A Terrible Reason To Be Unhappy

by Lion

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Slice of Life
Length: 33221

Applejack loved Rarity, and Rarity loved Applejack; That was the truth. That was what mattered.

Applejack shook her head. Nearly two years of love, and Rarity was just throwing it away. Maybe she wasn’t happy, and maybe Applejack wasn’t happy either, but an Apple never just threw in the towel when the going got tough; an Apple fought tooth and nail for what was right, for what they knew was the truth.

Applejack loved Rarity, and Rarity loved Applejack; That was the truth. That was what mattered.

With Brainstorming, PreReading and Editing help from SleepIsforTheWeak, Midnight herald, and SpeedOfLight.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/6MrWqNZ.png[/img]

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-09 03:24:20 UTC

*Sigh* In three weeks, I will regret this...

*Sigh* In three weeks, I will regret this...

Rarity hiccupped as she put down her cider mug, a small bubble escaping her mouth and popping in the air in front of her face. Blushing, she scanned her surroundings to see if anypony had noticed; Applejack was lying on her back on a hay bale, making whooshing motions with her forelegs; Rainbow Dash slapped her knee enthusiastically as she laughed at a joke Pinkie Pie told; Twilight and Fluttershy were dancing enthusiastically – albeit sluggishly – in the center of the room in such a fashion that Rarity found herself wondering if Twilight wasn’t giving an impromptu lesson in the finer points of public embarrassment.

Most importantly, though, no one had seen her hiccup. Rarity gave a sigh of relief immediately before she felt the cider coursing through her system. Realizing she had some business to attend to, Rarity silently excused herself from Applejack’s barn and made her way over to the farmhouse.

The night air was crisp and chilly, and Rarity had to admit that she was excited to get her fall fashions back out, not to mention winter being right around the corner. She’d gotten no less than ten new pairs of boots on shopping trips over the summer, and it was driving her positively mad that she had to wait so long to finally get to show them off.

Of course, there was another perk to come with the winter; Applejack, her marefriend, had agreed to let her help ‘winterize’ the barn, as she called it, and Rarity had plans for it; Oh such plans she had. By the time she was done, she was sure nopony would even recognize the dilapidated old building, as it would be transformed into the most beautiful barn this side of Canterlot.

Having completed her mission to the little filly’s room, Rarity left the farm house and made her way back to the barn. Of course, winter would mean some other things she was much less looking forward to; Applejack would  track snow all over her nice carpets, as she did every winter. Applejack would come over and snuggle up close to Rarity under her quilt, and then sneeze just as Rarity was about to fall asleep, as she did every time she caught a cold due to her insistence on working even on the most blustery of days. Applejack would refuse to wear proper winter attire while escorting her to the annual New Year’s Ball in Canterlot, just as she would for every other important social occasion of every season.

Rarity shook her head. She’d long ago given up on trying to change Applejack; After all, if Applejack was not so thoroughly inconsiderate and irritating in so many aspects of life, she wouldn’t be Applejack, and she wouldn’t be the pony Rarity loved. It was hard sometimes, sure, but Rarity went to bed each night knowing she had the most dedicated marefriend in all of Equestria, a pony who would do anything for her when push came to shove, and for whom she herself would do anything in return; even if it meant getting her hooves a little dirty.

Rarity reached the barn and opened the door with a burst of magic, entering quickly and closing it behind her.

“And then Rarity said ‘But Applejack, I want to be the little spoon. I like it when you hold me in your big, strong legs.’ It was, honest to goodness, the most adorable thing.”

Rarity froze. She turned to look over at the hay bale and saw all of her friends gathered around in a semicircle, positively enraptured as Applejack drunkenly regaled them with the tale of two nights past. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughed uproariously. Even Twilight and Fluttershy were giggling obnoxiously into their hooves… And at the center of it, Applejack was laughing as well.

Laughing at her.

Rarity felt a hot wave of anger sweep across her mind. Taking a deep breath, she strode over to the hay bale to have a word with her marefriend.

“Welcome back, my little marshmallow!” Applejack shouted as she threw her hooves around her, nuzzling her nose into the crook of Rarity’s neck. Rarity pulled her off the hay bale and set her on her hooves with a stern look.

“Applejack, I need to have a quick chat with you.”

Applejack’s eyes drifted apart for a moment before refocusing to look into Rarity’s. She blinked, and then appeared to finally process her statement. She chuckled and turned back to the rest of the group for a moment. “Uh oh, looks like the missus is cross with me. I better go see what she wants.”

Rarity ground her teeth as she led Applejack over to the side of the open room.

“What’s wrong, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, lazily bumping her flank into Rarity’s.

Rarity harrumphed and put on her best ‘This is serious’ face. “Applejack, I do not appreciate you telling stories like that to our friends.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Oh c’mon Rares, would you loosen up a bit? It was cute, and I just want them all to know how much I love ya.”

Rarity took a deep breath and rubbed her temples. “That is not the point. The fact is, what we do in our private time is our own business, and it is none of theirs.”

Applejack had the nerve to giggle in response. “Are you actually mad about this?”

“Yes, Applejack, I am!” Rarity said, voice rising slightly. Rarity noticed with displeasure that their friends over by the hay bale were all staring at them. They were trying to hide it, of course, but they were doing a very poor job of it. Perhaps she should have gone outside to have this conversation…

“That’s your problem, Rares! You take everything too seriously!” Applejack said, her posture straightening as her own voice raised to match.

“Well I think it is you who does not take things seriously enough!” Rarity said, pressing her forehead into Applejack’s.

To Rarity’s surprise, Applejack backed up, but did not lower her voice. “Rarity, this is dumb. Let’s go back to the party.”

“It is not dumb!” Rarity yelled back. Her friends might have been trying to hide their stares before, but by now they had dropped all pretense of not paying attention. So be it, Rarity thought, let them all see what it is I have to deal with every day. “You don’t respect me, or my wishes! It costs you precisely nothing to keep such stories to yourself, you know how much it means to me that you do, and yet you don’t care!”

Applejack regarded Rarity with a look of shock. She stood there for a moment, jaw hanging open, lips trembling, and gaze slowly falling to the floor before she leaned back and fell onto her rump. Rarity scowled at her across the silence for several long moments before Applejack finally spoke up. “... I’m sorry, Rares. I didn’t realize you felt that way. I… You know I respect you. I love you more than… Umm… I’m a little drunk to be comin’ up with metaforks–”

“–CoughcoughMetaphorscough–”

Rarity ignored Twilight’s interruption as Applejack continued, “–but you know I love ya, and I hold nothin’ but the upmost–”

“–CoughcoughUtmostcough–”

“–respect for ya. I didn’t mean t’make ya upset, I just… I love ya so much, and sometimes I can’t keep it all in. I’m sorry.”

Rarity sighed as Applejack finished. “It’s alright… I suppose I understand, it must be hard to hold in your love for a pony as wonderful as myself.” Rarity smiled as Applejack chuckled, then reached out a hoof to help her marefriend up. Applejack accepted the help and got back to her hooves, then moved in to pull Rarity into a hug.

“Thanks, Rares. I promise, no more embarrassin’ stories.”

Rarity ran her hooves through Applejack’s mane and squeezed her tight. “It’s alright. Let’s just get back to the party.”

“Alright,” Applejack said.

Rarity noticed her friends all look away as she started walking back towards them, feigning conversation with each other in an attempt to cover up their eavesdropping. Rarity decided to let it slide as she scooped up her mug from earlier and headed to the keg.

“Besides,” Applejack giggled as Rarity opened the spigot and filled her mug, “It’s not like I told them about the time Sweetie Belle found your ‘toy box’ under the bed–”

Rarity’s face turned crimson in a flash as she dropped her mug and turned to stare wide eyed at Applejack, cider spilling out onto the floor.

“–and asked us how you play with a ‘PulseMaster5000’!” Applejack rolled onto her back laughing, completely oblivious to the five ponies staring at her. She continued laughing as tears began to spring from her eyes, deep hearty guffaws ringing out around the whole barn.

Rarity’s whole face burned red. Slowly Applejack’s laughter began to grow quieter. She wiped her tears away and opened her eyes to see her friends all looking at her through the last vestiges of her chuckling. “Uh… why’s everypony lookin’ at me?” she asked. Receiving nothing but more stares as an answer, she suddenly slammed her hooves to her muzzle and gasped. “Oh no… Did I think that out loud?”

It took nary a moment for Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to join Applejack on the floor, supplying a new round of ecstatic laughter. Fluttershy immediately attempted to hide behind her mane, but Rarity could see her blushing almost as much as she was. Twilight gave a confused expression for a moment before her eyes lit up in realization and she joined Fluttershy in a contest to see who could shrink out of existence first.

Applejack saw all this and turned to look at Rarity, face pale as she’d ever seen it. “Uh… Oops.”

“Wow Rarity,” Rainbow interjected between bursts of laughter, “is AJ not putting out yet? I can’t believe you’d need that much relief!”

“OOPS!?” Rarity shrieked, leaping at her marefriend and pushing her muzzle right in front of her face. “OOPS!? That is it, Applejack, I am done with this!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean ta say that, it just slipped out!” Applejack looked positively stricken as she slumped back into the floor, rubbing her hooves together.

“I don’t care! You never mean it, and yet you always find some new way to humiliate me!” Rarity yelled before drawing back and stomping away toward the barn door.

“Rares, wait!” Applejack called as she scrambled to get up to her hooves again, stumbling as she did. “Please, I’m really sorry!”

“Sometimes sorry isn’t good enough!” Rarity called back as she reached the door and flung it open with her magic, taking a step outside.

Applejack chased after her with all the coordination her drunken hooves could muster. As she reached the doorway she tripped again and fell flat on her face. Picking herself back up, she saw Rarity making her way down the hill at a brisk pace. Applejack charged forward again, catching up to her in seconds.

“Please, Rarity, you gotta forgive me,” she pleaded.

“I have ‘got’ to do no such thing, Applejack,” Rarity said without so much as turning her head.

“Where are you going?” Applejack asked through the lump in her throat.

“I’m going home,” Rarity said as she stopped and slowly turned to see Applejack standing, looking at her in much the same way she looked at the menu at a Prench Cafe. Rarity looked directly into her eyes and leveled her voice as best she could. “I recommend that you do not follow me,” she said, and turned her back on her marefriend, leaving her standing out in the cold air of the orchard and trotting quickly up the path back to town.

Applejack awoke the following morning with what felt like the fangs of a timber wolf attempting to gnaw their way out of her head. “Celestia can raise and lower the sun at will, but she can’t put a durn dimmer switch on the thing…?” she groggily complained as she rolled away from the beams of light coming in through her window. Applejack didn’t like being asleep past dawn, but if there was ever a morning she was glad to be caught up on all the farm work, it was this one.

Applejack slowly crawled out of bed as she remembered the events of the previous night. Again she’d managed to do something stupid to offend Rarity, and again she was in the dog house for it. She heaved a heavy sigh as she made her way across her room to the door, each creak of the floor boards testing the upper limits of her considerable tolerance for pain.

The smell of food wafting up from the kitchen was enough to turn Applejack’s stomach as she crossed the hallway to the washroom. With any luck Big Mac would have started a pot of coffee by now, and there’d be some left for her by the time she got out of the shower.

Applejack glanced over to the mirror as she turned the knobs of the shower, the water hissing to life and bringing a soothing blanket of steam to the room with it. Applejack regarded her reflection with exhaustion. Her mane was a mess, her eyes were bloodshot with deep circles under them, and her fur was full of dirt and individual hairs that had been bent against the grain. It would take a lot of work to make herself look presentable, but she’d do it. For Rarity.

Applejack sighed again as she stepped into the shower, letting the hot water roll over her face and back. She grabbed a bar of soap and rubbed it between her hooves, and began to run the sudsy brick over her face. “Stupid Applejack, ya just can’t keep yer mouth shut,” she chastised herself through her headache. The worst part was that she couldn’t even write this off as a stupid mistake, not really; It was more of a systemic issue by now. A cycle, at least; She’d say something stupid to upset Rarity, Rarity would run home in a huff, Applejack would go buy flowers and apologize in the morning, and Rarity would forgive her. If nothing else, at least it was predictable… Applejack knew what she had to do, and she would do it, just like she always did. For Rarity.

Applejack stepped out of the shower and dried off with a towel before taking extra care to brush out her mane and coat and donning her hat to head down the stairs.

To her great relief, there was indeed a pot of coffee, and it was even still warm. She poured herself a mug and a glass of water and sat down at the kitchen table while she took alternating sips. Slowly her headache began to subside, but between the dehydration of her hangover and the stress of having hurt Rarity again, she still felt more or less like death warmed over. She silently thanked Celestia that nopony else seemed to be in the farm house. Applebloom must have been at school, she thought, and Granny was probably asleep in her rocker on the porch. No doubt Big Macintosh was already out in the field looking for something to accomplish with his day, Applejack would have been happy to join him if she didn’t have to deal with her own problems.

Applejack let her forehead hit the table as she continued to think about it. On the plus side, she’d bought enough bouquets at Roseluck’s flower stand recently that her punch card was filled, meaning she’d be able to get this one for free; On the down side, she’d bought enough bouquets at Roseluck’s flower stand recently that her punch card was filled, meaning she’d be able to get this one for free.

Applejack lifted her head enough to let it fall and produce a satisfying thwack, which she immediately regretted as it summoned back the last vestiges of her headache. She downed the rest of her beverages and made her way to the farmhouse’s back door, quickly trotting toward the town.

Applejack panted heavily as she reached the front door of Carousel Boutique, pulling the bouquet of purple hyacinths into her hooves so she could breathe easier. She felt a mite irritated that Roseluck said hello after handing her the bouquet, but she begrudgingly had to accept that it was a fair assumption by now. She checked her mane in the window of the boutique one last time before summoning up her courage and knocking on the door.

Applejack waited in silence as she tried to figure out what she’d say. In all honesty, it would probably wind up being the same thing she always said. ’Listen Rares, I’m really sorry. I know I’ve been sayin’ that a lot lately, but I really mean it. I messed up, and I feel plum awful about it. I promise I’ll be better in the future. I love you more’n anything, please forgive me?’ Applejack sighed as she ran over the words in her mind. It was a simple script, a sort of catch-all, but at least it always worked.

That knowledge did nothing to quell her anxiety as the door opened and she saw Rarity standing in the doorway in a plain white robe, looking at her with tired eyes unhidden by make up or even false eyelashes; If Applejack didn’t know better, she would have thought Rarity had just rolled out of bed. Every other time Applejack had come over to go through this old song and dance, Rarity had made sure she was ritualistically perfect.

Applejack did her best to shake the looming feeling of dread out of her mind as she picked the flowers back up and stared into them. “Listen Rares, I’m–”

“Just come inside, Applejack,” Rarity interrupted her. Applejack looked up to see Rarity already turning away from the door and blinked.

“I… You’re not even gonna let me finish?” She asked.

“No, because I already know what you’re going to say. Now come in and close the door, you’re letting all the warm air out,” Rarity groused as she made her way to the table.

Applejack swallowed hard as she complied with Rarity’s directions, still nervously clutching the bouquet. The door softly shut behind her, she followed Rarity to the table. Rarity was already sitting down, a pair of filled tea cups in front of her. “Sit,” she said, motioning to a chair across from herself, and levitating one of the tea cups to the indicated seat.

Applejack shifted her weight back and forth as she made a decision between trying to offer the flowers to Rarity again or following her direction. “Er… I got ya these, Rare. I –”

“Yes, purple hyacinths, because you’re sorry. I know,” Rarity said in an exasperated voice bereft of the grandeur she usually applied to such a sentiment as she rubbed her temples. Applejack cringed. It wasn’t like Rarity to just brush off her apologies like this; Usually she milked them for all they were worth, like she was competing against her record to see how many times she could get Applejack to say ‘I love you’ in one sitting.

This, though, was something entirely different, Applejack noted as Rarity pulled the flowers from her grip with her telekinesis, setting them into a pre-watered vase at the center of the table. Her excuse for lingering now gone, Applejack made her way over to the chair Rarity had indicated and sat, pulling it in to the table with a small screech.

Applejack was already feeling off balance during this visit, but when Rarity passed up a perfect opportunity to lecture her on how rude it was to scratch a friend’s floors with one’s chair, she almost broke out in a cold sweat.

“Applejack, we need to talk.”

Applejack gulped. She might not have been the most genre-savvy pony in Equestria, but even she had seen enough sappy movies to know what those words typically meant. Convinced she was simply reading too far into it, Applejack opted for a joke to lighten the mood. “Well, ain’t that what we’re doin’ now?” She chuckled, but quickly stopped when Rarity made no effort to acknowledge it, instead continuing to massage her temples.

“Please, Applejack, just… don’t.” Rarity sighed, finally opening her eyes and lowering her hooves. “This isn’t working.”

Applejack’s eyes widened as the color drained from her face. Surely there was still a reasonable, non-devastating reason for those words to come out of Rarity’s mouth. “What do you mean?”

“This. All of this. Us, I guess. It’s not working anymore,” Rarity said as she looked up at the ceiling.

“You–” Applejack’s voice cracked, and she coughed into her hoof before trying again as she felt a stinging at the corners of her eyes. “–You’re saying you want to–”

“I’m saying I want to break up, Applejack. I’m done,” Rarity said, now averting her gaze to the doorway as she took a sip of tea.

Applejack froze. She couldn’t have heard right… She just couldn’t have. “No, you don’t mean that,” she muttered, though she wasn’t sure which of them she was trying to convince.

“Please, do not insult me by telling me what I do or do not mean,” Rarity said with a stern glare.

Applejack shrunk back in her chair, suddenly feeling very short of breath. She would have to remember to tell Twilight that looks, in fact, could not kill, as if they were capable of such, she would surely have died right then and there. Rarity seemed to notice, as she softened her expression immediately, taking on a pained countenance of her own. “I’m sorry… This isn’t easy. I’m no happier about it than you are, I assure you.”

“Why? Why now?” Applejack choked out as many words as she could, sniffling sharply as tears began to force their way to the surface.

“If anything, the question should be ‘why not sooner?’ This has been a long time coming,” Rarity sighed again before sipping her tea.

“No, it hasn’t!” Applejack yelled as she leaned forward on the table. “You don’t have to do this, Rarity, please. Please, just give me one more chance, I–”

“One more chance? Applejack, I’ve given you at least fifty ‘one more chance’s already! I’m tired of playing this game, aren’t you?” Rarity said, matching Applejack’s posture.

“That’s not fair,” Applejack protested, “we don’t fight that often!”

“Really? You do realize it took you no less than ten apologies before you found out that one did not bring red roses to say ‘I’m sorry’, do you not?”

Applejack shrunk back again, feeling like she’d just been suckerpunched. “I know, but it’s gotten better... Hasn’t it?”

“It has not gotten better! We’ve done this almost every week since we started together. Clearly, something’s wrong in this picture.” Rarity scowled across the table as Applejack deflated, slumping back into her chair.

“Not every week,” she breathed meekly as she stared at her hooves.

“Really? Well let’s see then. There was last week at La Verde–”

“I didn’t know mango salsa was that expensive,” Applejack muttered under her breath, but Rarity pressed on.

“–the week before that at the art gallery–”

“Expressionism is just an excuse not to learn to paint proper…” Applejack said, trying her best to phase through her chair to the floor.

“–Or, there’s the week before that in Baltimare, when you told the host of the benefit that his hat looked like ‘a cat went and puked on his head’!? Do you know how long it’ll be before I am invited back there?” Rarity shook her head.

Applejack winced. She didn’t even bother trying to defend herself for that one.

“I love you, Applejack, but you… Ugh!” Rarity slammed her hooves on the table with a frustrated yell. “I just can’t do it anymore! You don’t fit my life.”

Applejack stared at her hooves. She’d been through this a hundred times; She said something stupid to offend Rarity. Rarity ran home in a huff. Applejack bought her flowers and apologized to her the next morning.

Rarity didn’t forgive her.

Applejack took a deep breath, fighting back the tears trying to force their way to the surface. “You really mean this? It’s… It’s–” She couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud.

“It’s over,” Rarity finished for her with a deafening finality.

Applejack slumped even further into her chair, still not looking up at Rarity. “... I still love you, though.”

Applejack couldn’t see it, but she could hear Rarity’s face softening. A moment of silence passed before she heard hooves meet floor, and Rarity walked around to the her side of the table.

“I… I still love you too, Applejack. I care about you more than any other pony in the world. I just… I need things to be simpler. You can understand that, can’t you?” Rarity paused, and Applejack nodded with a sniffle, still refusing to look up. “Everything between us is always so complicated, though. Can you honestly tell me you’re happy with things the way they are?”

Applejack sniffled, finally raising her eyes enough to look into Rarity’s. All she saw was pain. “No,” she said on an unvoiced sob.

“Love is a terrible reason to be unhappy,” Rarity said, breaking her gaze away to the floor.

