An Orchard of Apples

Chapters

The Business Partner
No Longer Just Business
The Date
The Date(2)
Questioning Emotions
Slumber Party: Take Two
Questions and Answers
The Final Day
The Business Proposal
An Interview With a Librarian

The Business Partner

The door slammed behind Rarity as she stomped into Carousel Boutique, her steps rattling the glassware inside slightly. She wasn’t mad at anypony in particular but herself. “How could I think she was pretty? I mean, she is pretty. All my friends are. But Applejack is... she was gorgeous. How could I say something like that out loud? I'm not a lovesick filly on the first day of school! I'm Rarity, fashion designer extraordinaire!"

This mindless talk dominated her thinking for a while, before she sighed. “Enough is enough, then. I have unfinished tasks.” She went over to the mannequins, resting her head on the side of one. Alright Rarity, rustic. You've seen rustic before. Just imitate that. Picking up some fabric from the drawer with her light blue magic, she draped them over the back of the fake pony, and threaded the silver sewing needle between them. Thus she was immersed in her work, with the earlier thoughts drifting away.

“Alright, let's drape this yellow cloth here and cross-stitch it into the boots near the back. Wonderful!” she thought. “Now I'll just drape on this beautiful blonde wig here. And then maybe some red mane ties, just like-”

She paused, then smiled faintly at her mental friend, then shook her head. No, this cannot be allowed. This is just a rustic pony. That's all. It just happens to have the same hairstyle as her. And the same work boots she had for the... the same... Duh. Stepping back, she frowned. Well, she is rustic... but... I can do better! Yes, that's it. Her horn glowed again, tossing the existing outfit to the side and layering another piece of cloth on the mannequin.

She tried making a few more outfits, trying to make things look as rustic as possible. Obviously nothing looked satisfactory to her eyes, but then again, it wasn't her style at all. Releasing another sigh, she went back to the drawing board.

The thoughts of a certain farm pony punctuated her strokes of the pencil on the paper. She knew this feeling from before when she had met a few stallions, but it had always been one and one moment only. Infatuation. That's what Twilight had called it when I asked her oh so long ago. She grunted and threw one of the crumbled papers at the door out of anger.

"Rarity?" a small voice asked from the door to her room. "I'm home."

"Oh, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity replied, dropping her pencil and brushing out her mane, which was now severely tangled. "Did you have fun?"

"Of course! No cutie mark though." Sadness was evident in her voice, before she smiled again. "So what's for supper tonight?"

Rarity’s stomach rumbled, her hooves shifting towards the kitchen. "I'll go make some hay fries and daffodil burgers. Would you kindly grab the ingredients, Sweetie?"

"What are you making, big sis?" She handed over the items.

"Hm? The dress? Nothing much. Just needed to make something rustic."

"Oh, so that's why you wanted to see Applejack!"

"Yes Sweetie, that's why." Secretly, she ranted at that idea.

The sisters sat on opposite sides of the table, their food fresh and ready in front. Rarity only picked at her serving though. What am I going to do? I can't make rustic clothing. It's always too fancy... so hard to keep these designs simple! Perhaps I should ask Twilight for help instead? Or at least, to see the dress she got for her birthday... I could just sew some apples onto that and- Apples again! Rarity, you need to focus!

"Something the matter, Rarity?"

"Oh, nothing darling, just deep in thoughts for the project."

"Okay."

Rarity continued toying with her food, sighing another time. What am I going to do? Maybe I should just admit that she's pretty. OK? No. That wouldn't work. It would ruin my reputation! How could I ever admit that I like mares? I don't like mares, I like stallions! Grunting, she pushed her dish forward. "Clean this up, Sweetie Belle!"

"Sure!"

Smiling, Rarity retreated to the inspiration room. Staring at the drawings for a few seconds, she abruptly hit her face on the drawing board. "UGH!" she groaned, having realised her horn had carelessly drawn some sketches of her new love when she had first started on the project.

"My mind has gone completely blank except for the thoughts of you. Every time I look at anything, I think of your smile, and of the beautiful colour of your mane. I think of that small way your feet shuffle when you're nervous, and how your nose scrunches up when you're trying to hide something. I would do anything just to..." Rarity stated to herself. She had morphed into a hopeless romantic from those novels Twilight gave her, but her thoughts were confounded. Then there was a knock at the door, to which she stomped her left hoof on the ground.

“It’s open!” Turning around, the door slammed shut behind the visitor. "Who is it?"

"Howdy Rarity!"

"Oh... um... er... hello Applejack.” Stumbling over her words, she tossed some failed designs into the waste basket.“To what do I owe the pleasure of you coming here?"

“Came over to apologize for how I acted ‘t Twilight's. I was a little upset at those stallions and figured I might ha' offended y'all.”

Seeing Applejack with only her stetson hat, Rarity blushed, then awkwardly smiled. It's strange how a pony can be so much more enticing when they're wearing clothes... “That’s alright. You just got some unwanted attention, that’s all.”

An odd scene ensued, with both looking each other square in the eye. Then Applejack started. “So, what’s this frilly stuff you need help with then?”

"That? Yes, well um..." Applejack followed the fashion designer into her room. "Fancypants! He... he gave me a wonderful project to do that involves making clothes I'm not used to, and I need your help considering it's your type of clothes, not mine like I previously stated, and I figured that I'd come by your farm and ask you but you weren't there so I went to Twili-"

"Rarity?" Applejack interrupted. "Can you make that a teeny bit shorter?"

"I... er... of course. I need your help in designing a new dress line."

"I don't see why ya need my help fer that." She giggled. "Maybe you should ask Fluttershy. She's t’ one with that fancy maths behind sewing."

"No, you misunderstood me dear. I need you specifically. Fancypants requested me to create rustic outfits. And who's more rustic than the one and only Applejack? That is, you."

"Hm... I’ll stick to this, then."

"Let me clean up a bit first." Smiling at the farmer lying on the bed, Rarity floated pieces of scrap material and ruined designs around the room.

"Yer bed sure is comfy," Applejack commented, falling deeper into the feather mattress. Rarity glanced over. What's she doing...in my bed? Trying to cleanse her mind, she turned back and gave a quick noise of recognition before cleaning up more, a bit slower this time.

"Been thinking..." Applejack started as she stared at the top of Rarity's canopy. The pink cascading drapes fell to the sides in an organized fashion that had Applejack tracing her eyes all along it. "...maybe you should just make copies of mah hat, and give those to everypony. Then everypony'd be rustic like me."

Rarity giggled at the simplicity of Applejack's plan. "Really? I think they want more than just a hat." She looked over her shoulder and smiled, to which the other pony responded equally, her green eyes glimmering. A deep feeling formed inside Rarity’s stomach. She quickly turned around.

"You eat anything?" Applejack asked, hanging her hind legs over the side.

"Yes, but not much." Rarity’s stomach growled again, as if it was complaining for not being filled with daffodils.

"We could always scrap this and grab a bite, ya know."

"What? I could... would... no, I need to finish this!"

"Alright then."

Rarity looked haphazardly at Applejack, who was now standing up and walking towards her. She scribbled a few words on the sides of her note paper. "So, I just need something very simple. Like Twilight's dress but...not."

"How ‘bout Twilight's dress?” Applejack asked, the boredom showing in her voice as she tried to quell the flames of the argument.

"Applejack, I called you over here for help, not conversation." Rarity knew this wasn’t a winning position: her feelings would never be reciprocated, and she couldn’t take it.

"Sorry Rarity. I’m just not used to this at all," Applejack replied as she started at the lovely white mare. She brought a hoof up and brushed her long, golden mane down her back. Rarity traced Applejack's hoof down with her eyes, pushing her forelegs a little forward to be closer to the gorgeous, golden mare in front of her. Applejack's mane was inches from her face, and Rarity’s head beat like clockwork. “In the air, ah, there is the smell of-”

"Rarity? You kind of blanked out there fer a second."

Applejack was there, in front of Rarity, standing there on four hooves. Her eyebrows tilted to question Rarity, the other side reaching to turn off the panic button inside. A quick wipe of her hoof took away the few sweat beads that started on her forehead... from her fantasy.

"Sorry Applejack. I was...thinking." She faked a smile and tried to turn back to her work, but the fantasy persisted. Applejack's mane so close to her face, the light scent of apples that presumably came off of it, not by perfume but by natural beauty... "No. I’m being diverted."

"I think we’re doing just fine. I mean, we got a lot done..."

"You're a terrible liar."

"No Ah'm not."

"You're the element of loyalty- no, honesty."

"...Maybe."

“Applejack?” Rarity rolled her eyes at her friend, trying the tricks from Dale Carneighie’s How to Win Friends and Influence Ponies.

"Hm?"

"Do you..." Rarity’s heartbeat quickened, and she felt more sweat coming to her forehead. I need to go to the spa... Her thoughts were pushed back though, as this one question stuck on her tongue. Rarity, what's the worst that could happen? She rejects me? Never. That's crazy. Well, it might happen. But all the other loves went away once the question was answered... "...want to go to the farm? Perhaps I can get inspiration there."

"I don't see what yer looking for," Applejack moaned as she lay on her bed and stared up at Rarity, digging in her closet.

"Anything rustic. Something simple, yet rural. Something that Canterlotites will wear." Rarity poked her head out of the closet and looked at Applejack. "But nothing too fancy or simple, like all your other clothes. I can't recreate the gala dress, considering... that fit you like your cutie mark."

"Don't think I got anythin’ like that."

"I'm sure you do darling." Rarity moved her head back into Applejack's closet, and picked up a hat before throwing it out. Her horn was glowing, but it wasn't bright enough to see everything. She picked up another hat, tossed it out, picked up another hat and tossed it out. "How many hats do you need? Actually, how many hats do you wear?"

"Just this one, but if ‘t were to get dirty or misplaced I'd always have an extra." Grinning, she reclined on the bed, staring up at the ceiling and holding her hat close.

Rarity continued to pull hats out until there were at least 50 all piled up behind her. "I think that's all of them. Now I can look for something else..."

"I’ve told you, you ain't gonna find nothing in there!"

"Again, your nose is scrunched up."

"...Maybe." Rarity shook her head at Applejack's lie and returned to the closet, her eyes starry from the farmer. Her horn glowed a bit brighter as she remembered her fantasy from before.

"Rarity?" a voice inquired, the fact that she was off the bed evading Rarity’s notice. "I saw some bluish glow and figured it's weird for a unicorn's horn to be so bright..."

Noticing something under a pile of clothes, Rarity’s horn ceased glowing. "Yes! One second Applejack! I think I foundit!"

"There's nothing in there!" Applejack shouted, stepping back from the obsessed Rarity. Her face scrunched up.

Out came Rarity, once submerged in clothing, holding a short orange dress with a simple plaid pattern on it that intersected at a frill back. "It's perfect! Er... Applejack?"

"Yes Rarity?"

"Where is this beautiful piece of cloth from?"

"Beg yer pardon?"

"Why do you have this?"

"Oh. No reason really..." Applejack's face scrunched up again.

"Can I take it home as a model?"

"Well...sure, I guess. Just make sure it's all in one piece when it gets back."

"Trust me, AJ, I will!"

Rarity took the dress and draped it on her own back, worried that it might become wrinkled if she threw it in her saddlebags. Looking down at the entire mess, she tossed everything back as it was into the closet. "Come by in two day's time. I'll need your help again." With that, Rarity quickly hugged her friend and galloped out of Sweet Apple Acres.

AN: Thank you to Parcly Taxel for editing my fiction before I published it. Also thank you to the readers and to those who critique in the comments.

No Longer Just Business

The next two days were but a couple of hours to Rarity, sewing on and cutting off various parts for her dress for Fancypants. Before she knew it, Applejack came knocking.

"Come in, dear!" Rarity yelled. As Applejack walked in, the fashion designer yawned like she was in an opera.

"You been sleepin' much, sugarcube?"

Rarity was mute for now, but a fire went off in her mind. Sugarcube. She calls me that all the time... but that use was so unique! Maybe... wait, I'm not sure anymore, what time was supper supposed to be? Her stomach grumbled.

"Sure glad Ah' brought some apples." Applejack reached into one of her green saddlebags, took out a fresh red apple, and tossed it. Rarity directed it in mid-air to her mouth, clamping her teeth down at the right moment, letting apple juice splatter onto the floor. Being nice as usual, Applejack moved up and wiped Rarity’s chin with a hoof.

"MM?" Rarity gasped, pieces of the chewed apple flying out of her fiery mouth. She took a few steps back, fighting a losing battle against the happiness within. She...just...does she? A smile graced her face, shining in the daylight coming through the window. A bigger grin was elicited on the other side, her beauty of a similar yet different nature. Rarity completed the chewing action and frowned for a second. "So, um, to what do I owe the pleasure of you coming over here this fine day?"

"Erm, Rarity? That sentence didn't make much sense. Haven't been sleepin' much, have ya?"

"No." Her face greyed out a little.

"Nah, it's alright sugarcube, just lie down a minute." Applejack laid her hoof around Rarity's neck, and both fell on the bed. Rarity felt herself chained to Applejack, her neurons misfiring and her legs shaking. Her eyes were shuttering, and the scent of a thousand apples filled her nose, until two hooves pushed her down and the predicament revealed itself.

A kiss.

"What in Equestria are you doing?!" Applejack yelled out, turning away with her nose raised. "You could have found somepony else for that!"

Rarity tried to wave her hoof, but her strength was gone. She sank into her bed and cried, sinking her even further. “What... what have I done?” The door slammed and the mascara fell, but she was paralysed, lying on all fours. The clock ticked its rhythm of passing time.

Sweetie Belle came back at noon, but she was now devalued and irrelevant. "Um, Rarity?" she asked from the door.
Rarity's eyes fluttered open. "What?"

"I... just thought that maybe we could get lunch together?"

"No." Sweetie heard the meanness in Rarity’s voice plain enough. The younger sister closed the door, leaving the elder to ponder... Where am I going?

