. Here Rarity was, standing about feeling sorry for herself and listening to half-baked schemes at getting into the library for a confrontation (as much as she adored Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, they were hardly the Brains Trust) when the only pony in Ponyville who could possibly make the situation right again was herself. Shaking herself slightly in an attempt to free herself of those jitters that had struck on receipt of Rose's information she slowly walked to the door and rapped hard three times.

“Twilight, darling? It's me. What say you open up and you, me and the girls have a little heart-to-heart?”

Her sing-song tone seemed more forced than usual, but it must have done the trick nonetheless as the grand door creaked open with the aid of a violet haze. Everypony advanced on the threshold before a voice from inside halted them.

“Just you, Rarity.”

Snapping her head to look around in momentary fright at her friends, the reassuring smiles calmed her once more and Rarity stepped inside the Ponyville library to face Twilight Sparkle alone.

**********

Even though outside the town basked in glorious sunshine for the moment (a rain was scheduled to fall in the night), inside the library was an altogether different prospect. The larger of the library's windows had the curtains drawn, though the smaller ones that rarely let in much light still gave a slight view of the blue skies overhead. Nonetheless the large circular room gave off the vibe of an Edgar Allen Pony creation – candles dimly illuminating the grand space, shelves of books towering over the furnishings and inhabitants – which did little to alleviate the anxieties now firmly rooted in Rarity's mind.

“So,” came a voice from the shadows that caused Rarity to leap backwards in fright. She could just about make out the silhouette of Twilight Sparkle holding a glass filled to the brim with a deep burgundy liquid.

“How long?”

'Do it for Applejack.'

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity responded in a sweet tone.

“How long has the charade been going on?” Twilight asked before taking a deep gulp of her wine.

“I know nothing of charades, dear Twilight. If you are referring to the courtship between Applejack and I, however, it is just shy of a week since our first romantic encounter.”

Rarity's voice never cracked once. If she was to go down fighting for her love, if her friendship with Twilight Sparkle was to crumble this night, the least she could do was carry herself with her usual decorum. The terse silence was only broken by the ticking of clocks and the supping of mare-lot.

“And what possibly possessed you to romantically involve yourself with someone as alike to you as chalk is to cheese?”

Rarity advanced a little from the door towards the centre of the room.

“The same impulse that possesses you during your drunken fumbles with countless mares in nightclubs, I imagine.”

It seemed a low blow initially to Rarity, but it certainly provoked a reaction. After a moment Twilight set down her glass on the table next to her luxurious chair and stood up, ready to move towards the middle of the room.

“Those drunken fumbles aren't ones that will leave someone heartbroken and the fate of Equestria in danger,” Twilight stated, her voice peppered with slight hints of enmity.

“Oh, but they do leave someone heartbroken my friend.”

Twilight Sparkle was visibly flustered – she hadn't expected such a response.

“And I expect you know all about that, would you?” the librarian snapped back.

“I know about drinking, and I know about what it is to feel desperately alone. You neglect to remember our wild nights in Canterlot where we'd drunkenly set out together to find a conquest for the evening?”

Rarity moved ever closer to Twilight Sparkle.

“I acted that way because I needed the contact with somepony, no matter how fleeting and futile it was. In time I grew out of it after seeing what it was doing to me.”

“That is hardly the issue here!” Twilight exclaimed. She was most definitely on the defensive now.

“It is, my dear,” Rarity replied softly, “Not five days ago you were congratulating Fluttershy in regards to her relationship with Big Macintosh. Not two days ago you were embracing Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash for a similar development. You're the last of the lonely hearts. And I know how much that could hurt.”

“No you don't!” Twilight cried out.

“I do. Granted I'm lucky to have never befallen such a fate, but I know just how incredibly painful the loneliness can be.”

“But it wasn't supposed to be this way!” Twilight yelled, her voice now fraught with desperation. A breakthrough for Rarity!

“No?” she gently prodded.

“You bet it wasn't! It was all supposed to be so different from Canterlot. No longer the pony in the background while Moondancer or Amethyst Star stole the attention of any stallion who wandered by. Little bookworm Twilight – always the one shifted from the table so some jack-flank can stick his tongue in somepony's mouth, always the one without the date for the Derby Day Dance at school. Down here I could have been a somepony! Someone who draws everyone's attention for all the right reasons. Somepony who wasn't the third or fifth or seventh wheel for a damn change!”

“Twilight...”

“But no! Once again I'm the only pony left alone at night reading and stuffing my face with ice cream whilst my supposed best friends are all out cavorting and being loved up. The only way anypony will look at me with passion is if I'm half-wasted and up in their face acting like something I am not. It's not fair!”

“I know...”

“You don't! Why was I the last to know then? Why was Applejack so smug? Why?!” Twilight's voice near quivered with fury. Inside Rarity trembled at the sight of her friend so angry and upset but she had resolved to see this encounter to the end - an end where she'd be victorious. With a flash of her horn, she had lifted the wine glass from the table and unceremoniously splashed them in the face of the raging pony not five feet from her.

“I'm sorry it came to that, but you left me no choice.” Rarity calmly explained as Twilight unflinchingly stared at her with a potent combination of shock and wrath. She had to start talking, and fast.

“You are blinded by this notion that we are like those ponies you left behind when you moved here, or that you're just part of the scenery wherever you go. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are a somepony Twilight Sparkle. A somepony to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, to Rainbow Dash and Applejack. And a somepony to me. You are one of my best friends – someone I'd fight a full-grown dragon to protect. Somepony I can confide in. Somepony as close to me as my own family.”

“I know Applejack may have come across as smug earlier, but you have to remember we're talking about one of the humblest ponies in the land. The pony you first properly met on arriving – who took you into her home and fed and watered you after a long journey. The pony whom you put your trust in when you let go of her hooves. If anything, she was eager to let the burden go and tell you. Do not take it as a slight that you were last to know – Fluttershy was just as in the dark as you were at the beginning of today. That was the way the cards were dealt.”

Rarity inhaled deeply and continued, Twilight's eyes still transfixed on her. “As for the lack of love, it is an unfortunate situation I shan't deny. If it were me that was in the same situation I would be turning my liver to foie gras. But everypony has their one pony whom they were made for. You shan't find them at the bottom of a bottle – no matter how much confidence Lady Liquor seems to bestow upon you – but you shall find them. A pony as wonderful and radiant as you deserves that at the very least, Twilight Sparkle.”

By the end of her spiel Rarity was but inches from Twilight – she tended to meander as she spoke at great length. Silence hung over the room as both ponies absorbed the confrontation. Rarity's mind worked like a steam engine as she tried to gauge her friend's reaction to no avail. Twilight Sparkle's face was stone-like, her expression completely unreadable. Rarity was a moment from tentatively pressing the issue (something she wished she did not have to do lest she receive another tongue-lashing) when a most extraordinary thing happened.

Twilight Sparkle began to cry.

At first it was a single tear down the cheek that Rarity attributed to her incessant staring, but seconds later Twilight broke down into floods of tears. These were not the crocodile tears of a filly caught stealing cookies from the cupboards, nor the almost insincere waterworks that Pinkie Pie could occasionally pull out of her locker in reaction to something sentimental. These were tears from the deepest depths of Twilight's soul. Every drop that fell was filled with genuine sadness and unfathomable levels of remorse. Rarity offered her forelegs to the bawling unicorn who gratefully accepted the hug by launching herself into her friend and burying her head in her shoulder.

“I'm so... so... sorry Rarity!” Twilight wailed into the soft fur, “I've been so selfish... and stupid!”

“There there, Twilight. It will be alright.”

“It won't!” the tearful unicorn lamented, “The girls... will all have heard. They'll hate me! I've ruined everything!”

Rarity pushed Twilight away slightly – still holding her friend close but looking deep into the sorrowful purple eyes across from her.

“Shall I have to pour another glass of wine?” Rarity asked, to which Twilight let out a sniffle that could be construed as a laugh.

“We're like a family. Not even Discord could pull us all apart in the grand scheme of things. If anyone will understand, it will be the girls.”

Twilight vainly attempted to wipe her eyes, “But... what about Applejack? I saw... the hurt I caused her. She'll never forgive me.”

“Darling, I know my dearest Applejack better than most ponies. She may be stubborn, but she is not bitter. Explain things to her as clearly as you have there. She will understand.”

“You reckon?”

“I know so. Though I'd give it a while before doing so. Even a pony as strong as AJ feels pain.”

Twilight once again nuzzled into her dear friend, leaning near to her ear. “Thank you, Rarity,” she whispered

“For what, Twi?”

“For knowing me and caring for me.”

Rarity held back a tear at this display of affection from Twilight, sighing contentedly.

**********

“After that the girls came in and we told them what had happened,” Twilight said, leaning across the breakfast table, “And they understood. Dash was a little more miffed about the whole thing. Then again that's what you'd expect. I still couldn't sleep though, and in the end I thought I'd get you here and try and make amends.”

Applejack sat across from Twilight Sparkle as stony-faced as she was when the unicorn began her tale. She tried to absorb everything, never interrupting even when Twilight started to tear up again at certain points. Her conscience chattered away all the while – one part of her mind constantly nagged at her to throw Twilight to the kerb, a piece of advice Applejack never intended to follow.

“Well?” Twilight asked tentatively after a moment's pause on finishing her story.

Applejack had known for a while what she wished to do to Twilight Sparkle.

“On yer hooves,” the cowpony said almost without emotion. Twilight looked visibly frightened as she rose from her seat and Applejack lifted herself from hers.

Applejack stared intently at the ground as she walked around the table, only looking up when she reached the unicorn. She could see pure fear in her eyes.

“Ya ready?” Applejack asked. Before Twilight could respond, Applejack had lunged for her.

Only to put her forelegs around her in a vice-like hug.

“Applejack... what're you doing?” said Twilight, struggling to breathe.

“It's what ah like ta call forgiveness, Twi.”

“Excuse me?” Twilight gasped. Applejack released her grip a little so as not to suffocate the pony in her grasp.

“Ah knew somethin' couldn't have been right for ya to react like that,” Applejack said, “And it takes a lotta courage to admit to yer faults. Ah know ah coulda been more delicate with the situation, and it tore me up to know ah coulda hurt ya. Like Rare says, ya'll are like family to me. You ain't no exception, Twilight Sparkle.”

“That bein' said,” AJ continued as Twilight returned the embrace, “Ah still got somethin' naggin' at the back of mah mind.”

“What do ya reckon about me and Rarity?”

Twilight tensed up a little and sighed. “I know that everything isn't always going to be rosy between you two. There'll probably be the occasional argument. That's the same with almost every relationship though.”

“'Cept maybe with Flutters and mah brother,” chuckled Applejack.

“True,” laughed Twilight, “But I know that you two are probably strong enough individually and together to work out any kinks.”

“So ya approve?”

“Yes, I do.”

Applejack once again gripped Twilight hard. It was the words she had needed to hear ever since she and Rarity agreed to embark on their path together.

“Ya'll have no idea how happy that makes me, Twi,” croaked AJ.

“I've a good idea,” Twilight responded with a knowing titter, that soon engulfed the two old friends in a fit of laughter.

“I guess I should probably head back for some sleep then,” said the librarian as the hilarity subsided. An idea struck Applejack at this point.

“Actually, Twi, could ya'll stay a little longer? Ah've some errands to run today and they're exactly the kinda errands ah could use yer help with. Ya can have the sofa for a nap now if ya so wish?”

“I'd like nothing more than to help my friend out today,” Twilight said with a smile, "After all, it's the very least I could do after all the trouble I put you through.

Applejack beamed back – 'Twilight's help will come in more than useful in mah preparations,' she thought.