Applejack closed her eyes. Silence stretched out between them, dragging on from seconds to minutes to what had begun to feel like hours, though she knew that was just a trick of her mind. She tried to stop herself from thinking, from remembering, from regretting, but it was impossible. She remembered the thrill of the first time she worked up the nerve to flirt with Rarity, coming home from the Crystal Empire; She remembered their first kiss, after a long night of fixing the boutique after the fateful ‘Cutie Mark Swap’; She remembered the first time she said ‘I love you, Rarity,’’ and the bright little glow behind her eyes when she said ‘I love you too, Applejack.’

Applejack shook her head. Nearly two years of love, and Rarity was just throwing it away. Maybe she wasn’t happy, and maybe Applejack wasn’t happy either, but an Apple never just threw in the towel when the going got tough; an Apple fought tooth and nail for what was right, for what they knew was the truth.

Applejack loved Rarity, and Rarity loved Applejack; That was the truth. That was what mattered.

However, if Applejack had learned anything from her friends these last few years, she’d learned that sometimes brute force wasn’t enough to solve a problem. Sometimes, unnatural as it seemed, a tactical retreat held the same value as one hundred victories.

Unwilling to let the silence continue any longer, Applejack coughed, clearing her throat of the mucus threatening to close it up. “We’re still gonna be friends… right? I still need you, Rarity. I need you in my life.”

“I dearly hope so, Applejack,” Rarity said, her voice soft.

Applejack nodded. Of course they’d still be friends. She attempted to smile through her tears, but she wasn’t sure if she really succeeded. “Well, I guess… that’s that, then,” she said, her voice shuddering slightly as she got out of her chair. She sniffled loudly and took a step toward the door before she felt Rarity’s hooves wrapping around her neck.

“It’s for the best,” she heard the other mare say.

“Yeah… for the best.” Applejack nodded weakly. She couldn’t help but feel it was unfair of Rarity to hug her right now, to press herself close and allow Applejack to take comfort in what was about to be taken away forever. She wanted to wrap her own hooves around Rarity in turn, to hold on and never let go, but her hooves stayed rooted firmly in place. Rarity squeezed her neck tight before releasing her and taking a step away.

When Rarity did nothing more than stare down at the floor, Applejack closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “So… I guess I’ll see ya ‘round then,” Applejack muttered.

“Yes, you’ll… see me around,” Rarity agreed.

“Okay then,” Applejack said as she strode toward the door. Every fiber of her being wanted to take one last look back, but she knew she’d regret it if she did. “G’bye, Rarity,” she said as she opened the door and closed it behind her.

“... Good bye, Applejack,” Rarity said to the empty room, the knot in her stomach slowly – ever so slowly – untwisting.

Countdown until Midnight herald tells me I get no cookies: 3... 2... 1...

Rarity yawned slowly as she felt the sun on her face. Pushing her sleep mask up to the base of her horn, she stretched her legs and looked around. Her bedroom was pristine, just as she’d left it the previous night; It had taken most of the previous day to reorganize her bedroom, and her kitchen, and the inspiration room. Her closets had been packed to capacity with pictures and baubles and whatever else she found she didn’t particularly feel like looking at in the wake of yesterday’s events.

Stifling another yawn with her hoof, Rarity got to her hooves and strode over to her vanity. She looked at her reflection and smiled.

For the first time in a long time, she was single.

For the first time in a long time, she was free.

Rarity almost couldn’t believe it, but by all accounts, it was true; The constant heartache, the arguments, the endless parade of embarrassments and indignities…

It was over.

Rarity giggled. She felt so alive. Suddenly the world was full of possibilities again. Rarity walked to the bathroom as she let her mind explore the idea. No more would she need to schedule her life around another pony; No more would she need to worry about how every action she took made another pony feel; No more would she need to play damage control every time she wanted to go to a benefit or fundraiser or gallery opening. Just the thought of it was so liberating... Rarity hadn’t felt this free in years.

She reached her bathroom and gripped her toothbrush with her magic. No more would she have some pony insisting she forego her morning rituals because she ‘looked just as good without all the gussyin’ up’. It was almost like Applejack didn’t understand a single thing about her; She didn’t ‘gussy herself up’ for others, she did it for herself, because she liked the way she looked when she put some effort into it.

Rarity spat out her toothpaste as she took a deep breath. No, this was a time for celebration, not for getting frustrated about ex-marefriends. She had spent far too long getting pointlessly worked up over stupid things; This was a time to enjoy herself, to enjoy the autonomy that came with being newly single.

Rarity rinsed her mouth and stepped over to the shower, turning the knobs and summoning a towel from the nearby rack. This was a whole new frontier she was stepping into, and she was going to enjoy it without any thoughts of a certain orange farmpony ruining it for her.

As Rarity crossed the threshold of The Top Shelf, she knew one thing for certain; She’d missed this. The yellow light refracting off the crystal bottles, the tasteful string music playfully wafting through the atmosphere, and better yet the elegant, refined ponies lining the bar, sipping real, genuine spirits instead of swill like Buck Daniels. Rarity smiled as she stepped up to the bar and gently hopped into an empty seat.

“What can I get you, beautiful?” the young unicorn stallion behind the bar asked, raising his eyebrows flirtatiously.

Rarity smiled back as she floated her bitpurse up to the counter. “I’m rather in the mood for a Maretini, gin, 3 olives,” She said as she pulled a few bits out and placed them on the counter. “Stirred, please.”

“Coming right up,” the stallion said as he moved away to prepare her drink.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you here, Rarity.”

Rarity turned her head to the source of the voice to see her friend Octavia hoisting herself into an empty chair next to her. “Octavia, it’s so good to see you,” she said, reaching over to hug her. “Indeed, it has been entirely too long since I’ve been able to visit an establishment with any class whatsoever.”

Octavia returned her hug with a smile. “Where’s the apple and chain?” Octavia asked with a smirk.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “The ‘chain’ has been severed, as it were.”

“Really? That’s a surprise.” Octavia said with an unsure look. “I’m… sorry to hear that?”

“Oh please, don’t be. It was a long time coming. If there is any surprise involved, it is that it took this long to finally happen,” Rarity mused as the bartender returned with her drink and set it on the bar in front of her, taking the bits and bowing politely. “Thank you,” she said as she took it.

Octavia ordered a drink of her own before turning back to Rarity. “I’ll admit, I did always think it seemed a bit odd that you two were together,” she said, apparently relieved that Rarity was not offended by her faux pas.

“Really? Coming from the one dating the town’s most eccentric DJ?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Ugh, don’t remind me. That actually just came to an end, as well.” Octavia said, shaking her head as the bartender brought her her drink.

Rarity paused as she sipped her drink and felt the gin burn a minty trail down her throat. “That’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so. How about a toast, then?” Octavia asked, raising her glass next to Rarity’s. “To singledom.”

Rarity giggled. “To singledom.” They clinked their glasses together and each took a demure sip. Rarity sighed contentedly as she leaned back into her chair. “Honestly, it’s such a relief. I haven’t felt this… at peace, I guess, in years. You wouldn’t believe what Applejack did two nights ago.”

“I assure you, I have you beat,” Octavia said rolling her eyes.

“Oh? Try me.” Rarity smirked.

“Alright. Last night, I’m at an audition for a quartet that will be playing at a very prestigious gala in Baltimare next month, and I start to play my piece, only to discover that Vinyl replaced the backing track on my cassette with what she called ‘the wubbingest bass beat you’ve ever heard.’ As you can imagine, the judges were not impressed,” Octavia sighed.

Rarity laughed. “Oh my gosh, I can just picture that. Applejack was totally the same way. I swear, these ponies just don’t understand that society has rules! You can’t just go about doing whatever you want all the time.”

“Exactly! Vinyl said she was trying to give my audition some ‘oomph’ to make it ‘memorable.’ Of course, now I’ll be remembered as the mare who made a mockery of their audition! It’s like she has no faith in my considerable skill as an artist.”

“Tell me about it,” Rarity commiserated, “Why, just last month Applejack came with me to a fashion forum hosted by none other than Mauvelous, the famous designer, and after the forum’s conclusion, Applejack just walks right up to him and tells him he was ‘wrong’ about stetsons being a hat for barbarians. I was so embarassed I could have died.”

Octavia stifled a laugh with her hoof. “Honestly Rarity, where did we find these ponies, and what in Equestria possessed us to stay with them for so long?”

“It’s this town, I swear. It does things to you. Makes you forget where your priorities lie,” Rarity said as she sipped her drink again.

“Hah hah, I’ll drink to that!” Octavia cheered, clinking her glass against Rarity’s again and downing the small amount left.

Rarity did the same and placed her glass on the bar. “Say,” she said as she got out of her chair, “we’re two young, beautiful, and single ladies; why don’t we celebrate a bit?”

Octavia smiled. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I haven’t done any dancing that didn’t involve squares in eons,” Rarity said with a smirk.

Octavia nodded. “I know just the place.”

The Trap Door, thank Celestia, was not a literal name; Rarity could only imagine the indignity of a building that would require one to descend a ladder to gain entry. Octavia ensured her that this was in fact the most exclusive club in Ponyville, so she put her faith in her old friend and followed her to the front of the extremely long line at the door.

At the end of the line was a pony whom Rarity could only describe as ‘Big Macintosh out of ten’, checking IDs and waving ponies in whenever another pony left. Octavia strode right up to him, drawing irate stares from much of the gathered crowd, and whispered something in his ear. He nodded sharply and motioned for the two of them to enter.

Octavia had said that this had once been a movie theater before the current owner bought the building and turned it into a club; She could see how this was the case; Many of the walls had been removed and floors raised so that they would all be on one plane, but the projection screens that lined the walls had clearly been repurposed, now displaying colorful silhouettes that shook and bobbed with the motion of the many multicolored lights that lit up the dance floor. The concession stand had been converted into a bar where ponies crowded around, yelling fruitlessly over the cacophony of the music at a pair of clearly overworked bartenders for drinks at no doubt exploitative prices.

Octavia gave Rarity a hoof signal to indicate that she would return in a moment, so she found a small pillar by which she could wait as Octavia headed for the bar. Rarity watched as Octavia strode up to the bar, waved a hoof once, and was immediately handed two small glasses of shimmering clear liquid with which she quickly returned.

Rarity giggled as she accepted one of the glasses from Octavia, the pair quickly clinking them together and downing the contents. Rarity inhaled sharply as the liquor pleasantly burned down her throat. Octavia motioned to the dance floor with a smile. Rarity nodded and followed her.

The pair worked their way through the crowd to the edge of the dance floor and locked eyes. Rarity could feel the music pulsing through her body; Octavia approached her in a swift motion, brushing up against her side before turning and flicking her tail across Rarity’s nose. Rarity’s cheeks lit up as the scent of Octavia’s perfume burned into her nose, adding to the thickening fog in her mind; taking it as a cue, Rarity stepped forward only to have Octavia playfully nip at her ears. Rarity gasped as she pulled her head away. Octavia gave her a salacious look, communicating everything she couldn’t with the words that could never be heard in this cacophony.

Rarity panted, the heat in her cheeks rising. That Octavia would delve so quickly into such an act surprised her, but some part of her was absolutely thrilled; This was not the bored dance of a couple bound together by mutual obligation and suppressed resentment… This was real.

Rarity nipped back. Octavia grinned as she did, dodging her head out of the way and ducking under her neck, raising her back to run along Rarity’s chest as she squeezed under her. Rarity sucked in air as she felt electric tingles coursing through her veins. She’d begun to sweat, but she didn’t care; she couldn’t care. She was too busy pushing back as Octavia ground her side into her own, their necks gently mussing each other’s manes.

Rarity’s every muscle quavered. Octavia’s tail flicked across Rarity’s hindquarters, snapping against her cutie mark with an inaudible crack and sending a fresh jolt of energy radiating through her system. Rarity lost her breath again, feeling Octavia’s tail intertwining with her own as it fell back into place. As Octavia pressed her forehead against Rarity’s cheek, she could just barely detect the scent of the other mare’s earthy sweat beginning to overpower the flowery perfume; It was too much.

Rarity spun around to face her partner, taking her hooves in her own and pulling her close, their sweat slicked fur becoming irreparably disheveled in a series of more than glancing blows. Octavia giggled with half-lidded eyes as they swayed, clearly enthusiastic about Rarity taking the lead. Rarity felt her nip at her ears again, and this time made no effort to dodge her, instead lifting her off the ground and spinning around until the effects of the alcohol finally cost her her balance, sending the two mares toppling to the floor.

Rarity lay exhausted, panting and wiping the sweat from her brow as Octavia leaned over to her ear.

“It looks like we have some admirers,” Octavia shouted so as to be heard over the music.

“I noticed,” Rarity shouted back.

“NOW KISS,” came a roar of one particularly burly stallion watching them, forcing them both to roll their eyes.

“You know,” Rarity said, a wry smile coming to her lips, “I have a bottle of exquisite vintage Chardonneigh I’ve been dying for an excuse to open, but I haven’t had anypony to share it with who would appreciate it. Want to get out of here?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Octavia replied as she got to her hooves, holding a hoof out to Rarity.

Rarity took it and stood slowly. Octavia’s eyes smouldered with a fire that caught her off-guard and sent her heartbeat into the stratosphere. She nervously nodded and the two mares trotted toward the door amidst the disappointed calls of the crowd.

“This is fascinating. Is that cinnamon I taste?” Octavia asked as she lowered her glass.

“I swear Octavia, this is why I love you,” Rarity giggled. “Yes, Colton-Charlemane is known for its subtle yet distinctive flavorings, often notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and honey.”

“It’s wonderful,” Octavia said as she sipped more of the wine. “Positively exquisite.”

The two mares sat together on Rarity’s loveseat, the third bottle of wine sitting at the center of the coffee table, its fallen compatriots having rolled onto the floor while Rarity uncorked this one. Rarity sighed as she took another sip; She was definitely well past inebriated by now, but… She just felt so liberated, she didn’t want this feeling to end. After such a long period of compromise, to spend time with a mare who actually understood her, really and truly, was like walking out of a dark, damp tunnel into the warm embrace of the sun. So much so, in fact, that she didn’t even notice when Octavia’s foreleg snaked its way behind her shoulders and pulled her over so that her forehead nestled snugly into the other mare’s neck.

“You know,” Octavia said as she ran a hoof along Rarity’s chest, “you are incredible. It’s a shame we don’t hang out more.”

“Why don’t we?” Rarity asked, angling her eyes up in a futile attempt to see the other mare’s face. “Honestly, my friends don’t get me like you do,” she said, turning her body so that the fur of her chest rubbed against Octavia’s. “It’s so… perfect, just to be able to enjoy the finer things in life with another mare who actually understands them.”

Octavia shifted and pushed against Rarity, forcing her to flop onto her back. Octavia crawled over her and laid her body on top of the other mare, staring into her eyes. Rarity with shivered with unbidden delight as she saw the fire behind the other mare’s gaze. “I think you just read my mind,” she said as she pressed her lips down upon Rarity’s.

Rarity closed her eyes and pushed back, losing herself in the moment and the gentle pressure of the kiss. Her heart raced in a way it hadn’t in months; It was exciting, and passionate, and enticing. She felt Octavia’s tongue dart out and flick across her lips, gently seeking entry. Rarity pulled back and took several quick breaths. “Wait, wait.”

Octavia lost no steam, placing a series of gentle kisses along the length of Rarity’s neck, each one more dangerous than the last. “What’s wrong, dear?”

Rarity winced as she tilted her head, her mind pulling her in too many directions at once to count. “What are we doing? This is–” Rarity inhaled sharply as Octavia kissed the underside of her jaw, “Isn’t this moving a little fast?”

Octavia drew back to look Rarity in the eyes again. “What do you mean? We’re just two sophisticated mares enjoying each other’s company. Does it have to be more complicated than that?”

Rarity thought as quickly as her inebriated mental state would allow. This was what she’d been missing, hadn’t it? The spontaneity, the simplicity, the passion – sweet Celestia, the passion. She blinked as she realized how clear the situation had suddenly become. “No. No, it doesn’t.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Rarity smiled. There was no problem. No complications. Just herself and another mare whom she wanted, and she could have; No one to worry about hurting, no one to judge her for her actions, no one to tell her what she did was or wasn’t right.

No stupid, orange, stetson-wearing, apple-shaped problems in sight.

“There isn’t one,” Rarity said as she reveled in the fact that she actually meant it.

Rarity was elated to actually mean it.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! :D

”We’re just two sophisticated mares enjoying each other’s company. Does it have to be more complicated than that?”

Rarity remembered Octavia’s words and smiled. This last week of her life had been nothing short of incredible; perhaps the most invigorating week she’d ever had. While in the past she’d spent her mornings wondering how she would make it through the day without popping a blood vessel, now they were spent reveling in possibility; If she wanted to spend her evening relaxing at home with a glass of wine and a romance novel, there was no pony trying to convince her to come to an impromptu barn raising or a low brow ‘sports game’ or whatever they called them. If she found herself waking up on Friday and realizing that a trip to Canterlot was just what her weekend called for, there was no pony making her feel guilty for going with sad, puppy-dog like eyes, or worse yet insisting that she come along and then complaining about the ‘stuffiness’ of polite society for three days straight. And best-of-all, if she happened to decide that she did feel like company, there was an intelligent, beautiful, and like-minded mare available to spend her time with, no strings attached. It was truly the perfect balance.

“So Rarity, uh, have you, umm, designed any new dresses lately?”

Perhaps the most useful revelation would have been that if she didn’t want to go to the weekly pony-pet-play date because her ex was going to make everything incredibly awkward and her friends were going to ask her increasingly uncomfortable questions for an hour straight, there was no reason she actually had to. Unfortunately, this did not occur to her until it was far too late.

“No Twilight, I never design new dresses. It’s not like designing new dresses is what I do for a living.” Rarity rolled her eyes.

Twilight frowned. “I was just asking, sheesh.”

“... I’m sorry, I’m just… tired,” Rarity said with a deflating breath as she scanned the park around her. Opal sat curled up in a ball against her side, purring softly as she peacefully slipped into and out of sleep. Owlowicious sat atop Twilight’s head, alternating between ruffling through his feathers with his beak and staring – judgingly – at Rarity. Over by the big tree across the way sat Applejack, lazily tossing a stick for an eternally cheerful Winona to fetch over and over, while Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash sat beside her making light conversation. Every few seconds Rarity would catch one of them glancing in her direction before averting her gaze back to Applejack, no doubt offering encouraging, but ultimately empty, tidbits of wisdom. Rarity didn’t know, and quite frankly she didn’t care. This whole morning had been nothing short of exhausting, and she was ready to call it a day and head home.

“I guess I shouldn’t ask how the boutique is either, huh?” Twilight asked, breaking Rarity out of her thoughts.

“The same as it’s always been?” Rarity replied with a raised eyebrow. “Why the sudden interest, Twilight?” she asked, and immediately regretted it.

Twilight shifted uncomfortably, casting her gaze down to the grass underhoof. “I just thought, I don’t know, maybe you were feeling lonely, since the whole–”

“Don’t finish that sentence, dear,” Rarity interrupted, letting far more poison seep into her voice than she had intended. Twilight flinched, and Rarity touched her hoof to her friend’s. “I’m sorry, It’s just that I’ve already been through this with Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie. I know what you’re going to say.”

Twilight continued staring at the grass. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… Umm… It’s just that, you’re both our friends, and… she really misses you, Rarity.”

Rarity slowly closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She would not lose her composure. “I know. I know, you’re all worried, but these things happen, Twilight. Not every love is meant to be.” Twilight nodded solemnly. Again Rarity caught Fluttershy glancing her way and rolled her eyes. “We’re still going to be friends, Twilight. Applejack is a grown mare, and she’s suffered far worse than this.”

“I know, but… I don’t like seeing my friends upset, and I just thought, if you knew...”

Rarity gritted her teeth and breathed hard, trying to control her mounting frustration. “I know you just want to see everypony happy, Twilight, but you can’t ‘fix’ this.” Rarity watched her friend blanche at her words and shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be so harsh, I’m just... frustrated. It was not a good relationship, Twilight, and it’s unreasonable to ask me to pretend that it was to spare her feelings. It’s better for both of us that we get this out of the way now instead of years down the line.”

Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

Rarity shook her head again. “It’s alright, dear, I know that this has been hard on everyone. It’s an unfortunate circumstance, but it is what it is.” Rarity paused and glanced over to her friends by the old tree. Applejack was now laying prone on the ground, and even though she was turned away enough so as Rarity would not be in her field of view, she could still see the misery etched on the poor mare’s face. Standing, Rarity picked Opal up in a burst of cerulean magic and placed her on her back. “Anyway, I have some things I must attend to. Tell the others I had a delightful time, would you?”

Rarity could see the conflict in Twilight’s face as she no doubt debated asking her to stay a while longer, but finally she hung her head with a sigh and nodded. “Okay, I will. See you later, Rarity.”

“Good bye, Twilight,” Rarity said with a nod and began trotting back to Carousel Boutique.