The door opened for the third time that day. Rarity's eyes fluttered, but stayed closed; she could hear several pairs of hooves and felt one of those pairs touch her side. My friends...I wonder if Apple- No, no, NO! Don't think of her. She drenched her face in a flowing sadness, which was wiped away with a cloth.

"Rarity?" Twilight inquired. Rarity stayed mum, but harboured contempt. She told our friends?! She could have at least kept it between us. The librarian continued. "Look, I know you're sad and everything feels so awful, but it’ll get better."

"And what book did you read that from?" came a retort. Twilight's mane stood on end, and she got up to whisper her apologies: I shouldn’t have said that. Another pony took her turn beside Rarity, but the mattress was soon bouncing all over.

"Hey Rarity! I know how you feel so super-duper sad right now but it does get better like Twilight said. What if I threw you a party? That'd make you feel better right! I got my party cannon right here! BLAM!” The confetti fell down on Rarity’s face, but no hoof came to deflect them, and silence enveloped the room once more. “Woohoo! So whaddya say Rarity? Huh? Huh?” She heard a small deflating noise in addition to her hoofsteps. “Why aren't you listening..." A few more hushed whispers and Pinkie's hair puffed up again, but Rarity was still in her hole.

"Um...Rarity?" a timid voice called. "Never mind."

"We won't bug you any longer, Rarity." Twilight pushed the other ponies towards the door. "Just make sure you're ready for the fashion show tonight." With the imposing door shut again, the ratchet clicked inside Rarity.

"How could I have forgotten the fashion show? It starts in a few hours! I'm not even done with the dress yet! I still need a model now that I don't have one anymore! How dreadful today has been! Sketch first! Sketch first! OK, done, make it! Cloth? It’s there, then we have another piece of cloth, then this one..." In around half an hour, the dress was complete, and Rarity slumped to the ground. The heat that had welled up in her horn spread through her body, tickling her. She chuckled.

"Rarity! Rarity! Wake up!" Hooves came in from all sides as her eyes slowly opened.

"Wha-? Sweetie Belle!" Rarity stumbled up quickly and towards her desk. "What time is it?"

"Seven in the evening, I think. When's supper?"

"Oh Celestia!" Rarity yelped, and yelped again as she nearly tore her dress from the mannequin in her haste. With a last look to Sweetie Belle, she galloped out of Carousel Boutique and towards the town square.

Rarity paced around the small room she had set up, trying to think. Duh, I needed her for this! I cannot believe I would do that, but I did!She shook her head, then stared at her impromptu dress. It'll never pass for anything. It's too... simple! Then again, she loved Twilight's dress, but I had a model for that one, notthis one! That is...unless I actually do it!She exhaled slowly and walked over to the mannequin. Alright Rarity, this is your time to shine. Not just as a fashion designer, but as a model. Becoming popular. The pony everypony should know, and will know.As she took the dress off the mannequin, the door opened behind her.

"Erm, Rarity?" a familiar voice asked, piercing through Rarity's heart.

"Oh, Applejack. I hadn't noticed you came in." Rarity quickly brought her hooves to her face, making sure she was presentable. She didn’t turn around, hoping the two could stay civil, or at least not cry.

"Sorry fer how I acted earlier. Ah' just..." Applejack hesitated. "...didn't know what was happenin'. Ah'll still help ya, though."

Rarity looked back, letting a grin occupy her face. "I'm sorry, too. I didn't know what I was thinking - shouldn't have assumed you reciprocated any feelings." She faced the dress again, not wanting to see Applejack's reaction. "So, dar- Applejack, I need you to model this dress for me. It'll seem more rustic if you wear it."

Applejack's mouth twitched, but she complied. The flower-imprinted skirt pushed her tail down somewhat, and the top was a bit tight, but other than that she felt OK. "It's pretty, Rarity! Don't look so sad." Applejack laid her hoof on Rarity's shoulder, comforting her.

"It's not that, I'm just nervous." Rarity sighed and moved towards the drawn curtains, the expectant atmosphere outside seeping through. Is Fancypants here yet? I'm sure he'll announce his presence. Three minutes till show time, Rarity! She brushed her hoof along her mane again, feeling small beads of sweat slowly drip down her face.
"Don't worry." Applejack stood beside Rarity, mindlessly pulling a bit on the tight dress.

"Stand still. I can fix that," Rarity said, magically splitting the dress in different places before sending a needle from across the room to piece them back together. Laying her hooves down to steady the fabric, she felt Applejack's muscles tense through the skin-like fabric.

"Rarity..." Applejack hushed. "The show is starting!" Rarity stumbled back and looked towards the curtain.
Spike was standing there, his eyes wide. "Um... erm... um... R-rarity... Fancypants is here," he shouted, before running off on his tiny legs. Rarity saw Applejack smiling, her grin seemingly about to spill over into laughing. She returned the favour before the music started.

"It'll go fine." Applejack glanced at Rarity and winked. The dressmaker felt happy for her, and she galloped out a side exit to watch the show.

Straight away, the oohs and wows were coming from all over the studio. The dress still looked tight from Applejack’s muscles, but there was no doubt about it: “fantastic” was the word right now. Rarity smiled as Applejack sauntered along, looking left and right. I should get her to model more often. The beats deepened, and Applejack whipped her tail towards Fancypants, showing off the skirt. What was that wink all about? Reaching the end of the ponywalk, Applejack sashayed and sent a smile across the crowd. They love it. Fancypants was clapping away against the ground, and everypony was following suit. They adore it. One last smile, and Applejack retreated behind the curtains. What was that wink?

"That was wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed as she met the night’s star, still in the outfit, behind the curtains. "I mean, of course it was going to be wonderful but you were wonderful... if you don't mind me saying." She blushed. There was still plenty of time to discard the dress.

"It's alright. Ah’m alright, too. Don't mind if ya compliment me, wasn't really me but the dress!" She pulled down the dress a bit. "It's really comfy. Those fancy ponies'll love it."

Rarity smiled and blushed heavier before moving over to Applejack. "You can take that off now, you know."

"Ah' don't think I wanna."

"Oh." Rarity blinked a few times, then tried to move back, only to find Applejack throwing a hoof on her shoulder. She looked deep into Rarity's eyes and smiled.

"I'm glad I could help." Without prior notice, she closed up on Rarity, whose legs were shaking. Why is she doing this to me? She's taunting me...I can't do this. Completing the action of backing off, she hung her head in partial shame. "Rarity, I need a favor," the farmer asked.

"Yes Applejack?" Rarity kept her head low, but high enough that Applejack was visible.

"I need you to swing by ma' farm in a fancy dress around... five tomorrow. Also, I need ta' keep the dress." Rarity's head swung up a bit, some small alarms going off. Is she...asking me out? Is this a dinner date at her farm?!

"Er... Of course I'll be there. And of course you can keep the dress! It's yours for however long you want." Rarity giggled. "You do look great in it anyways. You should wear dresses more often."

"Ya," Applejack replied, a little mellow. She smiled at Rarity before waving a hoof and disappearing through the curtains. By this time the audience had gone home, but Rarity heard a few hoots and hollers amongst Applejack’s hoofsteps.

"I've got a date tomorrow."

The Date

Rarity looked at her own reflection, combing her mane and humming a tune from The Ponybook. An expansive smile graced her face from ear to ear, having been there since Applejack had asked her to dinner; not even a passing carriage splashing mud over her white coat could take it away. She was in her retreat, and had set aside fragrant lilies to be stitched into her dress, which she felt had a better design than Applejack’s. I can't believe I'm actually going to dinner with her! Rarity’s smile somehow grew a little bigger at that thought, her eyes glimmering in the mirror, the comb surrounded by a light blue aura continuing through her hair. She was going for a different style this time, trying to create an entirely rustic appeal instead of her usual bourgeoisie.

In coincidental synchrony with the ticking wall clock, she brought out a few vials of mascara and lipstick, finishing up her face with fake eyelashes to accent her eyes. After inspecting her reflection one last time, she glanced at the clock – the better parts of a day had passed by as mere minutes, and there was only a couple of hours left before her date at Sweet Apple Acres. Oh! I wonder if it's a picnic. Or maybe a fancy dinner, complete with apple blossom candles and hors d'oeuvres of daffodil petals and tulip leaves?She licked her lips, her stomach grumbling loudly.
No time to eat – was caught up in work.

Alright, one last check before I head over to the farm. Fabulous dress? Check. Makeup? Done. Mane? Braided and beautiful. Appetite? Her stomach grumbled again. Check. With glee, she twirled towards the door and hopped over to it. Oh, I'm as giddy as Pinkie Pie before a party. She giggled a bit to herself before moving slower. Calm down, don't act like you want this too much. Trying to recall all the rules for dating stallions, words leaked from her mouth: “don't turn down any offers for food or drink”, “only turn down other dates if you must”, the list went on. She pressed her lips together and thought of the other ones. Let him open the door, don't be too needy, don't show up early... Pausing, she shook her head. None of these will work for Applejack! These are for stallions who want me more than I care for them. Applejack is... different. Just go with the flow, Rarity. Happy with that rule, she closed the door from outside, a certain sentiment growing inside her.

Dust clouds were dispersing beneath Rarity, who found herself amongst an orchard of apples, but not amongst some ponies. Rays of sunlight caressed her face, and a light breeze brought the scent of apples to her. Applejack smells like that, and I’ll be sharing it for the next few weeks. She smiled. Weeks? It'll be years. Her smile grew larger. Nopony else can make me feel that way. As she continued through the orchard, the wind blew again, but something else made Rarity's ears perk up. Is that...conversation?

She stopped in her tracks and looked over to where the commotion seemed to be originating. Hm... the farm? Keeping her ears up, she cantered towards the barn. It sounds like a bunch of them. Realising that the multitudes of earth ponies were milling around, her posture sank. This isn't a date. The crowd was unfamiliar in all respects, but she didn't feel like an oddity in her fancy dress either, with everypony else sporting the high-end Manehatten style. What is going on here? Feeling enticed to socialise, her sorrow was diminished a bit.

"Hey Rarity!" Applejack's voice called from across the lot. Rarity swung her head, and was bittersweet upon noticing the dress from the talent show. This was supposed to be a date, she thought, lifting her right hoof to take the orange mare a metre in front of her. "Well, howdy! You look nice."

Rarity smiled awkwardly at her friend and nodded. "You look nice too, Applejack." Her voice cracked, destroying her facade of happiness.

"You okay Rarity? Any ponies bothering ya?"

Rarity peered at all the other ponies with twitchy eyes and shook her head. "No... no,” she stuttered. “It isn't that. It's just... no, nothing.”

Applejack held back her frown. "Well, are you ready to mingle?"

Every single alarm and siren in Rarity’s head went off, considering she was the anomaly among a crowd of around fifty ponies, a rustic outfit among some classy ones. Her efforts to stay happy failed, with her shoulders soon slumping and her face warping. Should I just make an excuse to leave? I'm sure Applejack would understand. All the signs were there! Did she not want a date?

"And this here is my pal, Rarity." Applejack's voice drilled through Rarity's ears. Pal. Pal! That's all I am, a pal? She stuck out her hoof, which randomly met another distant relative of Applejack's. The only reason she wanted me here... was to impress these Oranges? Another sigh escaped Rarity's mouth, which evaded detection.
The sentence was repeated, and by this time Rarity’s ears were stone-cold. Pal, pal, pal... I can’t get it out of my head. This isn’t the real Applejack,wanting to impress ponies... The new thought sent her brain into a paradox, something wrong that didn’t look like it was.

"Rarity!" Applejack shouted out, trying to push herself towards another pony.

"Applejack, why..." she started, “why am I here?"

The farmer turned her hat around, like she always did when in deep thought. "Well, I needed you to impress the fancy pony-folk."

Rarity’s mouth half-opened. That's a lie. Applejack wouldn't do that. She moved a step closer. "I mean, what's the real reason I'm here, darling?" She tried to keep her words soft, but they were poisoned from her crumbled expectations.

"Rarity, I ain't been too hones-" Applejack started, before another relative with three orange slices on her flank came up.

"Why, Applejack, who is this gorgeous looking pony?"

"This is my friend, Rarity." Before the sentence finished, Rarity had already shook the Manehattenite’s hoof.

"Rarity, huh?" Aunt Orange chuckled. "I think I've heard of you before."

"I couldn't possibly think of where..." Rarity paused. I need to hear Applejack's answer:why is this pony talking to me?

"Hm, Rarity. Do you act?"

"No, you must've heard my name from earlier around here."

"I'm sure I've heard it elsewhere." Aunt Orange shifted her eyes left while Rarity kept her mouth shut in eagerness. "Of course! You're Rarity the designer!"

Rarity got dragged back into the conversation again. "You know of me?"

"Of course, darling. One of the dress shops sells your gorgeous hats. I had been meaning to pick one up forever, but I find my hairstyle is much nicer. No offense to your hat of course." Applejack stared at her aunt and imitated Rarity’s actions from a moment ago, with little resemblance.

Rarity’s grin returned bigger, surprised that Carousel Boutique’s apparel had reached out beyond Canterlot and Cloudsdale. I think I have a few phone calls to make. "Oh, that's so great. You should really check out my new design that’s coming out this autumn." She pointed a hoof at the frowning Applejack and ruffled her dress a bit. "This one, actually. There will be different designs once I get them, however. It'll be big in Canterlot." She pumped herself up and down. One minute I'm sad, I'm here, and the next I'm trying to sell a dress! The thought almost made her laugh but she kept her face straight.

"Oh, it is absolutely lovely. I was admiring our dear Applejack here earlier but had no idea it was one of yours."

Applejack’s light trance was broken. "Yes, Aunt Orange. Simply marvelous," she said, trying to fake her aunt’s accent. "But I really do need to speak to Rarity a bit."

"By all means, do so," she replied before turning around. The lovers looked at each other, then to Aunt Orange, then back at each other.