**********

A knock at the door woke a disgruntled Rarity from her slumber. She had struggled to nod off a little in the sticky heat of the stormy evening and as such did not achieve her usual ten hours sleep on a Saturday morning. She so often needed them what with Sweetie Belle arriving for a visit at midday nearly every week.

She gazed at the clock – only ten in the morning. The drama queen grumbled all the way down the stairs as she forced herself into a dressing gown to answer the door. Derpy Hooves, the mailmare, stood there with a grin on her face and a letter in her grasp.

“I brought you a letter!” the grey pegasus cheerfully exclaimed.

“That's all well and good, dear, but why not post it under the door as normal?”

“Special delivery!”

Rarity was curious as she thanked Derpy and took the letter, watching as the mare floated off on her rounds. She looked at the envelope. On it was her name written in a familiar cursive script.

'What could Twilight possibly want at this time on a Saturday no less?'

She carefully opened the letter and scanned its' contents. As Rarity did so, all her exhaustion seemed to vanish in one fell swoop. Elation took its' place as she squealed more loudly than she would ever consider acceptable. The writing may have been Twilight Sparkle's, but the contents of the letter were most definitely not;

Rarity,

Old Town Hall Bridge. 7.30 tonight. Wear your finest.

Your Sugarcube.

Chapter Thirteen - Of Sewing, Sophistication and Sisterhood

By the time the pre-determined hour had rolled around, Ponyville was once again in default Saturday night mode. The shopping crowds that mobbed the high street in the daytime had thinned out to be replaced by stallions and mares ready for an evening on the tiles. The nightlife in the town left a lot to be desired when compared to that of Canterlot, Fillydelphia or even Cloudsdale. A few bars of varying popularity and target crowds, the odd pub and two nightclubs – hardly a pinnacle of the Equestrian party scene. Nonetheless on Fridays and Saturdays most of these establishments would be packed to the rafters.

For once Rarity was not one of the ponies on the hunt for a place to drink. Instead, she stood on Old Town Hall Bridge, anxiously pacing back and forth and regularly glancing in all directions for a hint of a stetson. When it came to social occasions Rarity tended to show up fashionably late – not by much but late enough to make her entrance noticeable. This time, however, she was more than punctual. She had made a rapid dash from the shop to the meeting place at around five past seven lest Applejack show up early to no avail.

Ever since her receipt of the letter from Applejack that morning Rarity had fretted over its instructions and its implications. If she were to wear her finest, that surely indicated a degree of sophistication to the proceedings – maybe a romantic dinner in one of Ponyville's fine bistros or perhaps a show (the Ponyville Symphony was to play the works of Beethoofen that night, and she'd already mentioned in passing how much she enjoyed classical music). On the other hoof this was Applejack. Rarity believed that sophistication seemed as alien to her love as humility was to Rainbow Dash, or emotional stability to Twilight Sparkle (she cringed at this dreadful thought, remembering all too well the conversation of the previous day). Not to mention the not-inconsiderable expense invoked by both of those activities. AJ wasn't poor, but such frivolous spending seemed highly unlike her.

Nevertheless she had spent an equal amount of her day worrying about what exactly constituted 'her finest'. There was her casual finest, smart-casual finest, businesslike finest, cocktail party finest, royal visit finest, gala finest, more finery in one walk-in wardrobe than most boutiques carried in stock at any one time. She didn't want to seem too showy on the pretext that it could intimidate Applejack and potentially show her up, but she didn't wish to dress down to the extent that even a humble cowpony could complain about her lack of effort in dressing for the occasion. This distraction didn't diminish when burdened with the presence of Sweetie Belle, a state that did not go unnoticed by the increasingly impatient filly.

“Rarity! When are we gonna do something fun?” the younger sibling whined as Rarity deliberated between a little black dress and one of her experimental gowns from a Hoity Toity assignment.

“Soon, Sweetie Belle. I just have to look out an outfit...”

“But that's so boring!” Sweetie interrupted, “And I really hoped you'd help me try to do something so I can finally get my Cutie Mark!”

“Like I said, dear, soon...”

“But Rarity!” came another interjection. Rarity's temper was slowly beginning to rise – all this moaning was making her already arduous task infinitely more difficult, “I'm your only sister and I don't get to see you often!”

“I am all too aware of that fact, Sweetie...” Rarity began through gritted teeth.

“And it's a beautiful day. I wanna be outside!”

“Well that can be...”

“And you're supposed to be looking after me! Not looking through boring old dresses!”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity yelled, the last wire holding her already fragile mood together having been cut so mercilessly, “If you don't let me find a dress for my date with Applejack then I will have mother and father come and collect you once again!"

It took a second for the full nature of her outburst to sink in, but upon realising what she had blurted out to her sister Rarity turned a violent shade of vermilion and buried her face in her hooves.

“Oh my Celestia, I should not have said that,” the fashionista muttered quietly enough that her sister would be unable to hear.

“You're going on a date with... Applejack?” Sweetie Belle asked. Rarity couldn't look at her as she nodded.

“That is so awesome!”

Rarity lowered her hooves to see Sweetie Belle beaming back at her.

“Excuse me?”

“That means me and Applebloom could be as close as sisters! Even sisters-in-law if everything goes right. Then we'd never have to stop crusading! Oh please let me help you out with your dress hunt and everything Rarity. Please?!”

Rarity was still puzzled as she gave her tacit approval. In the end Sweetie Belle proved an adequate assistant of sorts. Her eye for fashion still needed some refinement and her suggestion that Rarity turn up for her date in a wedding dress was swiftly shot down in a fit of coughing and several loud rejections, but when the idea struck Rarity to modify a pre-existing dress the filly followed orders exactly when Rarity needed her to as well as providing valuable company and entertainment with occasional demonstrations of her angelic singing voice.

“Well, what do you think?” Rarity asked Sweetie Belle as she modelled her latest creation. She had taken an old and plain sky blue summer dress she had purchased on a whim during a trip to Las Pegasus years before and added a few frills in a deeper blue along with some intricate detailing elsewhere, including a small, almost apple-shaped gem and sapphire sewn side-by-side just below the collar. She was rather proud of such a quick job, even if it were a mere rejuvenation of something she had owned before.

“It looks amazing! AJ will love it!”

“I'm so glad you think so, Sweetie. I couldn't have done it without you,” Rarity said as she hugged her sister.

“We should really show it to mom and dad. They'll be really proud of us!”

Rarity was shaken a little by this request. She had no idea whether Applejack had informed her family – in fact all previous contact with her marefriend had made her believe the contrary. That was a bridge she would rather cross together with AJ.

“Sweetie, you can't tell mother and father about why I made the dress.”

“Why?”

“Because...” Rarity struggled to word her objection delicately, “Because Applejack and I are keeping it somewhat secret for now. No other pony can know. You think you can keep it secret?”

“Can I tell the girls?”

“I suppose that would be okay...”

“Cutie Mark Crusader secret-keepers! Yay!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as Rarity let out a titter at her sister.

**********

“Rarity!”

The familiar cry from the distance shook Rarity from her reminiscence. She shook herself out of her daydreaming state, looking around through the small crowds of ponies passing through for the voice she was so certain she had heard.

Trotting toward the bridge was Applejack, except in a state Rarity had seldom seen her before. For a start she was without the old, beaten-up stetson that seemed almost like it was cemented to her head. In its place sat the finer version Rarity had specially crafted for their ill-fated night at the Grand Galloping Gala, with a manestyle not far off what it had been on that night. She was also clad in a dress that fit her muscular form almost as perfectly as the gown from the same evening, yet was so very different. It was much more plain, without the personal touches Rarity had put so much work into. It was a deep shade of scarlet like the apples that graced her toned flank. In the dimming twin light of the setting sun and waxing moon it seemed to twinkle slightly, as if covered in glitter. As the pony of her dreams drew closer, she could tell that it was not so tacky as that – the dress was covered in tiny gemstones. A feature only familiar to one designer that she was aware of.

“Hey there Mallow,” Applejack said as she greeted her marefriend with an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Such a simple greeting failed to completely extract Rarity from her flabbergasted state.

“Applejack. Where... how... what?”

Applejack stood confused at the almost-catatonic mare she loved. “Huh? Oh, the dress! It ain't nothin'. Just somethin' ah picked up in Canterlot...”

“Canterlot? When?”

“This afternoon. Me an' Twi' went and picked it up from Hoity Toity's place. Can't be lettin' the team down after all.”

“That's one of my creations!”

“Ya think ah'd really dress in anythin' created by any ol' pony? Only the finest from mah finest fer me.”

“But I know how expensive that particular dress was! Surely you didn't?”

“Rare,” Applejack said reassuringly, “Ah bought the dang thing, so of course ah know how pricey it was. And if it means ah look good for the pony who deserves someone dressed as finely as as some ol' duchess, ah ain't carin'.”

Rarity was touched by this display of extravagance all for her. “You would really do that for me, Applejack?”

“Course I would, Rarity.”

Rarity nuzzled up to her beloved and gave her a quick yet passionate kiss on the lips which caught AJ by surprise. The perfume that tickled Rarity's nose – another unusual development in that AJ was actually wearing any – was pleasant, but only the vaguest hints of her own apple-tinged aroma could stir the deeper and more powerful emotional response to which she had grown hopelessly addicted.

“So what is the plan for this evening my dearest?”

Applejack proffered a foreleg to Rarity as a gentlecolt would in requesting a dance at some ball.

“If ya'll would be so kind?”

Rarity chuckled as she locked her leg with Applejack's as they sauntered off the bridge for the first time as a couple.

**********

Horsia's was arguably one of the finest restaurants in much of Equestria. Their deserved reputation as one of the best eateries in the land was well established – it wasn't unusual to see many a celebrity booking several booths when in Ponyville so as to dine there. Upper crust Canterlotians who wouldn't dream of otherwise setting hoof in the town could be seen disembarking for the train and heading straight for a carriage to take them to the place they'd heard so much about. Rumour had it that even Princess Celestia was a regular patron. Such overwhelming popularity usually meant that reservations were harder to come by than a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala.

Yet on this cool Saturday evening, Applejack and Rarity found themselves sat in a corner booth of one of the most exclusive restaurants Equestria could offer. Both ponies were over-awed by their surroundings – they were stunned by the magnificent décor with its' mahogany panelling and gold gilded detailing, the small fountain that sat at the centre of the grand dining room, the hoof-carved yet unimaginably comfortable artisan furniture. For Rarity it was a million dreams come true at once. Here she was sat in a place she could only ever wish of frequenting, dressed in an exquisite gown and accompanied by a beautiful pony whom she loved deeply.

Applejack snapped her eyes from one of the multitude of mirrors that decorated the walls to see her marefriend every bit as shocked as when she showed up at the bridge earlier. “Impressed much, Rare?”

“I can't believe you got us in here!” Rarity stammered, “How in Equestria did you manage it dear?”

“Twi' owed me after that disaster yesterday.”

“She's not paying, is she?”

“Nuh-uh,” Applejack answered, a tad hurt by the intimation that she could not afford to dine in such a fine establishment, “She just called in a couple a' favours and got us on the reservation list. Benefits of bein' a somepony, ya know.”

“We're all someponies, Applejack. None of us have ever dined here before.”

“Ain't none of ya ever tried though. Besides, ya know ah ain't one fer fancy dinin'.”

“Then why tonight of all nights?”

“'Cause ya deserve the best.”

Rarity blushed a little as she suppressed a squeal of delight and leaned over to give Applejack a kiss on the cheek, when they were interrupted by a beige waiter wearing a red bow tie and a look of disdain.

“Are mesdames ready to order?” Horte Cuisine asked in a slightly nasal voice. Applejack and Rarity looked baffled. They hadn't even glanced at the menu, being so enraptured by the setting for their date.