As Rarity made her way toward Sweet Apple Acres, she honestly didn’t know what was possessing her to go there. Applejack had invited her over to ‘play checkers,’ but she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something else she was up to. Not that Rarity didn’t enjoy checkers just fine, it was a classic game for a reason, but the whole thing was just… odd. She was already standing at the door to the farmhouse, though, so it was a little late to come up with a reason she couldn’t make it.

The door opened before Rarity even had the chance to knock.

“Howdy, Rarity,” Applejack said as she stood in the doorway, smiling much too wide. She had deep circles under her eyes, forcing Rarity to assume she hadn’t been sleeping well. This was exactly the kind of thing make up was created for, but pointing that out would probably be considered bad form.

“Hello, Applejack,” Rarity said with a slight nod. Applejack continued smiling at her for several long seconds before Rarity cleared her throat and gestured toward the door. “May I come in?”

Applejack looked startled for a moment. “Of course! Heh heh,” she gave a clearly forced chuckle as she got out of the doorway. Rarity smiled politely and entered the farmhouse.

“So, where are we playing?” Rarity asked.

“That’s just like you, gettin’ right down t’business, ain’t it?” Applejack chuckled – again, forcedly – as she followed her into the living room. “Y’know, I got a couple barrels of leftover cider down in the apple cellar, and I was thinkin’ maybe we could–”

“I’d really rather just play the game,” Rarity interrupted. Applejack’s face fell for the briefest of moments before her smile reappeared.

“I guess that’s fine then,” she said in a noticeably less chipper tone as she turned towards the closet. Rarity rolled her eyes. After a minute or two of rustling, Applejack returned with a cardboard box. She blew across the top, sending a cloud of dust into the air which Rarity delicately stepped away from. As she began setting up the game on the coffee table, she turned her head back to Rarity. “You want black or red today?”

“Host’s choice,” Rarity said flatly as she moved to the opposite side.

“Well, I guess I’ll be red, then, since it matches my cutie mark an’ all. Heh.” Applejack gave Rarity a look as if searching for approval. She must have expected Rarity to laugh at her joke?

“Hah hah, yes it does,” Rarity indulged her just to put an end to that look.

Applejack looked at the board for a few moments and then shifted one of her pieces forward. “Your move,” she said.

Rarity idly moved one of her pieces, and Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin before moving again. Just when Rarity thought she was going to get to enjoy the game in silence, Applejack spoke again. “So, um, how’ve you been, Rarity? We didn’t really get to talk at the pony-pet-play date.”

Rarity cringed inwardly, but smiled nonetheless. “I’ve been good, Applejack,” she replied curtly as she moved her piece.

“Good. That’s… good,” Applejack said, her gaze falling to the board.

“... How have you been?” Rarity reluctantly asked.

Applejack scrunched up her nose as she moved one of her pieces. “I’ve been just dandy, o’course. Everythin’s comin’ up Applejack,” she mumbled.

Rarity tried to stop it, fought against it with all her might, but pity worked its way across her face nonetheless. Thankfully Applejack was too busy staring at the game board to notice.

“So… Anypony caught yer eye?” Applejack asked meekly.

A knot formed in Rarity’s stomach. When she didn’t answer, Applejack looked up. Rarity closed her eyes and shook her head. “Do you really want me to answer that, Applejack?”

Applejack sat stock still for several long seconds before sighing and dropping her gaze. “No… I guess I don’t.”

Rarity took a deep breath.

This was going to be a long game of checkers.

“And then she actually asked me if I’d met anypony! Gah, it was so awkward,” Rarity lamented.

Octavia had to cover her mouth with a hoof to avoid spraying tea all over Rarity’s table. “Oh my goodness! What did you say?”

“I didn’t say anything,” Rarity shook her head. “I just–”

Rarity was interrupted by the doorbell. She glanced to the door, and then back to Octavia. “Just a second, dear, let me see who it is,” she excused herself.

“Take your time,” Octavia said with a nod and sipped her tea.

Rarity sighed happily as she reached the door. With a smile she threw the door open wide. “Hello and welcome to–”

“Hrph Rrphity!”

Applejack.

Applejack spat the handle of the small decorated bag out of her mouth and giggled. “Uh, I mean, hi Rarity!”

“Uh… hello, Applejack,” Rarity said, pulling the door shut behind her as she stepped outside. “What brings you here?”

“Well, I was in town, and I thought I’d pay ya a visit!” Applejack smiled cheerfully.

Rarity glanced back at the door and cringed, but put on a smile of her own before turning back to her friend. “Well, that’s very thoughtful of you, but–”

“And I got you this,” Applejack interrupted before grabbing the bag’s handle back between her teeth and proffering it to Rarity. Rarity raised an eyebrow before delicately grasping it with her magic.

“Oh, uh, Thank you, Applejack,” she said slowly.

“Well? Open it!” Applejack encouraged her with a gestured hoof.

Rarity opened the bag and looked inside, then gently lifted a long periwinkle and white striped scarf out. She stared at it for a long second before returning her gaze to Applejack, who gave her a disappointed look.

“Don’t ya like it?”

Rarity took a deep breath. “Oh, uh, yes dear, of course I do, it’s lovely. I’m just… a little perplexed. Is there some occasion?”

“It’s for yer birthday,” Applejack said with a meagre smile.

Rarity blinked. “Applejack, my birthday was three months ago.”

“Well… I know, but, you got kinda mad at me when I… forgot,” Applejack mumbled as she rubbed a foreleg with the opposite hoof. “So… I thought I’d get ya somethin’, ya know, to make up for it. And I know how much ya like accessorizin’, so…” she trailed off.

Rarity looked down at the scarf. It wasn’t a terrible scarf, but it certainly wasn’t her. And if Applejack felt that bad about missing her birthday, why get her something now, so long after?

No, Rarity blanched at the thought, please don’t tell me she’s trying to win me back.

“So’s, uh, what’s goin’ on in the boutique today? Got any dresses that need modelin’? Or maybe some help sewin’ somethin’? I know I’m not the best at it, but I been practicin’ in my free time with Granny’s old sewin’ machine, and I think I’m really startin’ t’get the hang of it,” Applejack said with a hopeful smile.

Rarity couldn’t stand to look at it. “No, I’m sorry Applejack, but I don’t need any help today.”

Applejack’s face fell. “Oh.”

The pair stood in silence for several long seconds before Rarity coughed into her hoof. “Actually, I kind of have to get back inside. I’m–”

“Oh, are ya busy?” Applejack asked.

“In a sense, I–”

Applejack nudged her with a shoulder. “I thought ya just said you didn’t need any help? No need t’be embarrassed ‘bout askin’, Rares, I offered, didn’t I?”

“No, Applejack, wait!” Rarity cried as Applejack stepped past her and pushed the door open.

“Really, it’s no trouble at all, I–” Applejack stopped in the doorway as her gaze landed in the kitchen.

Octavia stared back at them, teacup in hoof.

Oh no, no no no no no, Rarity thought as her eyes widened in panic. How am I going to explain this?

“... Howdy, Octavia,” Applejack said breathlessly.

“Hello, Applejack,” Octavia replied before sipping her tea.

“Applejack, I swear, this isn’t what it looks like, I–”

“Really? ‘Cos it looks t’me like I interrupted yer tea party,” Applejack said without turning her head.

“I, uh, I swear–”

“No need t’be embarrassed,” Applejack said suddenly as she twisted her head to look back at Rarity with a smile. “I woulda thought you were a little old for that sorta thing, but hey, who am I t’judge?”

Rarity shot a quick glance to Octavia, who shrugged. Looking back to Applejack, she slowly nodded. “I, uh, yes, it’s exactly what it looks like, ha ha ha… But really, I must get back to it. It’s rude to keep my guest waiting.”

Applejack stared dumbly at Rarity for a long moment. “Well, don’t let me stop ya. Hay, I could even see joinin’ ya’ll!”

Rarity jolted back. “What?”

Applejack seemed to be shocked by Rarity’s reaction, and quickly put on a more humble demeanor. “I mean, if y’got room fer one more, that is. I ain’t got no plans, so… we could hang out?”

Rarity shot another glance to Octavia, who shrugged more exaggeratedly. She then looked back to Applejack and grimaced slightly. “I, uh, I’m sorry dear, but… I’d rather you didn’t?”

Rarity’s conscience would never forgive her for saying those words. If there was any hope of it ever doing so, the pained look on Applejack’s face made certain it was crushed.

“Oh… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to impose or nothin’. I’ll just… Um… I don’t know, I’ll just…” Applejack began mumbling as she turned back to the doorway and walked outside. “Enjoy the scarf,” Rarity heard her say as she closed the door behind her.

Rarity stared at the door and frowned.

“Wow. She’s got it bad for you,” Octavia snickered from the table.

Rarity groaned.

Update schedule? THERE IS NO UPDATE SCHEDULE!

Guilt was a horrible, nasty emotion that Rarity hated feeling. It was a waste of energy and focus that she rarely allowed herself to feel for long. More than that though, she hated that she couldn’t justify not feeling it. Would it have been so bad to let Applejack spend some time with her and Octavia last week?

Well, yes, it almost certainly would have been, but still. She and Applejack were friends. They’d promised to stay so, and yet she was already messing it up. Rarity let out a frustrated sigh.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be friends with Applejack. She did, she really and truly did. It was just, her timing was always so awful! Perhaps if she hadn’t chosen to drop by while Octavia was over, she would have been willing to suffer through another afternoon of Applejack being awkward at her, but… Ugh. Rarity hated everything that was happening.

Applejack was just such a downer lately. That’s what it was.

Why couldn’t she just be happy? Rarity had embraced her newly found singlehood; She’d taken the time to rediscover all the wonderful things she’d forgotten while she was tethered in that awful relationship. Applejack, on the other hand, seemed to only discover new and exciting varieties of moping and self-pity. Now every time Rarity saw her, she had to watch her heart break behind her big emerald eyes every time she didn’t want to spend time with her.

It was torturous, and it was unfair. Unfair of Applejack to expect these things of her. Unfair of her friends to make her feel like she was to blame for it. Unfair of Applejack to make her feel like she had to be just that miserable as well.

Rarity knew it was wrong to resent Applejack for her unhappiness, but at least it gave her someone to blame other than herself.

It was somewhere in the middle of these jumbled thoughts that Rarity found herself agreeing to lunch with Applejack. She hadn’t seen her for almost a week, after all, and if nothing else agreeing to lunch would at least ease some of the guilt she felt.

“So, I was thinkin’ we could chow down at The Mane Street Cafe, unless you got somethin’ better in mind,” Applejack said as she walked alongside her.

Rarity nodded. “That sounds fine, dear.”

Rarity noticed several times that Applejack seemed to be stealing glances at her, quickly averting her eyes every time she turned to look. It was supremely annoying.

“So, uh, I see you’re wearin’ the scarf I got ya,” Applejack said with a smile.

Rarity nodded. She was. It was itchy.

“Looks nice,” Applejack said. Rarity was simultaneously frustrated and relieved that she had nothing immediately available to hit her head against.

“Thank you, dear,” she replied politely. “You look lo–”

Rarity stopped herself when she realized what she was saying. She glanced back at her companion, who had stopped dead in her tracks, looking at Rarity with wonder on her face.

Well, I’ve come too far now.

“Ahem. You look lovely yourself,” she finished, and cursed inwardly when Applejack’s smile regained some warmth. Not that she didn’t want her friend to feel good about herself – Celestia knew Applejack needed a self esteem boost these days – but it wouldn’t do to lead the poor dear on. Rarity made a mental note not to let it happen again.

They arrived at the restaurant and were quickly seated at a table on the patio.

“So, whatcha hungry for?” Applejack asked as Rarity eyed the menu.

“I think I’ll have the roasted lilies with sesame dressing. I haven’t had it for a while,” Rarity said as she put the menu down.

“Mmm, that sounds good. I think I’ll have the haycon cheese fries though, I worked up a powerful appetite earlier on the farm, and I think I’ll need the energy when I get back to it, heh heh,” Applejack said with a smile.

Rarity rolled her tongue along her lower lip. “I guess so,” she said.

The pair sat in silence for a minute as Rarity glanced around the patio. Finally she spotted the waiter approaching.

“Good afternoon, mademoiselles. What can I get for you today?”

Rarity and Applejack quickly placed their orders as the waiter wrote them down. “Thank you, it shall be out shortly,” he said with a bow before retreating inside the restaurant.

“So, uh, Rarity, how was yer week? I haven’t seen ya fer a few days,” Applejack asked in what appeared to be her best attempt at a casual manner as she inspected one of her forehooves.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “My week was fine. I’m all caught up on my orders, and there’s nothing big coming up, so I’m intending to take a short sabbatical to Manehattan next week. Fancy Pants invited me to a fashion show, and he wants me to come do some networking.”

“Well that sounds… uh, fun,” Applejack said with a very forced smile.

“It will be,” Rarity nodded.

“I, uh, so when do ya leave?”

“Monday morning, as it were. I shall return Friday, more than likely.”

“I, uh… Oh,” Applejack muttered.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong, Applejack?”

Applejack glanced to the side and scrunched up her nose for a brief moment before shaking her head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just… miss you.”

“I’ll only be gone for five days,” Rarity said, trying to sound encouraging and discouraging at the same time. She wasn’t sure if it worked.

“I guess,” Applejack sighed.

Rarity furrowed her brow. Every single thing she said these days was cause for another depressed sigh from the other mare. It was maddening.

“I… um, I got somethin’ to tell you, Rarity,”  Applejack said softly.

Rarity braced herself. She’s got it bad for you, Octavia’s words echoed in her head. Had she really let it seem like the door was still open?

“Wha–” Rarity coughed to clear her throat, “what might that be, Applejack?”

“I… Well, I’ve been tryin’ my best not t’let it show, but I’m not doin’ so good with… this. With bein’ friends. It’s hard, Rarity. It hurts, and I don’t know if I can really do it. ‘Cos I still love you.” Applejack cast her gaze down to the table, and Rarity could see the beginnings of tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

It was not fair.

“Could we… I mean, would you be willing to give it just one more shot?” Applejack asked, angling her eyes up to meet Rarity’s.

Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She would not betray her frustration. It was not Applejack’s fault that she was in love with her, though frankly Rarity was convinced she could at least try a little harder not to be.

Applejack’s voice raised half an octave as she apparently panicked when Rarity didn’t respond. “I promise I won’t mess up this time. Really, I can be better, I just need one more chance.”

Rarity noticed several of the ponies at adjacent tables glancing over and smiled apologetically to them. “Applejack, dear, we haven’t even had our food yet,” she said through clenched teeth.

“I promise, I won’t take you for granted ever again. I can be the mare you need me to be, I’ll stop drinkin’, and I’ll get Twilight to give me a book on etiquette, and I’ll just smile and nod when we go to those borin’ functions, and whatever else you say, just, please. I need you,” Applejack finished by clapping her front hooves together as if in prayer.

“Please, darling, you’re making a scene.”

“I–” Applejack stood up from the table to point an accusing hoof at Rarity, but then seemed to realize what she was doing as the entire patio went silent. She coughed into her hoof and sat back down. “... Right, I just promised not to do that. But see, I’m learnin’! Two weeks ago I woulda just rambled on right through your warnings,” she said with a sheepish grin.

Rarity rubbed her temples and sighed – something she found herself doing entirely too often lately. “Applejack, do we have to have this conversation now?”

Applejack looked down at the table in silence. Rarity felt the familiar pity creep onto her face again, wholly unwelcome.

“That’s yer answer, then? Ya won’t even consider it? Ya won’t even talk about it?” she asked, her voice dripping with bitterness and sorrow.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Rarity paused as she searched for the words. “I hate seeing you this unhappy, but what do you want from me? To lie to myself? To lie to you?”

“But why’s it gotta be a lie? You said ya still loved me, unless… unless ya didn’t mean that, either,” Applejack finished softly.

Rarity winced. “Of course I meant it, but–”

“Then what’s the problem? I love you, you love me, and that’s all that should matter,” Applejack interrupted. “Please, Rarity, just one more shot?”

Rarity held her breath. This was inevitable, wasn’t it? There would obviously come a moment when she’d actually have to make a decision, and no amount of subtle hinting or casual dissuading would do. She had to say it.

“No,” she breathed out, her voice as tenuous as a thread between the blades of her scissors, “You need to move on.”

Applejack stared at her. Rarity saw disappointment turn to confusion to desperation to anger, and finally, to defeat. The other mare stood up from the table and pushed her chair in without a word.

“Applejack, sit back down, our food is going to be here any minute,” Rarity tried to scold her, but couldn’t summon much more than a fragile squeak.

“That’s alright, I wasn’t hungry anyway,” Applejack said, and immediately turned from the table and trotted off the patio.

Rarity stared at her hooves. Had she done something wrong? She couldn’t have. She couldn’t be blamed for being honest with herself, and if anyone should have understood that, it was Applejack… right?

“Mademoiselle, your food.”

Rarity looked up to see the waiter standing next to her, placing two plates on the table. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, my companion had to leave. Could you box up the hayfries? And bring me the check, please, I won’t be here long.”

The waiter nodded expertly and picked Applejack’s plate back up off the table. “Absolutely, madame,” he said before retreating back into the restaurant.

Rarity grasped her fork in her telekinesis and took a bite of the lilies.

They didn’t taste like anything.

Craine said update, who am I to say no?

Manehattan was amazing. This didn’t come as a surprise, as Manehattan was always amazing, but still it was worth stating. Even Canterlot wasn’t the same; While Canterlot may have had the royalty and large, public events, Manehattan had everything else. The shops, the designers, the runways, and the nightlife; the fashion world’s sun rose and set in Manehattan. Every time Rarity visited, she never wanted to leave.

Unfortunately, her sabbatical could not last forever, and Rarity found herself riding the Friendship Express home on a sunny Friday afternoon with only 3 more suitcases of clothes than she’d left with; She was quite proud of her restraint.

But so much had happened during her short leave of absence, she just couldn’t wait to tell her friends. It did cross her mind that the Friendship Express seemed to be moving awfully slow today. Much slower than usual, in fact, though the clock at the front of the cabin assured her it was right on schedule to be pulling into Ponyville Station by 3:30, which was the usual arrival time. Still, the hours crawled by.

She guessed she was just bored, but why was she bored? She had a full selection of all the latest fashion magazines in front of her, a private car, a beautiful view, a smorgasbord of fresh, jubilant memories…

Rarity giggled. “Wasn’t it funny when,” she began as she turned to look beside her, and realized no pony was there.

Right, private car, she thought with a frown. Why was this so much less fun than usual? Actually, was riding a train supposed to be fun? She wasn’t sure, but… Whatever, she dismissed the thought. She’d had a lovely time in Manehattan, and that was what mattered.

The show that Fancy Pants had invited her to went better than she ever could have dreamed. Not only did she meet a wealth of very important players in the Manehattan fashion scene, but one of them, Class Act, the head of Empire Fashions, actually offered to host a line of her work! If she was going to build up a presence in Manehattan, there was no better start she could have hoped for.

There was, of course, a catch. The line that he wanted to feature, out of all the possible options, had to be the Rustic Romantic line.

The line she’d let Applejack help her create.

It really wasn’t anything all that special; Applejack had expressed some vague level of interest into Rarity’s process, and she thought a good way to show her marefriend-at-the-time how it was she worked would be to take her through the steps exactly as she normally did them. While she didn’t think it really captured Applejack’s imagination all that well, she had come up with some useful insights, and together they’d created a line of cowpony-inspired dresses, saddles, and hats that were both practical and elegant.

This wasn’t the worst possible thing, but it certainly wasn’t good either. In fact, it wouldn’t have been a problem at all if a younger and altogether more foolish Rarity hadn’t offered Applejack joint ownership of the line and insisted they get a contract written up and notorized entitling Applejack control over the line’s future. Meant to be some sort of romantic gesture for the ‘love of her life,’ it now meant Rarity needed to make what would undoubtedly be a supremely awkward visit to Sweet Apple Acres.

It didn’t even cross Rarity’s mind that Applejack might not agree to letting her sell the line; she would obviously understand what an opportunity this was for her, and would agree to sign it over without a second thought. It wasn’t like Applejack had any plans for it anyway, she’d had nothing to do with it since they finished working on it.

The problem was that it meant Rarity had to go see Applejack, and she had to do it soon.

Rarity hadn’t seen her since their lunch the previous week. Was Applejack still mad at her? Had she managed to find any sort of solace since? She had obviously not been sleeping well in the past few weeks, would there be any sign of improvement in that regard? Rarity didn’t know, but she knew she had to find out.

There would be no sense in putting it off.

As soon as the Friendship Express pulled into the station she saw Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight standing out on the loading dock, eagerly scanning the train’s windows. She smiled and waved, and was immediately spotted. The noise of the train drowned out their voices, but she was pretty sure Pinkie’s mouth moved in such a fashion as to say “Hi Rarity welcome back we missed you so we decided to come meet you at the train station so that you wouldn’t have to walk home alone and I brought you a–”

Rarity lost track after that. She’d be able to hear Pinkie say it again soon enough though, she thought as she got out of her seat and pulled her bags out of the overhead compartment.

Disembarking the train, she was immediately set upon in a pile of hugs.

