Home is Where the Heart Lies

by The Princess Rarity

Rating: teen
Tags: Comedy, Rarity, Sex, Main 6, Applejack, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance
Length: 8751

Rarity left Ponyville for five years that flew by… but when she comes back, it seems everything in her hometown has changed. And one of these changes might just shock her beyond belief.

It was a secret no-strings-attached relationship, that’s all. A few flings here and there, but that was it… and then, Rarity got a job opportunity that changed everything. She had moved to Canterlot to pursue her career, and time flew by. Now, five years have passed, and she’s lost contact of her Ponyville friends. Upon returning to her hometown, she realizes that everypony has changed in one way or another.

And out of all the news, what she didn’t expect was for Applejack to be a single mother to a four-year-old daughter. Now, that isn’t so much a bombshell on it’s own, but what puzzles Rarity the most is how sensitive her friend is regarding the little filly’s paternity.

After all, that’s what friends are for, aren’t they? To worry about one another?

...well, maybe Rarity is worrying a bit too much - or is she?

Bad cover art made by me. Do I get a "YOU TRIED" sticker? Shoutout to OkemosBrony & twilight-the-pony for editing!
p.s. - take note that this story is AU to all of my other RariJack family stories.

Published 2014-02-27 14:50:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-03-27 17:09:28 UTC

Une

Home is Where the Heart Lies

byThe Princess Rarity

~ Chapter One ~

"Making my mark in high society!"

Lights, sparkles, beauty and elegance - all wrapped in one. Aside from a fashion show or the big city, where else could one find such perfection? This, of course, was why Rarity completely adored this posh life. Before, it was nothing but her dreams, but now she was living her fantasies, and she couldn't ask for anything more.

She lounged in the VIP section, swirling the champagne in her glass as she carefully eyed the models up on the runway. She watched them, and she couldn't help but have a feeling of pride.

A dazzling smile never left her expression as she watched everypony up on stage. Reveling in the sounds of ponies around her in the crowd softly murmuring to one another, all praises towards the designer who had worked up such intricate and unique designs that were practically perfect in any and every way possible.

This designer everypony was talking about just so happened to be her.

Oh, how Rarity loved that feeling.

Even if she wasn't literally in the spotlight, she certainly felt that way - and that was basically all she needed to be satisfied with her career.

"And this last ensemble is sold, to the pony in the front row, for two thousand bits!" the auctioneer called out, which summoned the audience to applaud as the models on the runway bowed, closing the show.

Rarity beamed. She had a feeling that her newest Summer line would take off, and she was thanking her lucky stars that it did. Absolutely adoring the feeling of everypony in this high-class society approving of her, Rarity couldn't help but shoot a radiant grin of joy to all who looked to her in awe at how such a young and new designer could make something so original, so fresh and oh-so-inspiring.

The minute that the show concluded, everypony was on their hooves, conversing amongst one another and walking around, enjoying the fashion auction's rich qualities and practically gushing over all of the designs that had been viewed over the past few hours.

This was the life.

Practically sashaying her way throughout the crowd, Rarity soon found herself in the midst of a conversation near the gardens of the convention center between two new designers and a few of the models, the lot of them talking and laughing about how last season's designs were so unbelievably tacky compared to this year's sweet sophistication and grace.

"Honestly, them Spring hats, don't get me started, y'know?" one of the models spat out in her thick Manehatten accent. "I mean, forget about it! It was like wearin' a dead fish on my head!"

The group shared a laugh, and Rarity nudged the model. "Just be grateful you were the one caught wearing it, and not the pony who designed it," she murmured, causing the others to continue with their laughter.

One of the designers then spoke up, practically glowing as she turned to Rarity.

"By the way, I just wanted to say, I am in love with every one of your lines!" she gushed. "You inspire me - like, I'm not even kidding."

The other fashionista looked as if she was straight out of high school; lanky and a bit off-course (she even had braces), but she still pulled off the ensemble she wore and claimed to have made herself.

For a minute, Rarity almost wished she was that bold at that age as she nodded to her fellow fashion-forward pony. "Thank you very much, dear," she replied. "It's good to know that other generations are appreciating my work."

The young mare waved her hoof as if it were nothing, and her companion opened his mouth to speak, only before the conversation was briefly interrupted by a voice that Rarity considered to be very familiar.

"My, my, my, Rarity, it seems that you're awfully busy, as always," somepony kindly declared, with a bit of a teasing tone.

Upon hearing her name, Rarity turned around. She smiled wide as she noticed who had showed up. "Why, Fancy Pants, I didn't expect to see you here," she replied.

Returning the smile to her, Fancy Pants nodded. "Well, you are a colleague of mine, my dear," he countered. "And I would hate to miss anything you have in store. You never cease to amaze us all."

"Flatterer," she playfully shot back with a chuckle.

He too released a bit of a laugh and adjusted his monocle as he looked to the group she was conversing with. "I'd hate to tear Miss Rarity away from you lot, but I have some business to talk to her about, if that's alright with everypony," he offered.

The group nodded in an understanding manner and paraded off, looking for other high-class citizens of Canterlot to hobnob with.

"Now, business?" Rarity questioned, raising an eyebrow curiously as she looked to the stallion before her. "Color me intrigued."

Fancy Pants kept his gaze on her and gestured back to the hall. "Walk with me," he responded as he led the both of them inside, avoiding all of the other fashionistas and designers. "As you know, I don't have an eye for fashion like the rest of the ponies here do; I only associate myself with the business because of my dear wife."