“Ah ain't the foggiest idea!” Applejack exclaimed. From the corner of her eye Rarity could see Horte cringe and gaze on AJ with barely-disguised contempt. No pony looked at her marefriend like that.

“If you would allow me?” Rarity piped up, to the relief of AJ, “To start I shall have the fava bean salad in a chianti vinaigrette and my companion shall have the alfalfa sprouts with mashed yeast. For drinks we shall have a bottle of your best vintage Cheval Blanc.”

Rarity could see the vaguest hint of surprise on Horte Cuisine's face as he digested this order. She smiled sweetly, suppressing the urge to laugh at how quickly the waiter realised he wasn't dealing with two ponies from the sticks who seemed to get lucky.

“Excellent choices. I shall return with your wine shortly,” the waiter said before beating a brisk retreat. Applejack looked at her marefriend and laughed.

“Where in the hay did that come from?” Applejack inquired through chuckles.

“I am a lady who knows what she likes. I'm sure you shall find your dish rather agreeable.”

“Ah sure hope so. Ain't payin' the prices they do in here to have somethin' ah hate.”

Horte Cuisine did indeed swiftly return with their bottle of wine, but also carried a bucket of ice alongside him.

“Your Cheval Blanc, ladies, and a bottle of Heidsieck Mane-opole,” Horte stated manner-of-factly as he placed the red wine and champagne on the table.

“We didn't order that one,” Applejack blurted out.

Horte waved his hoof in the direction of the bar in the corner that served as an unofficial waiting area, “Compliments of Madame Philharmonica and Madame Scratch.” From the bar AJ and Rarity were surprised to see their old friends Octavia and Vinyl Scratch waving back at them.

“Well ah'll be damned. How very kind of 'em,” Applejack said beckoning them over. From what she could see Rarity had assumed that they wore beautiful matching dresses. Not her own creations though, she ruefully thought. Vinyl Scratch greeted both ponies heartily whilst clutching a pre-dinner Martini.

“Evening lovebirds. And how are we tonight?” she said as she hugged the cowpony to the embarrassment of Octavia and Rarity.

“We're peachy over here, gals. What ya'll doin' here? I thought ya would've been playin' in that Beethoofen concert?” Applejack replied, looking towards Octavia who greeted Rarity with an altogether more classy greeting of a kiss on the cheek. To Applejack and Vinyl such an acknowledgement looked odd.

“Tonight is a special exception. I informed Hoofz Zimmer that I would be unable to attend and perform my customary solo piece so Lyra was drafted in at short notice. I can't believe she'd be too happy with it.”

“Why on earth would you do such a thing?” Rarity queried, “You simply adore the concertos of Beethoofen.”

“Because if I had missed my anniversary Vinyl would give me hell for it,” Octavia stated with a wry smile, “One can only stand so much dubstep before wishing for the sweet relief of deafness.”

Vinyl moved closer to her partner. “Says you, Octy,” she murmured before kissing her lady on the neck in a surprising manouevre.

“Well, shucks, it's been a year already? Congratulations!” Applejack said loudly, oblivious to the presence of Horte Cuisine who had ghosted towards the table once more.

“I'm sorry to break up the reunion ladies, but I believe your table shan't be available for another hour Miss Philharmonica and it is restaurant policy for those not dining to stay clear of the dining area,” Horte stated coolly. Vinyl Scratch was taken aback by this surprise development.

“Another hour?! The reservations were for 8.30!” the DJ cried out.

“I am sorry Miss Scratch, but it seems someone overbooked for this evening. Such popularity can breed logistical problems such as this,” Horte responded to Vinyl with a hint of scorn, “If you and Miss Philharmonica would accompany me to the bar area once more?”

Applejack and Rarity shared a look on hearing Horte Cuisine speaking down to their friends. They were beginning to develop a distinct dislike for the snooty waiter.

“Actually,” Rarity quietly interjected, “Applejack and I would be honoured to have Octavia and Vinyl accompany us here.”

“You don't have to do that,” Octavia declared.

“But we insist, dear Octavia! It is the least we could do for you after sending over this magnificent champagne.”

“Are you quite certain?”

“Of course. Your company would be more than welcome.”

“Once again I hate to intrude,” said Horte, “But such a blatant disregard for a prior reservation would be quite unorthodox.”

Applejack decided to wade into the argument, “The booth seats four ponies. Ah ain't got no issue with they two joinin' us here. And if there's some charge because of the cancellation ah'm certain we can cover it.”

“Very well then,” Horte declared with bitter resignation.

“That's more like it!” Vinyl said, swiftly sitting down across from Applejack and beside her lover, “And you can send over another of these in the meantime.”

Horte glared as he departed with a snort of derision to the amusement of all now sat together in the comfortable surrounds of their own private booth.

Chapter Fourteen - An Appetite for Self-Destruction

The mellow sound of the resident string quartet playing a varied selection of classical music echoed through the grand dining hall of Horsia's. It mingled with the soft buzz of conversation and occasional din of the kitchen that was to be expected from such a busy restaurant. The opulent surroundings in which the elite of Equestrian society dined were dimly lit by candles glowing in the expertly hoof-crafted crystal chandeliers and golden candelabras, giving the environs a romantic air that would be hard to replicate anywhere even on Hearts and Hooves Day. To dine in such luxury was truly was one of the most unique and exclusive experiences that a pony could undertake if they aspired to it.

Occasionally the sophisticates sat around would glance over towards a corner, where seconds before a raucous laugh was heard or a glimpse caught of an over-the-top public display of affection between mares no less, and mutter oaths about the uncouth proletarians occupying said booth. One or two had complained to the staff about such behaviour and how unbecoming it was for the refined and genteel eaterie. The waiters naturally grovelled and apologised, blabbering about how they would deal with the ruckus that was so disturbing to such distinguished guests.

Not that anypony occupying said corner seemed to mind. Even Rarity, whose sixth sense for detecting faux pas in social etiquette was normally sharp as a tack, and the equally refined figure of Octavia were oblivious to the obvious discomfort of their fellow diners. In the presence of such down-to-earth ponies as their respective marefriends it was hard not to let their manes down. Semi-regular visits from the resident sommelier or Horte Cuisine – whose sneer grew ever greater on every encounter with the party – did little to dampen their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the evening.

“I'm sorry to interrupt your evident amusement once more,” the waiter said snootily upon another intrusion as everypony was tucking into their delectable main course, “But I'm afraid some of our other guests are finding your... liveliness...”

“I know what you're driving at Horty,” came Vinyl Scratch's interruption, the DJ clearly a bit worse for wear after numerous pre-dinner (and ante-dinner) martinis washed down with glasses of champagne to celebrate a year of her and Octavia's relationship passing relatively hitch-free.

“The name is pronounced Horte...”

“Ah know that,” Applejack interjected, “And on behalf of everypony here ah apologise. We're just tryin' ta have a good time.”

“Indeed you are,” Horte Cuisine stated through slightly gritted teeth, with a tone hardly accepting of the previous excuse, “But we have other distinguished guests who may not take too kindly to your behaviour...”

“My dear Horte,” Rarity said in her sweetest voice, masking her great annoyance at the tone of the waiter, “We wholeheartedly apologise for making your other fine patrons uncomfortable. Now, if it would not be too great a trouble could you fetch another bottle of this magnificent Cheval Blanc?”

A flirtatious flutter of her eyelashes punctuated her request, and it seemed to work as the ice-cold waiter warmed for the briefest of moments to acknowledge this and dart off towards the wine cellar. Perhaps dealing with the glitterati had heightened his sensitivity to the use of such feminine wiles and so feared the ill-tempered reaction of a diva scorned.

“I still have no idea how you can do that, Rarity,” Octavia piped up as the giggling at Horte's rapid departure subsided.

“My dear Octavia, it is a mere mixture of politeness and flirting that nopony can resist.”

Applejack looked up from her portion of the enormous roast butternut squash that lay so expertly carved in the centre of the table to look at her marefriend.

“Beggin' yer pardon Mallow?” Applejack asked, envy lightly peppering the question.

“It's nothing really, dearest. All a bit of harmless fun to butter up an unwilling party.”

“If ya say so.”

Applejack remained a tad unconvinced by this explanation, but before her mind could attribute such doubts to anything more than unfounded paranoia Vinyl let out a belch, necked the remainder of another glass of champagne and snapped her from a train of unpleasant thought prior to its' departure from the station.

“Course it is Applejack. How'd ya think I get such sweet pay from promoters? Just a flash of your eyes over the shades, a sultry smile and they're like putty in your hooves.”

“That's the same manoeuvre you pull on me whenever you don't want to do the washing-up,” Octavia muttered bitterly after a moment of thought-filled silence, the faintest blush of red lighting up her cheeks.

“Except you've infinitely more chance of scoring with me than any of those guys, Tavi,” Vinyl said in a whisper audible to all as she advanced on her lady's neck.

“I damn well hope so!” Octavia said with overly dramatic vigour, turning her back on Vinyl to conceal a sneaky smile. Applejack and Rarity collapsed into peals of laughter once more – both clearly had no regrets regarding the spur-of-the-moment invite extended to the happy couple across from them.

“Ladies, please,” Rarity gasped through hearty chuckles, “We don't wish to invoke the wrath of Horte Cuisine again.”

Applejack agreed, “Yeah, we don't want ol' fussy-britches waiter comin' over again tryin' ta ruin our fun.”

“I know. Not to mention the fact that most of the crusty old sods in this place wouldn't know fun if it came up and slapped 'em,” Vinyl said.

“Hear hear,” said Octavia stifling a laugh at her lover's rude – yet accurate – description. Not a moment too soon either, as the scowling waiter promptly returned with another bottle of pricey Cheval Blanc and another contemptuous look for the ponies sapping the sophistication from the most refined of restaurants.

**********

The consumption of the sumptuous squash and the side of equally delicious stuffed peppers was completed to sated sighs, and not a single member of the gathering could even dare to peruse the dessert menu such was their satisfaction.

“Ah don't think ah could eat another bite. And ah was lookin' forward to that dandelion and lemon souffle too.”

Rarity feigned a look of complete shock. “You full Applejack? Perish the thought!”

“Hush there Sugarcube.”

“In the words of a poetic master you know so well, 'nnnope!'”

“You're a feisty one tonight,”Applejack stated in a quizzical tone.

“After all you have done for me tonight, can you blame me?” Rarity said with a seductive lilt to her voice. AJ's cheeks shone as scarlet as the colour of the brother her mare had so poorly imitated just moments before.

“Anyway,” Vinyl interjected to break up the slightly awkward scene, “How's about a toast? To good friends!” the DJ exclaimed, holding her glass aloft.

“And to even greater lovers,” Rarity added, with a nod towards the celebrating couple across from them and a wink towards the cowpony beside her, still with a face as claret as the wine she held in her hoof. Champagne had never agreed with Applejack, and after a polite glass to thank Vinyl and Octavia for their generous purchase she had stuck to the expensive but exquisite red.

“Yer an inspiration gals,” Applejack stated as Vinyl and Octavia blushed at even more heart-felt congratulations. The partners turned towards one another and engaged in another kiss.

“Right! That is it!” came a bellowed shout from across the restaurant. That display of affection apparently lingered too long for one patron, as everypony looked round in shock to see a blonde stallion storming towards the corner booth.

“It is bad enough that this fine establishment let such riff-raff on the premises in the first place, but to have to see them engaging in such depravity! It simply is not on!”

“Easy, Your Highness...”

“No! I demand to have these common oiks removed from this table at once!” Prince Blueblood bellowed on reaching the table to the shock of everypony in sight.

“I beg your pardon Your Highness?” Octavia asked, evidently frightened by the disturbing development of a raging royal charging towards her and her companions.