“Hi Rarity welcome back we missed you so we decided to come meet you at the train station so that you wouldn’t have to walk home alone and I brought you a–”

It felt good to be right so often.

“Ahem, Pinkie, give her some breathing room,” Twilight chuckled as she pulled their mutual friend off of her.

“Awww, but I haven’t gotten to hug Rarity for a whole week! That’s like, 300 hugs she didn’t get while she was away, and who knows when else she’ll have time to get caught up?” Pinkie lamented as she was floated to the ground.

“Welcome home Rarity, do you need any help with your bags?” Fluttershy offered as she helped her stand back up.

“That would be lovely, Fluttershy, dear,” Rarity nodded as she wiped some dust off her coat. “It is so wonderful to see you all again,” she said with a smile.

“How was Manehattan?” Pinkie asked in her usual overly enthusiastic way. “Did you ride the subway? Did you eat any pizza? Did you miss us? Did you go pigeon watching? Did you–”

“I did not do any of those things, well, except miss you, of course, but let me just tell you what did happen! Oh, it was such a wonderful trip,” Rarity recalled as she and her friends made their way off the platform, the weight of her bags split between them.

Rarity was most gracious for her friend’s help in getting everything settled back at Carousel Boutique. She’d told them as much at least 50 times before they’d finished loading in all her luggage and it still didn’t feel like enough, and that didn’t even include properly thanking Pinkie for the ‘Welcome Home’ banner, the cake, the balloons, or the impromptu parade she’d cobbled together for her.

‘Overdoing it’ was not a phrase in Pinkie’s vocabulary.

Still, as they finished unpacking her worldly possessions, her friends had taken their leave, and Rarity once again found herself alone in Carousel Boutique.

… This was different. Rarity hadn’t returned from a trip and been alone in a long time, not since… Well, no matter, she thought, at least it’s peaceful and quiet now. She smiled as she noticed all the glassware still in the cabinets, none of it piled up in the sink with who-knows-how-many-days-old water collected like she used to find it when returning from a trip. Nor were there traces of hay scattered around her floor, or linens thrown haphazardly into her closet; Everything was exactly as she’d left it.

She was definitely smiling about it. Smiling. This was exactly how she wanted things.

Rarity glanced at the clock on the showroom’s wall. It read 5 o’clock.

Rarity stretched her neck and frowned. It would still be light out for at least another hour, and she did have one rather important errand to run.

With a sigh of resignation, Rarity turned out the lights and headed for Sweet Apple Acres.

This walk didn’t used to feel quite this long. It was a ridiculous thought, of course, and Rarity should have simply dismissed it outright, but she didn’t. Perhaps Mayor Mare had had the road adjusted during her absence? Was it a little more bendy than it used to be? All the trees seemed to be in the same places, though, and she was pretty sure that fence was exactly where it had always been… Maybe it was that the sun was setting earlier than it had been lately, and watching the sky change colors while she walked just made it seem longer. She was here now, though, so that was a mystery she could investigate at another time.

As she approached the old farmhouse, she noticed Big Macintosh pulling a cart full of apples towards the barn. Applejack nowhere in sight, she strode over to him and announced her presence with a subtle cough. “Hello Big Mac,” she said.

Big Macintosh turned to look at her and chewed his hay sprig slowly. “Hello, Miss Rarity,” he said as he unhooked himself from the cart. “If yer here fer my sister, she’s out in the East Orchard.”

Rarity nodded politely and smiled. “I am, in fact, thank you.”

“Yer welcome,” Big Mac said before turning away and heading directly for the farmhouse without another word.

Rarity chewed on her lip as she walked toward the East Orchard. It wasn’t strange for Big Mac to speak in a rather curt fashion, but that had seemed a little… presumptive? Standoffish? Usually he at least asked Rarity how she was before pointing her toward Applejack. Then again, she did probably tell him what had happened between them, and expecting her relationship with the other mare’s family not to take a hit was probably foolish… But still, Rarity didn’t exactly like it.

It didn’t matter, though. What did matter was finding Applejack, getting her permission to sell the fashion line, subsequently getting her signature on a form signifying such, and finally getting back to Carousel Boutique to… to…

Enjoy a nice, quiet evening alone.

Rarity frowned. She could figure out what to do with her evening once she got back, she didn’t have to make any decisions now.

At least it didn’t take Rarity too long to spot Applejack among the rows of apple trees. Her bright orange coat always stood out from hundreds of yards away among the subdued browns and greens of nature. Squinting, Rarity further noticed the distinct cyan coat of another of her friends in the boughs of one of the trees.

Rainbow Dash was napping. Of course.

“Git outta my tree, Dash, or I swear I’m gonna–”

“Or you’re gonna what?”

“Don’t make me get my rope!”

Rarity smiled. That actually sounded like Applejack. The real Applejack, not the mopey, depressed doppelganger that had replaced her in the last few weeks.

“You wouldn’–WOAH!”

Rarity heard a loud thud as she followed the path around a small hill and giggled.

“What the hay, AJ, I thought you said ‘don’t make me GET my rope,’ not ‘don’t make me use it!’”

“What can I say, it pays to be prepared!”

Rarity came around the hill and saw Applejack standing over Rainbow Dash, flat on her back with her hooves lasso’d together. She wished she’d had a camera.

“So, um, you can untie me now?” Rainbow asked.

“Hmmm,” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin before shaking her head and beginning to walk away. “Nah.”

“What!? C’mon, AJ, this isn’t funny!” Rainbow protested.

“I didn’t say it was funny, but I kinda like you this way,” Applejack said as she turned her head with a cocky smirk.

Oh, that smirk. How long had it been since Rarity’d seen it? That was the very smirk that…

No, Rarity shook her head and scolded herself. Not the time or the place. Those days are long behind us.

Rarity watched as Rainbow tried to pull her hooves free of the rope as Applejack slowly approached her victim.

“Uhm, AJ, what are you doing?” Rainbow said with a nervous chuckle as Applejack walked back over to her.

“Well, ya want me to untie ya or not?” Applejack said with a roll of her eyes.

“Oh, uh, right. Yeah, untie me,” Rainbow said, furrowing her brow.

“Untie me, what?”

“Uh… what?”

“... Untie me, what?” Applejack repeated.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Rainbow said with a quirked eyebrow.

“Say the magic word, Rainbow,” Applejack said with a serious look.

“Oh come on, seriously?” Rainbow groaned, “That is SO uncool!”

“Good manners is uncool, huh? Gee, it’s sure gettin’ late, and seein’ you nap kinda made me think about it… Maybe I’ll just sit down for a spell before I untie ya, then,” Applejack said as she gave an exaggerated yawn and lied down next to her captive, snuggling her back up to the pegasus’ side.

“No, no, untie me first! Uh, untie me first, please?” Rainbow stammered.

“Nah, I’m mighty tired, I’m not sure I got the energy fer it. You can wait an hour, can’tcha?” Applejack said with another yawn as she lowered her head to her hooves.

Rainbow stared at the back of her head for several long seconds during which Rarity could barely contain her mirth. It wasn’t polite to eavesdrop, but this was hilarious. Suddenly Rainbow’s head snapped forward, plucking Applejack’s hat away with her teeth.

“Hey!”

“Iff you wand yur had bag, you godda undie me,” Rainbow teased as she bent her neck away from the other mare.

“Rainbow Dash, give that back,” Applejack shouted as she got back to her hooves and tried to grab it back, but Rainbow blocked her with her bound legs as she dangled it out of reach.

“Mayg me!” Rainbow laughed.

“Rainbow, I’m not jokin’ around, give it back now!” Applejack tried to juke to the other side of Rainbow, but the pegasus twisted her neck expertly back to keep it out of reach.

Rarity could not stop laughing. She laughed so hard she’d started to cry. Forget a nice quiet evening alone, this was all the entertainment she needed.

Applejack reached as far as she could, but she still couldn’t quite reach the hat as Rainbow pushed against her with all four legs. Suddenly there was another thud as Rainbow pulled her legs back and Applejack fell down on top of her with a loud “Oof,” sending the hat flying a few feet away.

Rarity covered her mouth with both hooves to stop her laughter from carrying, slowly wiping the tears out of her eyes when she felt she could spare the limb.

Applejack was now prone, on top of Rainbow. They were staring into each other’s eyes, neither moving.

Rarity welcomed the respite in hilarity to catch her breath. Celestia, her throat had begun to hurt.

Applejack’s eyelids began to creep closed, and Rainbow’s followed suit.

Rarity squinted. That looked… odd.

Applejack’s mouth moved, but if she’d said anything it was too quiet for Rarity to hear. There was something about that look in her eyes, though… Rarity wasn’t sure what it was, but she knew she didn’t like it.

Applejack’s muzzle began to slowly drift downwards. Rarity opened her eyes wide. There was no way that was good. If she didn’t know any better, it looked like they were staring… at each other’s… lips…

Rainbow’s head shot upward, closing the distance between them.

Rarity gasped.

Apple Cider SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!

The equinnequin shattered into an uncountable number of pieces as it crashed into the wall of the inspiration room, metal joints snapping as easily as glass. Rarity panted as she ripped the closet door open and pulled the mass of boxes within out onto the floor, their contents spilling over.

Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes she wouldn’t have believed it.

The framed picture of her and Applejack at the Ponyville Fair last Spring; sent flying into the wall.

They didn’t just kiss, either. They straight up made out.

The ornate vase Applejack had given her for Hearth’s Warming last year; sent flying into the wall.

They made out in front of her. They didn’t know she was there, of course, but still; in public? That was so tacky.

The photo album she’d made of their trips together; ripped apart and sent flying into the wall.

Besides, the orchard was their spot! When she and Applejack did it, it was a brief, tender kiss after an elegant, romantic picnic. Yet Applejack and Rainbow Dash had basically given themselves to each other right then and there, for all the world to see! Shameful!

The ceramic pie dish Applejack left in her kitchen 6 months ago and always forgot to take with her; sent flying into the wall.

And what, Rainbow Dash couldn’t even buy her dinner first? Was common decency dead?

The heart shaped locket Applejack had given her on their one year anniversary; sent flying into the–wait.

Rarity grasped the chain in telekinesis before it hit the wall and pulled it back to her. She ran her hooves delicately over the engraved surface, feeling the ridges of their cutie marks superimposed on each other. She lifted it up so that the light caught the words carved around its outer rim; ‘Good things are better when they’re a Rarity.’

Rarity growled as she threw the locket on the ground and raised her right foreleg. With a feral cry she shattered it with her hoof.

Rarity watched the shards dance out across the floor as she caught her breath. This was the most active bout of Spring Cleaning she’d ever engaged in. And yes, while it may have been fall, she was just getting a head start on this year’s tasks. Task number one was to clear all the garbage out of her closets, obviously.

Rarity lifted her hoof and went to turn back to the closet when something caught her eye. There was a small folded up piece of paper sitting amongst the scattered remains of the locket. Curiosity piqued, she picked it up in an aura of magic and unfolded it. Applejack’s horrible penmanship was scrawled all over the paper, and near the bottom were a collection of tear stains.

Dear Rarity,

If you’re reading this, it probably means we aren’t together anymore, since the only way you would be seeing this would be if you smashed the locket, and if you did that it probably means I did something really bad… so, sorry for whatever that wound up being.

I love you, Rarity. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anypony in my whole life. I just wanted you to know, I always will. And whatever I did to make you leave me, if I took you for granted or just made you unhappy, I’m sure I deserved it. I’m still not entirely sure how I was ever good enough for you in the first place.

Gosh, I don’t really know what to write here. I really hope you never have to read this. I don’t even want to imagine my life without you, Rares. Just the thought of screwing it up petrifies me. But let’s face it, I probably will eventually. And when that day comes, and you move on, and you’re standing up at the altar with some beautiful pony that isn’t me… Well, I’ll still be there for you, Rares. I always will be.

I don’t know what I’m writing. Just rambling I guess. This is silly, I should stop now.

I love you, Rarity. Please don’t ever forget that.

~Applejack

Rarity folded the paper back up as she finished reading. Her lungs had frozen in her chest. Her vision blurred. Her hooves trembled. She could feel her stomach churning, its contents threatening to return for vengeance.

How dare Applejack write that note? That cocky cowpony had outsmarted her! To deny her the simple satisfaction of smashing that stupid locket with… with this!

Rarity ripped the note to pieces and threw them in a ball across the room. Her heart hammered in her chest as her lungs started moving again. That wasn’t enough. She grabbed another of the boxes and hurled it with all her might, straight through the inspiration room window. The next box she grabbed was heavier, and a quick peek inside revealed the rest of her framed pictures featuring that horrible orange pony’s stupid, cocky face. One by one she pulled them out and punched as hard as she could, glass dust shimmering in the air around her with each broken frame.

As she finished smashing the last picture frame, Rarity finally noticed a stinging pain in her hoof. She coughed as she moved to the bathroom and inspected her hoof in the mirror. She was bleeding from a few cuts, but nothing major. She ran her hoof under the warm tap as she felt around her cabinet for a roll of gauze.

Rarity took several deep breaths as she wrapped up her hoof with the gauze. That was probably enough cleaning for one day. She walked back into the inspiration room and looked at the window with a frown. She’d been meaning to replace that one anyway. For now a broken down cardboard box taped over the hole would do.

Rarity sighed as she surveyed the wreckage of the inspiration room. Now that she had calmed down, she couldn’t fathom what had come over her. Who cared who Applejack kissed, anyway? Certainly not Rarity, she had no reason to. They were over, as Rarity’d repeatedly told Applejack over the last few weeks.

The fact that the thought made her stomach turn was probably unrelated. And why was she so worried in the first place? So Applejack kissed Rainbow Dash, big deal! It didn’t mean they were together. Rarity’d snogged Octavia at least five times over the last few weeks, but that didn’t mean they were together either, right?

Rarity took a deep breath and walked towards her bedroom. She’d be able to think a lot more clearly about all this in the morning, after some well deserved rest.

The first thing Rarity noticed about the morning was that her hoof hurt. As she rewashed her cuts and applied a new layer of gauze and ointment to them, she scowled at herself in the mirror.

”Mao,” Opal said from the doorway.

“Good morning dear, mommy will get your breakfast in just a minute,” Rarity said with a tired smile.

”Mao,” Opal replied before hopping up onto the countertop.

“Don’t worry dear, this is nothing, just a few scrapes,” she exhaled absentmindedly as she inspected her wounds. Some of them were deeper than she’d first thought, but it still wasn’t anything that needed drastic attention.

”Mao?” Opal asked.

“Nothing happened, darling, what would make you think that?”

”Mao,” Opal replied.

“... That’s just silly. I was simply getting a head start on my spring cleaning, and–”

”Mao,” Opal interrupted.

“What do you mean you don’t believe me? I am absolutely fine, Opal, and that’s the last I want to hear of it.” Rarity scowled at the cat.

Opal gave her an appraising look for several long seconds. ”Mao.”

Rarity sighed in defeat. “Fine, you win. In truth, mommy isn’t feeling so well right now because… well, mommy is a bit a confused. She’s… not entirely sure what she’s feeling right now.”

"Mao?" Opal encouraged her to continue.

"It's just that, last night when I went to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to Applejack about the fashion line, I saw her... kissing Rainbow Dash."

"Mao," Opal said.

"Yes I am fully aware that I'm the one who dumped her, thank you."

"Mao," Opal said, licking her paw.

"We'll... That's the thing, you see. I don't know why it bothered me so much, but it did.  I thought I was done with her, but-"

"Mao," Opal interrupted her.

"Jealous!?" Rarity turned to look wide eyed at her cat. “Don’t be ridiculous, Opal, I’m not jealous!”

”Mao.”

“Well if I knew what the word was for what I am, I wouldn’t be confused, now would I?” Rarity snapped back.

“Mrow!” Opal said as she turned her back and hopped off the counter.

“Some companion you are, you always run away right when we get to the issue!” Rarity called after her retreating cat.

With a frustrated “Hmph,” Rarity turned back to the mirror. She looked like Tartarus. Large, dark circles under her eyes, mane a mess, lips chapped and uneven... She barely even recognized her reflection. It would take her hours to get this all straightened out, and-

The doorbell rang, causing Rarity to jump. She took a moment to catch her breath and heard it ring again. She glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it was barely even 8 o'clock; the boutique was hours from opening, who could possibly need to see her this early?

Rarity had half a mind to just ignore whoever it was and go on with her morning ritual, but the doorbell rang again, and again, with no sign of stopping. There was no way she’d be able to relax enough to properly beautify her mane in the midst of such a racket anyway, so with a resentful sigh she donned her robe and wrapped a towel around her head before making her way downstairs.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" she called, her agitation increasing with every chime of the bell. She put on her angriest glare as she opened the door. "You know, Carousel Boutique does not open until noo-"

"Sorry Rarity, but I really needed to see ya."

Rarity blinked. Applejack stood in the doorway. Applejack needed to see her.

Rarity smiled. Of course Applejack needed to see her! She'd been gone for a week, and now that she was back Applejack had come to beg one last time that she take her back. She'd tasted the love of another, and all it did was bring her right back to her true love; Rarity.

Nothing had changed, and that was the greatest possible realization Rarity could have experienced in that moment.

"Oh don't mind that Applejack, I thought you were a customer! You know I always have time for you," Rarity said as she stepped out of the doorway to allow her friend entrance. "Please, do come in."

“Thanks, Rare–uh, Rarity,” Applejack said as she stepped inside, her gaze pointedly straight ahead despite Rarity attempting to make eye contact.

Applejack walked straight to the kitchen table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Rarity followed her.

“I was hoping you’d drop by today,” Rarity said with a small smile. “I actually needed to talk to you about–”

“Rarity, I gotta ask you somethin’,” Applejack sharply interrupted her.

Rarity nodded. “Of course, ask me anything, dear.”

“Would you… Gosh, this is hard,” Applejack grimaced.

Rarity reached her hoof across the table to hold Applejack’s. “It’s okay,” she said. “Would you like something to drink, darling? I was just about to put on a kettle for tea.”

“No, I’m fine,” Applejack said, shaking her head.

“Are you sure? It’s no trouble at all,” Rarity said with a beseeching smile.

“Really, I’m good–”

Rarity shook her head as she got up from the table and turned toward the stove. “Nonsense, give me but a moment to get the kettle started and–”

“No, just listen Rarity, I’ve been thinkin’, and–”

“–I’ll be with you in just a–”

“–I’m gonna date Rainbow Dash,” Applejack shouted.

Rarity froze mid-step.

“... If that’s okay with you,” she added.

Rarity cleared her throat as she stared at the stove. “... What?”

“You said to move on, so… Me an’ RD. We’re datin’.”

Rarity heard her heart thudding in her chest as she tried to get her mouth in working order. “You’re… dating her? Since when?”

“Well,” Applejack fidgeted as she hugged her legs to her torso, “last night we were hangin’ out, and some stuff kinda… Gosh, this is awkward. One thing led to another, I guess, and… we’re together, now. I thought I should tell ya.”

Rarity turned slowly back to Applejack, keeping her face as straight as she could manage. “... Oh.”

Applejack averted her gaze to the floor and Rarity quickly followed suit. “I just… You told me to move on, right? So… I did. Or I’m tryin’ to. I don’t know.”

Rarity closed her eyes and nodded. “I guess I did.”

“You don’t mind, then? I mean… we’re good?”

Rarity blinked a few times. “Yes. Of course we’re good. I’m happy for you.”

Applejack smiled as she lifted her gaze back up to meet Rarity’s. “Great. So,” she began as she stood up from the table, “what did you say you wanted to see me about?”

“Huh?”

“Earlier, when I got here, you said you were hopin’ I’d drop by?” Applejack said delicately.

“Oh, right, I almost forgot,” Rarity nodded blankly. “I wanted to talk to you about the Rustic Romantic line… Class Act of Empire Fashions is interested in it, and I wanted to know if you’d give me your share of it.”

“Er… What do ya mean?” Applejack asked.

“Just sign this form so I can let him showcase it,” Rarity said absentmindedly as she floated the contract and a pen over from her work desk.

“Oh, uh, sure,” Applejack said, taking the pen in her mouth and scrawling a quick signature. “This is pretty excitin’, ain’t it? I’ll admit I don’t know too much about the industry, but exposure’s always good, right?”

“Yes, it is…” Rarity breathed lightly as she picked up the contract and stuffed it in a drawer of her desk.

“So’s, I guess I’ll get outta yer hair then, I got some work to get back to on the farm,” Applejack said with a smile as she stepped toward the door.

“Yes, of course,” Rarity nodded as she put a kettle on the stove.

“I’ll see ya later then, Rarity. And… Thanks. Your approval means a lot to me.”

“Don’t mention it,” Rarity said without turning her head.

“Well… G’Bye, then,” Applejack said as she opened the door and exited the boutique.

Rarity looked down at her bandaged hoof and took a deep breath in through her nose.

Her hoof hurt. Too much for cleaning right now.

Rarity looked up at her clock and knitted her brow. It was approaching what could be justified as brunch time.