"Yes, Fleur has told me many times about your fashion fails. She even said one time, you almost walked out of the house wearing a fez and bowtie," Rarity laughed.

"Well, I thought it looked good," he said with a smile and a half-hearted shrug. "Anyhow, I've teamed up with Hoity Toity regarding his business, and he requested something fresh for the Summertime. He says he's tired of putting fashion lines where they don't belong, and what with how much this season's line is booming, he'd hate to see it flop."

Rarity pursed her lips, taking in every word as she paid attention to his statement.

"Go on," she mused.

"So, he has requested that this year's Summer Spectacular Fashion Show be held somewhere as sweet and simple as the line," Fancy Pants continued as they found their way over by the lounge, where soft classical music was being played by top musicians.

The passing bartender offered the pair a glass of sparkling wine, which they both accepted and continued their conversation.

"To sum it up, there's an upcoming fashion show, and apparently, I was chosen as the messenger to tell you that you have been selected for the host," he said simply.

Rarity's expression lit up, and she let out a breathless laugh of disbelief.

Her own fashion show to host?

She had done that before, for small things to promote her work back when her career was just starting, but now that she was somepony, this really meant something! And for a well-known company too, at that! It was yet again another dream come true in her already lavish life.

"I'm honored!" she squealed with excitement, which caused her to clear her throat and recompose herself. "I mean-" She gave a kind smile. "Thank you. I certainly won't disappoint. Might I ask where the show is to be held?"

Fancy Pants tapped his chin and raised an eyebrow as he thought. "If I'm not mistaken, you're from Ponyville, aren't you?" he pondered.

Rarity suddenly froze for a moment, feeling as if the whole room had gone blank, and she was totally alone. She downed the wine in her glass, and blinked slowly, thinking hard for a few seconds. Ponyville. Now that was a name she hadn't bothered to remember in a long time…

...and she felt shameful for forgetting.

"Yes," she murmured, now finally falling back into reality. "I am."

"Wonderful!" Fancy Pants replied. "So you're familiar with the area-"

"-that's where the celebration is being held?" Rarity interrupted.

He nodded. "It's such a quaint little town, is it not? I've visited a few times, and I have to say, it is indeed the perfect place to promote this season's fashions. So, all you need to know is that the show takes place a day before the Summer Sun Celebration, and-"

Rarity began tuning him out after those words.

The Summer Sun Celebration.

That was the day she made friends for life... and yet now, here she was. Successful, famous, rich, and - alone. She had forgotten about them.

Oh, she was such a fool.

She levitated another glass of wine from a tray one of the workers was carrying and she took a swig of it, still attempting to stay ladylike while having a crisis with herself inside her mind.

"Rarity?"

"I'm fine," she choked out, clearing her throat and taking a deep breath as she turned to Fancy Pants. "So Ponyville, the Summer Sun Celebration and-?"

Taking note that she had lost a few of the details, the stallion gave a curt nod and a small half-smile. "I'll send the paperwork to one of your shops," he said in his kind manner.

With a smile that felt forced, Rarity bowed slightly. "It's appreciated," she muttered.

And with that, Fancy Pants gave Rarity a nod and bid her goodbye, leaving the mare alone with her still-racing thoughts.

A fashion show, in Ponyville, and she was going to be hosting it.

She wasn't sure if she should be delighted or frightened.

Author's Note

Le sigh.

Another project I thought up and dove right into without any second thoughts. This should be good. I just really wanted to write a RariJack romantic tragicomedy for a while now, and this is one of my earlier ideas, so I figured I might as well go with it and see where it leads (all the while attempting to follow my blueprint)!

So... yeah. Enjoy, I guess. The story will get into full swing soon.

If you don't mind, please fave, comment and all of that junk. They only inspire me to write more!

Deux

~ Chapter Two ~

"Well, I'm going home - back to the place where I belong..."

Rarity let out a sigh; and ran a hoof through her mane, looking back to her massive stack of suitcases, each one of them looking as if they might burst. But then again, she could never be too careful, there might always be that one thing she might need.

Today was the last day of Spring and the Summer Sun Celebration was only a month away.

For a normal pony, that seem like more than enough time to organize an event, but for a businessmare such as Rarity herself, it might have been only a few days.

She tapped her hoof on the train platform, looking back to the clock on the entrance of the station, and it read a quarter past eleven. She had gotten here half an hour early, at ten thirty, so where was that train? It should have been here by now…

Focusing her eyes on the horizon past the tracks, it was quite a sight for anyone looking out.

To be fairly honest, Canterlot was not the only place Rarity had been residing. She had two flats in Manehatten (one uptown and one downtown), an apartment in Los Pegasus, and a floor in Vanhoover, because when one was as successful as she was, multiple homes was but a simple thing that was nothing - and somewhat of a necessity. After all, trips like this were quite frequent, and just the very thought of temporarily living in a motel made Rarity shudder.

And so, she couldn't help but feel slightly relieved that her excuses for forgetting about Ponyville were somewhat valid.

Still, it made her heart shake on the brink of breaking.

That little town she could barely see from up above was her home. She was born and raised there, made amazing friends, learned valuable and irreplaceable lessons…

...she winced at the thought of realizing she might've found a slight idea of what love was there.

