Good Ponies Don't... Do They?by bookplayerChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Rainbow Dash landed next to Applejack in a row of trees on Sweet Apple Acres, wearing a smirk on her face that Applejack was dying to wipe off as soon as she saw it. Applejack smirked back, ready for the challenge, whatever it might be. She’d already treated ten rows of trees for sparkmites that morning, so she figured she had time for a little foolishness. “Hey there, what brings you by?” Dash kept smirking as she leaned against a tree. “So, how’re things going with Twilight?” “Real good...” Applejack cocked her head in confusion. She and Twilight had been dating for a few months, and rarely saw each other without nuzzling or standing against each other. Dash could see that, so why she might have expected another answer was beyond Applejack. “How good?” Dash’s smile changed. She leaned in towards Applejack and gave her a nudge with her shoulder. “Good, or gooood?” “Uh, good?” Applejack shrugged. “What’re you talkin’ about?” Dash pulled away and gave her mane a toss. “Well, me and Rarity went out again last night, and I gotta say that things between us are gooood, if you know what I’m saying,” she finished with a wink. Applejack shook her head. “I got no idea what you’re sayin’.” “Applejack.” Dash rolled her eyes. “It turns out Rarity doesn’t mind those satin sheets getting really messy.” Applejack just blinked. “We had sex,” Dash informed her. Then she grinned and flew into the air. “And it was awesome!” “Oh,” Applejack said, then her eyes went wide and her cheeks turned red. “Oh my… but-- ya’ll only been out twice!” “So?” Dash shrugged. “It’s not like we’re strangers.” “Ya’ can’t know if you’re really in love with her after two dates!” Applejack said, stomping her hoof. “Woah woah woah!” Dash hovered and waved her hooves in front of her. “Who said anything about love? It’s way too soon to be thinking about something like that!” Applejack’s mouth fell open. “You… just did that… and ya’ don’t even care if ya’ love her? Does Rarity know that?” “Neither of us have said it,” Dash said with a shrug. She shook her head and glared at Applejack. “What’s your issue? Can’t get Twilight in the hay?” “I have not even tried, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack answered crisply, puffing up. “Me and Twilight are both savin’ that for our very special somepony.” “Wow. I had no idea you two were so lame.” Dash raised an eyebrow and considered. “But I guess I should’ve figured.” “It’s not lame!” Applejack snapped, glaring at her friend. “It’s how we were raised.” “Yeah, by your grandmother, and a thousand-year-old princess.” Dash started to giggle. “I’m surprised you don’t both wear sunbonnets and dresses that cover your hooves.” Applejack’s glare grew horns as she shot back, “There’s nothin’ wrong with not jumpin’ in and outta bed like a common hussy.” All giggles were forgotten and Rainbow Dash’s mouth fell open. “Did you just call me a hussy?!” “Messin’ up satin sheets on your second date with somepony?” Applejack smirked and turned towards an apple tree as if it was more interesting than Dash’s reaction. “From how I was raised, that’s soundin’ mighty hussy-like.” “It’s not like I picked up some strange pony in a bar!” Dash flew over to continue the conversation to Applejack’s face, from the other side of the tree. “I’ve been friends with Rarity for, like, forever, and I’m dating her.” Applejack just raised an eyebrow at Dash. “So it’s too soon to know if you love ‘er, but not for gettin’ dirty?” “Oh come on, it’s just sex!” Dash protested, throwing up her forehooves in exasperation. Applejack couldn’t stop her eyes from going wide again. “Just sex?!” “Yeah!” “You’re sayin’ that like makin’ love ain’t one of the most special things ponies can share with each other!” Dash rolled her eyes. “AJ, trust me, anything I did with Gilda under the bleachers at flight school after a six-pack is not one of the most special things ponies can share with each other. It’s not even in the top ten.” Applejack just shook her head slowly, eyes still wide. “Rainbow Dash, you are a hussy!” “Am not! I was friends with Gilda too!” “You’re friends with me, and we get along fine without that.” Dash glared. “We’d better, since you’re a prude.” “I’m not a prude! Makin’ love is one’a the most beautiful things in the world, when it’s with somepony you love.” Applejack narrowed her eyes, setting her mouth in a firm line. “Yeah? And how would you even know, if you’ve never done it?” Dash smirked, crossing her forehooves. “Cause ponies I respect told me so. You callin’ my granny a liar?” Applejack said. The look she gave indicated that would be a very bad thing for Dash to be doing. “No, I’m calling you a prude, if you’re gonna take the word of a hundred-year-old pony over practically every pony living today,” Dash huffed and turned her muzzle to the sky. “Every hussy livin’ today, ya’ mean. Twilight don’t think I’m a prude, she was raised the same way. And since she’s the pony I’m datin’, that’s all that matters,” Applejack said firmly. “Yeah, well, Rarity doesn’t think I’m a hussy,” Dash shot back. “That’s good then.” Applejack nodded. “Good,” Dash agreed. Applejack turned to stomp away. She wasn’t going anywhere in particular, but it seemed like a good way to end the conversation. But she stopped when she heard Dash call after her: “You want Twilight, right? Like, you think she’s hot?” Applejack turned back to Dash, annoyed. “Of course I do.” A devious smile grew on Dash’s face. “I bet you want her really bad sometimes. I mean, Twilight’s a hot pony, and I know you guys kiss and stuff. Being all close to her, and feeling her coat, and thinking about running your hooves over her cutie mark and her belly and lower, between her--” “RAINBOW DASH!” Applejack shouted. She was blushing in spite of herself, shocked that Dash would talk about something like this and furious because she knew this was just the reaction Dash wanted. “Anyway, I guess that must be really tough, knowing you’re not gonna do anything,” Dash managed to say between giggles before she burst out laughing. “I’m lookin’ forward to that day, you better believe it. But I respect Twilight, and she respects me, and that means respectin’ how we think this oughta go.” “Yeah.” Dash snickered. “I bet you’re respecting her long and hard when you’re thinking about her in bed at night.” “Will ya’ stop that?” Applejack felt the heat of the blush moving down her neck and glared daggers at Dash for it. “What? If I can’t get details about you and Twilight, I might as well get details about you and your hoof.” “Ain’t there somepony else you can go bug ‘bout this?” Dash smirked. “I could go ask Twilight… see if she has any wild stories about her hoof.” “Don’t. You. Dare,” Applejack growled. “Yoohoo! Twilight!” Dash called, shooting up into the air. Applejack snapped at the rainbow tail with her teeth, but missed by inches as Dash rose out of reach and flew fast and high towards Ponyville, laughing as she left. “You varmint!” Applejack called after her, racing to the road to try to warn Twilight. *** Twilight had spent the day re-shelving books, before turning around and unshelving a new pile which she was curled up next to. The day had been peaceful… too peaceful. So she was startled, but not surprised, when Applejack burst into the library, looking around. “Twilight! Twilight, Rainbow Dash ain’t here, is she?” “No,” Twilight answered. A worried frown formed on her face. “Is everything okay?” “Yeah, except that she’s a no-account hussy!” Applejack snapped the last word. Twilight’s mouth dropped open, she’d never heard AJ talk about one of their friends like that. There was a flash of concern in Applejack’s eyes upon seeing Twilight’s reaction, so she went on in more careful grumble, “She said she was gonna come here and-- well, she’s up to no good today.” “I haven’t seen Rainbow all day, but whatever she’s doing, that’s not a nice thing to call a pony,” Twilight said, shaking her head. “Well it’s the honest truth,” Applejack insisted. “You know she-- her and Rarity, they-- well, they were doin’ stuff that good ponies don’t do, last night.” “You mean--” Twilight began to put pieces together, but stopped when she realized that this wasn’t going to get any better if she jumped to conclusions. “Okay, Applejack, start at the beginning. What’s going on?” Applejack finally walked over to where Twilight was sitting, and sat down next to her. Twilight wrapped a wing around her, which seemed to calm Applejack, so she answered with more shock than anger, “Rainbow Dash flew up to me this mornin’, braggin’ ‘bout how she and Rarity went to bed together. On their second date!” “Wow. I-- I just don’t know what to say. They’re barely dating!” Twilight shook her head. “I mean, maybe I can see that sort of thing from Rainbow Dash, but Rarity’s so proper!” “Well, turns out she’s as much a hussy as Dash,” Applejack said with a sigh. “AJ, they aren’t hussies,” Twilight said firmly. “I mean, they can’t be hussies, they’re our friends. They’re just… um… carefree.” “You can call it what ya’ want, but I call it like I see it. Dash was goin’ on ‘bout it like we were crazy for waitin’ like proper ponies, so I told her just what she was.” “You didn’t.” Twilight covered her eyes with a forehoof, knowing that a reasonable discussion of different opinions was something that had never, ever happened between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “I did, too,” Applejack confirmed. “This ain’t even the first time she’s done somethin’ like that with a pony she don’t love!” Twilight gave a stern look to her girlfriend. “You still shouldn’t have called her a hussy! Maybe she just wasn’t raised like we were.” Applejack sighed and admitted sheepishly. “I know, I was just kinda sore. She was makin’ fun of us for bein’ old fashioned.” Smiling, Twilight nuzzled Applejack. “Maybe we are kind of old fashioned. I know that a lot of ponies these days don’t wait. But that just makes you more special to me; there aren’t a lot of ponies who would understand.” “When ya’ put it that way…” Applejack smiled and turned the nuzzle into a soft kiss. Twilight closed her eyes and turned the kiss into a much longer chain of kisses, but her mind was picking apart the situation. It had never occurred to her that her friends might be the type of ponies to have sex without worrying about love or commitment. She knew there were ponies like that out there, more and more these days, but she had to admit that she still thought similarly to Applejack -- it was hard to think that those were good ponies who were looking for true love. But her friends were good ponies, she knew that… and kissing Applejack like this was nice, but there was certainly more she’d love to explore. She started to wonder if maybe there wasn’t something else in the strength of Applejack’s reaction. Twilight broke the kiss and whispered, “Applejack, were you jealous of Rainbow Dash?” Blinking at the sudden conversation, Applejack pulled away. “Twilight, you know I ain’t interested in Rarity.” “Not that! I mean, did you wish that we could just… hop into bed like they did?” Twilight blushed at the idea, and mostly at how much she wasn’t opposed to it. Applejack blushed to match Twilight and glanced away. “I’d be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t, a little. I know I wanna wait, Twi. I knew it before I even went