Perhaps a visit to Octavia was in order? She couldn’t place it, but she felt a sudden overwhelming urge to be in a committed relationship.

D'you like Huey Lewis and The News?

“I’m sorry, Applejack.”

“I know,” Applejack said as Rarity clung tighter to her leg.

“I just got so caught up in my own little world, I stopped thinking about… about us, and–”

“I know, sugarcube, it’s okay,” Applejack said with a gentle smile before pecking Rarity’s forehead. “We both made mistakes, it happens.”

“But I was just awful to you! The things I said, I know I can’t ever take them back, but–”

Applejack chuckled. “I forgive you.”

Rarity felt tears clinging to the corners of her eyes as she shook her head. “You are the noblest soul I’ve ever met, Applejack.”

“And you’re the most beautiful, generous, and loving marefriend I could ask for.”

Rarity giggled through her stuffed nose before reaching for a tissue. “I’m such a mess, I’m sorry.”

“Ya don’t need to keep apologizin’. It’s all alright now. We’re together. I’m here for you, Rares. I always will be.”

Rarity nestled her forehead into the nook of Applejack’s neck and sighed. Applejack was there for her, and she always would be.

“I love you, Rarity. Please don’t ever forget that.”

Rarity creased her brow. That didn’t seem right.

“What?”

“I said, ‘I love you, Rarity. Please don’t ever forget that.’”

Rarity stared at the ceiling for several long seconds before sitting up to look at her lover’s face.

“Somethin’ wrong, Rarity?”

Rarity closed her eyes and shook her head. “I… Have you said that before?”

“Lots of times, silly filly.”

“No, I mean, those exact words. I’ve heard them before… Haven’t I?”

“Somethin’ wrong, Rarity?”

“I…”

Rarity sat up abruptly. It was dark. She threw off the heavy quilt covering her and lit her horn with magic.

Fluttershy slept beside her, occupying half of the bed. Not Applejack. Rarity squinted.

Across the room she spotted Twilight and Pinkie Pie in another bed, side by side and fast asleep. Rarity rubbed her eyes.

Turning her gaze the other direction she spotted a third bed.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash lay curled up together, smiling gently as Rainbow snored.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Rarity rubbed her eyes again. This wasn’t her bedroom, it was… Twilight’s loft.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

The sleepover.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Right.

Rarity laid back down and stared at the ceiling. What time was it? How long had she been asleep? How long until morning? The ceiling yielded no answers.

Rarity turned onto her side and stared at the back of Fluttershy’s head.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

This was unacceptable. Completely and utterly unacceptable. It was gauche enough for Rainbow to steal her marefriend, but then to snore at a slumber party? It was so repulsive Rarity wanted to scream. She wouldn’t, of course; somepony had to maintain a semblance of tact.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Rarity shimmied back under the covers and closed her eyes. Was this the awful pegasus’ way of gloating?

She just didn’t get it. Applejack had been a mess a few short days ago. She’d begged – literally begged – Rarity to take her back, and now one week later she was perfectly happy with someone else? It didn’t make any sense. Something was going on here, of that Rarity could be sure.

After all, how could Applejack go from dating Rarity, the pinnacle of perfection, to dating Rainbow Dash, the boorish, arrogant, inconsiderate pegasus, and be happy? There was no way Applejack just… moved on, right? The mere thought of it was ludicrous!

“Snrrrrrrkt.”

Rarity scoffed. Completely ludicrous. One did not simply ‘move on’ from a love like theirs. It ate away at them, clawed at their insides, scraped and scratched at their very soul. Nothing could replace it. Even if Applejack hadn’t realized that yet, she would. Oh, how she would.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Rarity ground her teeth. This was so unfair. She was so tired – absolutely drained, in fact – to be denied rest by something so trivial was out of the question.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

No. She wouldn’t let that daft pegasus win. She would fall asleep this instant, and that would be that.

“Snrrrrrrkt.”

… And if not this instant, then surely the next one.

“Snrrrrrrkt.”

… Or the one after that.

“Snrrrrrrkt.”

It was no use. Every time Rarity thought sleep was about to overtake her, another piercing snort shook the room. Had Applejack not realized she was dating a monster?

“Snrrrrrkt.”

As she sat beneath the covers stewing in resentment, Rarity quickly found it more and more difficult to contain her growing anger and frustration. She just wanted to sleep, was that so much to ask?

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Another snore answered her in the affirmative. Fine, then. If she could not sleep here, she would have to go elsewhere. Quietly slipping out from under the blanket so as not to disturb anypony, Rarity headed downstairs and out of the library.

“Snrrrrrkt.”

Her friends would understand, surely.

“Rarity! Are ya in there?”

Rarity bolted upright before quickly recoiling as the sun’s light blinded her.

“Rarity? Hello?”

“I’m here, I’m here,” She called as she stumbled out of bed and over to her bedroom door, pulling it open and shielding her eyes with a hoof.

It was Applejack.

“Thank goodness,” Applejack said with a sigh of relief, “We were all mighty worried about ya.”

Rarity yawned. Applejack was worried about her?. “Worried? Whatever for?”

“You ran off in the middle of the night, when we woke up nopony knew where ya went.” Applejack said, knitting her eyebrows.

“Oh. Right,” Rarity nodded. “Sorry to have worried you, I just… Uhm… Had to come home and feed the cat, of course.”

Applejack gave Rarity a long, blank look. “If you say so…”

Rarity forced a smile. “I do.”

“I’m glad you’re alright, then. I thought…” Applejack paused and shook her head. “Well… Nevermind.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Nevermind what?”

“Nothin’,” Applejack said.

Rarity frowned. Applejack had definitely wanted to say something. Perhaps she still cared more than she’d let on? Rarity tapped her chin with a hoof. Could it be that she wasn’t too late to fix things after all? The idea brought her no small amount of joy. Would it be uncouth to do some snooping to find out?

Maybe, but desperate times called for desperate measures, did they not?

“Say, Applejack,” Rarity beamed, “Would you like to get breakfast with me? The Mane St Cafe is serving Cream Dried Oats this week if I remember correctly. That’s your favorite, is it not?”

Applejack rubbed her neck. “Uh, It’s already past 11–”

“Lunch, then.” Rarity smiled as she walked past Applejack towards the stairs.

“Actually, I kinda gotta get back to the farm, there’s–”

“Nonsense!” Rarity stomped her hoof. Applejack jumped slightly, and Rarity put on her best pout. “You can spare half an hour to catch up with an old friend, can’t you?”

Applejack’s gaze drifted to the side as she frowned. Rarity sighed. “Alright, fine, I’ll just go eat alone then…”

That did the trick. Applejack shook her head. “No, I’ll come. Mane St. Cafe, right?”

Rarity nodded. She would get to the bottom of this, one way or another.

“So, dear, how are things?” Rarity asked through as large a smile as she could manage.

“Things’re good,” Applejack replied between forkfuls of hay fries. “I mean, the farm’s doin’ great, and Applebloom seems to have finally gotten the grasp of her arithmetickin’. She’s such a smart little filly when she focuses, yanno?”

Rarity nodded, doing her best to hide her exasperation. “Oh yes, of course. But how are things with you?” Rarity asked, leaning forward.

“Well, I’m dandy as ever, I reckon.” Applejack giggled. “Why, a couple’a days ago I bucked a tree so hard the apples fell off the one next to it! I think Granny’s been puttin’ somethin’ in the oatmeal.” Her giggling turned into a short guffaw.

“That’s… wonderful, darling.” Rarity rested her cheek on a hoof. She’s actually going to make me say it out loud, isn’t she? With a pained sense of resignation, Rarity forged on. “And how are things with… Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack stopped laughing. “You want to hear about Rainbow Dash?”

“That’s what I just asked, is it not?” Rarity confirmed through gritted teeth.

“Well… alright. Since ya asked, an’ all… Things’re good. We’re havin’ fun. I mean… We have a lot in common, right? So it’s good. We’re good for eachother, I think…”

Rarity cocked her eyebrow. “You think? Are you not sure?”

“What?”

“It’s just, you don’t sound very convinced,” Rarity said, idly inspecting her hoof.

Applejack paused and put down her fork. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rarity looked up to meet Applejack’s gaze and was surprised to find it more irritated than she’d imagined. “Umm… Nothing, just idle chatter, hah hah…”

Applejack narrowed her gaze slowly before picking up her fork and resuming her meal. “Whatever,” she grumbled.

Rarity watched her eat in silence. Applejack was concealing something. She was right to suspect the mare of trickery over this ridiculous new relationship, but what was her motive?  It was almost as if…

… She was trying to make Rarity jealous.

Rarity’s eyes lit up as she realized it. Of course! It all made so much sense now! Applejack still loved her, but when she saw Rarity with Octavia, it drove her mad; Mad enough to date... Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, in a feeble attempt at instilling the very same emotions in her.

She should have known there was no way Applejack would actually date Rainbow Dash; Their coats clashed horrendously! No, this was much more sinister than that; Applejack was playing her like she played her fiddle!

Rarity couldn’t decide if she wanted to giggle with glee or strangle the cocky cowpony right then and there. And here she’d almost fallen right into her trap!

No. Rarity did not get manipulated. If Applejack thought she could make Rarity jealous, she had another thing coming.

“Uh… Rarity? Y’alright?”

“Hmm?” Rarity hummed, coming back to reality.

“Ya got a funny look goin’ on there for a sec,” Applejack said, pointing with her fork.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Rarity said with a polite smirk. “Just thinking. Anyway, do tell me more.”

“Uh… Like what?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know, do you have any fun plans or anything?”

“Actually… Yeah. You remember my cousin, Braeburn? He sent me a letter last week, apparently there’s a big fair down in Appleloosa next week, and so I thought me and Dash would go down and check it out.” Applejack smiled. “It’ll be nice to see Braeburn again too, haven’t seen him since the whole ‘Buffalo Ordeal,’ heh heh.”

Rarity covered a laugh with her hoof. “That sounds like a wonderful time, darling.”

The Ponyville Clock Tower rang out across town, signaling noon. Rarity stood up from her seat and placed a few bits on the table. “This has been lovely, but I’m afraid I must be going. I’d loathe to miss my weekly spa date with Fluttershy.”

Applejack nodded. “Of course.”

“I’ll see you later, then.” Rarity said and turned to leave.

“Right. Later, then,” Applejack said, looking rather confused  as Rarity departed.

Rarity laughed to herself as she made her way to the spa. Applejack thought she was so smart; She thought she had it all figured out, did she? Thought she had the perfect plan?

So Applejack thinks she can me jealous? Rarity thought as a sly grin crept its way onto her face.

We’ll just have to see about that, now won’t we?

Who's properly rockin' the Monopoly moustache?

“Thank you so much for inviting me to come with you to the fair, Rarity,” Fluttershy merrily chirped as she stepped onto the train platform.

“Think nothing of it, dear! After I found myself with an extra ticket in my possession, I couldn’t think of any pony I’d rather bring than you,” Rarity said with a smile.

It wasn’t a lie. Technically.

It’s not like speculated ulterior motives would hold up in a court of law, anyway.

“I hope Pinkie will be okay watching my animal friends for me while I’m gone… they can be a hooful sometimes, but I told them all to be on their best behavior,” Fluttershy rambled.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, dear,” Rarity said as she scanned the quaint town of Appleloosa. The fair was well under way already, as evidenced by the many tents and booths that lined the streets, to say nothing of the myriad ponies swamping them. Finding Applejack in this crowd wouldn’t be easy.

“I heard there was going to be a petting zoo, and if it’s alright with you, I’d like to stop by and see the local fauna. Last time we were here we didn’t really get that much time to look around, and…”

Rarity raised a hoof to shield her eyes from the sun and squinted. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had come down the previous afternoon, and by now they could be anywhere in town. Of course, this wasn’t the first time she had to find Applejack amidst a massive crowd, and she had a secret technique that was perfect for this situation.

Find the stetson, find Applejack.

Rarity grinned as her eyes locked on the familiar brown hat bobbing up and down among the sea of ponies. “This way,” she called to Fluttershy as she took off at a gallop toward the crowd.

“Oh, okay,” Fluttershy squeaked from somewhere behind her. Rarity didn’t chance a look back, instead keeping her eyes locked on the leather beacon. Bobbing and weaving through the crowd, she closed in on her target and prepared her best ‘funny seeing you here!’ face.

The sea of ponies parted and Rarity saw the brown hat sitting atop a blonde mane.

Gotcha.

“Applejack, is that y–”

The mare turned around with a blank look in her blue eyes.

Blue. Rarity’s face fell.

“Uh, I think you’ve mistaken me for somepony else, sorry,” she said, and continued on her way.

Rarity blushed furiously as she caught her breath. It hadn’t occurred to her that Appleloosa, being a frontier town, would have more than one pony wearing the iconic hat.

That was okay, though; Just meant it would take a little more effort to find her. Rarity looked around as she tried to think of the best place to find Applejack. If she knew her ex – and she most certainly did – the first place she would look for her at a town fair would be…

“Oh my, I’m sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy panted as she stepped up beside her. “We got separated for a moment there. There’s an awful lot of ponies here, and…”

Rarity shook her head. “It’s fine, dear,” she mumbled. “I was just thinking about what we should go see first.”

Fluttershy smiled politely. “Oh, well, if it’s alright with you, I still really like to see the petting–”

“Why don’t we visit the game booths?” Rarity interrupted.

Fluttershy quirked an eyebrow. “Umm… You want to visit the game booths?”

“Of course,” Rarity said with a laugh. “Is that so strange?”

“Umm… A little, but–”

Rarity shook her head. “Whatever, let’s go.”

Fluttershy watched Rarity turn and sprint off again and sighed. “Okay,” she muttered as she followed behind.

“Ooh, this one looks like fun,” Fluttershy said as she stepped up to a stall where ponies were rolling small rubber balls towards small holes in a board in an attempt to move a mechanical rabbit forward along a racetrack. Rarity rolled her eyes.

Applejack wasn’t at the game booths.

“And look at the prizes,” Fluttershy said as she pointed to a large plush carrot hanging on a hook at the back of the stall. “I bet Angel would love that.”

Rarity tapped a hoof to her chin. Of course Applejack wasn’t at the game stalls on Day Two. She was here with Rainbow Dash, of all ponies. Rarity would’ve been surprised if the first words out of that arrogant feather brain’s mouth weren’t ‘Hey, I bet I can beat you at like, all the games they have here.’ Applejack wouldn’t take a challenge like that lying down; They would have proceeded right here and played games for hours, probably, until…

“Would you like to play this game with me, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, meekly tapping her shoulder.

Rarity shook her head. “No, actually, I’m quite famished. We should go find something to eat.”

Fluttershy glanced back to the game stall, and then back to Rarity. “Umm… But I thought you wanted to play games?”

Rarity laughed. “Fluttershy, there will be plenty of time for games later.”

“Oh… okay,” Fluttershy said slowly and fell in step behind Rarity once more.

“I thought the hostess at the last place looked like a very nice pony, didn’t you, Rarity?”

“What?” Rarity asked, furrowing her brow.

“Umm… Nothing, Rarity,” Fluttershy said with a sigh.

Rarity stopped walking and looked back to her companion. “And what was that about?”

Fluttershy shrunk back and hid her face behind her mane. “It’s just… You said you were famished, right? And we’ve been to almost every food vendor in town now, and none of them were good enough, you said, and that’s fine because I don’t want to force you to eat somewhere you don’t like, but it’s been almost an hour now and the sun’s going to go down soon and we’ve barely even done anything at the fair…”

Rarity rolled her tongue across her teeth. Perhaps this wasn’t very fair to her Fluttershy… But she had to find Applejack. If she didn’t, this whole trip would have been for naught. Didn’t Fluttershy understand that?

Well, maybe she didn’t, since Rarity hadn’t exactly told her that, but… Rarity shook her head. This was too important.

Rarity glanced over her shoulder at The Greasy Spittoon. It was the last tavern in town that they hadn’t already checked. If Applejack wasn’t here, she’d just give up; That was fair, right?

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy, you’re right,” Rarity deflated with a sigh. “Let’s just go eat, and then, we’ll… What was it you said you wanted to see? The petting zoo?”

Fluttershy shifted her weight from hoof to hoof and nodded. “If you don’t mind…”

Rarity bit her lip. Fluttershy would understand, though. When Rarity explained it all, she would understand.

She had to.

Rarity sat on a hay bale with her chin resting on a hoof as she idly petted a small sheep that had apparently taken a liking to her. Fluttershy was off frolicking with a group of piglets last Rarity had checked, which was good; At least one of them had found something worthwhile on this trip.

“Rarity?”

Rarity jerked her head around to look behind her.

“Rarity, it is you!”

Rarity rubbed her eyes. Applejack stood just on the other side of the petting zoo’s fence with a smile. “Oh, uh, hello Applejack,” she said, smiling back.

“What’re you doin’ out here?” Applejack asked as she hopped over the fence and sat down next to her on the hay bale, then squinted as she looked into Rarity’s eyes. “Yer not stalkin’ me, are ya?”

Rarity jumped to her hooves. “N–No, of course not! I was just–”

Applejack laughed and slapped her knee. “I’m just messin’ with ya, Rarity! Gosh, you should see yer face right now, yer red as an apple!”

Rarity nervously forced a chuckle. “Yes, right, of course…”

“So, what’re ya doin’ down here, Rares?” Applejack asked as she stretched her fetlocks.

“Oh, well, I mentioned to Fluttershy that you had told me about the fair when we were at the spa, and she wanted to come see it. I think she’s been feeling a little pent up as of late. Anyway, I couldn’t very well let her come down here alone, so here I am,” Rarity finished with a flip of her mane and a smile.

It wasn’t a lie. Technically.

“Well, that’s awful nice of you, Rares. Me an’ Rainbow have been havin’ one hay of a time, I gotta say.”

Rarity grimaced inwardly. “Well, that’s… great,” she said. “Speaking of, if you don’t mind me asking, where is Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack snickered. “Oh, she’s off refillin’ ‘er cider mug. I’m sure she’ll be catchin’ up in a few minutes.”

Rarity nodded. “I’m glad you’re having fun,” she muttered.

“So, Fluttershy’s here?” Applejack asked.after a brief silence.

“Yes, she’s over there, with the piglets,” Rarity said, gesturing her hoof in a vague direction.

“That’s nice. There’s somethin’ for everypony here, I tell ya.”

Rarity nodded again. She wanted to say something, but she didn’t know where to begin.

It was strange for Rarity, not knowing what to say. Of course she knew what she wanted to say; She wanted to say ’Applejack, I’m sorry,’ or ’Applejack, please take me back, or even ’Applejack, I know I’ve ruined just about everything at this point, but how could you just move on? With her of all ponies?’

But none of those things would help.

“So, what about you, then?” Applejack asked, breaking Rarity out of her thoughts.

“Pardon?” Rarity asked.

Applejack shifted to make eye contact with Rarity. “You havin’ a good time?”

Rarity looked into Applejack’s beautiful green eyes and felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. It had been so long since they’d actually talked.

“Yes,” Rarity said, feeling the corners of her mouth curl upward involuntarily. “Of course I am.”

“Wonderful,” Applejack said, and went back to reviewing their surroundings.

The moment was gone too quickly. Rarity turned back to her hooves, stealing glances at Applejack out of the corner of her eye. She had that smirk again; That tiny, self-satisfied smirk that meant everything was right in her world. Rarity never had been able to decide if she loved or loathed that smirk.

“Oh, here’s an idea,” Applejack began as she turned back to Rarity, “there’s a fireworks show tonight that me an’ RD were gonna go check out. You and Flutters should join us. And before ya ask, yes, we got a blanket, so ya won’t have to sit in the dirt or nothin’,” she finished with a wink.

She loathed it. Universally loathed it, she decided.

“That sounds wonderful,” she heard herself say before she thought too much about it.

“Great,” Applejack said.

Rarity rolled her tongue across her teeth. In truth, she wasn’t 100% certain that was such a great idea. Fireworks were romantic. Would she really be okay with sitting a few short feet from the love of her life as she no doubt snuggled and whispered with another pony? Snuggles and whispers that, a few short weeks ago, would have been with her?

Rarity shook her head. It wasn’t ideal, no, but she had to do it.

“Hey, remember the Ponyville Fair last year?” Applejack asked idly.

The framed picture of her and Applejack at the Ponyville Fair last Spring; Sent flying into the wall.

Rarity coughed. “Yes, I… I do,” she said.

Applejack sighed as she leaned back on the haybale and closed her eyes.

Rarity paused. “... What about it?”

“I dunno,” Applejack shrugged. “Just thinkin’ about it, I guess.” She giggled slightly. “Topical, or somethin’.”

Rarity’s breath hitched in her throat. “Topical, yes.”

If she had to, Rarity was pretty sure she could find a spell to fix the broken frame. And if it really came down to it, there was no way Twilight didn’t already know one. She didn’t have to tell her what the frame was for, just that it was terribly important to her that it be fixed. Right away. With no questions asked.

Twilight would understand. Of course she would.