“You heard me! Begone, you sapphic harlots!” Blueblood shouted. It was clear to all in the corner - and indeed all in the restaurant - that the oafish prince had partaken of too much liquor.

“Hey, Prince Blueballs! Just because you're on your lonesome tonight doesn't mean you can take it out on us!”

Blueblood advanced further, his sights set on the offending party, “I know your face, you purveyor of musical abomination! How dare you speak to me like that! I shall have you thrown in jail!”

“For callin' ya a little name like that? You must be crazy, Your Highness.”

“Don't you start, farm peasant. Just because you dress in a tacky gown and dine in such places as this does not give you the right to speak to me.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Who said that?”

Rarity downed the glass of sparkling vintage champagne beside her and stood up at this request, her face like thunder, “I did, you great lout! Remember me?”

Blueblood noticeably flinched at the sight of the pony who had embarrassed him so publicly at that memorable fiasco of a Gala.

“I honestly don't know who you think you are. Nobility or not, nopony speaks to my friends like that. Especially not one who has more of a connection with Princess Celestia than yourself, and who is infinitely more palatable as a lover than you could ever wish to be!”

“Why you...”

“Don't you dare interrupt me!” Rarity spat at the shocked and sloshed prince, “I have met mules with more refinement and manners in one hoof than you have in the pea-sized brain lurking underneath that awfully bleached clump of hair you have the cheek to call a mane! How I could ever think of you as my knight in shining armour is a travesty!”

Applejack, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia could do little more than gawk at the fashionista now tearing strips off Prince Blueblood with the ferocity of a dragon guarding his hoard.

“Not only have Octavia and Vinyl Scratch already accomplished more than you could ever hope to in five lifetimes, but in that so-called 'farm peasant' you have the Element of Honesty, the purveyor of arguably the most important agricultural business this side of Fillydelphia and one of the finest ponies I have ever had the sincere sensation of knowing. A category that you wouldn't fit in if you gifted me all the gems in Equestria!”

Blueblood seemed to shrink to microscopic proportions at the verbal slaughter he was receiving.

“Not to mention the fact that this 'farm peasant' puts you very much to shame when it comes to romance. She is the finest lover a mare could ever hope to have the courtesy of dating. You, on the other hand, could be the poster-colt for what to avoid in a stallion. I wouldn't wish your affection on even my greatest nemeses, and that truly says a lot!”

Not a single pony so much as flinched, engaged as they were with the brutal smackdown being delivered on royalty no less.

“Now I suggest you leave now with your tail between your legs before I send for the Royal Guard and your dear aunts collect your trashed self and dump you in the drunk tank,” Rarity finished with venom.

Prince Blueblood didn't need to be asked twice – he immediately made for the door. However his drunkenness was to be his downfall. His legs gave way on the small step between the raised booth and the main floor of the restaurant, causing the noble colt to less-than-nobly fall to the floor and knock himself out on the varnished teak.

Everypony was too shocked at the sudden outburst (or sickened by the loud crunch made as the Prince's jaw hit the floor) to laugh at this deserved dose of instant karma. Indeed the three other ponies were distracted by the sight of a carmine-cheeked Rarity sitting down and pouring herself a large glass of wine to notice two waiters dragging the fallen Blueblood away and the arrival of a near-shaking Horte Cuisine.

“Ladies, I am so... terribly sorry at that development. The prince had arrived rather early for his own reservation and so proceeded to prop up the bar. Needless to say we couldn't refuse him. We are all as deeply shocked and appalled by his behaviour as you must be.”

“It's quite alright,” responded Octavia, “I do believe he received a rather healthy serving of humble pie.”

“Not to mention a heaping bowl of just desserts,” Vinyl piped up.

“Quite, quite,” Horte chuckled – a genuine laugh, and not the fake one of someone angling for a tip, “Nevertheless, in light of this terribly rude interruption to your evening the manager would like to offer you your meal completely free-of-charge as an apology on behalf of us all.”

“Alright! Free food is always awesome,” Vinyl Scratch exclaimed in triumph.

Rarity raised her eyes from the wine that was proving so distracting to her as she lost herself in thought following her most unladylike outburst, “That is very generous of you, Horte. And I do know a thing about generosity after all.”

Applejack sighed and took a deep draught of her rich and flavoursome wine, “It is very kind of ya'll, but ah'm afraid we'll have to decline that offer. Thank ya kindly for it though.” she stated calmly.

Everypony was stunned by the words of the farm-mare.

“Applejack dear, have you taken leave of your senses?”

“Are you nuts AJ? Free food!”

“Sugarcube, I'm not sure what you are saying but it is rather mad of you.”

“Madame Applejack, that is very noble of you. We must insist that you accept.”

“Hush up everypony!” AJ yelled out in an act that drew one or two dirty looks from formerly gawking onlookers, “It's real good of ya to offer, but once more ah have ta say no. Rest assured that what happened ain't gonna appear in the papers through any of us, if that's what ya'll are tryin' to prevent. And ah think now would be a swell time to ask for the bill, if ya'd be so kind.”

Horte Cuisine was still taken aback by the rejection of such a rare and exclusive offer, “If you do so honourably insist, Madame Applejack. I shall return momentarily.”

Not a pony's gaze left Applejack as she reclined in her chair with a glass of wine.

“It's rude to stare, gals,” she said with a chortle.

Octavia was the first to break the silence and ask what was on everypony's mind.

“What was all that about?”

“Ah just don't feel comfortable takin' advantage of a situation like that for my own means.”

“But this is Horsia's! It takes a lot to be offered complimentary service here, and nopony ever declines it when it is on the table.”

“Woulda been the same if ol' Blueblood had been hollerin' at Pony Joe's – ah wouldn't take anythin' in return for silence or what not. Ain't somethin' ah do.”

AJ looked over at the mare she loved. Rarity was as flabbergasted at the gentlecoltly conduct of Applejack during the whole awful scenario as she was when she had laid her eyes on her old friend all that time ago and first saw the beauty she had the privilege of calling her own. She had known how stubborn Applejack could be from their infamous disagreements in the past. But for a pony as fiscally prudent as her to turn down a free meal at a restaurant most ponies would save for years to dine in? It didn't add up to her.

A cheeky smile graced Applejack's mouth for the briefest of moments as she watched the cogs turn in Rarity's head.

“Besides, the lady ain't ever supposed to pay for a date. Even if it is with her dignity,” Applejack concluded, with a subtle wink at the puzzled mare beside her.

Chapter Fifteen - When You Wish

The Mare-lot Cellars was Ponyville's premier bar for those ponies wishing to indulge in the finest vintage wine and port Equestria could offer, and as such was unafraid to wield its' pretensions of sophistication. The décor attempted to compete with Horsia's for grandeur in places, but the occasional homely touch – like the worn shag carpeting underhoof rather than unforgiving yet expertly crafted wooden flooring, and the slightly shabby looking frames that encased mirrors and paintings – made it seem marginally more welcoming than the restaurant so lauded in Canterlot circles. Indeed the friendliness of the bar-staff and the embattled old owner, when compared to the cold air of pretentious professionalism that exuded from the waiters and sommeliers of Horsia's, was as different as chalk is to cheese.

Nevertheless the bar was bustling with ponies fresh from a night at the symphony, dressed in elegant gowns and immaculate suits quaffing all manner of priceless wines with no thought as to the cost. As it did in the restaurant the presence of a bespectacled unicorn, a Southern-accented earth pony and their companions for the evening stuck out like a sore thumb – regardless of the finery they bedecked themselves in. Both took no heed of the snide looks of their fellow patrons as they disregarded the extensive wine list for glasses of bourbon (even if the spirit in question was as far from being the ordinary inexpensive gutrot as feasibly possible), instead shooting them sincere smiles before sauntering off to their lovers once more. To the outward observer the party of four seemed carefree as could be. Two of the smiles were false however – artificial as the blatantly obvious tail extensions on several of the older female clients. Both were put on as they were a week before to hide the machinations of a puzzled and somewhat troubled mind.

Rarity reclined in the sofa gazing on her marefriend at the bar, occasionally making some off-the-hoof (and often biting) remarks about the clientèle and their garb to Octavia. Beneath the relaxed and calm exterior she was frantically trying to clear the confusion about the wonderful date she was on. It was certainly the single finest date she had ever experienced, and one that ticked near every box on her imaginary checklist for an ideal example of such an occasion. Yet that imaginary checklist was written with a noble stallion – and more importantly a noble and somewhat wealthy stallion – in mind. Applejack had blown the ideal of a relationship with such high society to matchwood but seemed to be parting with as many bits as one of those hypothetical dukes, barons, tycoons or princes would. AJ was hardly a skinflint but in the same breath she could never be dubbed as spendthrift. Her frugality and careful attitude to money was admirable, and yet she had disregarded it completely over the course of the evening – the day even ('that dress from Canterlot wasn't exactly a bargain after all,' she reminded herself). Not to mention that this was somepony who so visibly fretted over the failure to provide Ponyville with promised revenues not a fortnight before, and yet the same somepony was spending like an old widower on their last legs who just struck lucky in Las Pegasus! Something didn't add up.

Applejack chatted wildly with Vinyl Scratch in the course of their mission to retrieve the drinks, but all the while her mind puzzled over her amour. It would've been naïve of Applejack to assume that Rarity was demure and innocent in regards to flirting. Indeed it would have been downright stupid of her having witnessed such displays of coquetry in the past. However to see her do it in her very presence lit off a spark in the back of Applejack's mind. She felt the slightest twinges of stomach pain on seeing the long eyelashes flutter in the direction of Horte Cuisine. She wished to wreak terrible violence on any colt who tried it on with her. She longed to cling to her tight and not let her go, lest she trot off with the stallion she deserved.

'Look at what she's doin' to ya!' a voice piped up from the ether, 'Cryin' like a filly, makin' ya possessive as that mail-mare with her dang muffins...'

'And how do ya know she ain't like that? She did face off with Twilight after all.'

'Because she wants ya in the meantime. But what about in the future? What if she ain't fancyin' a future with a hopeless, jealous, inexperienced...'

“One bottle of Chateauhoof-du-Pape and two glasses of Gentlecolt Jack's Single Barrel Special?” piped up Xynomavro Grapes, the wizened old proprieter of the bar, who forced AJ from the battle in her subconscious a syllable before it descended into full-blooded war. Vinyl swooped with vulture-like speed on the booze ahead of her.

“Right here Xyno!” she called, yanking the wine and whiskey away in her forelegs with less care than necessary given the pricey nature of her cargo.

“What's the damage?” Applejack sighed as she turned back to face the old gentlecolt.

“For you Miss Applejack? No charge.”

“Now Xyno, ya'll know ah can't do that. 'Specially not tonight.”

“Your mistress needn't know about this you know?” said Xynomavro with a less-than-subtle wink across the bar.

“It ain't just that. Tonight's bein' paid for from the account,” AJ stated, her voice descending to a whisper, “You know, that account.”

Xyno took a minute to fully process the cryptic answer from Applejack. His jaw fell open as he grasped the full significance of what Applejack intimated through her secretive murmurings and slightly pained expressions.

“Dear Applejack! I'm stunned! Why, I reckon it must be the first time you've used...”

“It is,” AJ replied with haste. She leaned closer, her gaze never wavering from that of the aptly deep burgundy eyes of the wine connoisseur opposite, "And not another word 'bout it if ya please Xyno. Not even to Granny Smith. Ah know the two of ya chat like a couple 'a ol' suburban cows after a few glasses of your family's finest.”

Xyno stood upright and saluted with utter sincerity (though Applejack couldn't help but find the display mildly comical), “You have this old stallion's word. Now, the small matter of the bill...”