out with you. But… now that I’m goin’ out with you, I think about you, and you’re a beautiful pony. Sometimes, I look at you, and it feels like a second is too long to wait to do the things I think of.” She took a deep breath and dared to look back at Twilight. “But we both know what’s right. And I know it’s gonna be worth every second.” "What do you think will make it worth it?" "Well... for one thing, it's the right thing to do. It's part of bein' a good pony." Applejack looked in Twilight's eyes. "And... for another, well... I love a lot of ponies, Twilight. My friends, my family, ponies in town here. There's always room for more love in a heart. But, I always thought there's one pony out there who's gonna be special to me. My special somepony, for good and bad, and I'll stand by 'em forever. And I want 'em to have somethin' so they know how special they are to me, somethin' that I'd never share with another pony. I always thought that was makin' love, and that if I hold off 'till then, my special somepony will get that from me." "That does sound worth it," Twilight whispered, thinking of the magic Princess Celestia had promised would be there with just the right pony. That was what she was waiting for, and right now she hoped with all her heart that would be with Applejack. She was almost sure it was, and almost sure that she could be that special somepony Applejack was waiting for. But almost wasn't one hundred percent. They'd only been dating a few months, and logically Twilight knew that wasn't enough time to know something like that. She also knew that the emotions she felt looking in Applejack's eyes and the way her body reacted to Applejack's body were influencing her judgement. Twilight shook her head. "I think that maybe I should talk to Rarity. I'd love to know why she doesn't think it's important to wait... is there something I haven't been considering?" “Maybe it just feels good, and that’s all they want," Applejack said with a shrug. “I have no problem waiting for that. But if there’s more to think about, I want to think about it.” "Well, that does sound like somethin' you'd want." Applejack's face clouded with worry. "You think ya' might change your mind?" "Well, not entirely." Twilight smiled and laid a forehoof on top of Applejack's. "I'm confused about some things right now, but I do know that I want my first time to be with somepony I really love, and I want it to be special. That won't change." "Okay. I trust ya', Twilight." Applejack offered a nuzzle as proof, which Twilight happily returned. "Thank you." "I gotta get back to work. I'll stop by this evenin'." Applejack rose to her hooves. "And, if ya' see Rainbow Dash, tell 'er I'm sorry I called her a hussy... but if she says one word teasin' you I'm gonna buck her so hard her cutie mark'll be on her face." Twilight smirked and rolled her eyes as Applejack walked to the door. "I'll pass that along." Chapter 2The bell over the door of the Carousel Boutique heralded yet another unexpected interruption of Rarity’s already busy day. Looking up, she saw Twilight carefully approaching the spot where Rarity sat examining the fashion magazines that came in the mail that day. “Hello, darling! What brings you to visit today?” “Um, nothing important.” Twilight smiled and glanced around the shop. “I wondered if you had a minute to talk.” “Certainly.” Rarity closed her magazine. “I was just lamenting the atrocious hemlines that are going to be in style next season. But one can only lament for so long before developing frown lines, so a little conversation would be lovely.” “I’m sorry to hear about your hemlines,” Twilight offered. “But, I, um, heard you had a good time with Rainbow Dash the other night.” “Yes, Rainbow told me about her conversation with Applejack.” Rarity frowned and arched an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose I should expect the same from you?” “Of course not. And, Applejack doesn’t think anything bad about you either. She said Rainbow was calling us old fashioned, and you know how Applejack can be when a pony says something about her way of doing things.” Twilight rolled her eyes a little, still smiling. “I do.” Rarity returned the smile and continued gently, “And I hadn’t considered that you girls may have more traditional sensibilities. It’s… charming, in a way. I would have asked Rainbow to be more discreet, had I known.” “I’m kind of glad I found out about it, to tell you the truth,” Twilight said, using her magic to carefully stack Rarity’s magazines as she once again glanced around the boutique. “I have to admit, it’s a subject I’m curious about, and I didn’t know I was friends with somepony with firsthoof knowledge.” Both of Rarity’s eyebrows went up, but she carefully maintained her composure. “I will try to answer your questions, darling, but I don’t feel I should discuss details. I’m lady enough to not kiss and tell, at least.” “Oh!” Twilight’s eyes went wide, and her attention snapped back to Rarity as a blush grew on her cheeks. “That’s fine, I’ve read plenty of books about that part. It’s the emotional details and the decision making process involved, that I’m not sure I understand.” She bit her lip. “How did you know that you wanted to do that with Rainbow Dash?” “Well, Rainbow is a very attractive pony, you have to admit.” Rarity smiled, thinking of the slim, athletic pegasus. “Between her natural beauty and that rakish quality she possesses, the idea of enjoying her company for the night came to mind rather easily.” “So, it was only physical?” Twilight asked, seeming slightly let down. Rarity gave a shrug. “I suppose, though I think it would be silly to dismiss physical attraction as an afterthought. Surely you find Applejack attractive that way?” Twilight blushed again with a nervous smile. “Of course! Those muscles, that long blonde hair, the way the apples in her cutie mark just make her hips look so round and firm and--” Twilight coughed, her blush deepening. “Um, yes, I have a-- a physical appreciation of Applejack. But I’m not sure our relationship is ready for that, yet. I was wondering how you knew your relationship with Rainbow was at that point.” Rarity tried to suppress a smirk. “I suppose Rainbow and I are just not as good at delaying gratification. We knew each other well, and appreciated one another. That was as much as we needed to know.” “Really?” Twilight asked with the same hint of disappointment in her voice. “You seem to expect a different answer.” “Well, it’s just that it’s kind of… unladylike?” Twilight said, studying Rarity’s reaction. “I thought that if you were going to do something like that, you must have a more complicated reason for it.” “I see.” Rarity frowned. “Please don’t be offended!” Twilight added quickly. “I know you’re a good pony, Rarity. It’s just not what I expected from you.” Rarity glanced away and used her magic to straighten some already-straight dresses on a rack. “Well, to be perfectly honest, I never expected you to be concerned about waiting. It’s rather impractical.” “What do you mean?” “Twilight, darling, sex isn’t something that works the same way between any two ponies,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “Different ponies enjoy different things. It seems like a bit of a gamble to fall in love with a pony and plan to spend your life with them, and only then find out if you’re compatible in bed.” Twilight considered that for a moment, then looked at Rarity curiously. “So, for you it’s part of deciding if you love a pony?” “Of course.” Rarity shrugged. “If we weren’t compatible, it would be very important to know.” “I see…” Twilight nodded, then raised her eyebrows. “Wow, I hadn’t considered that. I mean, in books it always seems to work out… I hadn’t thought about how romanticized that might be.” “You might want to think about it.” Rarity said casually, though she was fighting to keep a tiny smirk off her face. There was something satisfying about offering Twilight the apple, as it were. Not that she’d lied in her suggestion in any way; she’d seen Twilight try out literally every quill in the shop before deciding on one, so why it never occurred to her to try out her lover before committing was beyond Rarity. But, there was something innocent about it, and Rarity’s better nature came through. She added, “Not that you or Applejack should feel pressured to do anything you aren’t ready for, of course.” “Oh, we won’t.” Twilight said, seeming deep in thought. “I’m still not sure if that’s enough of a reason… it is logical, but…” “Why is waiting so important to you? It must be more than simply being ladylike, if Twilight Sparkle is willing to overlook logic for it,” Rarity teased with a gentle smile. Twilight broke her train of thought and smiled at Rarity. “When Princess Celestia told me about sex, she told me that when it’s between ponies who are in love, it’s special. Love is magic, just like friendship, and connecting like that, sharing the parts of yourself that you’ve never shared before, with a pony you love, it’s a unique experience. Since that day, well, I never wanted to miss an experience like that.” Rarity wasn’t sure how to respond. She nodded and half heartedly straightened her dresses again, watching Twilight out of the corner of her eye. “Did it feel like that for you and Rainbow? Was it magical?” Twilight asked, without a hint of smugness. Rarity just stared in the distance, blinking. Foalhood fantasies and romantic stories nudged hopefully at her mind, only to fade in the light of the facts. “No. It was not… special, the way that you mean it.” “I see. I have a lot to think about,” Twilight said, frowning to herself. “...So do I,” Rarity answered quietly. “Good luck.” Twilight rose to leave and gave Rarity a bright smile. “And, we should double date sometime! That would be fun.” “Oh yes, it would be lovely. I’ll see you later, darling.” Rarity called as Twilight left. Looking around the now empty boutique, Rarity searched for something to busy herself with. Having already straightened the racks of dresses twice since Twilight came to visit, and having no more patience for her magazines, she walked into her inspiration room, hoping that inspiration might take the place of the other thoughts in her head. She selected some fabric and draped it over a dress form, pinning the hemline in the next season’s trends which had seemed so horribly dowdy to her before. Now she could see something demure and romantic in them, but she shook her head. Fashion was supposed to move forward, after all. She raised the hem, this time trying a skirt that was shockingly short. “That won’t do at all.” She pursed her lips and turned to Opal who was napping on a basket of ribbons. “Opal, darling, mummy would never wear a skirt like that, would she?” Opal opened one eye, then flicked her tail and turned up her nose. “Of course not. Displays like that aren’t for public, they’re for ponies who are… special...” Rarity trailed off with a frown. It was no use. Designing like this wasn’t going to work, she needed to talk to somepony. Fluttershy crossed her mind, before realizing that if Applejack and Twilight held to such traditional views, Fluttershy might have a heart attack from just the idea. Rarity huffed, allowing a moment to be jealous of how effortlessly ladylike Fluttershy was before moving on. Rainbow was the pony to whom she should be talking. But she somehow wasn’t sure it was proper