Just then, the train rushed forward, obstructing Rarity's view and snapping her back to reality.

"All aboard!" the conductor called out. "Ride to Ponyville!"

Sucking in a deep breath, she paraded onto the train while one of the train station's lanky teenage colt employees followed her, struggling with her seemingly endless stream of baggage.

Flashing her coach pass, Rarity let out a sigh of relief as she found her car, falling back into one of the seats, and going back to looking down at the little town of Ponyville. For some reason, now she wanted nothing more than to go back. It made her heart swell to see that place, even from afar.

She just couldn't help but wonder what would happen upon returning and getting up close.
After all, her career had been booming for five years - so for half a decade, she had left it all behind for a much more fabulous life. It wouldn't hurt so much to enjoy the simple things…

...would it?

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, she tipped the attendee a small ruby and levitated over one of her bags, opening it up and looking over her blueprints. Now was the time to focus, not be a silly old sentimental fool. After all, if she were to wow this crowd, she had to be prepared right from the very beginning. With a project this crucial, there was no margin for error.

Her gaze was plastered onto her designs, comparing them to the "What's Hot" fashions in all of the well-known fashion magazines to make sure her references and inspiration were a good match, but she still knew that originality was key. However, her thoughts began to drift off, deciding to pay attention to anything but her work. Despite what she wanted to push away, the memories of Ponyville began to dance their way through her mind place. And even not so much was it Ponyville, but rather, the friends she made there - and what they had done.

Before this wonderfully hectic rich life, she was but a simple mare in a small town, struggling to get by in a career she had always dreamed about.

How could she have forgotten who she was?

From drama, to happiness, and just plain ridiculousness, every minute of her past was worth remembering... so why did she accidentally erase it?

Pushing away her work, Rarity sat back and gazed out the window, watching the world fly by as she thought long hard. After this fashion show, what would she do? Pack up and leave, back to her current place of residence in Canterlot? Continue living a life that was something out of dreams?

But what about the small-town life?

Granted, no pony who was rising to fame like her lived in such a rural area.

Then again, she was Rarity. Countless articles in magazines had expressed how unique and different she was from the other designers on the scene. If she could turn a dress into something priceless, what about the way she lived?

That was much more complicated.

A dress was just some fabric and string, with maybe some sequins slapped on.

Life was one countless web after the next, always tangling somepony into something that seemed like a struggle. Breaking free from those restrains would be a difficult task, and with something as fabulous as the posh city life with all of the glitz and glamour, who in their right mind would want to leave it for a town almost nopony knew the name of?

Rarity scoffed and tugged down the shade on the window, blocking out her view.

She levitated over her reading glasses and a pencil, taking a piece of scratch paper from her work and beginning to sketch random doodles and designs to her heart's content.

Anything to push away the clouds in her mind…

However, what she found herself drawing was something a foal would laugh at. Normally, Rarity considered herself a half-decent artist, but this was just bad. Her entire focus was out of wack, and right now, she didn't know what was wrong with her.

Giving up on that as well, she scowled as she tossed the papers onto the train floor and leaned back in her seat, looking up at the ceiling.

It seemed that ever since she had been told about this Summertime Spectacular, each and everyone of her nerves were on edge, and the tiniest thing could set her off like a bomb. But it wasn't her fault, was it? She kept telling herself that it was just stress, and that it would eventually blow over, but judging by how much she had been worrying, and how often her mind had been blocked, it didn't seem like it was just that.

...so if it wasn't stress, what could it have been?

As the train suddenly jerked on the tracks, the shade flew up, causing the sunlight to pierce Rarity right in her vision. She blocked it out with her hoof, sitting up to pull it back down, only before she noticed the scene outside.

Canterlot Castle.

Like always, it was practically sparkling, and the Guards paraded about, keeping it safe, while pedestrians walking by marveled over it. Rarity couldn't help but admire it as well, however, when she noticed a sign for the Summer Sun Celebration hung up nearby, her heart sank as she was once again reminded of what this excursion was for.

Shaking her head and releasing a sigh, she was just about to pull the shade back down, only before she noticed yet another attraction that caught her eye.

Downtown Canterlot sure was different than the higher-class Uptown...

It was a bar. Rarity almost laughed at the realization that a tavern was so close to the Castle, but she couldn't find the will to let even just a simple chuckle slip out as she noticed the name of the place as the train whizzed by, and out of the city.

Sparkling Nights.

Why was that name suddenly stuck in her head now?

She wasn't one to drink in a place like that, so what was giving her a feeling that she knew the area?

Ponyville wasn't far now, and Rarity shoved the shade back down, collapsing in her seat to fall back and get a moment's rest before going to work and getting settled in her hometown. She snuggled up in the seat and closed her eyes, hoping to fall asleep.

"So much for ‘the best night ever’," Rainbow Dash muttered, as she swung open the door to the tavern, with her friends following her inside. "Yo! Barkeep, six drinks!"

Twilight let out a huff and rolled her eyes. "Excuse my friend," she called.

The brash pegasus looked over her shoulder, looking slightly ticked off and a bit tired. "What?" she said cluelessly. "The Gala turned out to be a bust, so let's down a few beers, have fun, and hail a cab home. Might as well make the best of it, right?"

Pinkie zipped over to the counter at the speed of light, snatching one of the menus. "You guys got any cupcakes?" she questioned, with her usual brilliant smile.