**********

Glass after glass of the finest wines and liqueurs were downed by the quartet as the night drew further in. The Cellars were still as packed as they were when the four walked in, and the smooth jazz emanating from the sound system – whilst not entirely to Vinyl Scratch's or Applejack's respective tastes and barely audible over the noise of the packed bar – still managed to contribute to the generally relaxed ambience of the occasion.

The four sat on somewhat well-worn leather sofas and chatted in their usual lively manner. Vinyl Scratch regaled the group with tales designed to embarrass her beloved cellist and draw the same raucous laughter that drew so many scowls in more uptight surroundings. Never one to be outdone, Octavia refuted Vinyl's memories and proceeded to counter-attack with equally awkward and amusing stories of the DJ she called her own. Yet not once did the sometimes-heated verbal sparring dissolve into bitter argument. It was clearly evident to all that in spite of these exchanges filled with occasional tinges of venom the two involved parties would never let anything past, present or future drive a permanent wedge between them. They were a shining example of the both the vague idea of the ideal couple and the old adage of opposites attracting. Both Applejack and Rarity couldn't help but feel deep admiration for the musical duo and wish the same for their own relationship.

“It took three unicorns and the help of Big Macintosh to unblock the drains after that!” Vinyl spluttered through paroxysms of laughter, bringing another of her long-winded anecdotes to a suitably vulgar conclusion.

Octavia lifted her ashen face from the table, the only one of the party not near doubled over in a fit of mirth, “That was your fault dear – you told me it was a rather mild dish. And to think that I used to like curry before that dreadful incident!”

“Ah remember Big Mac mentionin' somethin' like that. He spared your names though. Pretty sure that contributed to his refusal to deal with any more plumbin'.”

“And all this from the mare who can deal with Spike's ghastly chilli cocktail more than most?” Rarity contributed, all whilst dabbing away the damp trails where abundant tears of laughter had fallen through yarn after hilarious yarn.

“What can I say? You eat one of those and survive, you can deal with nigh on any spice known to ponykind.”

Vinyl composed herself somewhat, “I believe that story renders me victorious...”

“Oh no no no sweetheart. We haven't even begun,” Octavia said in a low drawl to accompany a toothy, mischievous grin, “We still have the alleyway tale for one.”

“I hoped you'd forgotten that one,” murmured Vinyl, her face flushing a deep shade of magenta.

“I never forget m'love,” Octavia stated with a flamboyant wink, “Especially not the way you violated that poor corner of Equestria...”

“Can we hold off on the tale for now though?” Vinyl Scratch interrupted with a pained expression gracing her blushing face, “The little fillies' room is calling my name and I don't wish you getting the facts wrong in my absence.”

“Dang. Ah was lookin' forward to that.”

“Don't worry dear Applejack,” said Octavia through a smug grin, “I'm sure the facts will be correct when they do indeed come out.”

Rarity chuckled loudly – unusual given her usual dislike for coarse humour. “I certainly hope so,” she said whilst getting up.

“And where are you goin' Mallow?” AJ queried as the dressmaker left her forelegs.

“The same place as dear Vinyl. A lady must powder her nose when the need arises after all, and the wine and hilarity have hastened that need.”

Applejack's eyes followed her Marshmallow all the way to the bathroom as she made her way through the throngs of conversing ponies in Vinyl's wake. She sighed slightly once her marefriend was out of sight and earshot, though the emission was barely loud enough for the pony opposite her to hear and not subtle enough to pawn off as a yawn.

“Is everything okay Applejack?” Octavia asked in a cheery yet concerned voice.

AJ, having briefly forgotten the presence of Octavia in her moment of silent admiration and mental anguish (her insecurities about her own inexperience worming their way back into full view in the lull in the night's revelry), forced the false smile to her lips once more.

“Peachy 'Tavia, thank ya for askin',” she responded in a perky tone she hoped would pacify the cellist.

“I hate to be so presumptuous, but it seems like you are quite awful at dispensing with...”

To her chagrin, it didn't. The voice in Applejack's head was displeased in particular by that line (as eloquently as it was put); 'Sweet Celestia, does every dang pony have ta mention that ah'm a terrible liar?!' it cried out in exasperation.

“Ah know.” Applejack interrupted before Octavia could fully join the legions of her friends who deemed her a liar of late, “It ain't nothin', really. Thanks for the concern though. Much appreciated.”

“It's okay. Though I cannot help but ponder whether something is troubled in the relationship between you and Rarity.”

The swig of the sublime Manehattan cocktail (with both dry and sweet vermouth, a rare combination but one she enjoyed immensely) she had imbibed as Octavia spoke froze in Applejack's throat. She coughed and spluttered loudly, gasped for air, all whilst wondering how the mare across the table had read her thoughts and actions with quite remarkable accuracy.

“I... I...”

Her mind stumbled from every possible half-baked explanation to the next, None seemed to fit.

“It... ya see... argh...”

'Tell her ya don't wanna be seen as a gold digger.'
'With you spendin' like Rainbow Dash at a Wonderbolt fan convention? That ain't gonna fly, if ya'll pardon the pun.'
'At least ah'm tryin', Luna dammit!'
'Not very well it'd appear.'

“Applejack?”

It was no use. She'd have to come clean with her seemingly ridiculous problem, envious paranoia et al. A long sigh escaped the cowpony's lips as she braced herself for a rant that'd leave herself vulnerable to all sorts of ridicule.

“Ah just can't get any of this. Why am ah feelin' so insecure even though ah know that Rarity feels so dang strongly for me? Why is it that ah feel like ah ain't good enough fer her? That she'll go off with that stallion she's always wished she would? Why...”

“Applejack,” Octavia said calmly, bringing the introspection to a halt before the self-loathing part could hit full-steam. AJ looked up.

“Is the first time you've experienced such feelings about another pony?”

Once more Applejack was flustered. “Ah dunno what yer on about 'Tavia,” she stated with some conviction. The furtive (and somewhat guilty) glances from side to side told the true story.

“Let's try another tactic,” Octavia muttered under her breath, not wishing to impugn the previous answer and further incur Applejack's ire, “Do you think that Vinyl Scratch and I would have been together for this long if we were to have let our insecurities get the best of us?”

AJ was puzzled by this “Ah ain't followin'.”

“We are as alike as Manedelssohn is to Deadhor5, and such a seemingly ill-fitted match brings a veritable potpourri of problems and worries. Even now I still worry that the DJ I love so much shall grow weary of me, that some day the 'harmless flirtation' she has mentioned before shall lead her astray.”

“So it ain't just me that's a worrier. Peachy...” Applejack whispered grimly, her utterances just loud enough to invoke a dirty look from the pony attempting to allay her fears.

“And yet here we are,” Octavia continued gamely, “One year on since our first tryst. If I had listened to those nagging voices, we'd have barely lasted a week. Trust me when I say that even the cool and calm Miss Scratch is no stranger to the merciless prodding of anxiety.”

Octavia leaned further across the table towards the pony whose visage now expressed a mix of mild relief and confusion.

“It's all about trust. Especially in a scenario as new, as... virginal as yours,” she finished with a knowing yet comfortable smile. Applejack swore she saw an outrageous wink as well, but was halted from pressing the issue by the return of two white unicorns.

“Hope ya ain't telling lies about me sweetie,” Vinyl said as she leapt across towards a smirking Octavia.

“I wouldn't dream of it.”

“Good. Now, who's all for another one before we dive into that damn alley story. It's only quarter past eleven after all.”

Applejack was startled by this mundane mention of the time. “Quarter past eleven? Dang, we gotta go!” she yelled out, grabbing Rarity by the forelegs and making for the door, “Sorry gals, urgent business. We've had a great night. Need to do it again another time. See ya!”

Before Rarity had the chance to even give the two lovebirds a farewell hug she was hauled off by her beloved out the grand oak door and out of sight. Octavia and Vinyl sat startled at the hasty departure of their companions for the evening.

Vinyl turned to her lover, “I imagine we should maybe think of making tracks shortly then?”

“Octavia!” a sing-song voice called out from the crowd. Yet it wasn't a completely cheerful calling of the cellist's name. Puzzled, Octavia and Vinyl turned and saw a mildly-miffed looking Lyra – accompanied by her beloved Bonbon as always – advancing on their position.

“Oh, I wouldn't say no to another,” Tavia said with relish, a smug smile growing on her face once more.

**********

Applejack and Rarity trotted off in near-silence. The unicorn was still baffled by the rapid nature of their exit from the Cellars. She felt that Applejack was acting incredibly bizarrely of late – the spending, the loud refusal to accept a free meal, the occasional air of awkwardness in the bar whenever the conversation reached an intermission and now the latest odd turn of events.

“Come on Rare! Ah don't wanna be late!” Applejack shouted back to the fashionista – she had failed to notice that AJ had raced ahead and built up a substantial lead over her.

“Where are we going? What don't you want to be late for?”

“Ah can't tell ya yet! Just move that flank!”

Rarity tore off in pursuit of the cowpony to no avail. She failed to catch up to her until the very last second, when Applejack suddenly reached an abrupt halt and gazed directly upwards.

“Applejack!” Rarity panted, her run having exhausted her, “What in Celestia's name is the meaning of this?!”

“Give it a minute.”

The cryptic answer did nothing to satisfy Rarity.

“What? No, I demand an explanation to all this.”

Applejack's eyes never flinched from the night sky. “Just wait, Mallow.”

“For what?” said Rarity, growing more exasperated by the second, “I mean, you're acting in such an unbelievably peculiar manner. I just don't...”

“There! Look up, Rare!”

Rarity was close to grabbing AJ by the hair and near-yelling in her face, until that moment that she took her marefriend's advice and looked to the skies. Against the jet black surface of space, one, then two, then twelve. Before she could draw breath, what seemed like hundreds of stars began shooting across the skies at breakneck speed. Trails of light lingered in their wake for the briefest moments, every one like a miniature Sonic Rainboom. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Rarity could barely believe her eyes.

“My word.”

“Amazin', ain't it?”

“It's... spectacular.”

“Ah know.”

Applejack and Rarity sat down, never drawing their eyes from the display high above – it hadn't occurred to the latter that Applejack's sprint had led them into the park and so the feel of cool grass against her flank came as a slight surprise.

“I can't believe Twilight never informed us before of this,” Rarity broke the awe-filled silence after what felt like eons of watching the meteorites hurtling across the horizon, “You know how she is about her astronomy.”

“Why would she? Ain't like she knew about it before today.”

“Excuse me?”

“Ah said it ain't like she knew before ah suggested it.”

Rarity wrenched her gaze from the skies to see Applejack looking at her with a slightly cocky grin.

“You're not making any sense Sugarcube,” she said plainly as Applejack shifted herself closer.

“Last week, when ah was outside after talkin' with Fluttershy, ah looked up at the sky to see the stars. They were sparklin', like light shinin' off diamonds in a mine. And it made me think of you. How you shine brighter than any of the gems down there below ground or any up there.”

Rarity could feel every ounce of vexation at AJ melting away as she listened to the words of the mare now inches away from her.

“When ya suggested we go on a date, and especially after all that nasty business with Twi, ah was determined to do this whole courtin' thing right. To make sure that mah first date,” AJ held up a hoof to prevent Rarity interrupting in regards to that understated revelation, “Our first date, went absolutely perfectly. So when we were in Canterlot we went to the palace, had a word with the princesses. Well, Twi mainly did the talkin' but ah digress.”

“They agreed to my little idea, sayin' that not only were they touched by our story and the lengths Twilight was goin' to to make it up to us, that we were two of their humblest servants and such a favour wouldn't be any trouble.”

Applejack tenderly caressed Rarity's face, forcing the cobalt eyes that were closed to prevent tears from falling open once more.

