Stories

A hard day’s work is always rewarding. Taking time to relax is just as fulfilling. Applejack never got too much time to herself, seeing that she saw to Sweet Apple Acres almost twenty-four seven. Sometimes a mare just needs space to let go and be herself. Although she was a hard-working country earth pony to the core, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have more to her.

Being such a hard-working and reliable pony meant something. It didn’t just mean what everypony saw, it meant living up to certain expectations and to a certain picture. It meant living on one side of the coin. On the rare occasions she got time off, Applejack could let loose and relax.

“Applejack!” a white unicorn approached the orange earth pony, “How are you doing dear?”

“Well Rarity, I’m doin’ quite-“

“Shouldn’t you be be up at Sweet Apple Acres bucking apples? It is that time of year is it not?” Rarity interrupted, albeit cordially.

“Considerin’ what happened the last time I worked non-stop buckin’ apples by myself, Big Macintosh thought it would be good for me to take my time off.” Applejack said.

“Well you sure deserve it Applejack.” Rarity was just about to walk off before turning around to invite the country pony for a cup of tea at the café. “Twilight was supposed to join me today, but she is helping poor old Fluttershy find some lost chickens.”

“Much appreciated Rares, I have some time to spare before my appointment.” Applejack said, joining Rarity as the two walked off towards the Ponyville Café.

As the two ponies reached the café and found their seats outside a waiter came up rolling a large silver cart in front of the pair, the cart full of an assortment of different loose-leaf teas and a steaming kettle resting on a hot-pad on top. After choosing from the wide array and being poured their teas, Rarity chuckled before taking a sip from her cup.

“I would have never thought to see sompony such as yourself enjoying a nice cup of tea like this.”

Slightly annoyed by her friend’s oblivious yet well-intentioned comment, Applejack responded to it matter-of-factly,

“We may be complete opposites, but that don’t mean I don’t enjoy doing some girly frilly stuff once in a while.”

“And I’m not saying that this is girly and that you don’t enjoy being a mare once in a while darling, but you’re so… tom-boyish that – well, sometimes it seems that Applebloom almost has two brothers instead of just one.” Rarity said, trying her hardest not to sound mean.

“Didn’t we resolve this here topic at Twilight’s first slumber party?!” Applejack said, her voice rising and her face showing a mix of annoyance and hurt.

“We did, and I apolojize for saying such a thing. It’s just that-“

“All you ever see is a rough-an’-tumble country pony who takes work over fun any day.” Applejack stood up from the table and sighed, “Thanks for the tea Rarity, but I better get goin’ before I’m late for my appointment.”

Before Rarity could do anything, the earth pony walked away from the table towards her original destination.

________________________________________________

*Brrrriiinng!*

“Ah, Applejack!” said a pink earth pony with a blue mane, as she moved from behind her desk to greet Applejack, “We only see you at the spa once a year, you should come more often. Working on a farm day-in and day-out must wear you down.”

“Thanks” Applejack said to Aloe as she cloaked the country pony in a white robe.
Taking off her iconic cowpony hat, Applejack followed Aloe and her twin sister to the back of the spa towards a giant wooden hot-tub.

Settling into the pool of water, the earth pony let out a long sigh and sank lower as she let the warmth run deep into her
bones, allowing the steaming water to relax her tense muscles.

“Applejack?”

Immediately the earth pony froze in place and looked up, only to be met with the face of a very apologetic Rarity. “May I join you?”

“I don’t see why not.” Applejack snorted, “Never thought to see me in a place like this either?”

Rarity stepped into the hot tub and inched herself closer to her friend.

“Applejack, I’m really sorry for what I said, it was wrong of me. Sometimes I forget that ponies are more than just one-sided.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Applejack said brooding.

“You may be a tom-boy and have a tough shell, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a mare with feelings too. Even you deserve to act ‘girly’ once in a while.”

Easing up, Applejack wrapped her hooves around the unicorn and held her in a tight embrace.

“You know, you may be a superficial drama queen-“

“Hey!”

“but even you have more to ya’ than what other ponies see.”

“Thanks Applejack.”

“You too Rarity.”

The two friends let themselves go and sat there relaxing in the spa side by side.

“Hey girls.”

Looking up both Rarity and Applejack were surprised to see Twilight Sparkle here.

“Twilight?” Rarity and Applejack said in tandem, “What’re you doing here?”

“Would you mind if Fluttershy and I join you?” the purple unicorn said walking into the steaming water ignoring the question.

“Fluttershy is with you?” Rarity asked.

Joining the other three, the yellow pegasus squeezed in between Twilight and Rarity.

“So what are you two doing here?” Applejack inquired, “Weren’t you two off searchin’ for chickens?”

“Well…” Fluttershy started.

“It’s a long story.” Twilight finished.