With a grunt, the bartender pointed to the blackboard behind him that displayed three options for drinks - wine, beer or cider - and two options for food - either nachos or sandwiches.

"Really now?" Rarity scoffed, as she took cautious steps towards the table her friends had chosen. "A bar? Wouldn't a restaurant have been more suitable?"

Her friends all gave halfhearted smiles and shrugs as they got settled in the booth, which was basically a short answer for settling with what they had for now. After spending a good amount of time at Pony Joe's with Spike and Princess Celestia, the six of them had dropped the baby dragon off with Twilight's parents for the night after the Royal had left them. Now, the lot of them were just trying to enjoy the last few minutes of their night in the city.

Pinkie then stumbled over with the six bottles of beer for her friends and more than a few baskets of nachos for herself, falling into a seat and scattering the food and beverages on the table.

Snatching a bottle, Dash flipped the top off of it and took a swig;turning to her friends. "Well," she declared. "Let's see who had the worst night, yeah?"

The group of mares all looked at one another, only before they all eventually grabbed themselves a drink, sitting back and sharing their stories of what was supposed to be the best night ever, but had undoubtedly turned into the worst night ever.

~ x o x o ~

Chaotic noise echoed throughout the tiny bar, and the group of friends who had entered hours ago were still there, spread out andloudly chatting amongst themselves. Pinkie was shoving her face with more nachos, her face a cheesy mess, as she cheered on Rainbow Dash, who was furiously trying to beat a high score on a pinball machine. Fluttershy was swaying back and forth in her seat, mumbling nonsense to herself as she took sips of wine every now and then while Twilight was laughing hysterically at nothing.

And at the counter, Rarity and Applejack were slumped over one another, muttering about rubbish, and sharing a bottle of beer.

"An' Ah tol' him," AJ slurred, as she shook her hoof. "Ya come near mah farm 'gain and Ah'm gon' make ya visit the gates o' Tartarus."

Rarity scoffed, still attempting to stay proper, even though she was completely drunk, as it was noticed she could barely sit up. "Threats are not the answer, Jacqueline," she pointed out. "What you should have done is just grabbed a shovel and slapped that hooligan right in the muzzle." She slammed her hoof against the counter and began laughing in a somewhat obnoxious way, with the occasional snort her sober self would've been utterly embarrassed by.

The farmpony hiccuped and waved a hoof at her friend. "Hey now, nopony goes an' uses mah full name," she argued.

Stealing the bottle from the earth pony, Rarity took a long sip of beer, laughing as she did so, amused by Applejack's glare.

"And why not?" she drawled. "It's a beautiful name."

"B'cause Ah ain't no high-class broad," Applejack drawled, as she flipped her mane jokingly and batted her emerald eyes. "Or do ya want me t' be?"

Rarity smirked, playfully nudging her friend. "I always did wonder if you had a Southern Belle side to you, instead of that brash attitude you show everypony else," she replied breezily.

"That's it then," the farmer announced a bit too loudly, almost falling out of her seat as she did so. Her voice had now risen to a tone much higher than her usual one, and she began swaying in her seat, talking in an overly sweet ridiculous manner. "Hey, y'all! I'm Jacqueline Apple and Ah'm the sweetest lil’ filly ya ev'r did see 'round these parts!"

This sent Rarity into hysterics, practically howling with laughter as she continued to drink the last few sips of beer in the bottle, while watching her friend continue with the idiotic impression.

"Why, Ah ain't never worked on a farm! No way, no how! Much too tirin' fer me, mister! Nope, Ah'd rather sit 'round all day and act pretty, like mah stuck-up friend Miss Rarity Belle ov'r 'ere!"

The fashionista nearly spit out her drink and jokingly shoved her friend, which accidentally caused the both of them to topple off of their stools and onto the floor, laughing loudly at their predicament.

Rarity swatted Applejack on the chest, shaking her head disapprovingly. "You fiend," she hissed through a smirk. "My secondary name is Grace."

"Oh, but ya don't mind Ah called ya stuck-up?" the earth pony teased.

"That too!" the unicorn whined. "You're mean!"

Applejack released a laugh, smiling in a teasing yet sweet manner. "Ah apologize, Rares," she said with a pout. "Can ya ev'r fergive me?"

Releasing a sweet, overly feminine giggle, Rarity cocked an eyebrow. "Maybe," she drawled.

"Well," the farmpony mused, her gaze never tearing away from her friend's. "Did Ah ev'r tell ya yer eyes looked like sparklin' stars? They're 'bout th' prettiest kinda blue Ah ev'r saw."

"N-no," the fashionista stammered, now frozen as the compliment seemed to make her blush.

"They do," Applejack whispered. "Y'know, they kinda probably make th' stars jealous, Ah bet."

Rarity let out a snort. "Good job my dear, you've learned how to lie," she teased.

Their eyes officially met now. A green as wonderful as Springtime's grass, and a blue as deep as the sea. They were even absentmindedly holding hooves, a vivid sunset orange against snow white.

...and with that, it was a flame, an impulse, Celestia knows what, but it happened nonetheless. Applejack lunged forward, threw a foreleg around Rarity's neck;and pulled her in for a wild, passionate kiss with undertones of sweetness.

"I said, last call for Ponyville!"