“Ah may not be the smartest, or best-lookin', or richest stallion or mare in Equestria,” Applejack said softly as she ran her hoof through her mare's mane, “But how many of them would make the stars fall for ya?”

Barely a heartbeat had passed between them before Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Applejack in a vice-like grip and planted her lips against AJ's. She was touched beyond all belief at surely the most romantic gesture ever visited on any pony. It was everything that Rarity had ever dreamed of experiencing from somepony and yet somehow still more. Applejack – one of the least romantically inclined ponies ever to have graced the streets of Ponyville – had pulled the most grandiose ending to a date in history out of the bag, all accompanied by a romantic line that wouldn't be out of place in the novels in which Rarity so often lost herself. All this from a pony on her very first date!

'At this rate, it shall be her only first date.'

Applejack pulled away as if to say something more, but not another word needed to be uttered. Rarity placed her hoof on her mouth gently and kissed her once more. She tried to put every sentiment, every gratitude, every gushing statement of humility and, yes, even declarations of love into that kiss, so that no more words need pass between them and ruin the perfection. All while the cosmic firework display continued unmolested in the heavens high above.

Chapter One - Let's Go to the Halt

“Buckweiser, Spirits...” the orange mare said to the barstallion, resignation and weariness heavy in her voice.

The stallion, High Spirits, performed a minor double take at the pony who had graced his humble bar with her presence.

“Why, Miss Applejack! A pleasure to see you again. Rumour had it that poor Ponyville had lost it's prodigal daughter, and yet here you are.”

Applejack smiled back at her old friend, “Nah. Let's jus' say that Dodge Junction couldn't handle the likes a' me.” High Spirits noticed her demeanour seemed tinged with a sadness he'd not often seen in Applejack. Normally the farm-mare would raucously regale him with boasts of how this year's batch of 'Granny Smith's 4X Hard Stuff' eclipsed the previous harvest's, and how it promised to knock the socks off anypony unskilled in the art of drinking. This usually before she'd even taken a sip of whatever beverage took her fancy on that occasion.

High Spirits quickly filled the young pony's order, placing her beer in front of her. To Applejack's surprise he also slid a glass of her favourite gutrot – Buck Daniels – onto the bar next to it. “That one's on the house. Welcome home AJ,” said High Spirits sympathetically before moving back down the bar and leaving Applejack to her drinks. It was the kind of gesture she had grown used to over the years. One of the heirs to the Sweet Apple Acres could expect the odd favour from Ponyvillians grateful for all the family had done for the town over the years. An Element of Harmony was also high on the social ladder in the small community – a fact her beloved friends could attest to. Combining this with her status as one of the most legendary rodeo ponies to come out of the area made her as near to Ponyville royalty one could possibly be without being an alicorn.

To Applejack's credit she never took advantage these connections the way other, less honest ponies would have. Whenever possible she paid her way even though it was no secret that her income was less than substantial. Indeed she took it upon herself to treat her fellow Elements to lunch occasionally. Not to mention her pledge to raise enough to fix the town hall.

At this thought she grabbed the bourbon and necked it in one swift move. It sent a most pleasant burn towards her stomach, warming her where moments earlier the freezing pang of disappointment struck mercilessly. She quickly replaced the glass in her hoof with the bottle of cool lager, shaking her head as one does after being caught in a shower to stop the smoky and overpowering flavour of the whiskey from overwhelming her. It had been too long since she had partaken in such liquors.

AJ glanced round the small room that consisted The Engineer's Halt, one of Ponyville's less salubrious drinking dens. Railway workers crowded round tables after a hard day's work. Occasional bursts of hearty laughter and raucous but good-humoured debate echoed through the bar as the groups of muscular stallions quaffed their well-deserved ales. In the corner a purple mare – Berry Punch they called her – knocked back glass after glass of wine. She was accompanied by a pony by the name of Carrot Top and a grey wall-eyed pegasus. No surprises there, thought Applejack as she fought back a smirk. It was said that the three in question were like a witches' coven, only with gin and cursewords replacing brews and hexes. The cackles often heard echoing through still nights as they stumbled from pub to pub only helped to confirm this.

The Halt had a homely air that Applejack had long admired. No matter how many fancy Canterlot cocktail bars she'd frequented with Twilight and the girls she'd always prefer a quiet one down at her local. The quietness would naturally vary upon the night in question. She had once come close to being barred after a ferocious altercation with a Diamond Dog which saw the beast in question forcibly ejected through the bay window at the front. It took some powerful magic from Twilight Sparkle and even more powerful persuasion from Fluttershy (how she did it Applejack still didn't know) to stop High Spirits calling the Royal Guards.

Applejack savoured the malty crispness of her beer. It had felt like an eternity since she'd been able to unwind with beer or whiskey (or indeed any kind of alcohol) as she'd always been wont to do. She'd sworn off the stuff around two months prior, when Applebloom and Big Mac encouraged her to do so during her strict training regimen for the All-Equestrian Rodeo. 'Fat lot of good it did me too,' she thought wryly.

This time the twin rush of frustration and shame was too irresistible for even the beer to control and Applejack laid her head on the bar disconsolately. It was all meant to be so different. To her, defeat was inconceivable. It was like the prospect of Fleetfoot losing the Wonderbolts Derby. It just couldn't happen! But ol' Applejack-of-all-trades couldn't turn in one event-winning performance. Sure, if the competitition (and prize money) was based on overall performance, she'd have maybe brought some much-needed bits back from Canterlot. That'd have been too simple though. Life had made Applejack work for what she had. Fortune wouldn't drop something that good into her hooves without squeezing her harder than the cider press squeezed the fruits of her labour.

Except in a way it did. Even after running off to far-off Dodge Junction, she was never alone. Her pride blinded her to what mattered, and what mattered to her were the five other ponies who trekked for miles to bring her home to where she belonged. Not even a high-speed chase through the blazing southern deserts made them think any less of her. Applejack's heart swelled as she thought of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy busting a gut to catch up with four stallions, Pinkie Pie nearly causing herself grievous harm just to speak to her face, Twilight explaining everything in her logical yet heartfelt manner, and Rarity...

A familiar yet unpleasant urge struck AJ in the lower abdomen. Were those butterflies back, she thought anxiously. No, she realised with growing relief. Just a desperation to reach the little fillies' room. No-one could deny that Applejack could drink with the best of them. A slightly darkened patch on the rear wall from where Rainbow Dash brought up several pints of cider and five shots of sambucka following their Running of the Leaves drinking contest was a constant reminder. None of the other girls were neither brave nor stupid enough to even attempt to keep up with the farm pony when the drink was in full flow. This ability to outlast even the most wizened old stallions in pursuit of bacchanalia came at a cost however, and it wouldn't be a night on the lash without at least ten visits to relieve herself. Applejack rose from her stool at the bar and turned towards the tiny bathroom at the very back of the small pub, only to come face to face with a familiar cotton-candy maned ball of energy.

“HI APPLEJACK!” came the high-pitched and excited greeting that startled Applejack so much that her flank soon found the unforgiving stone floor.

“Pinkie Pie, what in the hay are you doin' here?!” Applejack exclaimed, dragging herself up from the ground.

“Well, me and Rarity got back into Ponyville just as the sun was going down once we'd gotten the train from Canterlot and after she'd dealt with Dashie for leaving us in the desert we went and met Twilight and Fluttershy at the library and figured a welcome home drink would be in order and turned up at Sweet Apple Acres to get you and Mac said you weren't home but could probably find you in town and Dashie suggested we try here and now here I am!” she stated in a single breath, finishing with an exaggerated flourish of her eyelashes. Pinkie Pie's ability to cram so many words into a solitary sentence never ceased to astound Applejack. Much like her twitching and her hyperactivity, it was just a phenomenon that was to be accepted without question.

“That's all fine an' dandy, sugarcube, but where are the rest of them then?” asked Applejack, still startled at the veritable vichyssoise of verbiage just dumped upon her.

Pinkie's left forehoof gave an uncontrollable shudder and her jaw juddered from side to side for the briefest of moments, “Right there, silly!” she stated in her sing-song voice.

Applejack turned around in time to see the large wooden door swing open and a purple unicorn stride in, one who was beaming at the sight of the first pony she'd spoken to upon arriving in her new hometown. Fluttershy followed in her wake, apprehensive as always but with a small smile across her face. Her first glance at Rainbow Dash nearly caused AJ to buckle with laughter. The multi-coloured pegasus entered sporting a dress and bouffant that wouldn't look out of place at the Grand Galloping Galas of yore, and wearing a look of the utmost disdain at her appearance. Not even the dress she herself had sported for a dare with the fashionista could compare to the puffy monstrosity somehow forced onto Dash. A mental note was made never to drive Rarity to the point of such cruel vengeance. 'Rarity...' was the soft and almost longing call from deep inside the recesses of Applejack's mind, sated immediately by the sight of the glamorous mare entering the Halt with nary a hint of the usual contemptuous look she wore upon crossing the threshold.

“Gals! It's great to have ya'll here!” Applejack declared loudly, every ounce of the gloom she had entered the pub with earlier that evening having dissipated like a snowcloud at Winter Wrap-Up.

Twilight responded first, manner of factly as always; “Of course we'd be here, Applejack. What kind of friends wouldn't want to welcome their friend home with a...”

“A PARTY!” Pinkie squealed in interruption. Such loud enthusiasm drew some dirty looks from the three inebriated musketeers in the corner.

“A party would be a bit loud,” Fluttershy said in her trademark timid mutter. “A drink or two amongst friends would be downright lovely though.”

“Seconded. Urgh,” Rainbow Dash was visibly struggling with her dress and hair, trying with increasing frustration to remove the garish bows from atop her head. “Come on Rarity! This is just evil!”

Rarity snickered loudly. “Oh Rainbow, can't you see you look absolutely darling!” her words oozed with sarcasm, so much so that all ponies bar Rainbow Dash were at pains to contain their laughter. “And besides,” she continued with relish, “When I feel you've been a prim, proper and pretty pony, or you've repaid your debt in liquors, I'll lift the enchantment. And I'm sure you know I like the pricey ones.” AJ let a slight smirk grace her lips at the deviousness of this plan. 'So devilish, so inventive,' chimed the little voice in her head.

“Last time I nap outside Carousel Boutique,” Rainbow grumbled as she trod towards the bar and the first of the inevitable and relentless (yet never vindictive) jibes from High Spirits that he usually greeted his regulars with.

Applejack made as if to pull her friends in for a hug before the unpleasant urge fired through her body again. Excusing herself quickly she trotted off towards the bathroom as her friends crowded the bar. From the corner of her eye she could see the bartender grinning at her, likely at the sight of the Element of Loyalty in her 'finery'. A smile widened at the thoughts of a night of revelry, rowdiness and...

Her gaze wandered slightly towards the ivory unicorn mockingly and dramatically swooning over Rainbow Dash to the amusement of all. An uncharacteristic skip broke her gait. 'Yes, a night of that,' she thought with a twinkle in her eye.

Chapter Four - Any Port in a Storm

The small gathering in Carousel Boutique was in full sway – it was almost as if the intermission after the closing of the bar across town had never taken place. Stalliongrad's finest electronica echoed off the walls of the small shop as ponies gulped down copious quantities of Stalliongrad's equally fine vodka. After all, only the best would do for a mare of such refined tastes as Rarity.

Ponyville's most glamorous citizen reclined in her chaise longue whilst slowly savouring the port she had brought up from the cellar. Vodka did nothing for her. Even the most expensive and hard-to-find brands tasted like something that somepony had distilled in a bathtub. Maybe it was a remnant of her now-bygone wilder days. On nights in Canterlot's most prestigious nightspots (or more often the less fashionable clubs of her hometown) she regularly downed the clear spirit as she witnessed her friends doing presently. Twilight and Rainbow Dash occasionally teased her that beneath her prim and proper exterior flowed the booze-addled blood of a colt from the frozen northern wastes such was her love of the drink. In fairness she had found it difficult to argue with them.