… But did that even matter at this point? Rarity wanted to kick herself in the face harder than she could even imagine.

It was a farce of a question, of course. Did she remember the Ponyvlle Fair… How could Applejack even ask that?

Ponyville held its annual Fair every Spring as far back as Rarity could remember. When she was young, her parents took her every year. Then Sweetie Belle came along and she became her sister’s chaperone. More recently, it had become a yearly outing for her and her friends.

And more recently than that, it had become a yearly date for Rarity and Applejack.

Of course there was the picture from the broken frame, but there was much more than that to remember. Applejack had finally coaxed her into riding a roller coaster, for example; ‘These little fair rides aren’t that intense,’ she’d promised. ‘They can’t put in all the loops and spins ‘cos they gotta be able to break ‘em down an’ set ‘em back up. C’mon, it’ll be fun!’

And of course, Applejack had held her hair back in the moments after the ride ended when Rarity found herself expelling the funnel cake they’d previously shared. ‘Okay, maybe they’re a little more intense than I’d thought,’ Applejack had admitted.

She didn’t even complain later when they’d made out in the picture booth.

The picture wasn’t even the only souvenir of the trip, Rarity quickly realized. Like any good fair, Ponyville’s had plenty of games, and with games came prizes. Applejack had spent nearly 30 bits at a clearly rigged darts game in order to win her a teddy bear.

‘Applejack, you could have simply bought me a teddy bear, and spent barely half that many bits,’ Rarity had teased her..

‘I know, but I wanted to win it for ya,’ Applejack had replied.

‘I don’t see what difference it makes,’ Rarity had said with a roll of her eyes.

‘Because anypony could just go buy a teddy bear, right? But I actually had to work for this, it’s more special because of it.’

Rarity felt the beginnings of tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

“Nothin’ against Ponyville, but I think this is nicer,” Applejack said with a yawn.

“Really?” Rarity asked, quickly rubbing the water from her eyes and hoping that Applejack wouldn’t notice.

“Well, not so much the fair, but… I dunno, there’s just somethin’ about the frontier that I love. Like, look at the sky,” she said, pointing a hoof.

Rarity glanced up briefly. “It’s nice,” she said.

Applejack rolled her eyes and laughed. “Come on Rares, actually look at it.”

Rarity felt Applejack grab her shoulders and pull her back onto the hay bale so that she was laying next to her. “Okay, I’m looking at it!” Rarity laughed as she tried to glare disapprovingly at Applejack.

“No you’re not, you’re lookin’ at me,” Applejack grinned cheekily.

Rarity fumed as she looked up at the sky. Perhaps if she furrowed her brow enough, Applejack wouldn’t notice the shade of her cheeks. It was a stupid hope, but she couldn’t convince herself it wasn’t worth a try. “Fine, what am I supposed to be looking at?”

“The stars, Rares,” Applejack said as if it was obvious.

Rarity blinked. “They’re very nice,” she said uncertainly.

Applejack laughed. “Come ON Rarity, really look at them. I mean, ya can’t see nearly this many stars back in Ponyville, what with all the light pollution. And Ponyville’s just a small town, right? A short trot to Canterlot and the sky’s completely dark!”

Rarity smiled. Applejack was right, of course; The city had a way of removing a pony from nature to the point where they could forget nature was even still out there.

“Anyway, that’s what I’m gettin’ at,” Applejack said. “We let ourselves get so wrapped up in the wonders of the modern world, right? But this kind of beauty, ya just can’t find it back in civilization. And it’s a shame, yanno?”

Rarity winced. “I know all too well,” she said, doing all she could to convince herself she was still talking about the sky. “Applejack, I…”

“Applejack, how lovely to see you,” Fluttershy said as she floated over from deeper in the zoo.

“Fluttershy, hey!” Applejack laughed as she stood to give the pegasus a hug. “How’re ya doin?”

Rarity dragged her hooves down her face.

“Oh, I’m wonderful,” Fluttershy said happily, “thank you for asking. How’re you?”

“I’m great,” Applejack replied. “Me an’ Rares were just talkin ‘bout how there’s gonna be some fireworks in a little bit, and you two should join me an’ RD to see ‘em.”

“That sounds like fun,” Fluttershy agreed.

“Speaking of, I’d better go figure out where she got off to. Shouldn’t take quite this long to refill a cider mug,” she said with a chuckle. “You two wanna meet us over by the quad?” Applejack pointed toward the outskirts of the fair. “We’ll bring the blanket.”

“Okay, see you there,” Fluttershy said.

“Yes, see you there, Applejack,” Rarity confirmed with a nod.

Applejack tipped her hat and hopped back over the fence.

“That was nice of Applejack to invite us to the fireworks, wasn’t it, Rarity?” Fluttershy said idly as they walked towards the quad.

“Yes, it was,” Rarity replied, believing for the first time that night that this whole situation was going to work out alright. She didn’t know exactly how she knew, but there was simply something about the conversation she’d had with Applejack that was… reassuring.

Applejack hadn’t forgotten her after all. She’d gotten herself awfully worked up about the whole situation. Embarrassingly so, in fact. But it was okay. Applejack still cared about her. Enough to sit on a hay bale for twenty minutes and talk about the stars.

Rarity wasn’t sure what that meant, but she knew it definitely meant something.

“Hey, Rarity! Fluttershy! Over here,” Applejack called from a short distance away. Rarity and Fluttershy trotted over to join her at a large checkered blanket already set up.

“Lovely spot you picked, darling,” Rarity said as she looked around. Assuming the fireworks would be going off on the opposite side of the quad from the fair, which she felt was safe, they would have a wonderful view.

“Thank ya kindly,” Applejack said with a nod.

“Isn’t Rainbow supposed to be here? Where is she?” Fluttershy asked.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Where do ya think she is?”

“You poniesh talking about me over there?” Rainbow’s slightly slurred voice sounded behind them. Rarity turned to look and saw the pegasus wobbling toward them. “Oh, hey Raridee, hey Fluttersh… Fluttershy.”

“Rainbow… I’m cuttin’ you off after this mug,” Applejack said as she guided her marefriend to the blanket.

“You’re not my mom,” Rainbow spat back.

“You’ll thank me in the mornin’,” Applejack replied.

“... I have to go,” Rarity said suddenly.

Applejack looked up. “What? Why?”

“Is everything alright, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked with concern.

“Everything’s fine, I just… I need to go,” she said, and quickly trotted away.

Applejack and Fluttershy exchanged a look. “Fluttershy, is she okay?”

Fluttershy furrowed her brow. “She seemed… I’ll go check on her.”

Applejack nodded. “Thanks, ‘Shy.”

Rainbow snickered as she took the teddy bear off her back and placed it on the blanket next to her. “What’s up with Rares? She see somepony wearing last year’s trends?”

“I… I dunno,” Applejack said as she watched Fluttershy take off after her.

Above them, the skies erupted in light and color as the fireworks show began.

Imagine your own meta-joke for this one, 'cos I got nothin'.

“Baa,” the lamb said as it pushed itself up against Rarity’s leg.

Rarity sniffled and buried her face further into the hay bale. “I’m a coward,” she mumbled through the straw.

“Baa,” the lamb said in a way that clearly indicated it had no idea what Rarity was talking about.

Rarity turned around slumped down next to the lamb, rubbing the tears from her eyes. Hadn’t she just finished resolving that everything would be okay?

Applejack still cared about her. That was what she wanted, but then…

It wasn’t supposed to hurt this bad. Applejack didn’t mean any harm in winning Dash that teddy bear, but…

… But it was special because she’d won it for Rarity. Had Rainbow really earned that now, too? Applejack had given the pegasus everything that used to belong to her.

I’ll always love you, Rares. Please don’t ever forget that.

Rarity snorted at the thought. “Sure, you’ll always love me, until some stupid feathered lush comes along, and…”

Rarity winced. That was too mean.

“Baa?” the lamb asked.

Rarity shook her head. “Forget I said that, dear.”

Still… It hurt. There was no shame in admitting that it hurt. It was just a stupid bear, but it may as well have been a dagger thrust directly into her spine and twisted.

“Rarity, where are you?” Fluttershy’s voice rang out amidst the crackling pops of the fireworks overhead. Rarity groaned. Now she hadn’t only ruined her own night, but Fluttershy’s as well, by forcing her to miss the fireworks to look for her.

“I’m over here,” she called between sniffles.

“Oh goodness Rarity, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she touched down on the ground next to her.

Rarity tried to force a laugh, but it came out completely distraught. “No, Fluttershy, I am not okay.” She bit her tongue against another sob as she felt her friend’s wing wrap around her back.

“... Do you want to talk about it?” Fluttershy asked.

“No,” Rarity said reflexively, and buried her face in Fluttershy’s chest.

To her surprise, Fluttershy didn’t force the issue. She felt her hoof gently stroke her back, but she seemed content to let her cry into her pelt for now. Rarity took it as a kindness.

The two of them sat there, plus the lamb, for long enough that Rarity lost track of the minutes. A couple times she tried to glance upward to see the fireworks display, but it was no use with all the tears blocking her vision. Even if she couldn’t enjoy them, she hoped Fluttershy at least got to watch.

Fluttershy… Poor Fluttershy. Rarity had felt selfish before, but this was a new low.

“I’m sorry,” Rarity croaked.

“It’s okay, Rarity,” Fluttershy whispered.

“It’s not okay,” Rarity said as a fresh wave of tears rolled down her face. “I don’t deserve a friend like you.”

Fluttershy’s hoof stopped moving for a moment before Rarity felt her head being jerked up to eye level. Fluttershy’s eyes burned deeply into her own, wide and searching. “Rarity, why would you even say that?” she asked quietly.

“Because…” Rarity pulled her head free from Fluttershy’s hooves and cast her gaze back down to the ground. “Fluttershy, I…” She bit her lip as the confession danced at the tip of her tongue. “... I haven’t been completely honest with you about why we’re here.”

A quick glance at Fluttershy showed that her friend had barely moved. Rarity took a deep, shaky breath and continued. “I didn’t invite you here just to see the fair. The truth is, I was hoping to use you to…” The breath hitched in Rarity’s throat. “... to make Applejack jealous.”

“I know,” Fluttershy said.

Rarity blinked away her tears and sniffled. “You do?”

Fluttershy exhaled softly and nodded. “I didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong, but you’ve been acting a little… Off.”

“I’m so sorry, Fluttershy,” Rarity whispered. “I owe you an explanation.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything, Rarity. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. But I’m willing to listen if you do.”

Rarity bit her lip as her entire form shook with another sob. “I miss Applejack.”

Fluttershy gave a quiet acknowledgment and resumed stroking her back.

“I miss her so much.”

“It’s okay, Rarity,” Fluttershy soothed. “Let it out.”

Rarity wiped her muzzle with a hoof and took a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m so stupid. I never should have let her go.”

“You’re not stupid,” Fluttershy said quietly. “You made the best decision you could with the information you had at the time. Nopony blames you for that.”

“Well they should,” Rarity protested between wails. “I’ve been acting like a spoiled brat.”

“You need stop speaking of yourself like that, Rarity.” Fluttershy’s voice was calm and stern. “Tell me what happened.”

It took another few minutes of tears before Rarity was able to find her voice again. “I… I still love her. But I didn’t realize it until it was too late.”

Fluttershy’s hoof continued stroking her back. When she caught up with her breath enough to speak again, she continued. “It hurt, seeing her with Rainbow. I’m not proud to admit it, but it hurt, and then… I got jealous.”

“That’s completely natural,” Fluttershy said.

“But… but what right did I have? I did the exact same thing to her when I dated Octavia. What right do I have to be jealous now?” Rarity finally gave up on salvaging her makeup and rubbed her eyes, smearing mascara all across her face and hooves.

Fluttershy cocked her head. “You… dated Octavia?”

“Ye-he-hess,” Rarity admitted in a multisyllabic sob. “I dumped Applejack, turned around and dated another pony without a second thought! So then when Applejack started seeing Rainbow I thought it would be okay because I had Octavia, but then I found out she got back together with Vinyl!”

Fluttershy hesitated to say anything as Rarity wept loudly into the night sky. “But… Why’d you date Octavia if you still loved Applejack?”

Rarity took a slow deep breath as she looked back to Fluttershy. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes. “I’m going to sound like the worst pony ever when I say this, but… I was okay with us breaking up as long as… as long as Applejack wasn’t,” she squeaked.

Fluttershy’s neutral stare broke for just a second, but it was enough for Rarity to see it; The judgment.

Rarity swallowed again. “Because… If Applejack wasn’t okay with it, then that meant…” Another sob broke her momentum. “Then that meant, it was okay that I wasn’t fully okay with it, either.”

Fluttershy’s gaze was completely inscrutable. She could only imagine the wrath that must be building up behind her friend’s eyes. “But n-now she is okay with it, a-and I’m st-still n-not. I’m… I’m a b-bad pony, Fluttershy,” she said.

Fluttershy’s silence finally broke as she shook her head. “You’re not a bad pony, Rarity, you just made a bad decision.”

“I am a b-bad pony, F-Fluttershy. I’m the w-worst p-pony I’ve ever m-met,” Rarity cried.

Fluttershy continued shaking her head as she stroked Rarity’s back and gently whispered “Shh.” Silence droned on, broken only by Rarity’s wails and the exploding fireworks overhead. Finally Fluttershy spoke.

“Do you know why I like animals, Rarity?”

Rarity wiped her eyes and looked at her. “Umm… Because they’re c-cute?”

Fluttershy laughed. “That’s true, but it’s not what I was looking for. No, I like animals because they’re honest. Ponies, like us, we lie, and we cheat, and we scheme, and we’ll do just about anything to get what we want. If we like a pony a little too much, we wonder if we should hide it because we’re afraid of rejection, or that the other pony would hate us if they found out. Animals aren’t like that, though. Animals just love, without worry or care. You can say that it’s because they don’t know any better, that they don’t have the same level of sentience that we do, but… Well, sometimes I think they’re all the wiser for it.”

Rarity blinked away a few more tears. “Okay…”

“It’s relevant, I promise,” Fluttershy said quickly. “You see, I can tell a lot about ponies by how they treat animals. If a pony is willing to treat an animal, a creature that only wants love and kindness with no agenda, like it’s not worth loving, I know that’s not a pony I’m going to get along with. But it goes both ways, you see. Animals might be simple, but they’re not stupid. If you were a bad pony, do you think Mr. Baasworth would have been snuggling against your leg for the last half hour?”

Rarity looked down at the lamb, who seemed to have drifted off to sleep at some point. Before she had a chance to reply, Fluttershy continued.

“You make him feel safe. Safe enough that he knows he’ll be alright if he naps next to you, because you’re a good pony, and you’d defend him if you needed to,” Fluttershy said.

Rarity looked back to Fluttershy and smiled through the remnants of her tears. “I guess I can’t argue with that.”

Fluttershy nodded decisively. “That’s right. So stop being so down on yourself, please. You’ll get through this.”

“But… What am I supposed to do now? I don’t know how to cope with this. I couldn’t even watch a fireworks show with Applejack because of a teddy bear,” Rarity groaned. “I’m pathetic.”

Rarity watched as Fluttershy clearly waged an internal war over how to respond. She gritted her teeth, took deep breaths, stared into nothingness, and finally spoke.

“You need to be happy for Applejack.”

“But… But–”

“No buts,” Fluttershy said as stamped her hoof. “Um, sorry, that was harsh. But I mean it. You still love Applejack, you say?”

Rarity nodded mutely.

“Then you need to be happy for her, that she’s found somepony that appreciates her and that makes her happy. I’m not saying it will be easy, but… If you really love her, you–”

“I need to let her go,” Rarity interrupted, finishing the cliche. She sniffled one last time and wiped her nose. “You’re right, of course. I had my chance, and I squandered it.”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said apologetically. “... You know I’m here for you, Rarity, any time you need to talk. If it starts to hurt too bad, or even if you’re just feeling lonely… Come talk to me. You’re not alone, you know,” she said as she pulled Rarity into a warm embrace.

Rarity nodded. “Of course. Thank you.”

“Do you want to go watch the end of the fireworks?” Fluttershy asked.

Rarity shook her head. “I’m a mess, and I don’t think I can stand to face Applejack right now, not after… this.”

Fluttershy nodded. “I understand. What will you do, then?”

Rarity sighed as she dusted herself off and looked toward the railway. “I think I’ll just take the night train back to Ponyville. I’d quite like to sleep in my own bed, tonight.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Thank you darling, but I think I’ve taken enough of your time for one day. Plus, I think I need some time alone to think. You should stay and enjoy yourself,” Rarity added.

“Alright,” Fluttershy said. “I’ll see you at the spa this weekend?”

“Absolutely,” Rarity said, and turned toward the train station.

“Applejack, you’re looking the wrong way,” Rainbow said with a clumsy nudge.

“Huh?” Applejack snapped back to attention. “Sorry, I guess I’m a mite distracted. That was a nice Weeping Willow, weren’t it?”

Rainbow leaned in close and smiled. “It’s alright. The Grand Finale’s probably gonna start any second.”

Applejack felt Rainbow’s wing drape across her back and arched her back under the feathers.

“Something wrong, AJ?” Rainbow asked.

“... No, I’m fine,” Applejack said quickly. “Just… Just a little hot out here, you know?”

Rainbow eyed her suspiciously for a moment before giggling and withdrawing her wing. “Okay, whatever you say.”

Applejack bit back all the curses she wanted to spew at herself and pushed herself closer to Rainbow instead. This was ridiculous.

Fluttershy was checking on Rarity. She didn’t need to be concerned.

Of course, that was all it was. Platonic concern. Her good friend was upset, and she felt a completely normal, natural level of concern about her well being. Nothing more.

That was, after all, what Rarity had said she wanted, wasn’t it? She’d made it quite clear.

You need to move on, she’d said. So Applejack would. Of course she would. An Apple never went back on their word.

She sighed deeply as Rainbow snuggled up next to her and turned her gaze back to the show, where fire and light consumed the sky.

Carousel Boutique was as empty as she’d left it that morning. Dark. Quiet.

Peaceful.

A quick twist of her key and Rarity was inside. She stifled a yawn as she made her way to the kitchen. Opal was with Pinkie at Fluttershy’s cottage, so she got herself a glass of water and headed up the stairs.

By the time she managed to get into bed it was well past four in the morning. She hadn’t slept on the train; Even if she’d found a position comfortable enough in those boxy seats, there was no chance her thoughts would have let her. Instead she’d spent that time searching, fruitlessly, for an answer to the question at the forefront of her mind.

Can I really be happy for her?

As her head hit the pillow and her sleep mask covered her eyes, she traced back to the only conclusion she’d been able to come to.

I’ll just have to try.

This chapter brought to you by Safe Mode.

Rarity sat on her porch sipping a mint julep as the pleasant Saturday afternoon rolled by her. It had been quite a while since she’d actually taken any time to relax. Her life had just been such a whirlwind of activity lately, it couldn’t be helped. The non-stop dress orders, her trip to Manehattan, all the nights out with Octavia, that ridiculous jaunt out to Appleloosa…

… Her breakup with Applejack…

Rarity sighed as she settled further into her chair. It still hurt to acknowledge it, but at least she was able to think the words without visibly retching anymore. Vocalizing them might have been a different story, but she’d strategically avoided any situation where she’d have to over the course of the last few weeks, and it was working well. It was helping her move on.

It was.

Rarity shivered as she pulled the periwinkle and white striped scarf tighter around her neck. Autumn was officially ending now, and Winter was just around the corner. She could already feel the colder air nipping at her pelt as she did her best to put it out of her mind. As she reached the bottom of her glass, she decided that was precisely what the Mint Juleps were for, and refilled it from the nearby pitcher she’d prepared.

“Day Drinking, huh? You do know this isn’t Las Pegasus, right?”

Rarity nearly dropped the pitcher as she looked up to see Pinkie Pie giggling from a few feet away. She attempted to mimic Pinkie’s mirth, but knew she fell somewhere short. “Yes, darling, I’m well aware.”

“Good! For a moment I thought maybe you’d gotten dementia, or alzheimer’s, or maybe a wizard temporally displaced your brain, but left your body here, and you didn’t know–”

“No such thing has happened, I can assure you,” Rarity said, quickly adding, “I’m fine.”

Pinkie Pie narrowed her eyes and moved her jaw back and forth before nodding. “Okie dokie!”

“So,” Rarity said as she placed her glass down on the table next to her, “what brings you to my boutique today?”

In response Pinkie reached up with a hoof and pulled several envelopes out of her hair. “Ditzy gave me your mail. Again.”

Rarity chuckled as she levitated them into her hooves. “I still don’t know how she manages to mix up Candy Cane Lane and Sugarcube Court.”

“Well, maybe she sees the ‘Sugarcube’ in Sugarcube Court, and thinks it’s for Sugarcube Corner? I’d believe it.”

“I guess that would make sense,” Rarity mused as she glanced over the letters. “Bill, bill, letter from Sweetie Belle, bill, and…”

Rarity paused as she got to the last letter.

In the top left corner, it said ‘Empire Fashions, 4334 Perfection Circle, Manehattan, 19090.’