The scream awoke Rarity from her Dream Land, causing her to shoot up in her seat and accidentally bang her head against the wall, causing a whine to slip past her lips as she rubbed the spot she had hit. Muttering a swear under her breath, she adjusted her glasses and levitated a brush out of her bag, tending to her mane as she snapped her saddlebags closed, slinging them over her back as she marched out of her train car.

If that wasn't an odd dream, she didn't know what was...

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she paraded off of the train and took in the scenes around her.

As strange as it was, it seemed that Ponyville didn't change one bit - almost like a little town in a snowglobe. The sun still shined brightly, everypony waltzed across the dirt roads and said hello to each other in a kind manner. Harmony practically radiated all around.

It was small.

It was far from professional.

It was dusty.

It was unknown.

...but it was home.

Author's Note

Well, that was a doozy of a dreaming flashback!

But what's going to happen now that Rarity is back in Ponyville?

Want to know what happened with Rarity and AJ after they kissed? Then go check out the clop sidestory to this fic, Lady on The Streets (Freak Between the Sheets)! I'd link it, but you know... stupid site rules. -shakes fist-

Anyway, thanks for all of the faves and comments and junk, you guys!

Trois

~ Chapter Three ~

"Don't forget where you belong! If you ever feel alone, don't - you were never on your own."

Rarity let out a sigh, one of pure satisfaction and relief, as she felt a small smile creep up on her expression. Nothing in Ponyville had changed - and even though that slightly puzzled her, she also felt content with that fact. It almost felt like... it was waiting for her to come back.

She levitated a note out of her saddlebags, giving it to the conductor to let him know one of his employees should send her bags to the address scrawled on the paper.

The address she had chosen was, obviously, the place she had begun.

Her first true home: Carousel Boutique.

Part of her couldn't wait to see it again, while the other half was almost terrified to do so. Now, it was most likely an abandoned building seeing how like everypony in this small town, she had accidentally forgotten about it. Such a shame, too, as she realized that she could've turned it into another store location.

She started walking down the beaten path towards town, contemplating whether or not if she should convert her old home into a shop, when she was suddenly swiftly tackled to the ground. And just as she was about to mouth off whoever had knocked her over, Rarity noticed a very familiar flashing smile and a blur of pink.

...it couldn't have been-

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! It's you!"

-it was.

"I can't believe it! This is, like, the greatest news ever! Better than finding out that peanut butter and chocolate spread exists! You're back! I mean, my Pinkie sense said that a doozy of a miracle was gonna happen today, but wowee zowie, I didn't think that this was it!"

The same hyper bundle of nerves, like always. Rarity almost wanted to cry with happiness. Even after a departure with no contact, it seemed one of her old friends was still happy to see her.

Fumbling to her hooves, the unicorn laughed and smiled wide. "Hello to you too, Pinkie," she declared. "It's nice to see you again."

Wrapping her friend into a massive bone-crushing hug that she was famous for, Pinkie Pie giggled.

"Welcome to Ponyville, Rare-Bear!" she practically sang. "Actually, should I say welcome back to Ponyville, seeing how you've been here before? But then again, it seems like you were gone forever, so-"

That foalish nickname.

The usual inability to never shut up.

The immense kindness.

Oh, how Rarity missed it.

"It did seem like a long time, didn't it?" the unicorn murmured.

That was actually half of the truth. To be honest, five years in Canterlot flew by faster than a speeding bullet. But back here, in Ponyville, five years seemed like a century, which was far too long to be away from such kind, caring souls.

"You bet it did!" Pinkie announced. "Everypony missed you so so so much!"

"Did they now?" Rarity laughed.

"Well, not everypony," the party pony said, with yet another sweet giggle. "But I did! And of course, our friends too!" She suddenly let out a gasp and clapped her hooves excitedly. "I should throw a super duper Welcome Rarity Back to Ponyville party, so everypony remembers you and knows you're back!"

The fashionista shook her head and rolled her eyes playfully.

"You needn't worry about that, darling," she assured.

"Aww," Pinkie said, with a cute pout. "Can I least take you to Sugarcube Corner later so we can talk and eat cupcakes?"

"Of course," Rarity instantly replied.

While she did have her work to tend to, by just seeing one of her friends, the fashionista instantly knew that catching up was a task with the same amount of importance.

Grabbing her friend's hoof, the brilliant shining of Pinkie's smile put the sun and stars to shame as she hugged Rarity once more. "Come on!" she piped up. "I'll take you around town!"

With no time to protest, the unicorn simply gave in as she was practically dragged across the road by her companion. And she had to admit, just this simple action alone was enough to make a feeling of delight swell in Rarity's heart. It was beautiful, wonderful, and irreplaceable.

She almost wondered why she left.

Pinkie rambled on and on about every little detail, as expected, and all Rarity could do was smile and enjoy it. For the most part, nothing in Ponyville changed drastically, but she did take note of a few things her hyperactive friend pointed out.

For example, it seemed that Pinkie was no longer a measly assistant at Sugarcube Corner, but due to the Cakes' early retirement, she was now the new owner, which was bringing in more customers than ever before.

And right by the marketplace, a small music shop owned by two best friends from Manehatten had opened up a few months back. Apparently, the owners were now well-liked in the community.

In addition to that, the Ponyville schoolhouse had been extended a while ago, to make room for a middle school to service the older foals.

Words continued to tumble out of Pinkie's mouth, one after the next, but, Rarity began to ignore her once they paraded down the road and ended up around a very familiar bend, which caused the dressmaker to dig her heels into the ground and stop. She stared at the sight before her, and a bittersweet smile made it's way across her muzzle as she took in the scene.