to open herself up like this to her new girlfriend. Of course, given the other ways she’d opened herself to Rainbow, shouldn’t she be able to have a simple, heartfelt conversation with her? The fact that this sounded like a disaster was a harsh reminder that perhaps they had been too hasty. Still, maybe it was worth a try. If one wanted to know what intimacy was like with a pony before making a commitment, that should probably include emotional intimacy as well as physical. Rarity walked to the door, then out into Ponyville to track down Rainbow Dash. *** Rainbow Dash was making another sweep of the skies around Ponyville, making sure she hadn’t missed any sneaky clouds on her first pass. She was just flying over the park, when she noticed a bright white, perfectly shaped pony below her. She grinned; Rarity could always turn a pony’s head, and dating the hooves-down hottest pony in Ponyville made seeing her feel like she won something awesome. She flew low and landed next to Rarity, throwing a wing over her back. “Where are we going?” Rarity smiled, casting a sidelong glance at Rainbow. “I was going to find you. Now, we’re going someplace where we can talk in relative privacy.” “How about your place?” Rainbow smirked. “Not that private. That bench over there?” Rarity nodded across the park. “Sure,” Rainbow agreed, but her eyes were darting between Rarity’s face and anywhere else. She reminded herself to play it cool. She was awesome with words, talking was something she could do, and there’s no way she’d be in trouble with Rarity by the time they were done. They made their way to the bench, a safe distance from other ponies in the park. Rainbow sat down next to Rarity and fidgeted, poking at a knot on the bench, brushing her tail against the ground, rubbing the back of her neck. “So, uh, what’s up?” “I wanted to talk to you about… well, something personal.” Rarity studied Rainbow carefully. A thought came to Rainbow, and she said quickly, “Is this about you dying your mane? I saw the bottle in the bathroom, and your secret is totally safe with me. I didn’t even tell AJ!” Rarity pursed her lips. “I do not dye my mane! That’s simply a color booster, to make my natural color more vibrant. And that isn’t what I intended to talk to you about, anyway.” Rainbow furrowed her brow, trying to think of something else it might be. Nothing came to mind, so she shrugged. “Okay… so, what is it?” Rarity looked down and examined her hooficure for a long time. She glanced up, and Rainbow thought she might just get up and leave, but she finally turned to Rainbow and took a deep breath. “Was last night… special for you?” Rainbow smiled and let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “It was awesome!” “That is not what I asked.” Rarity frowned, prompting another confused look from Rainbow. “Let me put it another way: Do you feel that we have a special connection, Rainbow? That there could be something more between us than just… fun?” Suddenly the knot on the bench was really neat to poke with her forehoof. And the leaves of a tree nearby were interesting, they were really green. And Rainbow found that she could wrap and unwrap her tail around the leg of the bench. But Rarity was still looking at her expectantly. Finally, she realized that she was going to have to say something. “Rare, you’re one of my best friends. You know that’s important to me. But, isn’t it a little soon to be talking about lo-- connections?” “I see.” Rarity’s ears drooped and she sighed. “Rarity, come on!” Rainbow protested. “What’s got into you? You know I like you, and we had a great time the other night.” Rarity shook her head. “I was speaking to Twilight, if you must know--” “Did she call you a hussy?” Rainbow interrupted. “Because you’re totally not a hussy, no matter what AJ and Twilight say!” “No, she did not,” Rarity said, then she raised an eyebrow at Rainbow. “And while I resent that particular implication from your conversation with Applejack, I will also point out that Applejack and Twilight are not prudes, they simply expect something different from the experience than you or I do.” “Fine,” Rainbow said, more worried about the change in Rarity than in what her other friends thought. “So, if you’re not going all goody-four-shoes on me, what’s wrong?” “During our talk, Twilight asked me if what you and I did was… special. Outside of physical sensations. And it wasn’t, was it?” Rarity looked at Rainbow, then away. “I don’t know if there’s anything special between us.” “Does there need to be?” Rainbow asked with a crack in her voice. She was starting to feel like The Wonderbolts had suddenly added a bunch of egghead requirements and wanted her to prove she knew them right now. Rarity looked at Rainbow again and gave her a smile. “I suppose not. Hearing Twilight talk about it reminded me of some silly dreams I used to have, and… well, not everything lives up to one’s expectations.” Rainbow threw up her hooves in exasperation. “I thought you said you had a good time!” “Not those expectations, Rainbow,” Rarity said, rolling her eyes. “Romantic expectations. Falling in love with a pony, feeling connected to them, the magic of true love. Those are foal’s stories, I know.” She sighed, and Rainbow Dash heard the rest of her thoughts in the soft sound. They started with But… Nopony who was dating Rainbow Dash should have buts. Not about what happened in bed and not about being with her. The problem was that she didn’t know if she could offer Rarity magic and true love and that stuff. She could lie to Rarity, but… there was something in that sigh. Lying about this would hurt Rarity way too much, more than Rainbow would want to hurt anypony. Rainbow shook her head clear and took a deep breath, looking at the leaves of a nearby tree. “Rarity. I’m not ready to be all serious and stuff yet--” “I understand,” Rarity said, sadly. “No, hear me out.” Rainbow laid a hoof over Rarity’s on the bench. “I’m not ready to be all serious. But here’s what I know. You’re one of my best friends, and you’re one of the hottest ponies in Equestria, besides me. And… I’m gonna be a Wonderbolt and you’re gonna be a famous designer, so we both kinda know what that’s like, working hard and trying to get to the top. I feel like you can understand stuff about me that the other girls can’t… “I don’t know what that means, but being with you, on dates and in bed, it’s nice. I like it. So… uh… maybe this is how something special starts. I kinda hope it is.” Rainbow glanced at Rarity and saw those big blue eyes staring at her. “Rainbow Dash… that was almost romantic.” “I can be romantic.” Rainbow smiled and blushed. “Just, don’t go telling other ponies.” “Your reputation is safe with me.” Rarity leaned over and kissed Rainbow. Rainbow shifted and took control of the kiss, which Rarity gracefully allowed. It made Rainbow feel like the hero at the end of an awesome movie, like she’d fought a dragon to win the beautiful mare. She was always amazed at how Rarity did that to her, and more amazed at how awesome she felt being the hero, even when she knew that it was just something about the way Rarity kissed. When the kiss broke, Rainbow stared at the beautiful mare she’d somehow won today by saying stuff. She grinned. “You know, you should totally make sure everypony knows I’m dating you. That just makes both of us more awesome.” Rarity glanced at where the sun was starting to set on the horizon, then back at Rainbow with a seductive smile. “Perhaps you’d like to escort me home?” “Sure!” The ponies got to their hooves, and Rainbow puffed up as she moved close to Rarity, wrapping a wing around her. “This okay?” “I do adore the feeling of feathers,” Rarity said, giving Rainbow a nuzzle. “I know,” Rainbow whispered back with a smirk, as they started for Rarity’s place. Chapter 3Applejack walked slowly into town as the sun set that evening. She’d finished her work for the day, but she’d spent most of the time just thinking. She was still thinking now, about feelings, about right and wrong, about Twilight. All things that seemed simple on the surface, but became more complicated the more she thought. As she passed the Carousel Boutique, she saw Rarity and Rainbow Dash slip inside. Normally she would have called to them, but she blushed and worried about what she might be interrupting. Of course, they might be going inside to talk, or play Battlecloud. It was really none of Applejack’s business either way, and she should have left it at that when she talked to Dash earlier. Then maybe she wouldn’t have fought with Dash, or talked to Twilight, and Twilight wouldn’t have talked to Rarity… Those apples were already in the pie. All that mattered now was what Applejack thought, and what Twilight thought. And as Applejack came to the library, she thought the best way to figure those things out was to go inside, so she opened the door. The lights were on, but Twilight was nowhere to be seen as Applejack stepped inside. “Twilight?” Applejack called hesitantly, not really wanting to disturb her if she was reading. “Hey, AJ,” Spike said, appearing in the doorway from the kitchen. “Twilight’s upstairs in the bedroom.” Applejack froze. “S-she is?” “Yeah, she said you guys had some private stuff to talk about, and it wasn’t fair to make me stay up there all night.” Spike sat down on a pillow in the main room and opened up a comic book. “No access to the kitchen, ya’ know.” “Oh, well… I reckon that makes sense… I’ll just go on up there, to talk, cause, heh, what else would two ponies be doin’--” the blush forming on Applejack’s cheeks with each word forced her to stop talking before Spike looked up and noticed what she was saying. “Er, seeya later.” “Later,” Spike said with an absent minded wave as Applejack made her way upstairs. Applejack climbed the stairs and peeked into Twilight’s room. She half expected dim lighting, romantic music, and Twilight lying on the bed, smiling seductively. Instead, Twilight was on her balcony, looking through her telescope at the newly starry sky. She turned and smiled at Applejack, and Applejack couldn’t help but smile back. “Heya,” Applejack said, as Twilight trotted over to offer a nuzzle which was happily accepted. “Hi. Thanks for coming over tonight.” Twilight smiled, seeming a little nervous as she floated two cushions for them to sit on. “I couldn’t wait to talk to you, I’ve been thinking all afternoon.” Applejack made herself comfortable on the pillow next to Twilight’s. “What’s on your mind?” Twilight ruffled her wings and looked at the ceiling in thought. “Well, I talked to Rarity. And she had some pretty good points.” Applejack just bit her lip and nodded for Twilight to continue. “Mainly that without…” Twilight blushed, but pressed on, “having sex, we don’t know if we enjoy the same things, or if we’ll be happy with that part of our relationship in the long term. And, well, that’s important to me. I don’t want you to be with a pony that doesn’t make you happy, and I know you don’t want that for me.” Applejack felt her stomach turn at the idea that she might not make Twilight happy, but she just nodded again. Twilight eyed Applejack suspiciously and went on, “But, of course, there are still the reasons we both have for waiting. Those are perfectly good ones… I still want my first time to be with somepony I really love, and I know you’re waiting for the one special pony you want to spend your life with.” She