"Um, in private?" Applejack inquired. Aunt Orange gave a look back and laughed for a few seconds before moving over to her husband. The friends looked at each other again, their nervousness creeping in with Applejack moving her hat and Rarity almost popping her eyes out by staring. External commotion aside, a few moments of doubt popped up in Rarity's brain in the silence. Do I really want to know the answer to this question?

"You were just about to tell me the real reason you asked me here."

"Yes," Applejack started, before scrunching her nose up. "I just needed somepony to socialize with without my immediate family."

"Applejack, your nose. Don't lie to me." Rarity's eyes glared at Applejack. How can I force the truth out of her? SometimesPinkie Pie is enough.

"Ah' needed a fancier pony to help out with the family business. Ah' don't understand all this ruckus about small oranges, abouteco-nawmics."

At that mispronunciation, Rarity had to exert all her facial muscles just to keep straight. "Applejack, may I remind you that you're not really the element of honesty now?" She pointed her white hoof at the nose, scrunched up for the umpteenth time.
"Fine. Ah' wanted to spend time with you, and this was a perfect excuse that didn't seem so awkward." Applejack's face was red, a brighter red than the best apples her entire orchard produced. She moved her hat to cover her forehead in embarrassment, while Rarity stood frozen.

Is this a date? Is this a date? Her mind screamed at her to inquire about it, and she was losing control. "Oh..." she uttered. She was sure her own face was as red as Applejack's, yet was pleading to Celestia it wasn't. She blinked a few times, trying to compile her thoughts into meaningful speech. "So..." she started, biting her tongue afterwards. But she obviously likes me! That's why this is awkward.

Applejack pushed her hat upright, the orange hue filling her face. "Well ah'm glad that's out in the open. I think it's almost time fer supper." She stared at Rarity before jostling her with one of her hooves. "Uh, Rarity? Are you still there?"

Rarity blinked several times in a short burst and nodded. "Yes... yes, supper. That will be delightful." She trotted off to the farm. If it wasn't a confession of love, she wouldn't have blushed. Then again, we've never been that great of friends. Maybe it's just a confession... of friendship? The wooden boards of Applejack’s farmhouse clicked under her hooves.

Sending herself back to reality, Rarity took note of the large changes that had happened. The normal decorations had vanished, replaced with a circle of small sitting chairs that were more prevalent in Canterlot shops, and a few paintings from the palace halls. In the center of the chairs stood an orthodox Manehatten table. Twilight must've helped – no way Applejack could know all this. She continued to look around at the new decorations as she sat down beside Applejack. Why didn't she ask me for help? Sighing, she turned her head to Applejack, who was in turn staring at a few waiters who were handing out food. “Where did you get the money for all this?” she whispered into her ear.

"Ah' had some help from the princesses." Applejack gave a small smile to Rarity before turning back to the food. The waiters were putting the normal small portions in front of the Oranges, but gave to Applejack a very large daisy sandwich with hay fries and – what was it – zap apple jam? Rarity’s stomach rumbled as she looked at that apparent cornucopia and then her own smaller portion. Shrugging, she dug in.

Ponies were milling around again, this time entirely inside. Aunt Orange was sitting in one of the chairs beside ‘The Pony with a Pearl Earring’, chatting to yet another Applejack relative that Rarity had met only a few hours ago. The fashion designer, the oddball in the crowd, sat across the room in apathy; the night had turned out exactly like how the Grand Galloping Gala had turned out with her friends, just that the uneasiness was localised to herself. It only added to the confusion that was her love for Applejack. I should go for it. She isn't a stallion, so she'll never ask first. Her thoughts clashed. Normally, she had stallions lined up to ask her on dates, without her having to instigate one. After all, for all her charisma she wasn't exactly sure how to. She heard approaching hooves and looked up to see her crush standing in front of her.

"Can ah' speak to you in ma' room?"

"O-of course!" Rarity hopped out of her chair and followed Applejack. Is this it? When both were comfortably inside, Applejack closed the door and turned to Rarity.

"Rarity," she started, her gaze piercing the other’s eyes. "I want to thank ya fer coming along. The family really likes ya, and I think they're gunna come down here more often and maybe sell some oranges in Ponyville." Applejack smiled widely. Rarity did the same physically, but the opposite mentally. No! Ask me on a date you fool! Hug me! Kiss me! Tell me that you'll never leave me! Please do something!

"It's not a problem," Rarity replied. They stood there for a few seconds before Applejack turned to leave. "Wait! I... Do you want to have dinner tomorrow?"

Applejack closed the door and turned back to Rarity. "Ah' thought you'd never ask."

The Date(2)

I have a date – for real this time.

She repeated the sentence in her head, feeling the desire for her love resonate with an ascending sun. With a smile that could encompass Canterlot and no Sweetie Belle to distract her, she hugged her pillow, wondering if the two could connect their hearts. It’s a date and nothing more. A knot folded in her stomach. Time to get moving.

“Will she like this?” she asked herself, having showered and brought herself to the mirror. “Hm... probably too fancy for a southern pony like Applejack.” Puckering her lips, she put on another dress, throwing the previous set with matching hat back into the closet. “This one? Oh, I should have somepony else to help me with this.” She shrugged it off, opened the closet doors and dug her hooves into multitudes of feathery capes and prismatic hats. What will Applejack wear? Likely just her hat, but... perhaps it’ll be twice in a row? Maybe... She shook her head slightly, floating down a light blue saddle onto her back.

The wall clock chimed, bringing her head straight. Horseapples! It’s coming too soon! I'm not ready for this! Her breathing quickened, eyes shifting between the clock and her dress. Will I be good enough? She accepted quickly, but...was she trying to save my feelings? The saddle wobbled under these doubts, a characteristic of love and not fashionistas. Should I be early? I was a bit late for the other 'date' and then... she was fine with that, right? I mean, she didn't really comment on it at all or anything. The clock still showed a healthy span of time left.Early it is.

With a little haste she combed her mane into her usual, flowing style, then partially braided it to cascade over her left shoulder, reasoning that similar styles made better dates. The sun at its zenith, she moved out.

A pegasus couple was the first to smile at her, and she returned the favour under piercing eyes that pervaded her field of view. They know what I'm waiting for, don’t they? Ponies come here for dates, not some... boring meet-up or anything! She wanted to cower under her breath, something her continuous exposure to the spotlight made so embarrassing, but mustered enough self-esteem to purse her lips. Ten minutes left, perhaps... no, she’ll be here. One of her hooves rapped against the ground, powered by a torrent of blood rushing through, while the other adjusted her braid. My braids are a visual headache, and so is my saddle...sweet Celestia, where is that farm pony! Her posture drooped and she prepared to turn back in shame. I guess she isn't showing.

“Rarity! Where ya going?”

“Applejack!” Rarity jumped, looking back with a scrunched-up face. “I... I was just going to... fix my mane...”

“Ah’m sure yer mane looks fine.” She pointed at the entrance. “Shall we go in? Mares first.”

Rarity's face flushed.If only I could remember... how this wonderful pony would do that to me? Nevertheless, she moved through the door without pausing a second.

A black earth pony with formal suit and silver platter on flank stood by the side. “Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, one for a Miss Rarity.”

“Right this way, Miss Rarity.” He held two menus in his right hoof while moving towards the table with relative ease. The dates trailed him and he was about to pull out a chair, but Applejack burst forth to do it herself.

“Ah' got it from here.” In response, the waiter simply nodded, positioned both menus and waited for the flustered guests to sit down. Rarity smiled at Applejack, who was ordering champagne. Only one pony has ever held my chair for me, and she certainly got her high-tastes right for tonight...

They stayed still for a few minutes, limiting communication to facial expressions when neighbouring tables were bustling with romantic excitement. Rarity gladly accepted “So, how did the Oranges enjoy their stay?”

Applejack clenched her teeth and raised both eyelids. “Ah' thought we already talked about this, they probably gonna sell some oranges down here. Aunt Orange really liked yer company and Ah' reckon she'll come down to see how yer business is going, an' maybe order something too.” Rarity nodded in their personal silence.

“So-” they both started.

“Oh, you go first darling.”

“Nah, I talked last. You go first, Rarity.”

“If you want to. Right... what’s on your mind?” She frowned. The whole date’s been fixed.

“Ah've really just been relaxing, gettin' ready fer tonight. And you?”

“The same.” Rarity pulled her eyes to the right. I don’t know, are they smirking? Hey, the waiter’s back.

“What would you like for dinner tonight, Madams?”

“I'll take a...” Applejack’s head shook. “Just get us whatever you think is good.” The waiter nodded and walked off towards the kitchen, leaving silence again. Fancy food wasn’t one of her considerations, but then again she doesn't seem that awkward with her country background. Is it me or do I not want to be in this relationship? A heat blitzed through Rarity’s nerves and into her cheeks. Hold on, I'm blushing... that's a good thing, right? Havemy stallion loves blushed before? “There's no need tah blush,” Applejack informed.

“I'm just a little... little bit nervous.” Rarity chuckled and sipped her half-full champagne glass. “I haven't been on a lot of dates that I've wanted to... um... sort out, if you know what I’m saying.” This elicited Applejack to grin like what her date did moments ago.

“Well ah' want it to work out too.” Both sides settled into a receptive mood. “How's your dressmaking?”

“It's great. Fancypants has ordered plenty of my rustic dresses and he’s predicting the sales to blow Canterlot’s roof off. Obviously, most of that will go towards replenishing my resources. So how’s your apple business going?”

“That? It's goin' just fine. We been bucking the apples, sellin' them like all the other years. Not as excitin' as your job but it's an honest day's work... I don’t mean yers isn't.” Rarity giggled and was about to open her mouth, when the waiter came with platters: tofu steak sprinkled with daisy petals, served with rose petals, and sided by some of the finest tulip stems.

The words they had uttered, and their mental impressions, were soon lost in an explosion of flavours.Rarity kept her horn glowing, picking off different pieces of the steak and inserting them in her mouth. She glanced Applejack, who seemed to be mirroring her every action. This steak could serve anything romantic very well, but our lines of thought have been broken... Sighing, she returned to her food. Soon they were done, and found themselves giving relaxed expressions at each other. “Now... where were we, Applejack?”

“Dessert time, Ah’ believe.” She turned to the approaching waiter, then back. “You want anything?”

“Surprise me then.” Do I really have time for such fattening dessert? But if she wants it I shouldn't resist, right? Rules of dating, Rarity, don’t forget! The waiter looked towards Applejack.

“We'll just take a check.”

Rarity smiled. “Night’s late anyway.” Did I think out loud again?

“'Tis.”No, it's died out again! Rarity stood up and put down her half of the bill as a heap of bits. Thanking the waiter, she and Applejack wandered off into the cool Ponyville night.

This should have gone so much better! Rarity sighed and clicked her tongue, walking back towards her home.Where did I go wrong?It must've been me... Applejack was fine, she started the conversation, ordered the food. Was I too needy? I think so. She stayed below the moonlight, oblivious to a change in direction.My feelings foretell disasters...why am I so weird all of a sudden?

“Rarity?” The prompt paralysed her for a moment, and she saw an ice cream parlour straight ahead. Applejack held a large vanilla cone in her right hoof. “Sorry to interrupt, but what kind do ya' want?”

“I'll have the same.” The stallholder scooped out a nice dollop. “Applejack, you didn't have to do this.”

“Ah' wanted to, Rarity – for you.” Rarity leaned to her left, levitating her cone while staring at her date. “Oh-” Pausing to grin, she took a bite. “How's the family doing?”

“They're fine really. Big Mac's been bucking those apples a lot. I told him he's gunna have ta' stop if he don't want to get hurt again, he's just plain stubborn. Granny's hips feeling better the past few days, but that may be just the painkillers we’ve been givin' her. Need to have that replaced soon. Now Apple Bloom... well she's doing what she always does-”

“Oh, I know!” Rarity giggled. “Believe me, Sweetie Belle talks nothing but her cutie mark. It's like, 'I want my cutie mark!' and 'Hey sis, when did you get your cutie mark?' and as if the story’s been repeated a thousand times. Maybe she's thinking she missed something.” Applejack joined in the laughter. “I'm just really surprised they haven't thrown Ponyville out of its rhythm much with their ‘crusades’.”

“Ah' know what ya mean. Every now and then I check their clubhouse, it's sparklin’ clean! Maybe Scootaloo's gunna get a cutie mark in cleaning up.” Both sides went into laughing fits.

“Really, those girls should have learned by now how easy it is to get a cutie mark if you aren't looking for one.”

“Yeah, they'll get one soon enough. Might even convince Apple Bloom to help out with the harvestin' more often.”

“Ha! I'd say the same for Sweetie, but she doesn't really have the designer's eye. She once wanted to mix a blue saddle with green straps... and a pink hat. Has anypony ever seen such an outfit?” They chuckled on.

“At least you’re her good sister who can help out.”

“So are you, for Apple Bloom.” They smiled at each other, noticing the ice cream drip onto the floor.

“Well, better eat our treats quick. Them girls will be home in the morning and we need our sleep.”

Rarity nodded. “Maybe Twilight will hold them for a little longer.” They finished their ice creams, threading their talk along, albeit slower than before. After that, they walked back to Carousel under the chirps of nighttime critters.

An elaborate door stood by their side, Rarity’s eyes glowing in the moonlight. They stayed motionless for a few minutes, contemplating how best to conclude the date. Kiss her, you fool! “Well... I guess this is... good night...” Just kiss her! “I'm terribly sorry.” Rarity forced her head down, the bangs falling over her face. She bit her tongue under a rush of blood to her cheeks.

“Wha? Sorry fer what?”

“The date... the first part wasn't that great. It would've been awful if not for the ice cream.”

“Rarity,” Applejack confessed as she brushed the bangs, “the only reason this date was incredible was because it was with you. Working on the farm, I’ve won my family lots of fame and fortune... but I always felt some kind of hole deep inside. You filled it for me, even though I’m not that good at dating. You became my inspiration.”