“Oh my gosh,” she muttered as she turned it over and opened the flap on the back.

“What is it?” Pinkie asked, immediately appearing over Rarity’s shoulder.

“It’s a letter from Empire Fashions! I wonder whatever for,” Rarity whispered as she pulled out the letter.

“Maybe you should read it and find out,” Pinkie said with a sagely nod.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Oh, is that what you’re supposed to do? I never could have figured that out on my own. Thank you, Pinkie.”

Pinkie giggle-snorted as she patted Rarity’s head. “That’s why I’m here.”

Expelling a quiet sigh, Rarity turned to the letter and read aloud.

Dearest Miss Rarity,

Your Rustic Romantic line is all the rage here in Manehattan, and I simply had to offer my congratulations for your phenomenal vision and craftsmanship. Enclosed you will find a check for your share of the profits from the line’s sales.

I must be frank with you, Miss Rarity; Your kind of talent does not come along every day. I feel I would be remiss if I did not ask you to join my team here in Canterlot. I know what a change this would be for you, so take all the time you need to think about it. If you do decide to join us, though, I can promise you fame and fortune and everything that goes with it.

Sincerely yours,

Class Act

CEO, Empire Fashions

“Wow Rarity,” Pinkie cheered, “That’s totally super awesome!”

Rarity blinked a few times before scanning the letter again.

“Are you gonna do it?”

“Huh?” Rarity pulled her eyes away from the words and looked at Pinkie. “Do what?”

“Are you gonna go work in Manehattan?”

“I… I don’t know,” Rarity said breathlessly.

“It’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it? To be recognized for your talent and go hobnob with all the fancy pantsy ponies?” Pinkie’s excitement was almost grating.

Rarity shook her head. “I don’t know, Pinkie. That’s… I don’t know if I’m ready for this. I have to think about it.”

Pinkie Pie sat back on her haunches and grinned. “Well, you do that, then. I have to go get ready.”

“Ready for what?” Rarity knew she would regret asking the moment the words escaped her lips.

“The party we’re gonna have tonight to celebrate, duh!”

“Pinkie, I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Rarity said as kindly as she could. “I don’t even know if I’m going to take the job, I don’t want to get everypony excited for what might not even come to pass.”

Pinkie snorted. “Who cares? We don’t need to celebrate the job, we’ll just celebrate the job offer.”

Rarity bit her lip. “But… Tonight? That’s such short notice, who would even be able to come?”

Pinkie rolled her eyes. “I can see you’re worried, Rarity, so I’ll tell you what; Let me handle the party, you just show up and enjoy yourself. Okay?”

Rarity sighed. There was no talking Pinkie out of a party once she’d set her mind on it. “Fine, we can have a party. Just.. don’t tell anyone what it’s for. Or make something up. Just don’t tell them about this letter.”

Pinkie cocked her head. “Why not? Don’t you want everypony to know about your success?”

“Please, Pinkie? Just don’t tell them?”

Pinkie tapped her chin with a hoof before smiling brightly and nodding. “Okie dokie lokie!”

“Now then,” Rarity said with a smile, “where will this party be held?”

“Carousel Boutique, of course!”

Rarity smacked a hoof into her forehead. “Of course.”

“Just show up and enjoy myself,” Rarity muttered to herself as she walked back up Sugarcube Court towards her home. “It’s not a big deal. I don’t even have to tell anypony what the occasion is if I don’t want to.”

That is, unless Pinkie tells everypony… which she more than like will.

The idea of all her friends showering her with congratulations and questions and everything else just sounded so unnecessarily stressful. She wasn’t even ready to consider the idea of moving to Manehattan… Was she? She sighed.

Of course, that’s why the moment Pinkie had told her to get out of the boutique for a little while so that she could work, Rarity had taken it as an excuse to head directly to the Ponyville Spa.

She was a mare of habit, after all.

It had even helped, to a degree. It was rather difficult to fret and worry in a sauna.

As she reached her front door, she was surprised to hear several voices already coming from inside. Whispering voices, maybe, but voices nonetheless.

She sighed as she realized she was fashionably late to her own party.

The moment Rarity opened the door, she was engulfed in a tidal wave of streamers and confetti.

“SURPRISE!” came the voices of at least 20 ponies.

“Surprise!” called Pinkie a second later. “Shoot, I messed it up again!”

Rarity laughed as she wiped the streamers out of her eyes. “I appreciate the gesture, everypony, but I knew about this party.”

Pinkie Pie looked aghast. “Somepony told you!?”

Rarity squinted back at Pinkie. “Yes… You did.”

Pinkie got halfway through another gasp before her expression went completely flat. “Oh, right. I forgot.”

Rarity would have laughed more, but as she scanned the room her eyes fell upon a giant banner hung across the ceiling reading ’Congratulations, Rarity!’

“Pinkie, a word?” Rarity asked, motioning to the door.

“Sure,” Pinkie said as she followed Rarity back outside.

“Pinkie, you promised me you wouldn’t tell anypony about the job!” Rarity scolded, messaging her temples.

She’d just been to the spa. She was not going to let her stress build immediately back up.

“I didn’t,” Pinkie said, placing a hoof over her heart.

“There’s a giant banner saying ‘Congratulations, Rarity!’ in my boutique!”

“Well yeah,” Pinkie admitted with a shrug, “But I didn’t tell anypony what we were congratulating you for.”

Rarity sighed. “Fine. Good enough, I guess.” She pushed her way back inside and headed directly for the impromptu bar. The party was officially under way.

Rarity noticed a few things as she said her hellos to all the ponies gathered inside. The first was Applejack, because of course Pinkie had invited her.

Not that she didn’t want to see Applejack, just that… It was complicated.

Everything was complicated, these days.

The second thing she noticed was Twilight and Fluttershy happily greeting her and offering their sincerest congratulations for whatever it was they were celebrating. Rarity gladly accepted their well-wishes and promised they’d catch up once she’d said all her hellos.

The third thing she noticed was the absence of Rainbow Dash. At first she assumed she had simply missed her amongst the crowd, but it quickly became apparent she was not in attendance today.

Rarity was not the kind of mare to count her blessings, but if she was, she would have incremented the counter.

“Anyway, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to hang out since, well, you know…” Octavia trailed off, reminding Rarity that she was in the middle of a conversation.

Octavia was lying, of course, but Rarity wouldn’t call her on it. “I’m sorry about that too, I’ve meant to stop by, but I’ve just been so busy…”

There was no way Octavia didn’t know she was lying as well.

Octavia stifled a polite cough with her hoof. “Well, I’m gonna mingle. Take care, Rarity.”

“You too,” Rarity said as she turned back to her drink.

This wasn’t awful. Rarity could have done without the party, but it wasn’t awful. Or at least, not as awful as it could have been.

“So what’s a pony gotta do t’find out what we’re all congratulatin’ ya for, huh?” Rarity felt a hoof slap into her back accompanied by a warm chuckle she knew all too well.

“I don’t need to update my contact lens prescription,” Rarity lied as she looked up to see Applejack taking the stool next to her. She raised an eyebrow.

“Oh. Here I thought it was a big occasion, or somethin’.”

Rarity shrugged. “Pinkie Pie insisted we celebrate, so celebrating we are.”

Applejack nodded and poured herself a drink. “So, uh… How’ve ya been? I haven’t seen ya since Appleloosa, ya just kinda disappea–”

“Where’s Rainbow?” Rarity interrupted. “Did she not want to celebrate with me for some reason?”

Applejack shifted in her seat before shaking her head. “No, nothin’ like that. She had to go back to Wonderbolts Academy for her bi-monthly training program thingamabob… Left this mornin’.”

“Oh,” Rarity said, mildly regretting her harsh tone, “I see.”

Rarity heard Applejack cough into her hoof.

Suddenly the music stopped and Pinkie Pie cleared her throat. “Alright everypony, it’s time for a game! The name of the game is Claps, Claps is the name of the game.”

Rarity looked over and saw her friends forming a circle. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Applejack looking too.

Pinkie cleared her throat again. “Many say she’s done great things.” She clapped her hooves together. “You might disagree, I guess.” She clapped her hooves four more times. “Really, it’s anypony’s guess.”

“Mayor Mare!” Vinyl called, to which Pinkie laughed and bumped her hoof.

“Yep! Everypony but Vinyl has to drink!”

Various bursts of laughter and groaning erupted amongst the crowd, and to Rarity’s annoyance she noticed Applejack chuckling along.

“Ya wanna play, Rarity?”

Rarity shook her head. “I don’t know how.”

“Oh, it’s easy, Rares. You’ll catch on real quick.” Applejack said.

Rarity wanted to scowl, but that would have required putting down her glass.

“... For me?” Rarity felt Applejack’s hoof touch her shoulder and looked up to see Applejack’s pleading smile.

… Damn that smile.

“Fine,” she muttered, got off her stool, and walked over to the circle.

“This game is so stupid!” Rarity shouted.

Applejack laughed, spilling a few droplets of liquor on the floor as she tried to catch her balance. “Do you want me to explain it to you, Rares?”

“NO!” Rarity stamped her hoof. “I will figure it out! I must!”

“Suit yourself,” Applejack said as she sipped her drink.

“Just do it again. One more time.”

“I’ve got one,” Fluttershy chimed in from the other side of Applejack. “Rainy days make some ponies sad.” Fluttershy paused and clapped her hooves. “Rainy days make some ponies mad.” She paused and clapped her hooves three times. “To me, rainy days aren’t all that bad. You know, they make me kind of glad.”

Applejack had chortled her way through half of Fluttershy’s little rhyme. “You wanna guess, Rarity?”

Rarity stared at Fluttershy and fumed. There had to be SOME pattern, but what? She talked abou Rain… a lot… So… “... Raindrops?”

“NOPE!” Shouted Applejack as she shoved her mug into Rarity’s hooves. “Drink up!”

Rarity screamed in agony. “How do you even know!? I’m right, aren’t I, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy offered a meek smile as she shrunk back. “Umm… No.”

Rarity turned her gaze back to Applejack and glared as hard as she could as she drank.

“It’s you, Rarity.”

Rarity felt the liquor fire out of her mouth as she coughed. “What!?”

“Rarity. You were the answer,” Applejack said, slapping her knee as she tried to control her laughter.

Rarity put down the mug and massaged her temples. “I. Hate. This. Game.”

Time at a Pinkie Pie party had a certain degree of fluidity to it. This wasn’t the first time Rarity had noticed this, not by a long shot, but as her friends trickled out of the party one by one, she was amazed at how little time had actually passed.

That wasn’t to say it wasn’t late. Certainly, Rarity did not see every Midnight with her waking eyes, but still… She could barely remember the last time she’d had this much fun in one evening.

However, when Pinkie Pie was ready to retire from a party, one knew it was indeed late.

“Thank you for everything, Pinkie,” Rarity said as she waved her friend goodbye.

“Anytime, Raresy Pearsy,” Pinkie replied, and half-bounced half-stumbled off into the night.

Rarity closed her door and turned back inside. She had just one guest left now.

Applejack.

Applejack was slowly hobbling around the room, picking up fallen plastic cups here and discarded streamers there, and stuffing them into a large plastic bag.

“Applejack, you don’t have to do that,” Rarity said as she walked towards the center of the room.

“I know I don’t,” Applejack said with a shrug, “but I also know how much you like to keep a clean house, so I don’t mind helpin’ out.”

Rarity shook her head. “Applejack, that’s…” Rarity paused as she momentarily lost her balance. “I mean… thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Applejack replied as she made her way around the outer edge of the lobby. “Why don’t you rustle us up some tea and a few of those buttered not-muffins you like so much?”

“You mean scones?”

“Yeah, them’s the ones,” Applejack affirmed with a broad grin.

Rarity laughed. “Sure.”

It didn’t take Rarity long to return with their refreshments, at which point she was amazed to see that Applejack had actually made substantial progress in her mission to clean the front room.

“Thanks, Rares,” Applejack said as she sat down at the table and began devouring the scones.

Rarity sat down across from her and yawned.

“Any chance you’ve got the time?” Applejack asked.

Rarity nodded. “It’s almost two.”

Applejack frowned. “Oh… I should probably start gettin’ home… It ain’t exactly the shortest walk back to the acres.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “I could prepare the guest room, if you’d like,” she offered.

Applejack looked up. “Are ya sure? I don’t wanna be a burden, or nothin’.”

“Nonsense,” Rarity dismissed her concerns with a wave of her hoof. “You finish your scones, and by the time you’re done, I’ll have the cot all set up for you.”

After a few moments Applejack nodded. “Thanks,” she said quietly.

“Don’t mention it,” Rarity said, and headed up the stairs.

This was fine. Applejack was going to stay the night, in the guest room, and in the morning she was going to leave, and everything would be back to normal.

The new normal, where Rarity was alone and miserable and jealous and bitter.

The cot was up, it had freshly laundered sheets applied, and an assortment of pillows with varying degrees of fluff arranged for maximum comfort. It occurred to Rarity that at some point during her bed making she must have lost track of time, because the clock on the wall read 2:35. There was no way Applejack hadn’t finished those scones long ago, so where was she?

Rarity was about to go back downstairs to check on her when the door slowly opened and Applejack appeared, stifling a yawn with her hoof. “Thanks for the scones, Rares. I figure I’m about ready to hit the hay now.”

Rarity smiled. “We just need to get you a comforter, and it will be all ready for you.”

Applejack looked at the bed and chuckled. “Jeez, y’think there’s enough pillows?”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “They’re ergonomic,” she said as she entered the hallway and headed for her room.

Applejack followed behind her. “Thanks again for lettin’ me stay over.”

Rarity shook her head. “It’s no trouble at all.”

Rarity opened her closet door and began pulling out different blankets. “Would you prefer down, or maybe fleece? Whatever you like best, I’m sure I have it.”

“Rarity?”

“Yes?” Rarity asked as she pulled her head out of the closet and looked over to the door.

Applejack stood stock still, her hooves gripping a piece of paper. “Rarity, what is this?”

Rarity blinked. “What do you–” Rarity gasped as she realized what piece of paper it was Applejack was holding. “Don’t read that, it’s personal!”

Applejack put the paper back down on the desk and stared blankly back at her. “Are you leavin’? Is that why we were celebrain’ tonight?”

Rarity felt Applejack’s question pierce her chest like a dagger. She sounded hurt. “Applejack, it’s not–”

“Pinkie knew, didn’t she?”

Rarity bit her lip as she watched Applejack’s quivering eyes. Her voice was weak, almost fragile. “Yes, she did,” Rarity admitted.

“So… That’s it? Yer just gonna throw a big party and pack up and go? And you weren’t even gonna tell me?”

“Applejack, no, I…” Rarity exhaled. Perhaps hiding this hadn’t been the best idea. “I don’t even know if I’m taking the job, yet.”

Applejack looked down to the floor and the two of them stood in silence as the moments crawled by. Rarity felt absolutely wretched, like her entire body was full of acid and bile.

“I’ll miss you,” Applejack muttered.

“What?” Rarity yelped. She couldn’t have heard that right.

“I’ll miss you,” Applejack repeated slightly louder, still looking at the floor.

Rarity felt too many things to count, the most obvious of which was a tear rolling down her cheek. “I’d miss you too,” she managed to whisper back.

The silence was awful. Rarity couldn’t stand the tension in her chest; She was pretty sure this was what having lung cancer must feel like, and maybe Sweetie Belle was right, if she didn’t want to live with this for the rest of her life, she should really quit smoking once and for all.

“But… I don’t even know if I’m going, yet,” Rarity repeated, hoping for… anything, really.

Applejack nodded slowly and took a step forward, then another, and before Rarity knew it they she was being crushed in a massive hug. She felt Applejack’s breath shuddering through her entire body as she maneuvered her own hooves around her back to return it.

“Just promise me you’ll come back to visit some time,” Applejack whispered.

Rarity felt so dumb saying it a third time, but she couldn’t come up with anything else, so she did. “I don’t even know if I’m–” A sharp pain in her cheek cut her off, and as she regained her balance she saw Applejack’s hoof raised.

More shocking than the idea that Applejack had slapped her were the tears flowing down her face.“Shut up. This is what you’ve been workin’ yer whole life for. All the sweat and blood and tears you’ve poured into this place. Why the hay wouldn’t you go now? What could possibly be holdin’ you back?”

Rarity fruitlessly worked her jaw, but nothing came out. It was a good question. What did Ponyville have left to offer her?

Applejack stared back at her, green eyes quivering as they reflected the moonlight back into her own.

She knew, though. She did. She swallowed her thickening spit and planted her hooves. “You can’t see the stars in Manehattan.”

Applejack blinked, the anger slowly draining from her face.

Before Rarity could react Applejack was upon her, a mess of lips and manes and limbs entwined. She tried to push her away, but Applejack had always been the stronger pony by far.

“Applejack,” she gasped in the brief respite Applejack gave her between kisses, “you’re drunk.”

Applejack scoffed. “I’m a grown mare. I can make my own decisions.”

Rarity felt her protests dying as Applejack pressed against her mouth even harder, pinning her head to the floor. She gasped for air. “What about Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack kissed her again in lieu of an answer. This wasn’t right. She needed to…

Applejack nipped at her collarbone and Rarity’s entire body shook. She must have been dreaming. That’s what this was. Another one of those stupid, awful dreams. She’d fallen asleep at the party, and now her mind was tormenting her again. In the morning she’d wake up and be alone again, just like every other time.

Rarity’s thoughts melted as she kissed Applejack back, unable to hold back her love any longer.

Dream or not, she wanted this. She needed this.

She didn’t fight it as Applejack picked her up to her hooves and guided her over to the bed, their faces desperately trying to occupy the same space the entire way.

Happy Finals Week!

Pain.

Sharp, stabbing pain.

Rarity’s brain pounded against her skull. Light burned her eyes, even before they opened. Her legs transmuted themselves to iron at the slightest attempt to move them.

Everything hurt.

Slowly and carefully, Rarity lifted one eyelid a fraction.

Ow.

Her bedroom. Good, good start; When thoroughly debilitated, it was nice to be in the comfort of one’s own home.

Rarity closed her eye and inched her body toward the edge of the bed, each wiggle forcing another dagger directly into her cranium.

Getting to the bathroom by memory wasn’t easy, but she knew her own house well enough to manage it. She manually pulled the blinds down and turned on the faucet, swiping a wash cloth off her linen stand and dampening it before draping it over her forehead. The water seeping into her pores brought some immediate relief, but not enough.

Rarity willed her eyes open and fumbled through her medicine cabinet until she found the bottle of ibuprofen, tapping out three pills and lapping enough water from the faucet to swallow them.

Undignified, maybe, but seriously, ow.

Rarity rested her forehead against the marble counter top as she waited for the medicine to take effect.

Maybe it was a cliche, and maybe she knew it was a lie, but Rarity resolved, after this, she would never drink again.

… What had happened last night? It was fuzzy. Pinkie threw a party, and… Booze.

The minutes pounded against her skull. Survival. Just had to survive this for a few more minutes, and then she’d be fine.

She couldn’t think of anything right now, the pain was too distracting. Standing like this, crumpled over the counter, wasn’t particularly comfortable. Perhaps – if she was careful – she could make it back to the bed?

Thankfully, she was suffering from very little in the way of nausea, which was a pretty lucky break.

If she was going to do this, there was no point in hesitating; Rarity raised herself off the counter, staggered to the door, threw it open, and–

… Saw Applejack in her bed.

Rarity blinked. She rubbed her eyes and blinked. She coughed up phlegm, rubbed her eyes, and blinked.

Applejack slept in her bed.

Rarity felt her legs fall out from under her as the events of the previous night came flying back into her mind. It wasn’t a dream. They’d really…

Oh dear. Rarity clutched her hooves over her mouth as the conspicuously missing nausea made itself known.

This is bad.

… Is it bad?

It’s bad. Yes. I think. I–

Rarity covered her eyes with her hooves. How did this happen? The images in her mind blurred and shifted. The party… The letter…

Rarity stood slowly, her legs violently shaking the whole way. This… This couldn’t have happened.

She made her way over to the bed and looked at the mare still asleep; She looked… peaceful.

Rarity closed her eyes and exhaled. She always used to look this way, back when…

Of course, in those days, she would have been forcing her to wake up by now. The sheets were a mess, and for pony’s sake, if she left her hair down like that for too long without taking the proper precautions it would tangle. She was so beautiful, though, sleeping without a care in the world, as far as she could see.

Rarity bit her lip. What would she say when she woke up? What did this mean? Were they back together? Would she be happy? Upset? Angry, even? What about Rainbow Dash?

Applejack rolled over to face the middle of the bed.

Rarity stared at the back of her head as her mind dug for answers, but she knew none would come until Applejack awoke.

But… Until then, maybe… Maybe she could just pretend… It hurt, because she knew it wouldn’t be real, but…

Before she could stop herself Rarity was back under the covers, lying face to face with her lover. She watched in silence as the sleeping mare snored quietly, Equestria’s most adorable whinny punctuating each breath, and how had that ever annoyed her?