wrapped a wing around Applejack. “I think those are good things. And I know now that I wouldn’t want to do what Rarity and Rainbow Dash did. They’re good ponies, but that kind of impulsive behavior isn’t for us. I’m really glad I found a pony who likes to be sure before jumping into something important like this.” Applejack breathed a sigh of relief and scooted closer to Twilight. “I’m glad too, sugarcube.” “AJ, there’s something else I’ve been thinking about.” Twilight said softly. Applejack could feel her breath as she spoke, “We’ve been dating a lot, and spending a lot of time together. How do you feel about that?” Applejack frowned. It wasn’t that she was unhappy, it was that this cut to the heart of all of the thoughts she’d had since this morning. Thoughts that could never really put themselves in a row. But Twilight was looking at her, growing more worried by the second, and she had to say something. Enough that Twilight might understand, at least. “You know I love it, Twilight. I been thinking about that today, myself. I-- I know I got feelin’s for ya’. And I know they’re more than bein’ friends and more than just likin’ to spend time together… I told ya’ about the special pony I wanna spend my life with, well, sometimes I imagine that’s you, and it makes me so happy. I know it’s just fancies, it’s too soon to know somethin’ like that, but… I know I gotta do anythin’ I can that might make that happen. I wanna hope for that, so bad… I just...” Trailing off made sense, it was more or less what her thoughts had done. But unlike earlier, one thing was clear, looking in Twilight’s eyes. “Twilight… I been thinkin’ I love you.” Twilight grinned and let out a deep breath. “That's just what I was thinking. I was so confused at first, then I outlined everything in a bubble chart, and I kept connecting thoughts, but one was missing that should have connected a lot of things. It took me forever, but I finally realized that the one missing was ‘I love her’! I mean, you. I love you, Applejack.” Twilight’s eyes were shining, and Applejack fought the urge to throw her hat into the air and and let out a shout. “You’re right, of course, it is too soon to know if we’re going to spend our lives together, but, I’ve thought about it too. And I liked thinking about it.” Twilight gave another happy sigh and melted against Applejack. “I think we’re at the next stage of our relationship.” “So, what oughta happen now?” Applejack asked, nuzzling Twilight. “Well, we practice loving each other for a while, I guess.” Twilight gave Applejack a peck on the cheek. “We think seriously about spending our lives together, and talk about it, and see if it’s something that would really work, in the long run.” “That sounds amazin’,” Applejack said, beaming. Everything about Twilight was perfect. Knowing that Twilight loved her, that she wanted to think about a life together, nothing could have made this moment better. “I’m looking forward to it. And…” Twilight looked down. Her cheeks colored, but she was still smiling and leaning against Applejack as she went on, “You know I wanted to wait until I found a pony I really loved. Well, I think that if-- I mean, if we made love, it would be everything I’ve been waiting for. I really love you.” “I love you too, Twilight,” Applejack said, trying to remain calm, despite a sudden wave of terror. “I-- I really love you. I just--” The words dried in her mouth. She couldn’t lose this. She couldn’t see disappointment in those big, purple eyes. Not tonight, when everything was going so well. “You just what?” Twilight said gently, looking concerned. Applejack licked her lips nervously, and looked around. They’d both agreed it was too soon to know, but… they were hoping to be together forever. That was something. Right now it was the most important thing in the world to Applejack. And Twilight was beautiful, Applejack knew that there would be nothing she wouldn’t like about putting her hooves all over that body. And if it didn’t make Rarity or Rainbow Dash bad ponies, then... “Oh, ponyfeathers.” Applejack stood up. She flipped her hat off her head and bit her ribbons out of her mane and tail. She shook her hair free, then stood, shifting her weight from one hoof to the other anxiously as she looked down. “If you wanna… get in bed, I reckon I can make this special for ya’... for both of us. I don’t have much practice, but I hope it can be as magic as ya’ always wanted.” “Applejack, is that what you want?” Twilight said, looking up at Applejack from the cushion. “I told ya’, I love you,” Applejack said firmly. “And, it ain’t like I don’t think about this. It don’t make sense to not do somethin’ we both think about, if it’s gonna cost me the pony I love.” Twilight frowned and flapped to her hooves. “Hey, I didn’t say anything about this costing you my love!” Her face softened as she landed in front of Applejack and looked in her eyes. “I appreciate this; I really, really appreciate it. You have no idea how amazing you look right now, with your hair down… but it’s not right unless this is what you want. You told me earlier why waiting is important to you. Did you change your mind?” “No.” Applejack shook her head and looked away. “But I wanna make you happy, Twilight. Datin’ three months ain’t enough time to know if you’re the pony I wanna be with forever, but if it makes you happy, it’s worth a gamble on that. If it don’t work out… well… I guess whoever I end up with will havta understand what’s important to me right now.” “You don’t have to gamble that just to make me happy.” Twilight raised Applejack’s face with a gentle hoof. “I’ve been happy with you for three months now, I don’t think I’m going to stop just because I know we love each other.” “If you wanna do that, how can ya’ be really happy with a pony who don’t?” Applejack asked. “Let me worry about that.” Twilight smiled. “It’s easier when you can use magic.” Applejack raised her eyebrows and smiled, despite herself. Then the smile faded. “But what about knowin’ if we’re all compatible?” “We don’t know if we’re compatible in a lot of ways, yet.” Twilight pointed out. “There’s a lot to learn about another pony. I’m not in a rush to figure out if we have the same views on raising foals, or planning for retirement, so I can wait for this one, too. Right now, I’m really just happy to have a pony I love, who loves me back.” “Really?” Applejack tried another smile. “Uh-huh.” Twilight nodded, her eyes shining with affection. Applejack grinned and leaned in to kiss Twilight. She wrapped a hoof around the back of Twilight’s head, holding her close, and neither pony moved to break free for a long time. When they did finally part, Applejack’s grin returned right away. “I do love ya’, Twi. And I’ll do anythin’ you ask to prove it.” Twilight smiled seductively. “Will you… listen to me practice giving a lecture on types of magical ink?” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You sure you don’t wanna hop in bed?” Then a pillow in a pink glow smacked her in the face and she chuckled. “Of course I will. I’ll probably learn a thing or two.” “Will you cuddle me while I practice giving a lecture on types of magical ink?” Twilight asked sweetly, sitting on down on her cushion and floating a scroll over to herself. “Yup!” Applejack said, sitting right next to Twilight and leaning against her with a nuzzle. “I might even stay awake now.” Twilight giggled and opened her scroll, scanning it. Applejack just leaned against her soft body, nose buried in her fresh, clean mane, waiting to hear that sweet voice saying all of those smart things she knew. Applejack couldn’t help whispering, “Twilight… thank you. For understandin’. It means a lot to me.” Twilight’s wing wrapped around Applejack and she kissed her on the cheek. “You mean a lot to me, AJ. I’ll always do my best to understand.” *** The next weekend, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity waited under the light of the Ponyville Cinema marquee. They hadn’t been there long when Applejack came trotting up the road from Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight flew to her girlfriend, greeting her with a long, lingering kiss before anypony could say a word. “My, my. That was quite a greeting.” Rarity smirked and fluffed her mane as the two parted, both blushing a little. “It’s just nice to see her,” Twilight said, grinning from ear to ear. Applejack chuckled. “There’s not much nicer than that.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “Weren’t you just at Sweet Apple Acres this afternoon?” The color on Twilight’s cheeks deepened, and she leaned in closer to Applejack. “Well… it’s nice to see her again.” With a smirk, Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack, “So, AJ, are things gooood now?” Applejack raised both eyebrows back at the pegasus. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business, Rainbow Dash. Me and Twilight couldn't be happier.” “Ha! I knew it!” Rainbow crowed. “You don’t know a thing.” Applejack turned to Twilight and winked, which made Twilight giggle. “Well, Twilight certainly seems happy.” Rarity smiled as Rainbow landed next to her and draped a wing over her back. “Oh, I am.” Twilight nodded. “We had a long talk the other night, and said some important things.” “Yeah, in your bedroom,” Rainbow teased. “Well, yes,” Twilight agreed. “Way to go, AJ!” Rainbow offered her hoof for a bump. Applejack rolled her eyes. “It ain't like that!” “It really isn't. Applejack just told me about her feelings for me, and I feel the same way. We’re taking our relationship a little more seriously.” Twilight smiled at Applejack, and couldn't seem to resist rubbing her cheek on her girlfriend’s. “I’m sure, darling.” Rarity smirked. “You two will have to stop nuzzling to pay for your tickets, though.” “Yeah, you don’t have to prove to everypony that you did it,” Rainbow said with a dismissive wave. Applejack stomped her hoof. “I don’t gotta prove nothin’ because we didn't do nothin’!” “Whatever you say…” Rainbow teased. “Well, we did do something…” Twilight pointed out, earning another smirk and raised eyebrows from Rainbow to Applejack before she went on with a smirk of her own, “And from what I hear, Rainbow Dash has never done it.” “Hey! What do you know? What did Rarity tell you?” Rainbow demanded, the smirk wiped from her face. She looked to Rarity, who just shrugged. Then Rainbow glared at Twilight. “There’s nothing that AJ could do in the bedroom that I haven’t done.” Twilight just kept her smirk firmly on her face. “She told me she loves me.” Rainbow stared, her mouth hanging open. “That doesn't count!” “That is something you've never done, Rainbow,” Rarity pointed out. “We've only been dating a week! It’s way too soon for that.” Rainbow said, giving Rarity an exasperated look. “I know, Dash,” Applejack said, smiling. “But you’ll be ready someday.” “Yeah, when you find just the right pony, it’s worth the wait,” Twilight added. “But, if ya’ need any pointers, just lemme know,” Applejack finished, lightly punching Rainbow’s shoulder as she and Twilight walked past Rarity and Rainbow to the ticket booth. Rainbow pouted, almost forgetting about the hot mare next to her until she felt a hoof gently turn her face. Rarity looked into Rainbow’s eyes and smiled. “Rainbow…” she said softly, “I’m happy to be waiting for that.” Rainbow couldn't help but smile back. “Me too.” Author's Note Thanks to Jake R, DbzOrDie, and Tchernobog for prereading!