Rarity was about to say something when Applejack intercepted her open mouth with a quick kiss.

“Goodnight, Rarity.”

Questioning Emotions

That was a kiss fit for the movies!

Rarity hugged her carpet with enthusiasm, twisting her head and tongue around in the wake of that romantic moment.We were under the moonlight, and the apple scent materialised in my nose... She imagined it countless times before with stallions, and now could not remove an illusory orange face from her sights. Is this true love? Her eyes fluttered down, her breathing slowed, and she took flight in her dreams.

Did she like that? Applejack shuffled towards her barn with intermittent pauses. Should Ah' have asked her fer permission? She smiled, remembering the kiss, but frowned a moment later. Was it wrong? She seemed ta' like it but... left too soon. Did she kiss back or was that just me? Her lips tingled.Am I even guilty? She reiterated the scenario in her head. I should ha' kissed her again, put my hoof on her shoulder or sumthin'. Recalling how the romantic films she watched seemed to move too fast, and then the novels which Granny Smith gave her, she sighed. There was that... fancy pony kissing with all those tongues. Her brow stayed furrowed.

“How'd it go?” a low voice called from her right, forcing her eyelids wide open. Big Macintosh was standing there in the orchard, waiting for her.

“It went well... Ah' think.”

“Not good?”

“Don't really know.” She began sweating. “The beginning wasn't too great – she took meh to a fancy place and it was awkward.”

“And then?”

“Ah' did one of those movie things, brought her to an ice cream place.”

“Good move.” Although he wasn't one to love, he had helped Applejack with researching it.

“Then...” She turned away for a second. “I kissed her.” Big Mac's jaw dropped, then returned to its usual position as he plowed the ground with his left hoof. Applejack continued amidst a certain tension. “She looked surprised though. Ah' just said 'goodnight' and left fast.”

“It could be nice. Remember that movie about the stallion who bought his mare some ice cream? He kissed her at the end too. She seemed ta' like it.” Applejack felt the warmth seep into her, since she got the reference. The sun setting, they walked out of the orchard.

Applejack tossed around in her bed.Ah’ can't do anything now.

Big Mac fared no better. It went well? Yes.

The two closed their eyes, vivid images flashing before them.

Quilts and bedsheets lay strewn around Applejack’s bed. “As if mah brother’s thoughts weren’t settlin’ enough...” she ranted, carving out a path with her hooves. “Huh!” Her closet, besides carrying a cornucopia of hats, also housed a small brown box which she lifted out and opened. What romance lay on the surface was irrelevant, as she dug her hooves deep for some classics: The Farmhouse, An August of Love, The Magic of Love, she placed them by her side. She pondered their titles, then flipped to a dusty bookmark in the first book and began reading:

Wind Chaser moved her lips closer to her lover's mouth. Her eyes fluttered open, and stared down into Rose's. “I love you, Rose.” Their lips touched. Rose's scent filled Wind Chaser’s nostrils, the latter pushingfurther on the red mare's body,against a wall. Rose's hooves were lost in Wind Chaser's hair, just as they were lost in mutual ecstasy. She pushed back, her tongue glidingacross and through Wind Chaser's flowering lips before wrestling with the other tongue for dominance. Each of them then tried to memorise the other’s mouth contours, Wind Chasertickling the back of Rose's mouth with her tongue as such.
They backed down for a second, and then Rose slid herself back into reality. “I've never loved anypony else likehow you’ve been.” She broughther left hoof over Wind Chaser's mane and downtowards her cutie mark; it slowly massaged the flank. Then she slowly kissed...

“This? Uh...” Applejack stuck her tongue out straight and tossed the book aside. She picked up An August of Love and moved to another bookmark.

They were in the lunar spotlight, looking into each other's eyes. Shadowsong kissed Moonlight gently, then gazed deeper. “There was this... this vacuum inside me which you filled with your grace. You make me tick, make me complete, and your eyes glow in the moonlight as I stare upon you. I love you. I love you.”

Applejack furrowed her brow. Should Ah' have inserted that? Seems a lot for a first date, although the last one was... going to those things? Now the second date... Taking the book labelled “second date” and flipping its pages, she felt her organisation efforts the previous night were wasted.

So now you're asking yourself: “What should I do for my second date? I've already brought the prospective young mare to the theatre, now what?” Well, if you're the star athlete on your colt's handball team, you should bring her to the match and win the game, saying it's for her. If you aren’t, take her to the local soda shop for a quick rainbow shake. And then? Bring her home. Stop at the door, Mister Rushy Pants. Don't kiss that filly yet – say your goodnights and hello to her parents. No-

Biting her tongue, Applejack tossed the book aside. Although Big Mac thought highly of it, she didn’t think it was any help for a second date, her other books having far too flowery descriptions. The third? She shook her head.Can I even read that? So... close, so emotional. After packing up her collection, she rested herself on the floor, looking up.

That one book said somethin' 'bout waiting to ask them out again. So Ah’ should wait? She pursed her lips together, rolling over to face the door. Nah. A pure knock emanated from the wooden floor. Ah' should see her. She got up and swung herself over, holding the doorknob between her teeth. The door opened with a push from her shoulder, and she walked down to the entrance.

“Where do you think you're going?” Big Mac called from the parlour.

“Second date with Rarity.” An unstable smile showed on her face.

I thought the book said to wait.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ah’ ain't followin' no silly book, Ah'm followin' mah gut!” She walked out onto the dirt path, but then paused upon hearing another call.

“Don't you think Rarity would listen to the books?” Applejack turned around blushing. She'd know, wouldn't she? Read all the books,seen all the plays,went out dozens o' times already. Her head drooping, she dragged herself towards the barn and sat down in the parlour. Ah' shoulda thought of that.

“Thanks Mac.”

Rarity woke up facing the sun, her radiant teeth bigger than Pinkie Pie walking on air. She let out a big yawn to start the day and bounced to her feet.When will she wantanother one? Shaking her head, she skipped to the kitchen in pure exhilaration. Should I ask? Her hooves shifted to cooking breakfast. What should the second date be? Sitting down with a steaming-hot plate on the table, she picked at her eggs calmly, but dropped her fork when the doorbell rang.

“Rarity?” Twilight called, her right hoof resting on the doorknob. “Sweetie Belle's home!”

“Come in.” Sweetie bounced along, taking the chair opposite Rarity’s. “Hello Sweetie Belle, any cutie mark?”

Sweetie frowned. “No. Not even an 'organize the library with Twilight' cutie mark.” Rarity raised her eyebrows. We talked about them, didn't we? Did I make that “cleaning Scootaloo” joke, or was that Applejack? Hm... nothing serious. The filly continued, emulating her sister. “Make me any breakfast?”

Rarity bent over her plate and shifted her eyes left. “Er, no? I'll make some right now.” She got up to do just that after thanking Twilight for her care. As the two sisters savoured their breakfast, they smiled at each other, one for her plans, the other for her date.

Applejack has betrayed me! Such impropriety!

The locked door was her only shelter, her eyes puffy and red and screaming into her ears to stop rubbing them with her hooves. Two days had passed since Applejack’s failure to arrive at her doorstep, and all this while her heart lay splintered in the darkest reaches of isolation. She felt like chasing Prince Blueblood around Equestria blindfolded, so what reason was there to stay happy? The doorbell rang, but its calm sound was reflected away by her chaotic mind. She stood up and popped her joints as her cheery sister left.

“Grab that for me, Sweetie.” Her mane and makeup had fallen out of order all this while.

“Sometimes you can be such a drama queen,” Sweetie mumbled before answering the door. A tall mail pony with letter in mouth appeared, and he dropped that light brown package into Sweetie’s mouth. She waved her thanks and walked over to Rarity, who yanked it out with her magic and shooed Sweetie away. Tree cleaning duty... honestly, Rainbow Dash, do you ever choose a good time for a wind storm? She sighed. At least I can make myself presentable, then confront Applejack... Nopony doesn't ask me for a second date. Nopony! With her mind cleaned up, she trotted to the bathroom to fix her mane.

Slumber Party: Take Two

“Ah' can ask Rarity out again, right?” Applejack smiled as she read the letter, her hooves passing it to her brother. They had examined the novels, memorising everything Rarity would watch out for, from the three-day rule to details for ordering and payment.

“Eeyup.” His tones sounded a bit higher than the usual muffle.

“So Ah' go there, just talk to her? Or should Ah' go straight for the date?”

“The latter.” Big Mac tapped his beige hoof on Trotita.

Applejack nodded. “Wish me luck.”

The park’s trees would rustle in an oncoming storm, but not Rainbow Dash’s. It would be Rarity’s storm,that of anger and heartbreak among sheer beauty. Time would bow down to her slowing heartbeat, passers-by frozen in their paths, Applejack locking eyes. Rarity would encroach on the farmer, left defenseless againsta whirlwind of fashion, and she would start “How dare you!” Applejack's scent would only indicate her presence, and it would die under what words came next. “You didn't call.”Applejack would become the coldest bystander, every muscle locked in its place by the fashionista. “You kissed me. Kissedme. And you’re not going to show your face? Not even going to drop by and say‘sorry, Rarity’? I decided I wasn't too happy with that moonlighted kiss. You aren’t my marefriend anymore!I am not a doll you can play with one time and toss out!”

Rarity had spent an entire morning scheming, but her mind let off sparks when her target came into view. Why am I such a drama queen? I need to think more clearly... like Twilight. She lost control of her body and eyes.Sweet Celestia, what should my next move be?

Applejack came up and smiled. “Hello Rarity, how ya doin’?” Chirping birds. “Ah' just wantin’ ta know if... you want a second date?” Rarity nodded, trying to pull her jaw up, when somepony called out from the clouds.

“You ponies going to work, or just stand there?”

“Sorry, Flitter.” Both ponies on the ground went to shake branches off a large tree.

Applejack turned to Rarity after a few minutes. “Why'd you seem all surprised ah' asked you?” Her mouth wobbled, but she kept her cool. “Cuz it hasn't been three days?”

Rarity's eyelids jumped.The whole thing’s been foreordained! Rarity, stop overreacting! Oneday it’ll ruin your relationships! She giggled to herself with drooping eyes.It’s always easier without the drama.

They toiled away at their sections, both side’s musings broken by momentary glances and blushes. Rain clouds hung over them, but they weren’t hurried, instead smiling at their romantic reconciliations. They finished working as thunder roared into their ears.

“Ah’ guess this is goodbye for now.” She always trusted her hat as a makeshift umbrella.

“Yes.” Her purple mane draped over her eyes. “And our date – would two days from now be OK?”

“Of course.” Whistles emanated from the library, which the lovers knew was Twilight beckoning. They ran over after sharing a brusque glance.

“I'm so glad I caught you two. I was thinking of another slumber party like last time, so... Slumber 102: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties but were Afraid to Ask! It includes thirteen new suggestions and deeper discussion on activities with a larger assortment of ponies!” Applejack and Rarity chuckled. “And this next chapter goes into even more detail with the finer differences between pegasi and unicorns. Pegasi are usually more energetic with activities, due to the-”

“Uh, Twilight, can we come in?” Applejack tilted her head up, letting raindrops do the remaining derision. Twilight's ears dropped, and she walked in with the dates trailing while still raving about another drab book she was taking out from the shelf labelled “romance”.

“So like I was saying, pegasi have much more energy due to their metabolic needs for flying, making them good for pillow fights and slumber-less slumbers – “all-nighters”, as the book calls it. They sound really fun, but I don’t know how it’s even physiologically possible, though a good book works better. Hm... group readings?” Twilight muttered under her breath, shifting between flipping through and scanning the table of contents.

Rarity turned, shrugged, and slumped on the floor while Applejack watched. “Twilight, perhaps we should do what we did last time, but... less fighting...” Did she tell Twilight? Should we? We aren’t closet romantic school fillies anymore... Letting her thoughts go, she noticed Twilight lecturing on, now sitting down and pointing at different pages.

“As you can see here, unicorns can actually play more games. The older ones can play this game where you spin a bottle and... oh my, I’ll skip that.” A red flame ignited in Twilight's cheeks, her eyes and hooves gliding over the more intimate parts. The other two mares craned their necks, curious about what caused the embarrassment, then turned to each other. Is she thinking about how our first date ended? They relaxed, looking at Twilight skimming over and then closing the book. “Well, the rest are very appropriate suggestions, so we’ll stick to the first one.” Swapping the two books with her magic, she beamed at Rarity and Applejack. “First step, makeovers!”

Rarity grinned at the laughableness of her present condition, as she and Twilight created a mudmask mixture while Applejack chopped up cucumbers. When finished, Twilight attempted to dip her hoof in but was pipped by Rarity, who slathered the green paste onto Applejack's face by herself. The southern pony looked indifferent at Rarity's caressing, and later returned the favour, her hooves rougher but still loving on the fashionista.

“Um, girls?” Twilight inquired. The lovers turned to her with mudmask all over their faces.

“Sorry, Twi.” Applejack's nose scrunched up. “Must've been lost in, uh, being perfect?”

“We were making sure nothing was exposed. I’ve been lecturing her on how weekly spa sessions can help keep her face beautiful.” Indeed, she was trying to pester Applejack into looking after herself more, but she would never relinquish her brashness. Rarity applied the mask on Twilight's face, this time with haste to prevent her from announcing their lies.

“Since that's done...” Applejack plonked a cucumber slice into her mouth. “Supper time!” She did it again to send Twilight giggling. Rarity rolled her eyes, covered them with two slices and lied back, indulging in the juices.

“This is the life, isn't it?” She was in her world, having heard Twilight put on her slices and hoping Applejack did too. Her hat is beauty in itself, even with those eye bags and her average complexion. Though, that last bit could be improved. She swam in her ideas for an hour before somepony sighed on her left.

“Sorry fer this, but can we do somethin’ else?”

“Of course!” Twilight cleansed her face, throwing out the slices. “Hm... kelpie stories again, do you have anything new?”

“Um...” the daters started.