"Oh, yeah!" the hyperactive mare chirped. "Your Boutique! We kinda kept it nice for you, y'know, in case you ever needed it out of the blue, like now! Sweetie Belle gave us the spare key a while back, we totally didn't break in or anything... although, Dashie did break a window once."

Rarity could've cried but didn't, although her expression was priceless.

"Thank you," she murmured. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course we had to!" Pinkie trilled. "You're our friend, Rarity, and we're supposed to care about you, no matter what!"

This is what caused the dam to break. A single bittersweet tear slipped out and fell down the unicorn's cheek as she smiled brilliantly. Thankfully, Pinkie only noticed the latter and returned the grin. Her friend's words were painfully true, like a stab to the feelings, and Rarity realized that she should have taken that fact in consideration as well. Instead, what had she done? She left, became rich and famous, thus getting her head stuck in the clouds and forgetting about everypony who had supported her with her dream.

She was an idiot.

Letting another a soft thanks slip past her lips, Rarity felt frozen as she took in the Boutique, which looked as if it hadn't changed since she left.

Turning to Pinkie, the unicorn cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

"I hope you don't mind, dear, but I like to get settled for the day, if that's alright with you," she said simply. "It was a real pleasure seeing you again, and I promise, I will set aside more than enough time to catch up with you and all of our friends... if of course, they're all still here."

After all, she couldn't have been the only one who left, could she?

"Okie dokie loki!" Pinkie replied, with her usual mega-watt million-dollar smile.

No corrections.

Deciding not to say anything about that, Rarity just brushed it off and bid her farewell to her hyperactive friend as she headed over to her previous home.

It wasn't possible, was it? How could she be the only one who had moved on? She could remember Rainbow Dash's endless dreams of being a Wonderbolt, and Twilight was a Princess (one who managed to stay out of the spotlight - but still), for goodness' sake! Rarity couldn't have been the only one of her friends who had moved on to make her own life.

Then again, in Ponyville, anything was possible.

Letting out a deep breath, Rarity levitated the key out of her saddlebags and unlocked the door, almost shocked as she noticed the inside of her Boutique. A layer of dust lingered around, but she didn't expect her friends to keep it clean at all, so a little mess was nothing to her. Everything seemed like it hadn't even been touched, like the place had been waiting for her to return. Almost like it knew all along, somehow, in some way, she would come back.

Sunshine seeped through the blinds, and Rarity shrugged off her bags, waltzing over to her old fainting couch. She brushed the dust that had collected onto the red velvet and laid down, staring up at the ceiling for a minute.

Right now, in this moment, she could feel like she was almost traveling back in time.

She had been in this position before, wailing about how such a failure she was because of her overly generous offer with her friends' Gala dresses.

Of course, they had been there to comfort her.

...her friends had been so kind to her, and what had she done? She left.

Like a selfish fool - instead of the Element of Generosity she was.

Sitting up, Rarity's gaze traveled all around the building, only before she started to cry from the bottle of bittersweet emotions in her soul. This place wasn't just a shop, and this city wasn't just a town. It was her home, the path to her career, and a household that held many memories.

"Hello, old friend," she said softly, lightly chuckling to herself.

This trip wouldn't break her heart-

-instead, it would repair it.

Author's Note

Well, that got settled. Yay! :yay:

But what's in store for the rest of the Mane Six? :rainbowhuh: What happened to them?

You'll all find out sooner or later! :raritywink:

Quatre

~ Chapter Four ~

"Well, it's been a long time - glad to see your face,

I knew we'd meet again - another time another place!"

Rarity had spent that entire first day back home in her Boutique, slaving over her work like she always did. As expected, whenever she poured her heart and soul into a project, she had found herself waking up the next morning at her desk with endless papers scattered about and the entire design room looking like a bomb had hit it. Her 'organized chaos' method never seemed to change, no matter how savvy of a businessmare she became.

The early sunlight blinded her as she used her magic to close the curtains, and she shuffled downstairs to the kitchen in hopes to make herself breakfast, only before realizing that the Boutique had been empty for years. Nothing would be there for her, and if so, it would be rotten beyond belief and expired to the point of being poisonous.

Levitating over a brush, she began tending to her mane, but with so many frizzes and flyaways, she quickly gave up. Dropping the brush and fetching a few bobby pins from her bag, she clipped her mane back into a fashionable bun that hid what she couldn't tend to at the moment. Whatever sprays and gels she had were in one of the suitcases that made up the mountain in her living room. She would unpack all of them later when she found free time.

Work for her show and catching up with everypony seemed like a more important task to her.

Leaving the Boutique in its half ruined state but silently promising she'd clean it later, Rarity left just as she noticed the town getting active, and for a minute, she felt like it was five years ago. She was still struggling to make her career noticed, and she was but a small town mare.

Funny how half a decade could change everything.

With a small, content smile, she began her way down the road, planning her day in her mind step-by-step. The first thing she would do was grab a bite to eat, but afterwards, she figured finding one of her friends would be best.

However, she wasn't quite sure where to start.

Pinkie Pie would obviously be at SugarCube Corner, seeing how that was her job and place of residence, but Rarity would hate to bother her friend while she was working. She knew how that felt and respected the space of others when they were busy with their occupation.