Chapter 1Rainbow Dash landed next to Applejack in a row of trees on Sweet Apple Acres, wearing a smirk on her face that Applejack was dying to wipe off as soon as she saw it. Applejack smirked back, ready for the challenge, whatever it might be. She’d already treated ten rows of trees for sparkmites that morning, so she figured she had time for a little foolishness. “Hey there, what brings you by?” Dash kept smirking as she leaned against a tree. “So, how’re things going with Twilight?” “Real good...” Applejack cocked her head in confusion. She and Twilight had been dating for a few months, and rarely saw each other without nuzzling or standing against each other. Dash could see that, so why she might have expected another answer was beyond Applejack. “How good?” Dash’s smile changed. She leaned in towards Applejack and gave her a nudge with her shoulder. “Good, or gooood?” “Uh, good?” Applejack shrugged. “What’re you talkin’ about?” Dash pulled away and gave her mane a toss. “Well, me and Rarity went out again last night, and I gotta say that things between us are gooood, if you know what I’m saying,” she finished with a wink. Applejack shook her head. “I got no idea what you’re sayin’.” “Applejack.” Dash rolled her eyes. “It turns out Rarity doesn’t mind those satin sheets getting really messy.” Applejack just blinked. “We had sex,” Dash informed her. Then she grinned and flew into the air. “And it was awesome!” “Oh,” Applejack said, then her eyes went wide and her cheeks turned red. “Oh my… but-- ya’ll only been out twice!” “So?” Dash shrugged. “It’s not like we’re strangers.” “Ya’ can’t know if you’re really in love with her after two dates!” Applejack said, stomping her hoof. “Woah woah woah!” Dash hovered and waved her hooves in front of her. “Who said anything about love? It’s way too soon to be thinking about something like that!” Applejack’s mouth fell open. “You… just did that… and ya’ don’t even care if ya’ love her? Does Rarity know that?” “Neither of us have said it,” Dash said with a shrug. She shook her head and glared at Applejack. “What’s your issue? Can’t get Twilight in the hay?” “I have not even tried, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack answered crisply, puffing up. “Me and Twilight are both savin’ that for our very special somepony.” “Wow. I had no idea you two were so lame.” Dash raised an eyebrow and considered. “But I guess I should’ve figured.” “It’s not lame!” Applejack snapped, glaring at her friend. “It’s how we were raised.” “Yeah, by your grandmother, and a thousand-year-old princess.” Dash started to giggle. “I’m surprised you don’t both wear sunbonnets and dresses that cover your hooves.” Applejack’s glare grew horns as she shot back, “There’s nothin’ wrong with not jumpin’ in and outta bed like a common hussy.” All giggles were forgotten and Rainbow Dash’s mouth fell open. “Did you just call me a hussy?!” “Messin’ up satin sheets on your second date with somepony?” Applejack smirked and turned towards an apple tree as if it was more interesting than Dash’s reaction. “From how I was raised, that’s soundin’ mighty hussy-like.” “It’s not like I picked up some strange pony in a bar!” Dash flew over to continue the conversation to Applejack’s face, from the other side of the tree. “I’ve been friends with Rarity for, like, forever, and I’m dating her.” Applejack just raised an eyebrow at Dash. “So it’s too soon to know if you love ‘er, but not for gettin’ dirty?” “Oh come on, it’s just sex!” Dash protested, throwing up her forehooves in exasperation. Applejack couldn’t stop her eyes from going wide again. “Just sex?!” “Yeah!” “You’re sayin’ that like makin’ love ain’t one of the most special things ponies can share with each other!” Dash rolled her eyes. “AJ, trust me, anything I did with Gilda under the bleachers at flight school after a six-pack is not one of the most special things ponies can share with each other. It’s not even in the top ten.” Applejack just shook her head slowly, eyes still wide. “Rainbow Dash, you are a hussy!” “Am not! I was friends with Gilda too!” “You’re friends with me, and we get along fine without that.” Dash glared. “We’d better, since you’re a prude.” “I’m not a prude! Makin’ love is one’a the most beautiful things in the world, when it’s with somepony you love.” Applejack narrowed her eyes, setting her mouth in a firm line. “Yeah? And how would you even know, if you’ve never done it?” Dash smirked, crossing her forehooves. “Cause ponies I respect told me so. You callin’ my granny a liar?” Applejack said. The look she gave indicated that would be a very bad thing for Dash to be doing. “No, I’m calling you a prude, if you’re gonna take the word of a hundred-year-old pony over practically every pony living today,” Dash huffed and turned her muzzle to the sky. “Every hussy livin’ today, ya’ mean. Twilight don’t think I’m a prude, she was raised the same way. And since she’s the pony I’m datin’, that’s all that matters,” Applejack said firmly. “Yeah, well, Rarity doesn’t think I’m a hussy,” Dash shot back. “That’s good then.” Applejack nodded. “Good,” Dash agreed. Applejack turned to stomp away. She wasn’t going anywhere in particular, but it seemed like a good way to end the conversation. But she stopped when she heard Dash call after her: “You want Twilight, right? Like, you think she’s hot?” Applejack turned back to Dash, annoyed. “Of course I do.” A devious smile grew on Dash’s face. “I bet you want her really bad sometimes. I mean, Twilight’s a hot pony, and I know you guys kiss and stuff. Being all close to her, and feeling her coat, and thinking about running your hooves over her cutie mark and her belly and lower, between her--” “RAINBOW DASH!” Applejack shouted. She was blushing in spite of herself, shocked that Dash would talk about something like this and furious because she knew this was just the reaction Dash wanted. “Anyway, I guess that must be really tough, knowing you’re not gonna do anything,” Dash managed to say between giggles before she burst out laughing. “I’m lookin’ forward to that day, you better believe it. But I respect Twilight, and she respects me, and that means respectin’ how we think this oughta go.” “Yeah.” Dash snickered. “I bet you’re respecting her long and hard when you’re thinking about her in bed at night.” “Will ya’ stop that?” Applejack felt the heat of the blush moving down her neck and glared daggers at Dash for it. “What? If I can’t get details about you and Twilight, I might as well get details about you and your hoof.” “Ain’t there somepony else you can go bug ‘bout this?” Dash smirked. “I could go ask Twilight… see if she has any wild stories about her hoof.” “Don’t. You. Dare,” Applejack growled. “Yoohoo! Twilight!” Dash called, shooting up into the air. Applejack snapped at the rainbow tail with her teeth, but missed by inches as Dash rose out of reach and flew fast and high towards Ponyville, laughing as she left. “You varmint!” Applejack called after her, racing to the road to try to warn Twilight. *** Twilight had spent the day re-shelving books, before turning around and unshelving a new pile which she was curled up next to. The day had been peaceful… too peaceful. So she was startled, but not surprised, when Applejack burst into the library, looking around. “Twilight! Twilight, Rainbow Dash ain’t here, is she?” “No,” Twilight answered. A worried frown formed on her face. “Is everything okay?” “Yeah, except that she’s a no-account hussy!” Applejack snapped the last word. Twilight’s mouth dropped open, she’d never heard AJ talk about one of their friends like that. There was a flash of concern in Applejack’s eyes upon seeing Twilight’s reaction, so she went on in more careful grumble, “She said she was gonna come here and-- well, she’s up to no good today.” “I haven’t seen Rainbow all day, but whatever she’s doing, that’s not a nice thing to call a pony,” Twilight said, shaking her head. “Well it’s the honest truth,” Applejack insisted. “You know she-- her and Rarity, they-- well, they were doin’ stuff that good ponies don’t do, last night.” “You mean--” Twilight began to put pieces together, but stopped when she realized that this wasn’t going to get any better if she jumped to conclusions. “Okay, Applejack, start at the beginning. What’s going on?” Applejack finally walked over to where Twilight was sitting, and sat down next to her. Twilight wrapped a wing around her, which seemed to calm Applejack, so she answered with more shock than anger, “Rainbow Dash flew up to me this mornin’, braggin’ ‘bout how she and Rarity went to bed together. On their second date!” “Wow. I-- I just don’t know what to say. They’re barely dating!” Twilight shook her head. “I mean, maybe I can see that sort of thing from Rainbow Dash, but Rarity’s so proper!” “Well, turns out she’s as much a hussy as Dash,” Applejack said with a sigh. “AJ, they aren’t hussies,” Twilight said firmly. “I mean, they can’t be hussies, they’re our friends. They’re just… um… carefree.” “You can call it what ya’ want, but I call it like I see it. Dash was goin’ on ‘bout it like we were crazy for waitin’ like proper ponies, so I told her just what she was.” “You didn’t.” Twilight covered her eyes with a forehoof, knowing that a reasonable discussion of different opinions was something that had never, ever happened between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “I did, too,” Applejack confirmed. “This ain’t even the first time she’s done somethin’ like that with a pony she don’t love!” Twilight gave a stern look to her girlfriend. “You still shouldn’t have called her a hussy! Maybe she just wasn’t raised like we were.” Applejack sighed and admitted sheepishly. “I know, I was just kinda sore. She was makin’ fun of us for bein’ old fashioned.” Smiling, Twilight nuzzled Applejack. “Maybe we are kind of old fashioned. I know that a lot of ponies these days don’t wait. But that just makes you more special to me; there aren’t a lot of ponies who would understand.” “When ya’ put it that way…” Applejack smiled and turned the nuzzle into a soft kiss. Twilight closed her eyes and turned the kiss into a much longer chain of kisses, but her mind was picking apart the situation. It had never occurred to her that her friends might be the type of ponies to have sex without worrying about love or commitment. She knew there were ponies like that out there, more and more these days, but she had to admit that she still thought similarly to Applejack -- it was hard to think that those were good ponies who were looking for true love. But her friends were good ponies, she knew that… and kissing Applejack like this was nice, but there was certainly more she’d love to explore. She started to wonder if maybe there wasn’t something else in the strength of Applejack’s reaction. Twilight broke the kiss and whispered, “Applejack, were you jealous of Rainbow Dash?” Blinking at the sudden conversation, Applejack pulled away. “Twilight, you know I ain’t interested in Rarity.” “Not that! I mean, did you wish that we could just… hop into bed like they did?” Twilight blushed at the idea, and mostly at how much she wasn’t opposed to it. Applejack blushed to match Twilight and glanced away. “I’d be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t, a little. I know I wanna wait, Twi. I knew it before I even went out with you. But… now that I’m goin’ out