“That's a no, darling.” She shook her head. “I’m not really into the supernatural, I guess.”

“Nah, Twi. I ain't much of a story teller anyways.”

“We're moving on to s’mores then!” Twilight bounced up and moseyed over to the kitchen, taking out everything required.She’s planned this. The three friends immersed themselves in creating their treats: those of the unicorns were concocted to maximise flavour intensity and temperature contrast, whilst Applejack's was more rushed. Realising her creation had somehow become neater, the farmer looked up to find Rarity, smiling and levitating the messy, half-eaten s'more. Meanwhile, Twilight had finished her snack, and she turned around to see everything gobbled up and her friends gesturing for more, so she pulled back the book and turned to a new page.

“It’s now... Truth or Dare!”

The three ponies formed a triangle on the floor, and Twilight started. “Rarity, truth or dare?”

“I'll pick truth.” Rarity kept her eyes on Twilight, her horn glowing a faint magenta.

“Have you ever... ” She glanced through some pages. “Cheated on a test?”

“Yes, once.” Her eyes flipped left and right. “I stayed up one night to organise my closet and make a new hat when I wasn’t allowed to.” Twilight's eyes widened, but she kept silent, hoping to use this for a later friendship report. Rarity continued. “So Applejack, truth or dare?”

She smiled. “Hm... Ah'll pick truth as well.”

“These questions are a little harder...” Rarity grinned at Twilight, who nodded in indifference. “No offence. Applejack, how many ponies have you kissed?” She leaned back, thinking of shying away.You haven’t kissed Applejack only. Same goes for her, you can’t be jealous!

“Only two...” Applejack’s head wobbled. “...but take away one, ‘cos that was mah cousin for a dare.” Rarity bit her tongue.

Twilight smirked. “And the other was?”

“Um... Ah'd rather not say.” The librarian frowned. “Now it’s just you, Twi, truth or dare?”

“Dare!” She smirked harder at amping up the difficulty. Applejack checked on Rarity before turning back.

“I dare you... to stand outside in the rain for twenty seconds.”

Twilight hesitated, then galloped out. “ONE!”

“So, we're alone now...” Applejack scanned the windows so Twilight wouldn’t peek.

“FIVE!”

“Yes, Applejack, but we should stay still. It’s not just me who’s finding it unnerving. Twilight’s a third wheel and she doesn’t even know it.”

“TEN!” Her voice cracked. The ponies inside were certain about her shivering.

“Ah' guess... but don't ask anythin’ more 'bout my dating life. I don't want you to be jealous.” She turned her volume up a notch.

“THIRTEEN!”

“Oh, I'm not jealous of Braeburn.” Applejack raised her mouth before giggling with Rarity.

“SEVENTEEN, EIGHTEEN, NINETEEN... TWENTY!” Twilight walked back, twisting her body in every direction where bookshelves weren’t. She cast a quick spell to dry her mane and sat down. “Much warmer in here. Rarity, truth or dare?”

“Hm... I’ll have a dare.”

“I dare you to...” She blushed. “No, wait a second.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Twilight, I'm sure we’re old enough for that.” The book looks more forfillies, but she’s loving it. Indeed, it’s quite fun.We should be doingsilly things.

“Alright then. I dare you to... k-kiss Applejack.” Her tongue fell out as the lovers gulped and looked at each other in their predicament.It’s not like we haven't... but in front of Twilight?

Rarity inched closer. “I guess we have to...”

“Eeyup.”

“Wait!” Twilight exclaimed. “I'll turn around so you’re in the honour system.” Rarity and Applejack touched noses.

“...to do this.” Rarity kissed Applejack lightly.

“Yeah.” She returned the favour.

“This is horrible!” Both parties pushed their lips deeper for a few seconds, Rarity's hoof stroking Applejack's braids. “We're done.”

Twilight’s cheeks were brighter than Pinkie Pie, as Rarity patted down her flowing mane while hinting at the dishevelled state of her lover’s. Applejack understood and followed suit, gazing an oblivious Twilight. “Oh, yes. Applejack, truth or dare?”

“Erm, truth.” She didn’t want any more romance. Rarity pointed her hoof at her face and then at Twilight, who shrugged back.

“So... do you hate anypony?” Applejack made another one-sided stare.

“Being the element of honesty and all, there isn't one pony Ah’ don't like... besides those Flim Flam brothers. Trixie’s braggin’ was also too much.” She turned to Twilight. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” Her enthusiasm was veiled by slight hesitation on the vowels.

“Ah' dare you to lick the floor!” Applejack and Rarity sniggered at Twilight’s obligation.

“I clean it thrice on weekdays and twice on weekends with magical soap, so the bacteria count is negligible.” The fashionista felt disturbed. “Rarity, truth or dare?”

I could pick dare, and thus get more Applejack shenanigans, or I could pick truth... I’m not letting this be so awkward with Twilight. “Truth.”

“Oh, OK. Have you ever been in love, and if yes, who?”

Rarity froze. Horseapples. “Um... yes... do I really have to say who?” Twilight pointed at number 4 in the truth-or-dare rules: Every question must be answered truthfully and fully. “Fine then, it's... uh... I'm in love with...” Her mouth stayed ajar. I don't have to, or need to, follow these silly rules! I could be honest, but it'd be awkward! “High... class.” Really, Rarity? That’s the wrong word! “I met him in Canterlot, and he had this wondrous knowledge of fashion and food, and he was gorgeous with a light orange coat and a short... yellow mane.”

“I see. I've never heard of him. Where in Canterlot did he stay?”

“He... was just a visitor. He’s a Manehattanite.” She smiled at Twilight, noticing Applejack’s nose scrunch up. The librarian tried a more inquisitive appearance. “Applejack! Truth or dare?” Rarity fired, desperate to continue.

“Dare.” She tried to play safe here.

“I dare you to... eat a page from a book.” She fought the idea of Applejack eating paper.That’s rude,sure, but isn’t it better than kissing? Twilight, on the other hoof, felt so violated that within a second she flipped back to the rules, showing them to Rarity.

“Sorry, but: Any dares causing direct harm to somepony or their property are off-limits. Applejack has no books, so she can't do it. Pick another one.” Her upbeat demeanour contrasted Rarity’s sigh. Another dare? I wasn’t finished with the first...

“Alright Applejack, I dare you to put on makeup and a fancy dress.”

“Hmm...” Twilight rubbed her lips, remembering their last slumber party, calming down Applejack. “Maybe we should skip to sleeping?” Pitter-pattering persisted through the darkness, and the three ponies agreed to enter Twilight's room. Two beds. The daters glanced each other. We’ll need to share...

Rarity turned to Twilight. “Perhaps I’ll take yours and Applejack will get the guest bed for herself. She's worked really hard today, so the extra space will suit her.” Twilight shrugged, slipping under her blankets beside Rarity, who convinced Applejack she was over them. Rarity mouthed her goodnights, looked back at Twilight, then blew an air kiss.

“Please don't go all lovey-dovey, Rarity,” Twilight muttered.

“H-how?” Her eyes sprang open.

“I overheard your calls for Applejack. Besides, sneaky glances when you two were kissing? I just put two and two together.” Twilight shifted herself. “Don't worry, I’ll keep this between us, now get to sleep. I'd like an early breakfast for all of us.” Rarity kept her eyes on Applejack, their facial expressions identical. No, she isn’t that awkward. With one more glimpse, she slid down and closed her eyes.

Questions and Answers

Ten Months Later

Rarity looked towards the sun, slowly sinking away from the moon. Her left hoof held tightly to Applejack's, whose head was leaning softly on her shoulder. There was no sound on the hill except for the light breathing of the two mares as they cuddled under the darkening sky. A small smile creased both of their faces, content in the silence of the world. There were no birds in the sky, and no animals in the trees. The only thing in the world at that point, was Rarity and Applejack. Thin clouds flew across the sky as the star's light shone through them to dot the ground like hundreds of fireflies. Rarity's hoof tightened as her head slowly lowered onto Applejack's, resting there peacefully. The farmer's hat was laying beside her, cast aside so she could cuddle with Rarity more comfortably.

The sun had left the world the same way it came, and Luna's domain was shining brightly above the two mares. An old free form poem echoed in Rarity's mind.

Under the stars, the two ponies sat.
Their smiles were as bright as the stars
Their hoofs intertwined as lovers.
Nothing mattered but them.

The thought made Rarity's heart jump, her happiness being pushed down in order to keep the quiet of the night. She pulled Applejack closer with her right hoof, which was lain across AJ's shoulders. The two mares sat and watched as more stars began to appear. A bird in the distance broke the silence as it sang it's happiness, and Rarity watched as a Squirrel moved into a tree for shelter from the night. How could they not love Luna's night? The way the stars seem to only glow for you. The way the moon smiles down upon you and how the light glances along the ground. It's so romantic, no matter who you're with. And... Rarity lifted her head, smiled, and kissed Applejack's forehead..I'm with the greatest mare. Applejack's own head raised up and smiled back at her, before leaning in for a delicate kiss. They held it for a few, precious seconds before parting and staring into each other's eyes. Rarity smiled.”It's getting quite late, darling,” she said pointing towards the moon. It had traversed at least a quarter of the sky. Time flies when you're having fun.

“Ah' guess we best be gettin' back then,” Applejack responded, a bit of sorrow in her voice still, “But...” She scooted closer to Rarity, “One last kiss.” Rarity obviously agreed, as she quickly met Applejack's mouth with her own, pushing herself closer to Applejack in a passionate embrace. Once it was over, they stood and Rarity tossed Applejack's hat to her. With a quick thank you, Applejack slowly turned and started the trek to the farm with a final wave to Rarity. As Rarity started the walk back to her own home, she replayed the night through her head. Uneventful was a word she would never use for any of her dates with Applejack which were so unlike her dates with other stallions. Applejack was tender, and calm while the stallions were often trying to hard to be masculine and dominant. Applejack was content with what they had, yet the stallions Rarity was used to were always wanting to go further and further. After every date, Rarity ran the day through her head. She couldn't help it. It seemed too good for her. As if every date with Applejack was a dream she couldn't control, one that she'd have to wake up from eventually and only be able to cry from the longing she'd have. Why am I having these thoughts? She screamed at herself, unable to contain her anger at her own self-doubt. Why would Applejack ever leave me? She racked her brain for the answer for that question before silently sitting on the ground. I don't deserve her, that's why. Self-doubt was always a problem with Rarity. It plagued her thoughts as she created her dresses for clients, and it was always there as she talked with her friends. Always worried that a pony would want something else from her, something bigger and better than what she thought she could accomplish. Of course, it always seemed silly in the end considering nopony ever ruined her life as much as she thought they would. Still, the thoughts followed her through her life, always nagging at her when she was so close to being truly happy.

Her hooves stumbled a little along the uneven road to the Carousel Boutique. Tonight's date, as it normally did, went perfect. They met at the designated time, and they never seemed as if they were just going through the motions. Every conversation was a new experience to Rarity, the flow never stopping or stuttering as it had on their first date. They had grown close the past few months, moving slowly in the relationship while still moving ahead. Applejack always seemed to love ending the dates with silence, and Rarity was content to do the same. They would cuddle for what seemed like hours underneath the pale moonlight and the stars. Kissing often, but always gentle and passionate. Rarity smiled at the memories of her dates, and all the warm feelings that were always with her during them. Yet, she still couldn't admit her full feelings for Applejack.

The door opened in front of her and she stepped inside, closing it with her horn. The night's weariness finally hit her as she staggered towards her bedroom, opening the door absentmindedly and dropping on her bed. I...She fell asleep almost instantly.

The sun shined brightly through Rarity's lacy drapes, falling directly on Rarity's face. Her mouth was smiling as she dreamed of Applejack. Her mind galloped through the orchards with a farmer chasing after her, giggling at the sky as she fell when caught. They cuddled, and hugged tightly. The sun blinded her to the visual world, but she could still feel it. Her mind slowly left the dream world, and she was brought back into reality. She sighed, and gracefully swung her hind hooves over the bed to stand up. I wonder what Applejack is planning on doing today...

She magically opened the closet and started to shift through her wardrobe, moving aside dresses and hats that would look out of place on such a sunny day as today. After a few minutes, and a few dozen dresses, she decided on a purple-tinted sunhat. As she fitted it onto her head, her thoughts wandered back to the mare of her dreams. I should see how she's doing. With the agenda for the day fully set in her mind, she sauntered out the door, turning towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Her hooves kicked up dust when her pace quickened. The excitement she felt when she was near Applejack was already starting to build up in her stomach. Changing into a full-out gallop, she made her way to the orchard in almost-record time. Slowing down at the dirt path, she looked around and smoothed out her mane. How easily I forget grace when I think of her.... She rolled her eyes at her own thoughts before moving forward, trying to determine how her forthcoming conversation would go. We'll go out to lunch today. Perhaps visit the top of that hill. She's always talking about how the view is the most beautiful in Equestria there. Only if she knew... Rarity giggled a bit at her thoughts this time. The thoughts faded though, and she approached the farm. Knocking on the door, Rarity stood to the side and waited for an answer.

“Ah' got it!” Applejack screamed from the inside. Rarity's mouth turned up into a larger smile as she heard the pony's voice. At least I won't have to deal with Big Macintosh's questions this time. It wasn't that he was obtrusive, he just seemed too inquisitive of his sister's relationship to Rarity's liking. She figured it was just natural curiosity. “Oh, hi Rarity,” Applejack said suddenly while Rarity noticed the door had opened when her thoughts were still happening.

“Were you expecting somepony else, darling?” She asked before giving Applejack a quick kiss to say hello. They both smiled at each other before the orange pony stepped out of her farm and stood under the open sky with Rarity. Seconds passed by without a word before Rarity spoke up. “Lunch?”

Applejack smiled and tilted her head towards the town, “You lead the way, sugarcube.” Rarity smiled back before doing as Applejack had said. Conversation was minimal as they walked, but Applejack had upped her pace so she was side by side with Rarity as they traveled. Every now and then, Rarity or Applejack would look over at the other and smile. They didn't need to speak to make a day perfect, they only needed to be together.