Those days were long since behind her after the disaster that occurred following the shambolic Gala. The six friends ventured into one of Canterlot's premier cocktail bars soon after their hasty departure from the castle and spell in a donut shop. Still seething with indignation at her long-awaited encounter with the 'stallion of her dreams' (she scoffed at such an idiotic fantasy nowadays) Rarity proceeded to ingest a dangerous amount of Flim's and soda – an out-of-character move given the inexpensive nature of the beverage. What ensued was a display of drunken debauchery that should have graced the tabloids. A near-brawl between her and another famous fashion designer – 'the words 'two-bit hack' would have been the only printable ones,' she ruefully reminisced – followed by a most unladylike display of dancing on the bartop, a swear and innuendo-laced rendition of 'Hush Now, Quiet Now' on karaoke and an awkward conversation with Twilight Sparkle in regards to both unicorns' love life. If it weren't for the quick actions of Fluttershy and Pinkie in bundling her into the back of their carriage the petty vandalism of Blueblood Manor would have ended the night on a felonious note.

Nowadays moderation and sophistication were the order of the day when it came to drinking. The first watchword was more flexible to her – indeed at that very moment Rarity felt herself to be pleasantly pickled – but whatever the outcome of a night's boozing she would act with her typical grace and dignity. Out went the alcopops and cheap mixed drinks, to be replaced with more mature liquors. She had developed a taste for port and cognac. Her palate for wine grew more refined by the glass. She'd even grown fond of certain whiskies – so much so that she and Octavia had made overtures about a trip to the distilleries of far-off Clydesdale. 'If only that infernal pony would get off her high horse in regards to Jura malts,' she thought, glancing over in the general direction of the music.

As expected Octavia was there by the impromptu DJ booth. She was engaged in undoubtedly intellectual conversation with Cheerilee but every so often her eyes would wander towards a frenetic Vinyl Scratch – Rarity noted a spark of affection in those brief looks. In the corner of her eyes she could see Lyra and Bon Bon slinking off up the stairs. She was far too comfortable and a little too tippled to care as to what those inseparable ponies would do with some privacy. 'Not to mention that luxurious bed,' the voice in her head muttered in a most sordid fashion, forcing Rarity to stifle a giggle.

Returning to her observation she examined the couples dancing. Pinkie Pie threw herself around with her trademark enthusiasm all while trying to keep a hold of Rainbow Dash, the pegasus seemingly powerless to extricate herself from Pinkie's clutches. Not far away she saw Twilight in what could only be described as an imitation of the bucking bronco round of the Iron Pony competition. Unlike Dash with Pinkie, Spike actively clung for his life as he held Twilight firmly by the neck with one arm and clutched a bottle of tequila with his free hand. Rarity hated to admit it but Twilight was the single-worst dancer she had ever laid her eyes on. And that was when she was sober! Not even that infamous Cutie Mark Crusader talent show performance could compare with Miss Sparkle tripping the light fantastic in any state of inebriation.

Over in a part of the room less akin to a hoedown at Ponyville Sanatorium was a sight that caused Rarity's eyes to widen. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were moving with all the expertise of Moaning Minnie and Ginger Feathers themselves. They kept perfect time with the complex nature of the trance music pumping through the shop even whilst swaying and waltzing. Rarity was unsurprised at the elegance with which her spa companion moved – she was a fashion model for Celestia's sake – but the fleet-hoofed movements of the colossal and clumsy-looking stallion with her truly took her by surprise. It was akin to seeing Rainbow Dash silently lost in the countless works of Immortal Bard! She couldn't help but ponder whether such graceful movement was a trait all the Apple family inherited.

Rarity sighed as she took a swig of the dark burgundy liquid swilling around her glass. The rich, powerful flavours couldn't mask the heaviness in her heart. Here she sat in her fabulously decorated home, with friends that she treasured and some of the finest port known to ponykind, and yet she felt miserable for one seemingly insignificant fact. The fact that Applejack had yet to make an appearance at the Carousel Boutique that evening.

“What if she's been kidnapped by Diamond Dogs? We must rescue her at once!” came a panicked voice.

“Relax, darling. She's on her way. You know what she's like,” was the calmer and more rational response.

“Or maybe she's not coming at all.”

“Why would she do that?”

“The same reason she left for Dodge Junction. To get away from you.”

Rarity swallowed the drink hard in a vain attempt to silence the two elements of her psyche currently locking horns. It had been like that for months ever since she first entertained the prospect of something more than friendship with the farm pony. She could even pin that exact moment, a fact that surprised her given the hectic nature of her life at the time.

It was late, during that night at the Ponyville Library.

**********

Applejack and Rarity had reconciled their differences and lifted the smog of antagonism so as not to ruin poor Twilight's first experience of a sleepover. Fun had been the order of the evening once the 'tree through the window' problem had been solved and exhaustion took its' course as for the second time the three ponies lay their sleepy heads down for a night of slumber. Except for Rarity that rest never came. She sat bolt upright in the small bed Twilight had graciously provided. It had nowhere near the comfort level of her own four-poster but was adequate for its' temporary purpose. Moreover it was perfect to act as a makeshift psychiatrist's couch as she tackled the enigmas keeping her from rest. One of whom was snoring lightly in the bed next to her.

Rarity had long wondered what problems Applejack had with her. She had always tried to act amiable towards her but something hung over their conversations which led to the odd blazing row as demonstrated earlier.

“Maybe she finds your accent and manner too refined?”

The unicorn nearly laughed at the thought. It was a common misconception amongst her friends – and much of Ponyville in fact – that Rarity was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Whilst not impoverished by any means her upbringing was not the parade of débutante balls or garden parties with royalty that many seemed to believe. Her father was a mid-level manager at CanterBank, lucky enough to take early retirement upon the birth of his second daughter such was his fiscal prudence. Her mother was a former fillyhood theatre star with some lingering connections to the entertainment industry that occasionally threw some minor work her way. The manner of speaking and air of sophistication which she adopted was a result of heavy early exposure to wireless dramas of Jane Mare and the like, not to mention her love of Canterlot culture. No more, no less.

“Perhaps it is your success that bothers her?”

Another scoff. Surely Applejack of all ponies would appreciate a hard work ethic? Okay, her methods were distinctly different from hers – AJ was the sword to Rarity's pen. However both shared that desire to be the best in their field (or fields in Applejack's case). No, it couldn't be that.

“Could it be that she is jealous of your beauty?”

A barely audible titter escaped Rarity's mouth. 'There's a possibility,' she thought. She was one of the few ponies in the small town that turned heads wherever she went. Her mane was always groomed perfectly, her tail likewise. In terms of physique she kept herself in prime condition. Not to the extent of Rainbow Dash, but trim enough to maintain the curves that earned so many double takes. Whereas Applejack...

She turned her head and looked downwards at the orange earth pony, only to be taken aback with what she saw. How had she been so blind? Maybe the light of the moon played tricks with her mind, but all she could think was how stunning Applejack actually was. Her face possessed a softness that she must have overlooked due to the slightly gruff accent it usually accompanied. The few freckles on her cheek made her look a little filly-ish, a little more innocent. She had never been a fan of the colour green but coupled with her blonde mane her eyes made her stand out from the crowd – blonde ponies typically had blue eyes after all, but this change gave her a uniqueness. Through the covers she could make out the contours of her body. Powerful and muscular but with a femininity that belied her tomboyish nature. 'All that makes her a Rarity, don't you think?' her mind chimed in.

Rarity buried her head in her pillow at the terribly cheesy nature of that last thought. It was true though. Out of all the ponies she knew she couldn't think of any others that had that same alluring mixture of the plain and the peculiar. And it set her stomach aflutter in the way no pony had in as long as she could remember.

Over time these feelings only became stronger. The one-on-one dressmaking sessions allowed Rarity a chance to get to know Applejack better than she ever had. Outwith an incident where her wandering hooves had nearly caused a scene they went swimmingly. At the Gala and during her time with the oafish prince all she could do was compare and contrast him with the mare in the garden, dressed in the finery she had put so much love into and looking every bit as radiant as she hoped. That night in the back of the carriage she made a solemn vow to herself.

'No more subpar stallions,' her mind cried out, 'All I want is the complete bushel of Applejack!'

**********

Rarity snapped herself out of her trot down memory lane and lifted herself from her comfort, smiling as always but with pure determination flowing through her. She had to find the pony she wanted to spend the evening with – 'no, spend my life with!' she mused – no matter where in Equestria she was. Okay, she was maybe acting a little melodramatically, as she was known to do, but she couldn't care less.

“Where ya off to Rarity?” Spike drunkenly drawled, still draped over Twilight's back like a scaly leather saddle.

Rarity smiled back at the young dragon, “Just off out for some fresh air, Spikey Wikey,” she responded with an aloofness that betrayed the resolute nature of her task ahead, “Maybe see if I can spot our dear friend Applejack.”

She continued to the door at a casual pace so as not to arouse suspicion. Not that anypony would care what with their varying states of sobriety or – in some cases – the fact that they were wrapped in somepony's grasp (she shot a quick look at the ballroom-dancing sibling of her love to be certain of that). Reaching the door she took a quick yet deep breath bracing herself for what could be an arduous journey and even more difficult conversation if her liquid courage lasted.

Little did she know that on the other side of that door stood the pony that would consign those plans to the bin.

Chapter Seven - One Way to Cap Off An Evening

The first streaks of the palest blue and orange tinged the new dawn sky by the time that the shindig inside the dress shop had begun to wind down. The music – once so earsplitting – had descended to a mere hum in the background. Conversations that were previously so lively had now grown quieter and more intimate. Indeed, almost everypony could be considered to have 'coupled up' on first impressions.

Not everypony had however found themselves in close quarters with another. The major exception to the rule was that the hostess and the guest of honour were – to all intents and purposes – alone. In spite of both Rarity and AJ's private vows to declare undying love for one another during the course of the evening, both ended the night observing how the successful in the romantic sphere segregated themselves to a minor yet noticeable extent. The nervous tension between the two was palpable – so much so that even Octavia and Bon Bon (the least inclined to inquire into other ponies' private affairs) remarked upon the curious state of affairs. To Pinkie Pie's eternal credit she kept her otherwise over-active mouth firmly shut as she had promised Rarity, a fact which pleased and relieved the anxious unicorn.

This oddness was not helped by the fact that both parties persistently seemed to shun the others' company in a room where everypony else was off in a grouping of sorts. Rainbow Dash (still somewhat dazed by the display of desire visited upon her previously) lay in Pinkie Pie's lap drifting in and out of consciousness, almost perfectly mirroring the musical duet of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia across from them. Fluttershy had long since surrendered to slumber and rested her head against Big Macintosh. Lyra and Bon Bon had slunk off into a corner and fully abandoned any sense of etiquette with increasingly nauseating displays of bleary-eyed public affection. Even Twilight Sparkle and Cheerilee were huddled together in one of the corners chatting quietly. It seemed that Spike's dilemma over his oldest friend's apparent interest was simple enough to resolve – it was the mere drunken longing of her libidinous side, seeing how her eye quickly wandered once Spike had keeled over and blacked out following one slammer too far.

Both Applejack and Rarity kept active and apart however, constantly wandering around and performing menial tasks such as clearing bottles and glasses away or drinking even more to try and settle the hornets' nests that took the place of the traditional butterflies. Much of their thought at this time was occupied with how to declare their love to one another. Such a process seemed to be made more difficult by the still-lingering preconceptions both held in regards to the other's notions of romance.