with you, I think about you, and you’re a beautiful pony. Sometimes, I look at you, and it feels like a second is too long to wait to do the things I think of.” She took a deep breath and dared to look back at Twilight. “But we both know what’s right. And I know it’s gonna be worth every second.” "What do you think will make it worth it?" "Well... for one thing, it's the right thing to do. It's part of bein' a good pony." Applejack looked in Twilight's eyes. "And... for another, well... I love a lot of ponies, Twilight. My friends, my family, ponies in town here. There's always room for more love in a heart. But, I always thought there's one pony out there who's gonna be special to me. My special somepony, for good and bad, and I'll stand by 'em forever. And I want 'em to have somethin' so they know how special they are to me, somethin' that I'd never share with another pony. I always thought that was makin' love, and that if I hold off 'till then, my special somepony will get that from me." "That does sound worth it," Twilight whispered, thinking of the magic Princess Celestia had promised would be there with just the right pony. That was what she was waiting for, and right now she hoped with all her heart that would be with Applejack. She was almost sure it was, and almost sure that she could be that special somepony Applejack was waiting for. But almost wasn't one hundred percent. They'd only been dating a few months, and logically Twilight knew that wasn't enough time to know something like that. She also knew that the emotions she felt looking in Applejack's eyes and the way her body reacted to Applejack's body were influencing her judgement. Twilight shook her head. "I think that maybe I should talk to Rarity. I'd love to know why she doesn't think it's important to wait... is there something I haven't been considering?" “Maybe it just feels good, and that’s all they want," Applejack said with a shrug. “I have no problem waiting for that. But if there’s more to think about, I want to think about it.” "Well, that does sound like somethin' you'd want." Applejack's face clouded with worry. "You think ya' might change your mind?" "Well, not entirely." Twilight smiled and laid a forehoof on top of Applejack's. "I'm confused about some things right now, but I do know that I want my first time to be with somepony I really love, and I want it to be special. That won't change." "Okay. I trust ya', Twilight." Applejack offered a nuzzle as proof, which Twilight happily returned. "Thank you." "I gotta get back to work. I'll stop by this evenin'." Applejack rose to her hooves. "And, if ya' see Rainbow Dash, tell 'er I'm sorry I called her a hussy... but if she says one word teasin' you I'm gonna buck her so hard her cutie mark'll be on her face." Twilight smirked and rolled her eyes as Applejack walked to the door. "I'll pass that along."
Chapter 2The bell over the door of the Carousel Boutique heralded yet another unexpected interruption of Rarity’s already busy day. Looking up, she saw Twilight carefully approaching the spot where Rarity sat examining the fashion magazines that came in the mail that day. “Hello, darling! What brings you to visit today?” “Um, nothing important.” Twilight smiled and glanced around the shop. “I wondered if you had a minute to talk.” “Certainly.” Rarity closed her magazine. “I was just lamenting the atrocious hemlines that are going to be in style next season. But one can only lament for so long before developing frown lines, so a little conversation would be lovely.” “I’m sorry to hear about your hemlines,” Twilight offered. “But, I, um, heard you had a good time with Rainbow Dash the other night.” “Yes, Rainbow told me about her conversation with Applejack.” Rarity frowned and arched an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose I should expect the same from you?” “Of course not. And, Applejack doesn’t think anything bad about you either. She said Rainbow was calling us old fashioned, and you know how Applejack can be when a pony says something about her way of doing things.” Twilight rolled her eyes a little, still smiling. “I do.” Rarity returned the smile and continued gently, “And I hadn’t considered that you girls may have more traditional sensibilities. It’s… charming, in a way. I would have asked Rainbow to be more discreet, had I known.” “I’m kind of glad I found out about it, to tell you the truth,” Twilight said, using her magic to carefully stack Rarity’s magazines as she once again glanced around the boutique. “I have to admit, it’s a subject I’m curious about, and I didn’t know I was friends with somepony with firsthoof knowledge.” Both of Rarity’s eyebrows went up, but she carefully maintained her composure. “I will try to answer your questions, darling, but I don’t feel I should discuss details. I’m lady enough to not kiss and tell, at least.” “Oh!” Twilight’s eyes went wide, and her attention snapped back to Rarity as a blush grew on her cheeks. “That’s fine, I’ve read plenty of books about that part. It’s the emotional details and the decision making process involved, that I’m not sure I understand.” She bit her lip. “How did you know that you wanted to do that with Rainbow Dash?” “Well, Rainbow is a very attractive pony, you have to admit.” Rarity smiled, thinking of the slim, athletic pegasus. “Between her natural beauty and that rakish quality she possesses, the idea of enjoying her company for the night came to mind rather easily.” “So, it was only physical?” Twilight asked, seeming slightly let down. Rarity gave a shrug. “I suppose, though I think it would be silly to dismiss physical attraction as an afterthought. Surely you find Applejack attractive that way?” Twilight blushed again with a nervous smile. “Of course! Those muscles, that long blonde hair, the way the apples in her cutie mark just make her hips look so round and firm and--” Twilight coughed, her blush deepening. “Um, yes, I have a-- a physical appreciation of Applejack. But I’m not sure our relationship is ready for that, yet. I was wondering how you knew your relationship with Rainbow was at that point.” Rarity tried to suppress a smirk. “I suppose Rainbow and I are just not as good at delaying gratification. We knew each other well, and appreciated one another. That was as much as we needed to know.” “Really?” Twilight asked with the same hint of disappointment in her voice. “You seem to expect a different answer.” “Well, it’s just that it’s kind of… unladylike?” Twilight said, studying Rarity’s reaction. “I thought that if you were going to do something like that, you must have a more complicated reason for it.” “I see.” Rarity frowned. “Please don’t be offended!” Twilight added quickly. “I know you’re a good pony, Rarity. It’s just not what I expected from you.” Rarity glanced away and used her magic to straighten some already-straight dresses on a rack. “Well, to be perfectly honest, I never expected you to be concerned about waiting. It’s rather impractical.” “What do you mean?” “Twilight, darling, sex isn’t something that works the same way between any two ponies,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “Different ponies enjoy different things. It seems like a bit of a gamble to fall in love with a pony and plan to spend your life with them, and only then find out if you’re compatible in bed.” Twilight considered that for a moment, then looked at Rarity curiously. “So, for you it’s part of deciding if you love a pony?” “Of course.” Rarity shrugged. “If we weren’t compatible, it would be very important to know.” “I see…” Twilight nodded, then raised her eyebrows. “Wow, I hadn’t considered that. I mean, in books it always seems to work out… I hadn’t thought about how romanticized that might be.” “You might want to think about it.” Rarity said casually, though she was fighting to keep a tiny smirk off her face. There was something satisfying about offering Twilight the apple, as it were. Not that she’d lied in her suggestion in any way; she’d seen Twilight try out literally every quill in the shop before deciding on one, so why it never occurred to her to try out her lover before committing was beyond Rarity. But, there was something innocent about it, and Rarity’s better nature came through. She added, “Not that you or Applejack should feel pressured to do anything you aren’t ready for, of course.” “Oh, we won’t.” Twilight said, seeming deep in thought. “I’m still not sure if that’s enough of a reason… it is logical, but…” “Why is waiting so important to you? It must be more than simply being ladylike, if Twilight Sparkle is willing to overlook logic for it,” Rarity teased with a gentle smile. Twilight broke her train of thought and smiled at Rarity. “When Princess Celestia told me about sex, she told me that when it’s between ponies who are in love, it’s special. Love is magic, just like friendship, and connecting like that, sharing the parts of yourself that you’ve never shared before, with a pony you love, it’s a unique experience. Since that day, well, I never wanted to miss an experience like that.” Rarity wasn’t sure how to respond. She nodded and half heartedly straightened her dresses again, watching Twilight out of the corner of her eye. “Did it feel like that for you and Rainbow? Was it magical?” Twilight asked, without a hint of smugness. Rarity just stared in the distance, blinking. Foalhood fantasies and romantic stories nudged hopefully at her mind, only to fade in the light of the facts. “No. It was not… special, the way that you mean it.” “I see. I have a lot to think about,” Twilight said, frowning to herself. “...So do I,” Rarity answered quietly. “Good luck.” Twilight rose to leave and gave Rarity a bright smile. “And, we should double date sometime! That would be fun.” “Oh yes, it would be lovely. I’ll see you later, darling.” Rarity called as Twilight left. Looking around the now empty boutique, Rarity searched for something to busy herself with. Having already straightened the racks of dresses twice since Twilight came to visit, and having no more patience for her magazines, she walked into her inspiration room, hoping that inspiration might take the place of the other thoughts in her head. She selected some fabric and draped it over a dress form, pinning the hemline in the next season’s trends which had seemed so horribly dowdy to her before. Now she could see something demure and romantic in them, but she shook her head. Fashion was supposed to move forward, after all. She raised the hem, this time trying a skirt that was shockingly short. “That won’t do at all.” She pursed her lips and turned to Opal who was napping on a basket of ribbons. “Opal, darling, mummy would never wear a skirt like that, would she?” Opal opened one eye, then flicked her tail and turned up her nose. “Of course not. Displays like that aren’t for public, they’re for ponies who are… special...” Rarity trailed off with a frown. It was no use. Designing like this wasn’t going to work, she needed to talk to somepony. Fluttershy crossed her mind, before realizing that if Applejack and Twilight held to such traditional views, Fluttershy might have a heart attack from just the idea. Rarity huffed, allowing a moment to be jealous of how effortlessly ladylike Fluttershy was before moving on. Rainbow was the pony to whom she should be talking. But she somehow wasn’t sure it was proper to open herself up like this to her new