Applejack scooted ahead of Rarity when they approached the restaurant so she could hold the door open. “Madame,” she said while she tilted her own hat to Rarity. Rarity responded with a giggle and a thank you before moving through the door and finding out the restaurant that Applejack had picked, was another fast food joint. Why must she always insist on eating this...filth? Rarity sighed, but kept her silence. At least I'm here with her. “Now ah' know you don't really like these types o' places,” Applejack whispered from behind her. “but this one's got some fancy stuff as well.” Rarity just rolled her eyes again, smiling at the farmer as they were brought to their table.

“At least I get to pick next week,” Rarity teased before looking down at the menu. Fancy food? Ha! How can such dribble be called.....it's for Applejack, Rarity. With that last thought, she looked up at Applejack and started to talk.

--
As they left their table, Applejack quickly handed some bits to the waiter and held the door open for Rarity again. “Now that wasn't too bad, was it Sugarcube?”

“No, I must admit, it was fairly adequate,” Rarity responded as her stomach grumbled in defiance. Oh stop it you. Applejack was once again standing beside her, but this time she was much closer than before. “Dear, I was thinking we could go to that hill you were talking about a few nights back. You know the one?”

Applejack's brow furrowed for a moment before she remembered what Rarity was talking about. “Ya, Ah' know the one. It's this way.”She pointed a hoof to a path that would move around the Carousel Boutique. Rarity knew the path was there, but she had never bothered to follow it all the way to it's destination. Following the farmer, Rarity looked to the sky and beheld the sun, glowing brightly in the center of the sky. The heavens had always fascinated Rarity ever since she was a young foal. Stars that glimmered more than any gem in her collection, and a large celestial body that stood out brighter than her most fabulous dress. No matter where you were in Equestria, one could always marvel at the sun and the moon. One would always see the stars shimmering in the night sky, calling down upon the mortal ponies of the world. The beauty of it all always put Rarity in an awe-struck mood. “Y'all comin'?”

The words brought Rarity's eyes back towards the beaten path, where she noticed Applejack beaming at her. “Oh, um, I must have gotten lost in thought again.” Applejack chuckled as Rarity quickened her pace to be beside the pony.

“And what were ya' thinking of this time?” Applejack asked that almost every time, which was a lot considering Rarity got lost in thought plenty of times. Mostly it was about their future, or about how much she loved her friend.

“I was just thinking about the sky, darling. How the sun was always with me and how it shines day until night, when the second-most beautiful object came out. The stars, that shine so bright upon the ponies heads. It's poetic, really.”

“Second most beautiful?” Applejack asked, a smirk hidden on her face, “What's tha' first?” Rarity giggled before moving in close to Applejack.

“My darling, the most beautiful thing in the world is,” Rarity moved her muzzle so Applejack could feel her breathing on her own muzzle, “The sun.” She quickly backed a step up, grinning like a filly. Applejack's eyes narrowed.

“Y'all think that's funny?” she asked, her voice still being serious while teasing, “I'll show you what's more beautiful than the sun!” Applejack sneered teasingly at Rarity and pawed the ground with her hoof. “Ah'll give you ten seconds.” Rarity smiled back at Applejack before gently laying her hat on the ground.

“Three,” Applejack continued her counting as Rarity slowly brushed her mane with her hooves. “Four,” Applejack cracked both her hind legs as she readied to run after the mare who was still smiling in front of her. At six, Rarity turned around and shook her tail at Applejack, who stopped her counting. “Ten.”

Both the mares took off, Applejack taking it slow so Rarity could keep ahead of her. As the farmer passed Rarity's hat, she picked it up and held it in her mouth. They ran along the path, Rarity's thoughts leaving her for a few precious moments as Applejack laughed behind her. The wind through her mane, the sun on her face. It was all too perfect. Looking behind her, she noticed Applejack closing the distance between the two. With a giggle of delight she threw herself into the grass, and Applejack jumped after her. They both lay on their backs, staring into the sky and panting. Looking over to the farmer, Rarity scooted over and hugged her tightly. Applejack responded by placing her and Rarity's hat to the side before hugging back. They cuddled there, underneath the afternoon sun as the day clicked on. Only comforted by the beating of their own hearts and the breathing of their own lungs. I love her. Rarity cuddled closer to Applejack, her head being lost in Applejack's neck. I love her. With all my heart, I love this pony. Applejack held her closely and Rarity happily obliged to be closer to her. Should I say it? Ten months... Is that enough time? She felt Applejack shifting her position underneath her, but Rarity continued to think. Have I ever actually had a relationship last this long? Oh, woe is me. I should know what to do at this point! Celestia knows the books have covered relationships that have gone on this long.

“Somethin' wrong, sugarcube?” Rarity sat up and looked towards Applejack, who was sitting up as well.

“Just...thinking.” Rarity responded. Thinking about us. About our future. About love and expressions of it. She wanted to tell Applejack everything that was on her mind, but a feeling in her gut stopped her. I don't want to take this any faster than it needs to be.

“Ya' do that a lot,” Applejack teased, playfully making contact with Rarity. Rarity smiled back, but her smile was only half-there. The thoughts still crowded her mind. Oh, I must figure this out! What if Sweetie Belle asks me in a few years...I mustn't not have an answer! Wait,....oh horseapples. Sweetie Belle will be off school soon! Rarity jumped to her hooves and brushed grass out of her mane.

“Yes, quite a lot. Right now I'm thinking about how we really need to get going. The girls will be off of school any second now!” Rarity bent over Applejack and grabbed her hat, putting it magically on her head. Applejack did the same with her own headgear.

“Horseapples. How long we been sitting out here?” Applejack asked, looking towards the sky, trying to determine the position of the sun.

“Long enough, darling,” Rarity responded before starting her way back to the path. Giving a quick glance back at Applejack, she kept moving ahead.

“Can Ah' ask you somethin?” Applejack asked as she appeared to the right of Rarity.

“Of course.”

“What'cha doin' fer supper?”

“I'm not sure. I think I was planning on making something quick for Sweetie and I.”

“How about you come on down to that one fancy diner?”

“Which one?”

“The one we went to our first date.” Applejack cocked an eyebrow as Rarity thought. Returning to the location of the first date? Doesn't that normally mean....Oh Celestia. “It's fine if yer busy,” Applejack continued, still staring at Rarity as they walked along.

“Of course, sure, we could go there,” Rarity stammered before adding, “Any particular reason why?”

“Nope.” Applejack smirked at her before turning back to the path in front of her. Nope? She's read the books...Has she not noticed the significance of this? Is ten months enough? We haven't even said I love you...

The rest of the walk was plagued with an awkward silence that Rarity would brood on for hours, even while she was 'relaxing' at the spa. Her thoughts would never stray from her own worries, fears, and emotions.

Her hooficure felt wrong, and her mane felt a mess. She brushed far too many times already, yet it still wasn't enough for her. Is she really going to do this? Am I just imaging things? I must be ready for anything. She brushed the comb through her mane again, worrying about overdoing it and knowing that it was already overdone. As soon as she got home from the spa she had started to get ready. Four different dresses were lain across her bed and eight corresponding hats were hung up around the room. Can never be too prepared. Twilight taught me that. Her friend's names seemed weird in her head, as if they all held a different connotation than before.

“Don't you think that's enough?” a small voice asked from her doorway. Rarity turned to look at her sister and sighed. Sweetie Belle's hair was supposed to be done as well, but her sister had whined about liking it the way it always was. At least she put on the dress. Sweetie Belle's dress had small frills at the back of it, covering her entire body from neck to the base of her tail. “So nopony sees my blank-flank,” she had stated.

“Yes, I suppose you are right,” Rarity gave another sigh before casting a glance to her dresses, “Be a dear and help me pick one.”

Sweetie Belle beamed from the door before rushing to the bed and grabbing a purple-embroidered one in her mouth, “Mmph mpph!”

“SWEETIE BELLE!” The dress was quickly yanked out of her sister's now agape mouth, “Don't you know you'll ruin the dress! This has been made from the finest fibers our bits could buy, the embroidery being imported from Manehatten and the lace imported from Canterlot. ” Rarity used her magic to brush the dress and fluff the part where Sweetie's mouth had pressed. “Don't touch any of them, just pick one!”

The small filly frowned and pointed her hoof angrily at a random dress. “That one. I guess.”

“Too simple.”

“That one?”

“Too....frilly.”

“Fine then. The last one.”

Rarity made her way over to the bed and stared at the last dress. “Too...gaudy.” Sapphires were laid across the seams so the wearer would sparkle when the sky shined onto her.

“The only one left is the one I 'ruined,'” Sweetie Belle replied, her voice giving off how annoyed she was at having to deal with Rarity's typical routine. Rarity looked over to the dress that was laid across her workspace and picked it up.

“It's perfect.”

“Can we go now?”

Rarity rolled her eyes at her sister. Always in a rush. “Now, which hat do you think looks the best?”

“Hurry up, we're going to be laate!” Sweetie called to Rarity, drawing out the 'a' on late as she sometimes did with different words.

“Just one last check,” Rarity called, looking into the hoof-mirror she had brought along with her. I need to be perfect for this. No matter how many times Sweetie Belle had insisted she looked fine, Rarity always would find something that needed fixing. Her mane was too curly or too straight. She picked the wrong dress and the wrong hat, or she didn't have enough make-up on. It had annoyed Sweetie Belle, who thought it would be over once they left the Boutique. It wasn't. The few minutes it would have normally taken for Rarity to get to the restaurant instead took almost half-an-hour. Her constant stops to look into the small mirror were enough to make Sweetie Belle almost insane, and Rarity almost late. Luckily,, they made it to the restaurant five minutes before the agreed upon meeting time, and noticed Applejack standing by the door waiting.

“Howdy girls,” She called. Rarity's eyes trailed along the farmer's body, which was covered by another dress. Simple, like the one I made her. But it's not the same. Lace covered her cutie mark as well, and the seams were fitted with small little diamonds. Did Fluttershy make that? “Why don't y'all come inside and we can start?”

“Hello, beautiful” Rarity stated as she kissed Applejack hello.

“Eww, gross!” Sweetie Belle called from below them. Her tone was enough to make Applejack chuckle out loud and for Rarity to giggle politely.

“You'll see, Sweetie. When yer a little older, you'll be wanting to kiss plenty a stallion.”

“Never!” Rarity's sister declared before squeezing past the two mares and inside the restaurant. Rarity looked through the door and smiled.

“Shall we?” Applejack laid a hoof along Rarity's shoulder before following Sweetie Belle into the restaurant.

“Waiter? A table for...did you only bring Big Mac?” Rarity asked as her eyes scanned the small lobby. Big Macintosh stood in the corner, his eyes dotted with bits of red as if he was crying before.

“No need, Rarity. Just y'all follow me. You too Big Mac.” Applejack lead them through the dining hall where ponies sat, eating their dinners and pretending not to stare at the group of ponies walking towards a larger door in the back. She got the dining suite? The doors opened to a rush of laughter and joy.

“There's the two lovebirds,” a tomboyish voice called from Rarity's right. She looked over and noticed Rainbow Dash standing off to the side of the table, one leg in the air as if she was preparing to do a trick.

“Hi girls,” Twilight called from the center of the table. Her mane was curled slightly at the tip and Rarity noticed she was also wearing a fancy gown. Were my suspicions correct?.

“Hey you two! Aren't you excited? I'm super excited! I mean, normally I'm the one planning the parties but this time it was Applejack who planned the party which NEVER happens and I mean NEVER happens because it's usually me planning the parties! Isn't that so silly? Or is it ironic? Which one is that? Hey Twilight, what's ironic mean again?” Pinkie Pie was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, her gala dress almost shaking.

“Irony. The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning,” Twilight stated.

“Told you. I'm not the dictionary. She is,” Rarity heard Sweetie Belle whisper to her two friends. A smile came across her face and she felt her worries wash away. How could I ever be worried with friends like these? The most understanding and wonderful friends a mare could ask for.

“Shall we sit?” Applejack asked, pointing to a chair that was held out slightly for Rarity to sit in. Rarity obliged and Applejack sat next to her. The conversation between all her friends continued. Twilight sat patiently in front of them, nodding to Pinkie Pie who seemed to never stop her sentence. Rainbow Dash stood in the corner with Scootaloo and the other CMC, miming different tricks that she would normally do while Flying. Big Macintosh and Granny Smith sat on the far left, whispering to each other so as not to disturb anypony's conversations. Rarity looked to the right of Twilight and noticed Fluttershy, who was sunk a little into her seat.

“Darling, why do you seem so nervous?” Rarity asked Fluttershy.

“Umm...no reason. There's just a lot of noise....maybe somepony outside is going to come in and tell us to quiet down or they'll kick us out of this real fancy restaurant” she stammered and Rarity tried to stifle the giggle that almost escaped her.

“Fluttrershy, nopony is going to come in and stop us from conversing. This room is warded against noise so as not to disturb the other patrons.” As Rarity finished, both doors opened to a long line of waiters and Fluttershy squeaked, sliding closer to the ground. The waiter ponies each held a silver tray, which were put onto the table and opened. Pinkie Pie's eyes widened at the large array of food before her. Everything from pears to pastries were laid out before the eleven ponies that sat at the table. The ponies that were standing took their seats, and the ponies that were seated took their food. Rarity's jaw was left on the floor as she stared at the food. This must have cost at least....well, it must have cost a fortune! She leaned over to Applejack and whispered, “Dear, I know you want this night to be special but you don't need to spend a year's savings on this!”

Applejack chuckled slightly, “Sugarcube, this ain't even half o' the year's savings. It's been a good harvest this year.” Is something left unsaid? Or is that just in my mind? With Applejack's calming words, Rarity took a small amount of food and placed it gingerly on her plate. As others stuffed their mouths, she gently cut her food and placed it into her own mouth, waiting for the surprise that she knew was coming. The longer she waited, the slower she ate. When? When will it happen? The waiters came and took their dinner away, half of Rarity's still left untouched on her plate.