Fluttershy might still be at that small cottage of hers, but that was the other side of town, and while Ponyville was a small place, it still would be a waste of time to travel all the way and no longer find her there.

Rainbow Dash had always lived up in the sky... so that was virtually impossible.

Applejack was forever loyal to her farm, which meant she would no doubt still be in this small town. As for where exactly, the options were far and wide, which would mean a lot of searching.

Lastly, Twilight was a Princess, so in all honesty, Rarity realized she probably would have had a better chance of seeing her friend in Canterlot than here. But then again, the Golden Oaks Library wasn't that far from the current point she was at. It wouldn't hurt to stop by, would it?

As she passed by a vendor right outside the market, Rarity bought herself a coffee from the stand to wake herself up and continued her way down the road, making her way around the bend and finding herself looking up at the very familiar tree that was the Library where it all began.

She smiled at the memory.

To think, she had gone on a wild adventure through the Everfree Forest to save the nation, made some friends for life and learned an extremely valuable lesson, all in one day.

Swinging open the door, Rarity levitated the coffee up to take a sip as she entered the library, looking all around. For the most part, it seemed at peace, like it had always been. A few foals were browsing among the selections, while a small hoard of teenagers gossiped between the halls of books, which was a step up from the usually small crowd the dressmaker was used to seeing a while back when she would visit regularly.

"Can I help you?" a voice asked.

Rarity looked over in the direction of the sound, and found herself face-to-face - or rather, face-to-book - with somepony who she had been hoping to run into.

Releasing a soft laugh, the unicorn couldn't help but playfully shake her head.

"Still keeping your muzzle stuck in between the pages, I see," she teased.

Her comment prompted the pony to look up, and slightly smile.

"Rarity! Wow, I... I didn't expect to see you," Twilight said cautiously.

The fashionista returned the grin, giving a small nonchalant shrug. "It would seem that my business has brought me back home," she replied breezily. "I figured that seeing you and the girls again would be a benefit to the trip."

She took note of her old friend's tone of voice, and tried not to frown at that realization. Then again, she didn't expect every one of her friends to immediately be happy. After all, she did leave for five years with no contact. If she was in that position, she would most likely be the same way, so she couldn't blame Twilight for being a bit distant.

"How've you been?" Rarity asked, hoping to see her friend's smile sparkle like her namesake.

"Relatively well, thank you for asking," Twilight responded, with a curt nod. "And yourself?"

The dressmaker waved a hoof, brushing that subject away as she took another sip of coffee to keep herself active. "I'm sure you know," she said carefully, trying not to rub in the fact she had gotten so successful. After all, she had always tried to be modest.

"True," the alicorn mused.

An odd moment of silence passed between the two old friends, only before a loud crack was heard, followed by a crash as a blur of color shot into the library at the speed of light. Books flew everywhere, and a groan was heard.

Now this was a scene Rarity knew she had seen before…

Twilight let out an annoyed sigh, rolling her eyes.

"Can't you just use the door like normal ponies?" she called.

"Sorry, Twi," another familiar voice yelled back.

The pony who had just been speaking now emerged from a hall in the library, freezing as she noticed who was standing in the Library's doorway. Rarity gave a hopeful smile as she looked to the brash pegasus, but what was said made her emotions slightly flip.

"What's she doing here?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

"Dash," Twilight hissed.

With a roll of her magenta eyes, the pegasus released a sigh, scanning her gaze over Rarity thoughtfully, only before she finally managed to mutter a quick hello, which made the fashionista feel awfully conflicted.

Clearing her throat nervously, Rarity spoke up, giving a hopeful half smile. "Hello there, Rainbow Dash," she piped up. "What a coincidence I managed to run into the both of you at the same time."

"Yeah," the pegasus said. "Been a while since you stopped in Ponyville."

"It has, hasn't it?" she mused. "Which is why I decided to stop by. Catch up with you all." Her eyes darted from Twilight to Rainbow, and eventually, her gaze fell downcast. "I... I take it you both have a bit of a grudge towards me."

"No, not at -"

"-yeah, pretty much."

Twilight glared at the fast flier, who just shrugged.

"What? I'm not gonna lie," Dash said breezily.

"Well, I don't," the Princess declared as she turned back to Rarity. "I'm just surprised to see you, that's all. I'm glad you're here, though, and it seems very sweet of you to come around to see us while you're on business."

The dressmaker gave a small half smile. "I'm here for the rest of the month," she retorted. "So I know we can catch up." She hesitated, eyeing the stiff Rainbow Dash for a moment, only before continuing. "I was even thinking about expanding my store line here anyhow. This would result in my visiting here more often."

"That's wonderful," Twilight responded, now genuinely grinning.

Rarity was glad to see her friend's expression lit up, but the fact that was Rainbow was in the background, slightly annoyed... it couldn't help but make the unicorn feel a little torn on the inside.

Still, she was going to accept other's opinions - or at least try to, anyway.

"I'll see you around," Rarity said to the both of them. "But as of the moment, I have some things to tend to. Hopefully, we can all arrange a time to catch up, yes?"

Twilight smiled and nodded, while Dash just gave a shrug, as if she could care less either way.

Right then.

So that was how it'd be.

With that said, she gave a weak smile and waved her hoof in a farewell as she walked out of the library, releasing a deep breath of many emotions.

Day One wasn't even over yet.