girlfriend. Of course, given the other ways she’d opened herself to Rainbow, shouldn’t she be able to have a simple, heartfelt conversation with her? The fact that this sounded like a disaster was a harsh reminder that perhaps they had been too hasty. Still, maybe it was worth a try. If one wanted to know what intimacy was like with a pony before making a commitment, that should probably include emotional intimacy as well as physical. Rarity walked to the door, then out into Ponyville to track down Rainbow Dash. *** Rainbow Dash was making another sweep of the skies around Ponyville, making sure she hadn’t missed any sneaky clouds on her first pass. She was just flying over the park, when she noticed a bright white, perfectly shaped pony below her. She grinned; Rarity could always turn a pony’s head, and dating the hooves-down hottest pony in Ponyville made seeing her feel like she won something awesome. She flew low and landed next to Rarity, throwing a wing over her back. “Where are we going?” Rarity smiled, casting a sidelong glance at Rainbow. “I was going to find you. Now, we’re going someplace where we can talk in relative privacy.” “How about your place?” Rainbow smirked. “Not that private. That bench over there?” Rarity nodded across the park. “Sure,” Rainbow agreed, but her eyes were darting between Rarity’s face and anywhere else. She reminded herself to play it cool. She was awesome with words, talking was something she could do, and there’s no way she’d be in trouble with Rarity by the time they were done. They made their way to the bench, a safe distance from other ponies in the park. Rainbow sat down next to Rarity and fidgeted, poking at a knot on the bench, brushing her tail against the ground, rubbing the back of her neck. “So, uh, what’s up?” “I wanted to talk to you about… well, something personal.” Rarity studied Rainbow carefully. A thought came to Rainbow, and she said quickly, “Is this about you dying your mane? I saw the bottle in the bathroom, and your secret is totally safe with me. I didn’t even tell AJ!” Rarity pursed her lips. “I do not dye my mane! That’s simply a color booster, to make my natural color more vibrant. And that isn’t what I intended to talk to you about, anyway.” Rainbow furrowed her brow, trying to think of something else it might be. Nothing came to mind, so she shrugged. “Okay… so, what is it?” Rarity looked down and examined her hooficure for a long time. She glanced up, and Rainbow thought she might just get up and leave, but she finally turned to Rainbow and took a deep breath. “Was last night… special for you?” Rainbow smiled and let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “It was awesome!” “That is not what I asked.” Rarity frowned, prompting another confused look from Rainbow. “Let me put it another way: Do you feel that we have a special connection, Rainbow? That there could be something more between us than just… fun?” Suddenly the knot on the bench was really neat to poke with her forehoof. And the leaves of a tree nearby were interesting, they were really green. And Rainbow found that she could wrap and unwrap her tail around the leg of the bench. But Rarity was still looking at her expectantly. Finally, she realized that she was going to have to say something. “Rare, you’re one of my best friends. You know that’s important to me. But, isn’t it a little soon to be talking about lo-- connections?” “I see.” Rarity’s ears drooped and she sighed. “Rarity, come on!” Rainbow protested. “What’s got into you? You know I like you, and we had a great time the other night.” Rarity shook her head. “I was speaking to Twilight, if you must know--” “Did she call you a hussy?” Rainbow interrupted. “Because you’re totally not a hussy, no matter what AJ and Twilight say!” “No, she did not,” Rarity said, then she raised an eyebrow at Rainbow. “And while I resent that particular implication from your conversation with Applejack, I will also point out that Applejack and Twilight are not prudes, they simply expect something different from the experience than you or I do.” “Fine,” Rainbow said, more worried about the change in Rarity than in what her other friends thought. “So, if you’re not going all goody-four-shoes on me, what’s wrong?” “During our talk, Twilight asked me if what you and I did was… special. Outside of physical sensations. And it wasn’t, was it?” Rarity looked at Rainbow, then away. “I don’t know if there’s anything special between us.” “Does there need to be?” Rainbow asked with a crack in her voice. She was starting to feel like The Wonderbolts had suddenly added a bunch of egghead requirements and wanted her to prove she knew them right now. Rarity looked at Rainbow again and gave her a smile. “I suppose not. Hearing Twilight talk about it reminded me of some silly dreams I used to have, and… well, not everything lives up to one’s expectations.” Rainbow threw up her hooves in exasperation. “I thought you said you had a good time!” “Not those expectations, Rainbow,” Rarity said, rolling her eyes. “Romantic expectations. Falling in love with a pony, feeling connected to them, the magic of true love. Those are foal’s stories, I know.” She sighed, and Rainbow Dash heard the rest of her thoughts in the soft sound. They started with But… Nopony who was dating Rainbow Dash should have buts. Not about what happened in bed and not about being with her. The problem was that she didn’t know if she could offer Rarity magic and true love and that stuff. She could lie to Rarity, but… there was something in that sigh. Lying about this would hurt Rarity way too much, more than Rainbow would want to hurt anypony. Rainbow shook her head clear and took a deep breath, looking at the leaves of a nearby tree. “Rarity. I’m not ready to be all serious and stuff yet--” “I understand,” Rarity said, sadly. “No, hear me out.” Rainbow laid a hoof over Rarity’s on the bench. “I’m not ready to be all serious. But here’s what I know. You’re one of my best friends, and you’re one of the hottest ponies in Equestria, besides me. And… I’m gonna be a Wonderbolt and you’re gonna be a famous designer, so we both kinda know what that’s like, working hard and trying to get to the top. I feel like you can understand stuff about me that the other girls can’t… “I don’t know what that means, but being with you, on dates and in bed, it’s nice. I like it. So… uh… maybe this is how something special starts. I kinda hope it is.” Rainbow glanced at Rarity and saw those big blue eyes staring at her. “Rainbow Dash… that was almost romantic.” “I can be romantic.” Rainbow smiled and blushed. “Just, don’t go telling other ponies.” “Your reputation is safe with me.” Rarity leaned over and kissed Rainbow. Rainbow shifted and took control of the kiss, which Rarity gracefully allowed. It made Rainbow feel like the hero at the end of an awesome movie, like she’d fought a dragon to win the beautiful mare. She was always amazed at how Rarity did that to her, and more amazed at how awesome she felt being the hero, even when she knew that it was just something about the way Rarity kissed. When the kiss broke, Rainbow stared at the beautiful mare she’d somehow won today by saying stuff. She grinned. “You know, you should totally make sure everypony knows I’m dating you. That just makes both of us more awesome.” Rarity glanced at where the sun was starting to set on the horizon, then back at Rainbow with a seductive smile. “Perhaps you’d like to escort me home?” “Sure!” The ponies got to their hooves, and Rainbow puffed up as she moved close to Rarity, wrapping a wing around her. “This okay?” “I do adore the feeling of feathers,” Rarity said, giving Rainbow a nuzzle. “I know,” Rainbow whispered back with a smirk, as they started for Rarity’s place.
Chapter 3Applejack walked slowly into town as the sun set that evening. She’d finished her work for the day, but she’d spent most of the time just thinking. She was still thinking now, about feelings, about right and wrong, about Twilight. All things that seemed simple on the surface, but became more complicated the more she thought. As she passed the Carousel Boutique, she saw Rarity and Rainbow Dash slip inside. Normally she would have called to them, but she blushed and worried about what she might be interrupting. Of course, they might be going inside to talk, or play Battlecloud. It was really none of Applejack’s business either way, and she should have left it at that when she talked to Dash earlier. Then maybe she wouldn’t have fought with Dash, or talked to Twilight, and Twilight wouldn’t have talked to Rarity… Those apples were already in the pie. All that mattered now was what Applejack thought, and what Twilight thought. And as Applejack came to the library, she thought the best way to figure those things out was to go inside, so she opened the door. The lights were on, but Twilight was nowhere to be seen as Applejack stepped inside. “Twilight?” Applejack called hesitantly, not really wanting to disturb her if she was reading. “Hey, AJ,” Spike said, appearing in the doorway from the kitchen. “Twilight’s upstairs in the bedroom.” Applejack froze. “S-she is?” “Yeah, she said you guys had some private stuff to talk about, and it wasn’t fair to make me stay up there all night.” Spike sat down on a pillow in the main room and opened up a comic book. “No access to the kitchen, ya’ know.” “Oh, well… I reckon that makes sense… I’ll just go on up there, to talk, cause, heh, what else would two ponies be doin’--” the blush forming on Applejack’s cheeks with each word forced her to stop talking before Spike looked up and noticed what she was saying. “Er, seeya later.” “Later,” Spike said with an absent minded wave as Applejack made her way upstairs. Applejack climbed the stairs and peeked into Twilight’s room. She half expected dim lighting, romantic music, and Twilight lying on the bed, smiling seductively. Instead, Twilight was on her balcony, looking through her telescope at the newly starry sky. She turned and smiled at Applejack, and Applejack couldn’t help but smile back. “Heya,” Applejack said, as Twilight trotted over to offer a nuzzle which was happily accepted. “Hi. Thanks for coming over tonight.” Twilight smiled, seeming a little nervous as she floated two cushions for them to sit on. “I couldn’t wait to talk to you, I’ve been thinking all afternoon.” Applejack made herself comfortable on the pillow next to Twilight’s. “What’s on your mind?” Twilight ruffled her wings and looked at the ceiling in thought. “Well, I talked to Rarity. And she had some pretty good points.” Applejack just bit her lip and nodded for Twilight to continue. “Mainly that without…” Twilight blushed, but pressed on, “having sex, we don’t know if we enjoy the same things, or if we’ll be happy with that part of our relationship in the long term. And, well, that’s important to me. I don’t want you to be with a pony that doesn’t make you happy, and I know you don’t want that for me.” Applejack felt her stomach turn at the idea that she might not make Twilight happy, but she just nodded again. Twilight eyed Applejack suspiciously and went on, “But, of course, there are still the reasons we both have for waiting. Those are perfectly good ones… I still want my first time to be with somepony I really love, and I know you’re waiting for the one special pony you want to spend your life with.” She wrapped a wing around Applejack. “I think