“CAKETIME!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she bounced to her feet and hopped over to the corner. But, isn't dessert on the table? Pinkie Pie was still jumping as she reached her head into a bag that Rarity had not noticed before. The pink pony reappeared with a large cake balanced on her nose. Twilight's confused face sent the Cutie Mark Crusaders into fits of giggles.

“That could never fit inside that...but...” Twilight rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, trying not to draw too much attention.

“For the lovely couple,” Pinkie Pie said before placing the cake between Applejack and Rarity. This is it, isn't it? Am I ready for this? Rarity did a mental check of her appearance as Applejack thanked Pinkie Pie for the cake. Upon further investigation, Rarity would have noticed that one half of the cake was apple-flavored with diamond icing while the other was flavored with Canterlot spices and decorated with Apple icing. Except, she didn't investigate further. She continued her mental check-list and waited for Applejack to speak.

Instead, the earth pony cut the cake and passed one piece to each of the ponies sitting at the table. Rarity stared at her own piece, smaller than the rest. Why isn't she asking the question? Applejack smiled at her from the side as each pony ate their cake. Pinkie Pie was finished first, and had started on the different desserts that were left in the middle of the table. Still Rarity stared at her cake. Why?

“Something wrong?” Applejack asked quietly, her voice full with care.

Rarity nodded her head slowly, “I'm...not hungry.” Applejack took her plate from in front of her and passed it over to Pinkie Pie who gladly ate every bit of it.

“Yum! I wish I made more!” Pinkie Pie said, staring at her empty plate after everypony was done eating.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, “It was very delicious, Pinkie. Thank you so much. Can I have the recipe? I mean, if you don't mind that is. I think Angel would love it.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie,” Pinkie Pie shouted over to Fluttershy who smiled in response. Conversation continued on as normal, Applejack giving words to each pony occasionally. Rarity sat staring at the table in front of her though, only looking up to nod in agreement or laugh politely with everypony else. Why hasn't it happened yet? No matter how gloomy Rarity felt, the feeling of excitement kept everypony going for another hour or so. As conversations started to dwindle, Applejack stood up.

“Ah'd like to thank everypony for coming here today. Ah' know we don't really get to hang out as much as we used ta' when evil ponies were always threatening Equestria, but we'll always have each other no matter what. So, thanks again everypony. Ah'll see y'all when Ah' see y'all.” Applejack smiled at the everypony before looking down to Rarity. The nine other ponies stood as well, starting to say their goodbyes and leaving. It's not happening.... Rarity noticed Applejack whispering to Twilight and pointing her head towards the three fillies in the corner. Twilight nodded before leaving the room, the Cutie Mark Crusaders following behind her and Fluttershy. “Mah' lady,” Applejack extended a hoof to help Rarity out of her chair. No matter how disappointed she was, she couldn't let Applejack see it. She stood along side the farmer and watched her friends exit the restaurant.

“So...”

“Ah' figured we could use some alone time. Twilight's got the girls until tomorrow afternoon.” Applejack gave Rarity a sly grin, a bit of red appearing in her cheeks. Rarity's heart fluttered, and she felt a small pain in her stomach.

“I have a...shipment. Coming in. Tomorrow,” Rarity made sure her nose didn't scrunch up at the obvious lie. Is she really asking me...to...Why not? Rarity's mind argued as Applejack talked. She's not like anypony else I've ever met. She's kind. We're going too slow anyways. But it's too soon! Don't I want it be special? Don't I want it to be with a promise of forever? The others never promised forever. They didn't promise anything.

“So what'dya say?”

“Yes?” Rarity answered quickly before mentally facehoofing. What did I just agree to? Did I just...Oh Celestia, why must I always fall into my thoughts? Applejack smiled at her and pulled her lightly at the shoulder out of the room, and out of the restaurant. She kept her smile as she lead Rarity back along the path to the farm. As Rarity saw the barn come into view, her heart sank and she stopped in her path.

“I can't,” she whispered.

“What's that?”

“I....I can't do that. Not with you. Not without....I want it to be special,” she tried to explain but only ended stumbling over her words. At the confused glare of Applejack, she continued, “I don't want to rush into anything. Not without knowing that you'll love me like I love you. Because I do, Applejack. I love you.”

“Love...me?” Rarity clapped her hooves over her mouth. Why did I go and say that? Applejack took a step forward and pressed a hoof to Rarity's mouth. “Darling, Ah've loved you since Ah first laid my eyes on you. My thoughts have always been filled with your smile and your beautiful eyes have always visited me while Ah' slept. Ah've never dated nopony else because deep down, Ah' knew Ah' always loved you. And that's why...” Applejack bent at her hindhooves at looked up at Rarity, “Ah' want you to be my wife.”

The Final Day

Rarity awoke at the crack of dawn, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the ceiling of her seemingly small bedroom.

Darling, Ah've loved you since Ah first laid my eyes on you. My thoughts have always been filled with your smile and your beautiful eyes have always visited me while Ah' slept. Ah've never dated nopony else because deep down, Ah' knew Ah' always loved you. And that's why...Ah' want you to be my wife.

Her heart pounded faster as she remembered the way she had fallen to her knees and broke into tears... The memories of Applejack's confusion, written clearly on her face, stung Rarity's heart. Only when she was able to stop the sobs, could she explain her answer.

Applejack, I.....yes.

One simple word was enough to bring elated joy to both ponies. It was weeks back and yet she still remembered it perfectly. Rarity thought that she remembered it so well because it was her least busy day for months. Every day after the affirmative answer had been filled with invitations to ponies- although Pinkie Pie had happily handled most of that- and having to take congratulations from everypony on the street. Rarity spent weeks with Applejack just trying to pick which ring they were going to use, and she did not even want to think about how long it took to find a designer, at her level, that would make a wedding dress like she wanted. How foolish of me to not work on my own wedding dress. Her heart pounded faster when her head turned towards the clock. Oh horseapples!

Applejack looked towards her own clock and sighed. In contrast to Rarity's excitement, Applejack only had a slight feeling of joy. Once it's over I'll be happier. She promised herself that for weeks on end, and she still held onto that hope. The hope that the only thing bringing her down was the fact that she hadn't had a second to just buck apples. I wonder if Big Mac'll need me to come and help....she stopped the next thought as it tried to invade her mind by standing up. Well, here goes nothin'. Her back ached and cracked as Applejack moved quietly along the wooden floor of the farmhouse. Rarity had installed a mirror in the corner for Applejack to preen herself in-No matter how much Ah' was against it. Ah' ain't the preenin' type.

She lightly brushed her mane, taking out the knots that formed while she slept and tying it back into her usual ponytail. She looked across the plain white dresser and slammed her head down on top of it. Just a few more minutes of sleep. Her eyes started to close and she let out a small snort before flicking her head back, her heart starting to pound. Ah' gotta go get ready! Applejack shook her head and smacked it once, trying to wake up. “Macintosh! Ah' need you to bring that girly stuff!”

“Eeyup,” was the answer from the doorway. Applejack turned to look at Big Macintosh carrying what seemed like far too much makeup and various aesthetically pleasing items that Rarity had painstakingly bought for Applejack. Ah'll only wear 'em this one time, Applejack had promised Rarity. She had a feeling Rarity was going to make her wear them more than once though, somehow the fashion designer had that power sometimes. “Y'all ready?” Applejack nodded to her brother before closing her eyes. This is going to be a loong day.

“And then I sent out invitations to Mrs. Cake and Mr. Cake and Celestia and Luna oops I mean Princess Celestia and princess Luna or does she like to be called Nightmare Moon still I don't really know I haven't seen her since Nightmare Night anyways I also sent an invitation to Lightning Bolt and Twilight and All the Apples and Applejack's Aunt Orange and Applejack's uncle Orange and really the rest of the Oranges over in Manehatten but I don't know if they're actually going to come and I sent a few over to Appleloosa to go to Braebu-”

“PINKIE!,” the librarian yelled as she shut Pinkie's mouth with her horn, “I just wanted to know an approximation of the amount of ponies who were planning on attending, a number will suffice.”

“Oh...about,” Pinkie lowered her eyebrows and started to count on her hooves out loud, “fifty-six, fifty-seven, one hundred twenty-six....around three hundred.” Twilight sighed and looked behind her towards Spike before looking back to Pinkie.

“Thank you, Pinkie. Now you can name them but try to slow it down a little.”

“Of course Twilight! So there's Rarity and Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, that's you, and Pinkie Pie, that's me, and Fluttershy and Big Macintosh...”

This is going to be a long day, thought Twilight as she helped Spike create the list of the guests that were planning on attending.

“Oh, no, excuse me,” The timid yellow pony murmured as she looked towards the birds perched in front of her, “Mister Blue? It is Mister Blue, correct? I'm sorry but you're a tad bit off-tune. I don't want Rarity to get mad or anything so if you could just sing a little higher....please.”

“Chirp.”

“Oh, thank you so much,” Fluttershy said kindly as she moved back in front of the tree where the birds were stationed, “One more time, if you don't mind. One...two...three,” The birds started to chirp again as Fluttershy conducted them. What is that...oh no, should I correct him? No, he'll just get angry. No, Fluttershy, you promised you'd make this the best wedding choir and by Celestia you will do that! “Mister Blue!”

“Chirp?”

“You need to sing higher, or you will be unable to preform with the rest of the birds!” Fluttershy stared at the blue jay that was perched in front of her, the yellow pony's eyes growing as the stare lengthened. The blue jay wanted to fly away in fear, but found itself unable to. The only thing it could do was let out a weak chirp. “Oh, good. Thank you very much. Once again now. No, no, no. Robin, you're off a little now.” This is going to take a while.

Rainbow Dash's wings felt cold against her back as she sore through the air, the wind rustling her short mane slightly. Phase Three: The Sonic Rainboom. She took herself back to that day, the one that was always ready in her memory. The day she had finally showed up those guys from Flight Camp, and the same ones from Flight School. More importantly though, she showed herself that she was capable of everything. And now? Rarity had requested a flight show for their wedding. “Oh, I'll give you a flight show,” Rainbow had replied before soaring off without another word.

Clouds brushed her face as she tore through them, moving higher and higher into the air. She was only practising, but Rainbow Dash was never one for not showing off. She tried to smile but could only let out a small smirk before her she started to plummet towards the ground. Her speed was increasing, and her eyes were tearing up. Go for it. Practice Shmactice. With a new found spirit, she pressed her wings tighter to her body and kept speeding towards the ground. A small cone of air could have been seen around her if somepony was watching, but Rainbow Dash had picked a place far away from Ponyville, just in case the trick didn't work out too well. Her ears flattened to her head as she felt the world explode. A rainboom appeared behind her, the sound of the crash deafening her for just a second before she let out a cheer and dashed parallel to the ground. Awwww yeah. This wedding is going to be the Best. Day. Ever!

Rarity paced back and forth, her friends shuffling awkwardly behind her. Twilight sat in the corner, reading up on various marriage customs while Rainbow Dash stood beside her, stretching her muscles for the big show. Fluttershy was off in another room, tending to her song birds while Pinkie Pie was bouncing off the walls, her mouth in a constant motion. “This is so cool! Rarity and Applejack getting married is so awesome! We were friends before and I mean we're still all friends but we're just friends and now Rarity and Applejack are going to be more than friends although they were kind of that before but that doesn't really matter right now because this is so much bigger than that!” Pinkie Pie kept up the jabber, hyped up from the “taste tests” she did while baking the confectioneries that were to be served for the night. Rarity and Twilight kept their parts up in keeping Pinkie Pie going, giving her acknowledgement when she needed it. There were more important things than Pinkie's motor-mouth after all. The door opened and in walked Spike, his eyes a little red but still wide at the sight of Rarity.

“Wah! Spike! Are we ready to go yet?” Rarity asked impatiently, looking between the mirror and young dragon quickly. She was already wearing her dress, and was worried about every imperfection. Her dress was long and flowing, as most dresses were for the occasion, embroidered with a white thread. The main dress was orange though, apples and diamonds intersecting with eachother along the sides. When Rarity had seen it, her heart almost couldn't take the excitement of wearing such a beautiful dress. Thoughts of how she would've done it were in her mind, but they were pushed back quickly.

“Umm...Twilight, can I speak to you outside?” Twilight looked towards the young dragon and back to the bride, who was staring in the mirror. She nodded and stood up before creeping outside with a small shrug to Rainbow Dash who was glaring at the both of them.

“Twilight, is there any way...um...I mean, they've been dating for a while but now I'm right there and...well, remember that secret I told you?” Spike hurriedly whispered to Twilight, checking beside him to make sure nopony was listening.

“The secret that,” Twilight looked around before bending to Spike's ear and whispering, “you like Rarity?”

Spike blushed, “Ya...that one. Is there any way that I can sort of, not be around for the main wedding part? Not to say I don't want my friends to be happy though! It's just that...”

Twilight hushed him and nodded, “That's fine Spike, I know how you're feeling. I remember how jealous you can get sometimes. But jealousy doesn’t help at all, Spike. Remember Owlicious? Just know that you're going to have to get over it soon. Any news about Applejack?”

Spike's sigh of relief was followed by a small huff of green smoke, “Nothing new. Just, keep her busy.” Twilight nodded and moved her way back inside while Spike shuffled off.

“Oh dear, no,” Fluttershy whispered to Spike as he relayed the news, or rather lack of news, to Fluttershy, “This isn't good...I don't know what I'd do if I was in her position.” Spike shrugged at her reply before sighing with the puff of green smoke again.

“Should we...send someone to the farm again?” he asked, hoping Fluttershy would agree so he'd have an excuse to get away from everyone for a little while, just to collect his senses.