Applejack rolled onto her back and Rarity felt the sheets tighten around her. Rarity couldn’t help but giggle. Applejack always was a sheet-hog. She remembered how she used to get out an extra blanket when Applejack was staying the night, so that if worse came to worst, she wouldn’t have to freeze to death, and–

“No, Granny, I don’t want oatmeal fer breakast,” Applejack mumbled. Rarity shuddered as she fought to control her impulse to reach out and hold her, clutch her tight and never let go. But she couldn’t. Those days were gone, and if she did, this moment – this one beautiful, perfect moment – would be over. She could look, but she couldn’t touch.

Applejack’s rolled again, her foreleg landing across Rarity’s neck. Rarity inhaled sharply as she waited for Applejack to startle awake, but she didn’t; Instead she mumbled something about orange juice and continued snoring.

Rarity felt a bead of sweat roll down her forehead as she gazed at Applejack’s eyelids. She wanted them to open so badly; To see those giant emerald orbs flutter open and shame the sun itself with their brightness, smiling back at her…

Rarity panted. Applejack touched her and didn’t wake up… Maybe… Maybe, if she was careful… She could just reach out, and… Just a little bit…

Rarity felt Applejack’s mane against her hoof and took a deep breath. Slowly she stroked her hoof down the lock, reveling in its softness. Applejack smelled like sweat, and soil, and rain. It was all Rarity could do not to bury her face in the other pony’s coat, just to soak up as much of that scent as she could.

Applejack mumbled something unintelligible. She would wake up soon, Rarity knew it. The moment of truth approached rapidly. There was no longer any point in delaying. Tentatively, Rarity reached out and touched Applejack’s cheek.

Applejack’s eyes fluttered briefly. Rarity felt her heart skip a beat. Slowly, one eye crept open, the hazy gloss of sleep quickly fading. Applejack gave a tiny, sleepy smile.

“Good morning,” Rarity whispered so quietly she wasn’t even sure she heard herself.

“Mornin’,” Applejack whispered back, and Rarity felt her heart flood with warmth.

Applejack closed her eyes and yawned, then shook her head. “Wait…”

Rarity felt her breath freeze in her lungs. “Wait?”

Applejack knitted her brow for a moment, and when her eyes reopened, the smile was gone. “You… I… No…” She shifted backwards and fell off the bed, taking the sheet with her and landing in a heap on the floor.

“Don’t freak out,” Rarity pleaded as she crawled to the edge of the bed and tried to pull the sheet off of Applejack, who grunted as she wriggled around the floor, trying to disentangle herself.

“I don’t know what happened,” Rarity wheezed as she pulled the sheet off her friend with a painful burst of magic. “I just woke up, and you were here. I think… I think, we–”

“You think – You think we – Oh, Celestia…” Applejack buried her face in her hooves. Rarity could see her whole body trembling. She shook like a leaf.

“It’s okay,” Rarity murmured. “just – just stay calm, and we’ll figure this out.”

Applejack took a deep breath. “So last night… We…”

Rarity bit her lip. “I… I think so, yes.”

Applejack stood up and walked over to the window. Rarity scratched her neck as she waited out the silence, until it became unbearable. “Applejack, I don’t know how it happened exactly, but… We were drunk, and, sometimes, ponies make… decisions, that they might not otherwise, when… when under the influence.”

Rarity took a deep breath. Applejack continued staring out the window.

“And… Um… I know that neither of us wanted to this to happen, necessarily, but it’s not the worst possible thing, is it?” Rarity giggled, but the lack of response made her regret it. “I mean, we’re okay, right? We could have gotten hurt, or seriously sick, if we were drunk enough to… well… But we didn’t, and that’s… Um… good.”

Rarity felt sweat beading on her brow. “And… If we did, um, what we did, then maybe that means something? I mean, maybe we should talk, about… Um… About us?” Rarity swallowed hard. “I… I don’t want to assume anything, or overstep my bounds, but… It would seem to me, if… Um… If this happened, then, maybe… Maybe…”

“Applejack, please say something,” she squeaked.

Applejack’s shoulders raised and lowered, and she turned her head slightly. “You’re unbelievable,” she muttered.

Rarity shifted uncomfortably. “Um… What?”

Applejack turned around and Rarity saw tears streaming down her cheeks. “You are fucking unbelievable!”

Rarity recoiled. “What!?”

Applejack snorted and wiped her eyes. “You’re not fucking stupid, Rarity, so stop acting like it!”

Rarity gaped. “A-Applejack, calm down,” she stammered.

“Calm down? Calm down!?” Applejack spat on the floor. “How the hay can you expect me to calm down!?”

Rarity searched Applejack’s eyes for some idea of what was going on, but all she saw was fire. “Why are you so angry?”

“Gosh, I don’t know, Rarity. Why would I be angry after finding out I cheated on my girlfriend?”

“Okay, not an ideal situation I admit, but is it really worth getting this riled up abou–”

Applejack interrupted her with a laugh, tears still trailing down her face as she shook her head. “Unbelievable! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“I don’t understand, Applejack! Please, just… calm down, and we’ll talk about it.”

Something visibly snapped. “Don’t you fucking tell me what to do!” Applejack roared, raising a trembling hoof into the air. “Don’t you fucking dare!”

“Okay, I’m sorry!” Rarity cried as she lifted her hooves to guard her face. “I won’t! It’s not about what I want.”

“Really? Because it seems to me it’s always about you! Always about what you want! I begged you – begged you – to give us one more chance, and you wouldn’t even consider it! No, you wanted me to move on! You wanted me to find somepony else! So I did! I fucking moved on, because that’s what you said you wanted! Now what am I supposed to think? You didn’t want that after all?”

“I still love you, Applejack, and I guess I just thought… I thought maybe you still loved me too, but I guess I was wrong.”

“OF COURSE I STILL LOVE YOU!” Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs. “How could I not!? You think I’m that shallow? That vapid? You spend that long growing together with somepony, that doesn’t just vanish at the tip of a hat! No, it’s like havin’ your leg cut out from under you; Like havin’ two legs cut out from under you! You forget how to stand on your own! But I did it, I soldiered on, even though you’d barely even give me the time of day! I put on my best smile, and bottled up my hurt, because you didn’t want to see it! Because you didn’t want to feel bad! Well guess what Rarity? You keep fuckin’ with somepony the way you’ve been fuckin’ with me, ponies get hurt!”

“I know! I know that now, and I’m sorry! I didn’t realize what I was letting go,” Rarity sobbed. “I made a mistake.”

Applejack howled with laughter. “I must have mud in my ears, because I know I didn’t hear that right. You made a mistake? Rarity made a mistake? Impossible. Rarity doesn’t make mistakes; Applejack makes mistakes! Applejack embarrasses Rarity at high class functions! Applejack tracks snow in the house during winter! Applejack snores too loudly, or works too late, or forgets anniversaries, or whatever the fuck else is the flavor of the day! But Rarity? No, Rarity never makes mistakes. It’s not like Rarity ever makes Applejack feel insignificant, or like she’s ashamed of her when they go to the city! Rarity never blows off Applejack’s rodeo so that she can go to some big city garden party,” Applejack slipped into her old Manehattan accent for a moment, “where all the most important ponies will be in attendance, surely you understand, darling.”

“Please, stop!” Rarity cried.

“But no. We don’t talk about those things, ‘cos they don’t fit the narrative.”

“I’m sorry,” Rarity croaked between sobs, “I’m so sorry…”

“Don’t be,” Applejack sneered. “This is just another in a long line of fantastic fuck-ups by your token mud pony.”

Rarity gasped. To hear Applejack use that slur against herself hurt more than every other awful word she’d said combined. “Please, don’t talk about yourself like that,” she wheezed.

“And why shouldn’t I?” Applejack spat again. “That’s all I am; A stupid mud pony that somehow managed to briefly catch the eye of Equestria’s brightest, shinin’est diamond.”

Rarity sobbed; She couldn’t do anything else. Every breath she took in came out in a series of ragged starts and stops.

Applejack chuckled. “And ya know what the worst part is? Even after all this?”

Rarity raised her head an inch and opened one eye enough to barely make out Applejack’s form. “W-What is i-it?”

“I still love you,” Applejack said, completely devoid of the tenderness Rarity wished for. “I still love you, and I guess that just makes me all the more dumb, don’t it.”

Applejack sat down and stared at the floor, her anger seemingly depleted. Rarity took several deep breaths and waited until she was sure she could speak without shaking. “Sometimes, love isn’t easy, or it doesn’t make sense… But… Applejack, I know I’ve made so many mistakes, more than anypony could count. But… I love you. I don’t know what else to say. Why do you feel like this is bad?”

“Because,” Applejack said, sneering at the floor, “I shouldn’t love you. I should hate you, but I can’t. I want to, but I can’t. And I hate that.”

Rarity rolled her tongue across her teeth. Her tears had finally subsided, enough that she felt she could walk over and sit down next to Applejack. “Just tell me what to do. Tell me what I can do to make it better, and I’ll do it.”

Applejack met Rarity’s gaze, the previous fire now only smoldering embers. “You want to know what you can do?”

“Yes. Please.” Rarity smiled as softly as she could. “For you, I’ll do anything.”

Applejack frowned. “Leave. Me. Alone.”

The words alone knocked the wind out of Rarity’s lungs. “What? No!”

Applejack nodded, standing up and crossing to the door. “Stay out of my life, and leave me alone.”

Rarity gaped. How had they wound up here? Moments ago, she was saying… But… “Please, Applejack, I can’t! Not that! Anything else, pick anything else and I’ll do it, just don’t make me live without you!”

“Hmm…” Applejack tapped her chin with her hoof. “What was it you said to me? You need to find somepony else.”

“Why?” Rarity cried out, her own voice sounding miles away. “Why are you doing this?”

Applejack glanced down at the ground, and then over to Rarity. “We're poison to each other, Rarity. I love you, but yer're poison.”

The slam of the door echoed through Rarity’s head long after the sound had passed. Applejack was gone.

She’d finally done it. She’d pushed too hard, and now Applejack never wanted to see her again.

Rarity wiped her eyes, and was surprised to find they were dry.

… There was nothing that needed to be done today. No one would notice if she didn’t open the boutique today. No, she was exhausted. She had a hangover to sleep off. She could pick an excuse later.

Rarity slipped under the covers, crawled to the head of the bed and clutched her pillow to her chest. It smelled like sweat, and soil, and rain.

I hope you all tipped your mail carriers this holiday season.

Rarity’s heart hammered in her chest as she stood in front of Octavia’s door. All she had to do was knock.

Her hoof thudded against the wooden door. She closed her eyes and took a breath.

They were already basically marefriends anyway, right? They’d spent at least three nights a week together for nearly a month. So this was just a formality.

Rarity knocked a second time.

There really was no reason to be nervous. She was, after all, Rarity. How could anypony not want to be her marefriend?

“I’m coming,” came Octavia’s voice from the other side of the door, and Rarity smiled.

The door swung open. “Oh! Uh, hello Rarity,” Octavia said with a nervous smile as she stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind her. “What are you doing here?”

“I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by and see you,” Rarity said, doing her best to prop up her rapidly faltering smile. What did Octavia mean, ‘What was she doing here?’

“Oh,” Octavia said blankly.

Rarity shifted her weight from one hoof to the other. “So… can I come in?”

Octavia glanced back at the door, and then back to Rarity. “Umm… Now’s not really a good time.”

“It’s not? Oh, did I interrupt your practice? You know I love to hear you play, I can just sit and watch.”

Octavia shook her head delicately. “No, I wasn’t practicing, but–”

“Then what’s the problem?” Rarity asked as she pushed her way past Octavia and opened the door.

“No, Rarity, wait!” Octavia cried as Rarity stepped through the doorway.

“I promise I won’t be a bother, I’ll just put on a kettle and–”

“Oh, heya Rarity! What’s happenin’?”

Rarity stopped and rubbed her eyes. “Vinyl Scratch?” She blinked rapidly to clear her vision and looked again.

Vinyl Scratch sat at Octavia’s kitchen table, foreleg resting over the back of her chair as she guzzled a soda can.

“Vinyl, would you excuse us for a moment?” Octavia said from behind Rarity, nodding gently to the staircase.

“Sure thing, Octy,” Vinyl said with a grin and sauntered away. “I’ve still gotta get all my amps set up again anyway. Off to the wire jungle I go!”

Rarity turned around. “Octavia, what’s going on?”

“Rarity, I swear I was going to tell you, but you were out of town,” Octavia said, her gaze dropping to the side.

“I don’t understand. You two broke up,” Rarity said, her mind racing.

“We did. But… Well, while you were away, she came by, and said she wanted to talk. So… we talked, and…”

Rarity closed her eyes and sighed. “You still love her.”

Octavia nodded after a brief pause. “Yes.”

“But–” Rarity coughed, “–but what about us?”

Octavia met Rarity’s gaze with the absolute worst kind of smile she’d ever seen. “Rarity, really, what about us? This… whatever it was, it was fun, but it wasn’t love.”

Rarity opened her mouth to protest, but couldn’t find the words.

“We’ve been friends for years, Rarity. I know you well enough to know that you don’t love me either.”

“But that night at the bar, all those things you said, about Vinyl; She’s still the same pony. Isn’t the same thing just going to happen again?” Rarity asked meekly.

“Maybe, maybe not. But I think you, of all ponies, should know what I mean when I say I’m willing to take that chance,” Octavia said with a small smile. “Vinyl may drive me insane sometimes, but that’s… Well, it’s worth it, for all the times she’s not driving me insane.”

Rarity stared at the floor. “Right.”

“Look, why don’t you go see Applejack? I know you might be a little disappointed right now, but… I’ve seen the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you. It’s the same way I look at Vinyl. Just… Swallow your pride, and ask her to take you back.”

A loud crash echoed from up the stairs, followed by Vinyl’s voice. “Uh, Octy?”

“Yes, Vinyl?”

“That big fancy brown thing with the drawers in it – that wasn’t expensive, was it?”

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “It was an imported cherry armoire from Neighpan. Did something happen up there?”

“... No.”

Octavia smiled and chuckled lightly before noticing Rarity’s blank stare and falling silent again. “It’s just a possession, it can be replaced.”

Rarity shook her head lightly. “I should go…”

Octavia took a step forward and placed a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “I’m sorry this didn’t work out better, but it was just a matter of time. If you need somebody to talk to ever, feel free to come by. I really did like hanging out with you these past few weeks, and I’d hate for that to stop too.”

Rarity smiled politely and lightly hugged Octavia. “Me too. And, thanks.”

Rarity turned and walked out the door.

“Swallow your pride, and ask her to take you back.”

“Obviously, because it’s not like she’s already rebounded and begun dating someone else,” Rarity muttered to no one as she walked back to Carousel Boutique.

“Hey Rarity!”

Rarity looked up to see a smiling Twilight Sparkle trotting towards her and stopped.

“Oh, hello Twilight,” she said with a smile of her own.

“I’m glad I ran into you. Pinkie Pie was talking about having a party tonight, since it’s Saturday, but I thought, ‘Hey, Spike’s in Canterlot on royal business this week, and what’s even better than a party?’” Twilight gave Rarity an excited grin.

“Uh… what?” Rarity asked.

“A slumber party! What do you say?”

Rarity blinked. “Oh. Um. Tonight?”

“Of course! Carousel Boutique is closed on a Sunday anyway, right?”

Rarity nodded. “It is, yes.”

“See, I just got my hooves on a copy of Slumber 102:Even More Things You Were Afraid To Ask, and I thought, hey, we’re all free, why not get everypony together and try it out?” Twilight grinned.

“You’re awfully excited about this, aren’t you, Twilight?” Rarity chuckled.

“Heh heh… Yes.” Twilight nodded, blushing.

“Then of course I’ll be there. What time?”

“I was thinking 8 o’clock?”

“Sounds lovely. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Twilight, I have a salad at home calling my name…”

“Oh, of course. See you tonight!” Twilight said with a smile and disappeared in a flash of purple magic.

Rarity coughed as the air around her cleared. “Twilight and her slumber parties…” She chuckled as she resumed her walk. “Well… At least this will get my mind off things,” she mused aloud.

This did not get her mind off things. Quite the opposite, in fact, Rarity found nothing but things thoroughly on her mind.

The slumber party had started well enough, of course. Rarity arrived briefly after Fluttershy and Pinkie had, and together with Twilight the four of them began making s’mores, as Twilight did not want to delve into Slumber 102 until Applejack and Rainbow Dash showed up.

Rarity, as could be expected, was no stranger to being fashionably late; However, when arriving fashionably late to an occasion, an important part of the equation was to be fashionable., and not covered in sweat and panting madly, as Applejack and Rainbow Dash were when they finally arrived.

“Sorry t’keep ya’ll waitin’, had to settle a bet,” Applejack chuckled as she breached the doorway.

Twilight shook her head. “It’s no trou–”

“Settle a bet!? More like CHEATtle a… uh… a CHEAT!” Rainbow called after her as she followed into the library. “... Because you cheated!”

“I did no such thing, RD.” Applejack smirked.

Rainbow snorted. “Oh? Are you saying you didn’t–” Rainbow stopped, her cheeks flushing red as she noticed her friends watching her.

“I didn’t what, RD? You wanna ask the others if it counts as cheatin’? Go on, tell ‘em what I did,” Applejack said.

Rainbow mumbled something softly as she kicked the ground with a hoof. “Nevermind…”

“S’what I thought,” Applejack said with a grin before marching up to the s’mores table and taking a seat. “We makin’ s’mores? Great, I’m starvin’!”

Rarity watched Applejack take a hoofful of graham crackers and chocolate and stuff them into her mouth before chewing loudly. She looked… happy.

“Well, whatever that was about, we’re all glad you finally made it,” Twilight segued nonchalantly, “as this means we can break out Slumber 102!”

A chorus of cheers drowned out Rarity’s feeble “Yay.”

While Rarity did not know the ponies responsible for Slumber 102 personally, she could no less stop herself from feeling that they should have quit while they were ahead with Slumber 101. It was, after all, no crime to fill only one book with ideas for slumber party activities, and if the demand for more activities was of such a high volume that it necessitated a sequel, perhaps just a little more thought could have gone into it? After all, Hide and Seek was hardly something that screamed ‘Slumber Party.’ And yet, Twilight Sparkle wanted to do everything by the book, which meant Rarity was now stuck with the task of finding her friends somewhere in Golden Oaks Library, with nothing but her thoughts to keep her company.

This game was stupid. Almost as stupid as trying to pass off baking brownies as a different activity from making s’mores, if Rarity had to say so. Maybe even as stupid as the idea that ordering a pizza was an activity at all, much less one even tangentially related to slumber parties.

Rarity supposed that didn’t matter now, though. What did matter now was finding her friends as quickly as possible so that this awful game could be done with and she could get some rest.

Eventually she found Twilight hiding underneath her bed (“But the book said under the bed is a classic hiding spot!”). Fluttershy was found out on the balcony, talking to a bird that had stopped by (“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to screw up the game, but Birdsworth is just about to fly south for the winter and I won’t see him again for a long time, and shoot, Fluttershy, you ruin everything… Please don’t be mad!”). Heading to the kitchen, Rarity saw a small puff of pink extruding from the freezer door; Opening it revealed Pinkie Pie inside, eating a gallon of ice cream (“The sacrifices we make in the name of sugar!”)

That just left Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Nopony else was in the kitchen; Rarity checked under the table, in the nook next to Twilight’s refrigerator, and even inside the cabinets for good measure.

The common room was similarly deserted. Rarity had checked under each of Twilight’s many desks, behind bookshelves, and even inside of a couch cushion; Nothing.

Twilight had specifically disallowed hiding in the basement due to the delicate machinery down there, and while Rainbow Dash was not a pony particularly well known for listening to what others told her, Rarity felt it was safe to excuse it from her search, at least for now.

This led her back to the second floor. Rarity was just about to give up when she heard a strange, quiet sound coming from the closet across the loft; It sounded like… giggling? Rarity smiled. That was Rainbow Dash’s voice, and she was giggling. That foolish pegasus thought she was so smart, did she? Hah! Rarity would teach her to give away her position. Slowly, Rarity crept toward the closet, staying low to the ground and making nary a sound. She reached for the doorknob. She grabbed it. She twisted it.

“Ah hah! I found–” Rarity began shouting in triumph as she pulled the door open, but her face fell nearly as fast as Applejack and Rainbow Dash fell out of the closet, their limbs entangled and manes askew.

“–you,” Rarity finished.

“Aheh, so ya did! I, uh, we were just, uh–”

“–We weren’t making out!” Rainbow shouted, blushing furiously.

Applejack smacked the pegasus on the back of her head with a hoof before chuckling and turning to Rarity with a sheepish grin. “Oops?”

Rarity pressed her lips together and nodded firmly. “Well, I found you all. I guess I win, then.”

“Ah. Uh, congrats, Rares! I knew ya had it in ya–”

“No seriously, we weren’t making out,” Rainbow interrupted again. Applejack slammed a hoof into her forehead.

Rarity wanted to vomit.