those are good things. And I know now that I wouldn’t want to do what Rarity and Rainbow Dash did. They’re good ponies, but that kind of impulsive behavior isn’t for us. I’m really glad I found a pony who likes to be sure before jumping into something important like this.” Applejack breathed a sigh of relief and scooted closer to Twilight. “I’m glad too, sugarcube.” “AJ, there’s something else I’ve been thinking about.” Twilight said softly. Applejack could feel her breath as she spoke, “We’ve been dating a lot, and spending a lot of time together. How do you feel about that?” Applejack frowned. It wasn’t that she was unhappy, it was that this cut to the heart of all of the thoughts she’d had since this morning. Thoughts that could never really put themselves in a row. But Twilight was looking at her, growing more worried by the second, and she had to say something. Enough that Twilight might understand, at least. “You know I love it, Twilight. I been thinking about that today, myself. I-- I know I got feelin’s for ya’. And I know they’re more than bein’ friends and more than just likin’ to spend time together… I told ya’ about the special pony I wanna spend my life with, well, sometimes I imagine that’s you, and it makes me so happy. I know it’s just fancies, it’s too soon to know somethin’ like that, but… I know I gotta do anythin’ I can that might make that happen. I wanna hope for that, so bad… I just...” Trailing off made sense, it was more or less what her thoughts had done. But unlike earlier, one thing was clear, looking in Twilight’s eyes. “Twilight… I been thinkin’ I love you.” Twilight grinned and let out a deep breath. “That's just what I was thinking. I was so confused at first, then I outlined everything in a bubble chart, and I kept connecting thoughts, but one was missing that should have connected a lot of things. It took me forever, but I finally realized that the one missing was ‘I love her’! I mean, you. I love you, Applejack.” Twilight’s eyes were shining, and Applejack fought the urge to throw her hat into the air and and let out a shout. “You’re right, of course, it is too soon to know if we’re going to spend our lives together, but, I’ve thought about it too. And I liked thinking about it.” Twilight gave another happy sigh and melted against Applejack. “I think we’re at the next stage of our relationship.” “So, what oughta happen now?” Applejack asked, nuzzling Twilight. “Well, we practice loving each other for a while, I guess.” Twilight gave Applejack a peck on the cheek. “We think seriously about spending our lives together, and talk about it, and see if it’s something that would really work, in the long run.” “That sounds amazin’,” Applejack said, beaming. Everything about Twilight was perfect. Knowing that Twilight loved her, that she wanted to think about a life together, nothing could have made this moment better. “I’m looking forward to it. And…” Twilight looked down. Her cheeks colored, but she was still smiling and leaning against Applejack as she went on, “You know I wanted to wait until I found a pony I really loved. Well, I think that if-- I mean, if we made love, it would be everything I’ve been waiting for. I really love you.” “I love you too, Twilight,” Applejack said, trying to remain calm, despite a sudden wave of terror. “I-- I really love you. I just--” The words dried in her mouth. She couldn’t lose this. She couldn’t see disappointment in those big, purple eyes. Not tonight, when everything was going so well. “You just what?” Twilight said gently, looking concerned. Applejack licked her lips nervously, and looked around. They’d both agreed it was too soon to know, but… they were hoping to be together forever. That was something. Right now it was the most important thing in the world to Applejack. And Twilight was beautiful, Applejack knew that there would be nothing she wouldn’t like about putting her hooves all over that body. And if it didn’t make Rarity or Rainbow Dash bad ponies, then... “Oh, ponyfeathers.” Applejack stood up. She flipped her hat off her head and bit her ribbons out of her mane and tail. She shook her hair free, then stood, shifting her weight from one hoof to the other anxiously as she looked down. “If you wanna… get in bed, I reckon I can make this special for ya’... for both of us. I don’t have much practice, but I hope it can be as magic as ya’ always wanted.” “Applejack, is that what you want?” Twilight said, looking up at Applejack from the cushion. “I told ya’, I love you,” Applejack said firmly. “And, it ain’t like I don’t think about this. It don’t make sense to not do somethin’ we both think about, if it’s gonna cost me the pony I love.” Twilight frowned and flapped to her hooves. “Hey, I didn’t say anything about this costing you my love!” Her face softened as she landed in front of Applejack and looked in her eyes. “I appreciate this; I really, really appreciate it. You have no idea how amazing you look right now, with your hair down… but it’s not right unless this is what you want. You told me earlier why waiting is important to you. Did you change your mind?” “No.” Applejack shook her head and looked away. “But I wanna make you happy, Twilight. Datin’ three months ain’t enough time to know if you’re the pony I wanna be with forever, but if it makes you happy, it’s worth a gamble on that. If it don’t work out… well… I guess whoever I end up with will havta understand what’s important to me right now.” “You don’t have to gamble that just to make me happy.” Twilight raised Applejack’s face with a gentle hoof. “I’ve been happy with you for three months now, I don’t think I’m going to stop just because I know we love each other.” “If you wanna do that, how can ya’ be really happy with a pony who don’t?” Applejack asked. “Let me worry about that.” Twilight smiled. “It’s easier when you can use magic.” Applejack raised her eyebrows and smiled, despite herself. Then the smile faded. “But what about knowin’ if we’re all compatible?” “We don’t know if we’re compatible in a lot of ways, yet.” Twilight pointed out. “There’s a lot to learn about another pony. I’m not in a rush to figure out if we have the same views on raising foals, or planning for retirement, so I can wait for this one, too. Right now, I’m really just happy to have a pony I love, who loves me back.” “Really?” Applejack tried another smile. “Uh-huh.” Twilight nodded, her eyes shining with affection. Applejack grinned and leaned in to kiss Twilight. She wrapped a hoof around the back of Twilight’s head, holding her close, and neither pony moved to break free for a long time. When they did finally part, Applejack’s grin returned right away. “I do love ya’, Twi. And I’ll do anythin’ you ask to prove it.” Twilight smiled seductively. “Will you… listen to me practice giving a lecture on types of magical ink?” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You sure you don’t wanna hop in bed?” Then a pillow in a pink glow smacked her in the face and she chuckled. “Of course I will. I’ll probably learn a thing or two.” “Will you cuddle me while I practice giving a lecture on types of magical ink?” Twilight asked sweetly, sitting on down on her cushion and floating a scroll over to herself. “Yup!” Applejack said, sitting right next to Twilight and leaning against her with a nuzzle. “I might even stay awake now.” Twilight giggled and opened her scroll, scanning it. Applejack just leaned against her soft body, nose buried in her fresh, clean mane, waiting to hear that sweet voice saying all of those smart things she knew. Applejack couldn’t help whispering, “Twilight… thank you. For understandin’. It means a lot to me.” Twilight’s wing wrapped around Applejack and she kissed her on the cheek. “You mean a lot to me, AJ. I’ll always do my best to understand.” *** The next weekend, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity waited under the light of the Ponyville Cinema marquee. They hadn’t been there long when Applejack came trotting up the road from Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight flew to her girlfriend, greeting her with a long, lingering kiss before anypony could say a word. “My, my. That was quite a greeting.” Rarity smirked and fluffed her mane as the two parted, both blushing a little. “It’s just nice to see her,” Twilight said, grinning from ear to ear. Applejack chuckled. “There’s not much nicer than that.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “Weren’t you just at Sweet Apple Acres this afternoon?” The color on Twilight’s cheeks deepened, and she leaned in closer to Applejack. “Well… it’s nice to see her again.” With a smirk, Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack, “So, AJ, are things gooood now?” Applejack raised both eyebrows back at the pegasus. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business, Rainbow Dash. Me and Twilight couldn't be happier.” “Ha! I knew it!” Rainbow crowed. “You don’t know a thing.” Applejack turned to Twilight and winked, which made Twilight giggle. “Well, Twilight certainly seems happy.” Rarity smiled as Rainbow landed next to her and draped a wing over her back. “Oh, I am.” Twilight nodded. “We had a long talk the other night, and said some important things.” “Yeah, in your bedroom,” Rainbow teased. “Well, yes,” Twilight agreed. “Way to go, AJ!” Rainbow offered her hoof for a bump. Applejack rolled her eyes. “It ain't like that!” “It really isn't. Applejack just told me about her feelings for me, and I feel the same way. We’re taking our relationship a little more seriously.” Twilight smiled at Applejack, and couldn't seem to resist rubbing her cheek on her girlfriend’s. “I’m sure, darling.” Rarity smirked. “You two will have to stop nuzzling to pay for your tickets, though.” “Yeah, you don’t have to prove to everypony that you did it,” Rainbow said with a dismissive wave. Applejack stomped her hoof. “I don’t gotta prove nothin’ because we didn't do nothin’!” “Whatever you say…” Rainbow teased. “Well, we did do something…” Twilight pointed out, earning another smirk and raised eyebrows from Rainbow to Applejack before she went on with a smirk of her own, “And from what I hear, Rainbow Dash has never done it.” “Hey! What do you know? What did Rarity tell you?” Rainbow demanded, the smirk wiped from her face. She looked to Rarity, who just shrugged. Then Rainbow glared at Twilight. “There’s nothing that AJ could do in the bedroom that I haven’t done.” Twilight just kept her smirk firmly on her face. “She told me she loves me.” Rainbow stared, her mouth hanging open. “That doesn't count!” “That is something you've never done, Rainbow,” Rarity pointed out. “We've only been dating a week! It’s way too soon for that.” Rainbow said, giving Rarity an exasperated look. “I know, Dash,” Applejack said, smiling. “But you’ll be ready someday.” “Yeah, when you find just the right pony, it’s worth the wait,” Twilight added. “But, if ya’ need any pointers, just lemme know,” Applejack finished, lightly punching Rainbow’s shoulder as she and Twilight walked past Rarity and Rainbow to the ticket booth. Rainbow pouted, almost forgetting about the hot mare next to her until she felt a hoof gently turn her face. Rarity looked into Rainbow’s eyes and smiled. “Rainbow…” she said softly, “I’m happy to be waiting for that.” Rainbow couldn't help but smile back. “Me too.” Author's Note Thanks to Jake R, DbzOrDie, and Tchernobog for prereading!