Author's Note

What? Did you expect all of the Mane Six to welcome Rarity back with open arms? ...yeah. No. Sadly not all of them are Pinkie. But don't worry, this should progress into something more before ya know it! ;)

Cinq

~ Chapter Five ~

"Little town, it's a quiet village - every day like the one before."

One slightly depressing event could not destroy the entire day.

That was what Rarity kept telling herself, anyway. She knew that there was a very good reason why her friends might have tension against her, and she honestly couldn't blame them. She just wished it didn't hurt to see them pained the way they were.

Still, she would keep pressing on.

After all, she could only hope that her other friends aren't going to be the same way.

Finding her way down the winding road to the town square, Rarity soon found herself near the marketplace. This place was as good as any to run into ponies she knew, seeing how it was easily Ponyville's busiest section.

Levitating her coffee up, Rarity took the last sip and tossed it in a nearby trashcan. She then made her way into the marketplace and soon found herself lost in the crowd.

Vendors chatted to one another through their booths, and customers didn't shove one another, unlike in Canterlot's street festivals. It had a small rhythm to all of it, a sort of offkey harmony she couldn't quite place. But Ponyville certainly did have its perks as opposed to the city. It wasn't exactly the countryside, but it did have that sweet theme to it. Rarity couldn't deny it; this little town certainly was the perfect area to host the Summertime Spectacular Fashion Show.

Rarity eyed one of the booths, admiring the jewelry that was awfully intricate and carefully designed, even the the vendor insisted of being hoofmade. However, for something at a marketplace, twenty bits for a bracelet seemed a bit overpriced. Besides, none of the gems even looked genuine.

Continuing to trot along the road, but not exactly sure where she was going, Rarity kept on with her little adventure, only before she ran into somepony.

Apologies immediately began spilling out of the other pony's mouth, and Rarity let out a soft laugh of disbelief at who she had bumped into.

"There is no need for saying sorry, dear," she chimed. "It was entirely my fault."

"Oh, but I should have taken mind of where I was going and-" Suddenly, the other pony silenced themself and peeked out from behind their soft pink mane. "R - Rarity?"

Rarity smiled wide. "Hello, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy let out a light squeak, and her gaze scanned over her old friend thoughtfully.

"Is it really you?"

"Why, of course it's me," Rarity said, smiling sweetly. "It's such a pleasure to see you again."

Finding a small smile creeping its way across her expression, Fluttershy looked over her friend's appearance. "You haven't changed much," she piped up. "That's a good thing, o - of course! At least, I hope you haven't changed...?"

"I haven't," Rarity smiled. "How have you been?"

"Oh, you know," Fluttershy murmured, pawing at the road. "Nothing much has changed for me."

"I find that hard to believe," Rarity assured. "Come on now, let's walk. Do you have anywhere to be? I'm sure that if we talk, we'll find something interesting."

The pegasus' smile slightly widened. "Alright," she responded. "What brought you back to Ponyville anyway? If you don't mind my asking, of course."

"Business," Rarity replied, with a nonchalant wave of her hoof.

And so, the two mares began walking down the road at Fluttershy's reluctant lead. They swapped small talk, sort of dodging any serious topics, but still somewhat bonding. Rarity somewhat avoided answering any questions about her career, seeing how she was here in this marketplace to reunite with her friends, not to boast about her job. Fluttershy, true to her statement, actually hadn't changed much at all. Aside from getting a small degree in veterinary skills - thus making her an official professional in the task - she had stayed the same mare as she was five years ago.

Not that Rarity was complaining. It was a bit of a relief to not have an entire lifetime to catch up on. Still, it was nice to know that she had a friend who didn't hold a grudge against her for leaving.

The two of them were just about to depart from the marketplace, when all of a sudden, a small filly accidentally crashed right into Rarity.

"Oops, sorry, ma'am!" the little foal piped up, and just as she was about to run off, she noticed Fluttershy and waved her hoof. "Miss 'Shy! Hiya!"

Fluttershy looked back, and noticed the filly, causing her expression flickered with concern. "Why hello there, Sonya," she murmured. "What are you doing all alone?"

The filly identified as Sonya blew her frizzy navy blue mane out of her vision, giving a cute little pout. "My Momma said she would be back to the stand in five minutes, but it's felt like she's been gone too long," she whined. "I'm tryin' to find her!"

"Well, now she's probably trying to find you," Fluttershy said, suddenly alarmed.

Sonya nodded. "She always finds me, though."

Rarity raised an eyebrow as she looked over the filly. There was something very familiar about her, but she just couldn't put her hoof on it.

The foal dubbed as Sonya had a dark cream-colored coat, a wildly curly navy mane tied back with a golden ribbon and her eyes were a sparkling azure. All in all, she was actually quite precious, but she did indeed seem quite young to be wandering the streets of town all on her own.

Suddenly, a figure was seen shoving their way through the crowd, and in an flash of orange, somepony appeared.

Somepony that took Rarity's breath away as she saw them.

"Sonya Apple, what in the hay did Ah tell you 'bout— ...Rarity?"

"Hello, Applejack. Good to see you."

Author's Note

A mite bit short this time around - but dun, dun, dunnnnn!

Note: You guys might recognize Sonya from my other story, A Classic Tale. It is indeed the same character, but this story takes place in a different continuity.

Also, twilight-the-pony is a crazy good editor. Persistent, but catches everything. Special thanks for putting up with all of my errors and being super nit-picky, dude.