AJ was inexperienced in affairs of the heart. She had always believed that she had never the time nor patience for such trivial pursuits. Not to mention that romance and all its' supposed trappings seemed infinitely too feminine and phony to her. All she wished she could do was walk up to Rarity, look her in the eye and tell her in the plainest verse possible that she loved her. Simple as that.

'Y'all know ya can't do that,' hissed the increasingly impatient voice in her head. Applejack reluctantly agreed with this thought. It was no secret that Rarity was one of the last of the hopeless romantics. She was well-versed in the works of Immortal Bard. Her music collection consisted mainly of power ballads and songs sung by mares written apparently for the sole purpose of bringing the listener to tears. 'Hay, her favourite damn holiday is Hearts and Hooves Day!' the voice crowed, further consigning any notions of a simple confession to history. Such a simple expression would not win her beloved's heart. This would take something a little more elaborate and idyllic than AJ was used to.

Rarity on the other hand knew everything there was to know about romance. Her whole purpose in life was to find the pony of her dreams and live as the princesses in her fillyhood stories had done. Not even her passion for fashion could eclipse the deepest desire burning within her to find that happily ever after. Granted that for the longest time she had believed that only a stallion of such social standing as the loathed Prince Blueblood could ignite that flame, but her necessity to woo (or be wooed by) that one kindred spirit with unbridled affection stood resolute even with the discovery that she loved one of her own gender.

'Don't be absurd,' chuckled her subconscious, 'This is Applejack we are talking about. Applejack!'

She sighed as she loathingly accepted this unfortunate truth. If there was one pony in the whole of Equestria that would detest a grandiose announcement of fondness it was Applejack. She was unflinchingly simple – indeed it was one of the aspects of her personality that Rarity loved the most. Unfortunately every scenario that she had conjured up would likely intimidate or alienate AJ. Toning it down would be the only way to convey what she felt and not chase the cowpony off.

“How am I going to do that?” both ponies whispered. To the casual observer it could be said that the utterance was in near perfect unison.

**********

A loud snore woke the pair of ponies from their troubled thoughts. Indeed, everypony in the room turned to face the source of the unnaturally loud noise – none other than the elegant and graceful Fluttershy who had buried her face even deeper in her coltfriend's shoulder. A low, slow-burning chuckle reverberated around the room.

“I would think that now would be an opportune time to head to bed,” Octavia whispered, careful not to wake the drooling DJ soundly asleep in her forelegs.

Cheerilee stifled a yawn.“Yeah, I think now would be a good time to head for home,” she said to a barely hidden moan of despondency from Twilight Sparkle. In a typically overblown fashion, Rarity protested.

“At this hour? I couldn't possibly allow that! I'm sure I have some spare bedding, and I'd be positively insulted if you were to leave now,” the unicorn pouted. With that expression not a single pony would dare question or refuse her demands – a fact further established by everypony's nods of approval, reluctant or otherwise. As Rarity walked towards the storage cupboards in the back of the shop, she was struck by an idea of such brilliance that she questioned how she couldn't have possibly come across it before.

With a little trouble – due to the incalculable number of drinks she had sank that night having a slight effect on her magical ability – Rarity had fetched blankets and pillows galore and doled them out to everyone present who took advantage of the plentiful comfortable spots and lay down for the night. With one omission.

“Nothin' fer me Rare?” Applejack questioned jokingly, but with the tiniest noticeable twinge of unease behind it.

Rarity delved deep into her reserve of acting skill to imitate a face of sheer remorse. “I'm so sorry AJ, but I seem to have run out of spares...”

“That's okay sugarcube. Ah'm sure the walk back ta Sweet Apple Acres ain't too bad this time a' morn.”

'Not the reaction you hoped for, genius,' the voice in Rarity's head stated with sarcastic zest.

“Wait!” Rarity exclaimed before Applejack could even take so much as a step towards the door. “We're both somewhat awake, and have experience of sharing a bed if we grow weary enough. How about you come upstairs with me?”

A loud, high-pitched laugh rent the rapidly descending awkward silence in two. Rarity and Applejack's faces both shone red as they looked over at the source of the chuckle. Pinkie Pie lay still with her arms around the comatose Rainbow Dash, as if the loud laugh had come from some completely alien source. Both looked at each other a little more relaxedly than before. It seemed that the pink angel of fate had helped to shatter the sheet of ice between them.

“Well, AJ?” Rarity said with the tiniest intimation of trepidation.

“Ah... ah'd love ta.” AJ said breathlessly, taking the unicorn's offered arm jokingly and marching up the stairs. 'Subtlety certainly ain't ya strong point tonight,' she thought bitterly.

Neither noticed the shaking figure of Pinkie Pie struggling to contain her excitement at the sudden potential turn of events.

**********

The bedroom of the Carousel Boutique was tidier than usual. The dressmaking supplies and pony mannequins had been cleared away earlier in one of Rarity's fits of supposed brilliance whilst planning another way to tell a certain pony how she longed to be hers. The preparation had naturally faltered and she scrapped the idea.

'Thank Celestia for my natural sense of preparedness,' Rarity gratefully reflected whilst walking slowly into her room.

Applejack followed hesitantly, her mind abuzz at the gravity of the situation. Here she was stepping into Rarity's inner sanctum. She had been here before. On that occasion it was with friends, trying their damnedest to comfort the near-hysterical fashionista. Now it was just the two of them, like all of those dress-fitting sessions before...

'Tha's all it is. Like one of them chats from before. Forget the tension,' was the calm voice that expressed her much-needed epiphany. She strode in with a new-found confidence and flounced down onto the couch in the corner.

“Would madame care for a nightcap?” Rarity asked, the nerves evident in her voice. It was a little seen quality of hers that Applejack always found rather endearing.

“When would ah ever refuse a drink, Marshmallow?”

Rarity shivered at the mere mention of that nickname.

'Where in Luna's name did that come from? Where are all the nerves from earlier?!' Rarity thought, every bit the fearful and giddy schoolfilly that had fallen head over heels for the dreaded Blueblood. And yet, the same electricity that pulsed through her when she had recalled that very word earlier crushed any hint of worry.

In Applejack she had noticed a new confidence as soon as she had crossed the threshold of her room. Perhaps Pinkie Pie was indeed right – maybe the love of her life reciprocated. Maybe all her worry had been for nothing. No matter how she said what she needed to, the orange pony reclining across the room for her would accept every word. She'd be touched by her declaration, no matter how flowery the prose or dramatic her gestures were.

With that thought, the weight of the world was lifted from Rarity's delicate shoulders.

“I believe this finest liqueur is around our speed, dear,” the unicorn said, reaching into a small drinks cabinet and retrieving a bottle of Gentlecolt Buck's Single Barrel Special. Applejack's eyes lit up at the sight of the exquisite hoof-blown bottle containing bourbon of the deepest mahogany.

“Rarity, how in the hay did ya get this?” Applejack stammered incredulously, “This stuff's near a hundred bits a bottle!”

“It's only money, AJ. And I am a pony of the most refined tastes after all.”

“But ya'll don't even drink bourbon.”

“Everypony should try everything once. Not to mention that it is good to have something when entertaining the most distinguished company,” Rarity said, hardly disguising the innuendo in her voice. Applejack smiled suggestively as she headed back towards the sofa whilst Rarity moved towards her gramophone. Antiquated as it was Rarity felt it possessed more gravitas than the typical modern record player.

“How about some music?” the unicorn suggested, looking over at AJ with the slightest hint of seduction in her gaze. It was a look that made Applejack struggle to contain the mildest nerves lurking below her recently acquired confidence.

“If ya'll wish it so.”

Rarity turned her back to the sofa and rifled through her record collection, grinning as she whipped out albums of Prince Soul and Doctor Love. Music sure to stir even the heart ('and loins,' her conscience muttered in a salacious tone) of even the most emotionless of ponies she speculated, starting up a record and walking slowly to her would-be inamorata.

**********

It was just like old times. They chatted of days gone past, of the hilarity of the evening. Particular time and detail was spent on their recollections of Twilight Sparkle and the smooch between Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. As much as Rarity wished to press the issue, the topic of Fluttershy and Big Macintosh's budding courtship was avoided. Nonetheless the two ponies laughed and gabbed away as if the night's drama were a mere dream.

The whiskey was unlike anything Applejack had ever tasted before. Smoky and rich as all bourbon was, but with hints of more refined flavours sneaking through. Vanilla, caramel and chocolate were but a few of the tints that tickled her palate. She also swore she could make out the flavour of a particular campfire treat amidst it all. It was almost as if Celestia had enchanted the bottle to uncover the drinker's profoundest needs.

The conversation came to a natural lull around the time that another song had finished. Rarity suddenly recalled a moment from earlier in the night, and felt the time opportune to test a theory she had hoped was true. With a magical flourish the record was changed to a Queenie Rosa album.

“Applejack?” Rarity tenderly asked, to which Applejack nodded, “Would you... dance with me?”

As the band playing through the horn of the record player started with a bombastic flourish, Rarity held out a hoof. With a hint of reluctance, AJ placed hers in the soft manicured one of her counterpart. She placed a forearm at an acceptable length from the unicorn as Queenie began to sing.

“If... it... takes forever,
I will wait for you.”

Rarity and Applejack began to move delicately across the lilac floor of the boudoir, keeping perfect time with the piano arpeggios underpinning the slightly husky voice emanating from the record player.

“So I guess my theory was true then,” Rarity murmured in a smug tone.

“And what theory was that, pray tell ma'am?” responded Applejack.

“That all Apple family members can dance magnificently.”

Applejack blushed lightly, but still enough to illuminate her cheeks.

“Yeah, ah guess we... we can,” AJ said, her voice cracking ever so slightly.

Rarity felt a disturbance within her dance partner, “Something wrong darling?”

A solitary tear ran down Applejack's face. “Nah. Nothin' ah wanna talk about at the moment at least...”

“Till you're back beside me,
Till I'm holding you...”

The unicorn pulled the earth pony ever closer, embracing tenderly but never missing a beat as they drifted around the room. Rarity felt the warm cheeks against hers as she leant on Applejack. Her chin nestled into AJ's shoulders and she nuzzled the warm fur of Applejack's neck gently. The stench of whiskey from their breaths was nothing compared to that familiar, intoxicating aroma of apples that emanated from the farm-mare. The scent that drove Rarity wild.

“Anywhere you wander,
Anywhere you go.
Every day, remember,
How I love you so...”

Both Applejack and Rarity pulled their heads back slightly and looked again into each others' eyes as they had resolved to do.

A spark! That same spark from earlier. There was no mistaking that familiar jolt that rocked each body to its very core. The 'thunderbolt' that had struck Applejack during that fitting session so long ago, the arrow through Rarity's heart when she really looked at her companion for the very first time during that sleepover, the shudder through the two connected souls felt as they lay on the hard dirt of the Ponyville street. Not even Discord could change what they felt, what they knew.

“The clock will tick away the hours,
One by one.”

The two ponies moved tentatively, inch by inch towards each others' muzzles...

“And the time will come
When all the waiting's done.”

The warm, booze-soaked breaths tickled each others' cheeks...

“The time when you return
And find me here and run,”

Their lips brushed softly, each pony trembling slightly...

“Straight to my embrace, so safe from harm...”

With one final push past the last lingering bastion of doubt, Applejack and Rarity pressed their lips together with equal measures of passion and pure devotion. It wasn't a drunken fumble as anypony could have imagined. Indeed the alcohol in their systems seemed to lose all effect as glee and desire filled every pore. Every nerve ending in their bodies yelled out in triumph. Both ponies rocked slightly as if a tsunami had washed over them at this electric force flowing through them.

Only to come together more fiercely in a kiss neither would soon forget.