“Well, I did send a canary over there not too long ago with a message, but, if you want to, I wouldn't stop you,” her voice was getting softer and softer as the nervous energy of the ensemble gathered at the hall increased. Even if she was away from the rest of the ponies, she still felt that something was wrong.

Spike smiled a little, “Well I'll go make sure your canary is safe and maybe I'll find out what's taking so long at the same time.” He quickly left, giving Twilight a quick update before running out of the large party hall and towards the Apple farm on the outskirts of town.

“Ah' can't!” Applejack's southern twinge was stronger than ever as she screamed at her brother and cousin who were trying to pull her by her tail. Her hooves were clinging desperately to the apple tree she had hid underneath, and her mouth was holding one of the branches whenever she wasn't yelling.

“It doesn't matter, Applejack! You only got cold feet, it'll go away,” Caramel clamped his mouth on Applejack's tail again and tried pulling, moving nowhere.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac Agreed before trying a different method by grasping on Applejack's hind quarters with his hooves and trying to pull her up.

“Ah' made a mistake!” she shouted and kicked both her hindhooves backwards. One landed square on Caramel's jaw, the other in the middle of Big Macintosh's forehead. They both released Applejack in pain, and the farmer took advantage by running forward and turning around. “Now, Ah' don't care if y'all are going to be mad at me for not going, but y'all'll have tah drag me before I show my face anywhere around that hall!”

Caramel looked over to Big Macintosh and shook his head. “You really feel that way, Applejack?”

“Eeyup,” she responded, wiping off the small amount of makeup that Big Macintosh actually managed to get on her face with her hoof.

Big Macintosh stared at his sister and shook his head, “Just think about what you're doing, Applejack. Think about what you're giving up. That's all I wanna say.” With that, Big Macintosh turned around and walked off. Caramel gave one last look at Applejack before following her brother. Applejack stared defiantly at the back for them before plopping on the ground and tossing her hat to the side.

“What am Ah' doing?” she asked her apple trees, sighing loudly, “Why can't Ah' do this? It ain't like Rarity is gunna leave me...Ah'm leavin' her right now. Why? Why would Ah' do that?” She smacked her hooves on the ground, crying out in frustration, “Ah' guess...Ah' don't know.” She hung her head in shame, thinking of the inevitable pain she was making her friends feel.

“Applejack?” a small voice called out from behind her. She turned and saw the young dragon standing there, looking a bit embarrassed.

“How much did ya hear?” she asked quickly, trying to decide if it was a better idea to run.

“All of it,” Spike admitted before trying to close the distance between them. The farmer took a few quick steps backwards, “Look, Applejack, I'm not going to force you into anything. I...just want to talk.” Applejack sat down on the ground cautiously, and Spike sat beside her. “I'm going to be honest with you Applejack, and I want the same. Pinkie Pie swear?” Spike did the motions as Applejack mirrored them. “I...have a crush on Rarity. Or, I guess, had. It doesn't really matter now. But, I never really wanted you and Applejack to go too far. I don't know if you remember, but I was a bit jealous over Owlicious. Twilight says that I'm just prone to jealousy, whatever that means. But I think you should go to Rarity. The only thing I wanted since meeting her was for her to look at me the same way she looks at you. She loves you Applejack, you shouldn't hurt her like you're doing right now.” Applejack had sat with stunned silence throughout Spike's small monologue, and now she could only blink. Ah' knew he liked her, but...what am Ah' worried about?

“Spike, Ah' wanna thank you,” Applejack responded after a moment before hugging the young dragon tightly. “You taught me something special today.”

Spike blushed, “Can I, uh, know what it is so I can write that to the Princess? We haven't really had time to send a letter for the past few weeks.”

Applejack ruffled Spike's small spines, “Y'all taught me that sometimes you just need t'ah do something you don't want to do, because your mind might be just making up silly excuses. Now let's go to that hall.”

“Rarity!” Spike shouted as he burst through the door. Rarity was still pacing back and forth, her eyes quivering on the brink of tears, “It's time!” All the ponies in the room gasped and looked towards Spike. Twilight looked over to Rarity and smirked.

“Are you ready?” she asked, hoping Rarity would cheer up a little at the sight of Twilight's small smile. It didn't help.

“She...she is an hour late!” Rarity shrieked, her eyes widening in anger, “and now she expects me to go out there and pretend like nothing happened?!” She bit her lip angrily and stopped. Wait. Each time I've overreacted.... “Twilight?”

“Yes, Rarity?” Twilight responded.

“Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie?”

“Wuh?” Rainbow Dash asked, her muscles feeling more loose than ever considering she'd been stretching for a while.

“Ya?” Pinkie replied, making a stop beside Twilight.

After a few moments of hesitation, Rarity finally sighed, “Can you help me get my veil on?”

Rarity looked towards her sister and smiled. Her foreleg was holding her father's as her eyes fixated back towards the closed door in front of her. The anger from before was completely gone now, her mind staying calm and collected for once. “Sweetie, I don't think a Flower Filly cutie mark is really something you want.”

“But Rarity, we could be the first!” she said loudly, pointing towards Scootaloo and Applebloom who were behind her, getting their baskets ready.

“If you say so, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said with a small giggle. She looked towards the door again and heard a song start to play, “That's your queue Sweetie Belle.”

The crusaders looked towards each other and jumped, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER FLOWER FILLIES! Yay.” The doors opened and the three fillies started to jump down the aisle, throwing flowers left and right.

Rarity took a deep breath and looked towards her father. “I guess it's our turn now.”

“I'm proud of you, Rarity.” Her father said quietly before they started to walk down the aisle. All eyes were on them as her dress dragged across the ground. Applejack stood near the Princess, and the sight of her made Rarity's heart stop. Where is her....no, Rarity, calm down. She's here. She loves you that much. She kept walking, her eyes solely fixated on the farmer in the front of the room. It doesn't matter though. None of it does. Her mouth started to curl up, and her eyes started to glisten with tears. This is it! Her father gave one last look to her before he sat with her mother, but Rarity didn't notice. Her eyes were only focusing on her soon-to-be bride.

With a quick nod to Applejack, they both faced Princess Celestia who smiled down towards both of them and spoke to the audience, “Mares and Gentle colts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Miss Rarity, and Miss Applejack. Their love is strong, and their commitment is clear. Rarity, Applejack, I now pronounce you Mare and Mare,” Princess Celestia stood tall as she looked upon the two elements in front of her, who were only looking at each other. Spike held up a small pillow which held two golden rings on it, each pony taking one. Applejack placed it on Rarity’s horn, while Rarity intertwined Applejack’s into her hat. Cheers rang through the hall as the two ponies moved together, sealing their marriage with a small but passionate kiss. As they separated, Rarity kept her nose to Applejack's.

“I love you, darling.”

“And Ah' love you, Sugarcube.” They kissed again as everypony, and Spike, looked on with excitement. They separated one more time, before turning to the crowd and smiling.

“Now who's ready to PAAARTY?” Pinkie Pie shouted, bouncing in front of them as Rainbow Dash flew by the windows, a rainboom trailing behind her. The entire crowd cheered only louder as music filled the hall.

The party had ended, and most ponies were leaving to their respective homes. Only Rarity, Applejack and Princess Celestia stayed at the hall, relaxing after the dancing.

“I'm proud of you, Applejack. When everypony thought you were going to abandon your friends, you showed up. And Rarity, you forgiving her. Only true love holds that power between ponies. I wish you both a long life together,” the Princess smiled at them before unfurling her wings and taking flight. As she flew back to Canterlot, Rarity smiled over to Applejack.

“Ah'm sorry,” Applejack said quickly. She was looking bashfully at the ground, “Ah' was worried about showing up. Ah' thought that somehow, this marriage would change everything.”

“In a way, it did,” Rarity put her foreleg around Applejack's shoulders and kissed her forehead, “but it changed everything for the better. We're different ponies, Applejack. These past months have been some of the greatest months of my life, and I know that only better ones will come. And do you know why?”

“Because Ah'm so great?” Applejack replied with a chuckle.

Rarity rolled her eyes, “I guess we can go with that. Now, are you ready for our honeymoon?” Rarity stood up and moved backwards to the exit, motioning Applejack to follow her. Rarity's new bride stood and walked calmly towards the door. As Rarity's horn glowed, the door swung open showcasing a carriage built for two with four very patient stallions waiting in the front. They smiled at the two new brides as the door to the carriage swung open and Rarity climbed inside. Applejack followed with a knowing grin.

“So where did we leave off?” Rarity asked before throwing her forelegs around Applejack and kissing her.

The Business Proposal

A silver needle made its way through the pale blue fabric of a layered dress for the last time, having reached the end of a particular seam. The white mare behind it, humming slightly, let a sigh escape from her mouth as she laid the dress over an unused pony-mannequin. She glanced over to the window, then back to her dress. Her mind kept silent only for a moment before doubts clouded her thoughts.

Is it perfect? She pursed her lips together before shaking her head slightly. “No, Rarity, it isn’t. Perhaps,” she bent down and looked at the frills on the back, “a bit more styling down the seams.” Her horn cast a light blue glow as she lifted up the dress and dropped it back onto her worktable, a knock at the door interrupting her from starting again.
A visitor? Perhaps it’s a customer! She pushed the door aside to reveal the mailpony, a stallion with a small object pinched between his teeth.

“Letter for one Miss Rarity,” he announced, his words barely enunciated. Her name was clearly visible on the envelope though, so she grabbed it with her magic and thanked the mailpony before closing the door and heading back to the dress. Her name was written elegantly, and this intrigued Rarity. She opened the envelope and read aloud to herself.

“Dearest Rarity,
I’m sure you've noticed the recent trend this season, with everypony throwing old dresses to the side and sporting new accessories! What I’m asking of you is a rustic fashion line for the Canterlotites. Have it done as soon as you can, dear. Don’t want to leave these ponies waiting.
Sincerely, Fancypants”

Her words hung in the air before she squeed audibly, “Fancypants wants me to do a special order?” However, her excitement was short-lived. “Rustic? How is that even possible? How can a beautiful dress look simple and plain? Besides, the closest thing I've done would be Twilight’s dress from her party, and that wasn't even planned!” She lay her head down on her unfinished dress and sighed before jumping up.

“I-DE-A!”

Her mind was filled with plans and blueprints as she changed the sign to closed at the Carousel Boutique and started down the road. “Simple, and fabulous,” she thought to herself as she trotted along, “Truly something only I could create.” Murmuring to herself, she almost collided with a young stallion on the street.

“What was that?” the stallion asked, to which Rarity only responded with the sounds of her quickening hoof steps, fading into the distance. Rarity was far too gone into her ideas and the thought of pleasing the mustached unicorn with her dress.
As she trotted along the path, she visualized her plans. “A decorated straw hat, with a beautiful brown saddle laced in a light green to match the ground and the grass. Oh, and I can’t forget fabulous boots embroidered on the top. Just simply wond-,“ she stopped for a second before shaking her head at herself, “No Rarity, you must think simple. What you’re used to is far too flashy.” She tried to organize another dress but her thoughts were stopped when she collided with another pony.

“Oh Rarity, I’m so sorry I bumped into you,” Twilight apologized, levitating her book away from her face. “I have this new assignment that I’m real busy with at the moment, guess I need to take my head out of the clouds once in a while.”

“It’s no problem, dear.” What was that design? A lacy straw saddle with…brown horseshoe…and an…oh darn. Her face dropped a bit, “I’m dearly sorry as well, Twilight. I should have been paying more attention as well.” Without waiting for a response, she regained her pace on the way to her destination.

Soon, the path beneath her turned into a layer of dust and an orchard of apples sprawled out in front of her. Her pace quickened once more, she cantered to the barn and felt the tempo of her heartbeat increasing among the silence of the orchard. “Hello? Is anypony home?” she called out while sweeping her head back and forth, her question fading away to the expanses of empty field.

As the white pony started to give up on her search, she felt something hit the side of her head. As she stumbled backwards, she turned towards the intrusion and noticed a small orange Pegasus uselessly flapping her wings on the ground. “Sorry Rarity! Are you okay?” the young Pegasus asked as she boosted herself up with her hooves.

“Of course, Scootaloo, but you shouldn't be playing out here where other ponies might be working,” Rarity brushed the dirt out of her mane, her mouth grimacing at the young filly. Scootaloo’s coat was dirty with branches and small leaves as she looked out towards the way she fell. “If I may ask, what are you doing?”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CARRION CATCHERS! Yay,” Scootaloo’s cheer was harmonized by the two other fillies that appeared out of the orchard.

“Did ya’ catch any birds, Scoots?” Apple Bloom asked, looking around the ground.

“Nah, but I caught Sweetie Belle’s sister,” Scootaloo grinned and looked over at the white filly who was trying to hide her laughter.
“Big Sis? Why are you here?” as she calmed down, she started to shake her head, believing the fun to be over and the day’s cutie mark crusading to be at an end, “It’s not even supper.”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity’s mouth twitched slightly, “I might ask you the same question.” She didn't remember the last time the CMC didn't get slightly hurt from their crusading.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CARRION CATCHERS!” the three fillies shouted again before Apple Bloom stepped forward. “We made this thingy that shoots Scoots into tha’ air to catch some of them crows that Applejack is always fussin’ about!”

Rarity’s eyes rolled as she sighed, “Oh, well,” At least it’s better than letting them into the Everfree Forest again. “Have you girls seen Applejack?”

“She ain't here!” Apple Bloom stated, pointing her hoof towards Ponyville, “She said she had ta’ go see Twilight.”

Twilight’s? If only I hadn't been so enthralled I wouldn't have had to come all the way here… “Thank you, Apple Bloom,” she stared at her younger sister before starting the trek back to the library. “Sweetie, do be careful. And be home for dinner,” she called over her shoulder. With Rarity leaving, the three fillies ran back into the orchard to catch more crows.

Really darling, you need to pay more attention. This whole trip could have been avoided. Rarity scolded herself as she picked the foliage out of her hair back at the Carousel Boutique. She brushed the dust off her hooves as well before leaving again. Making sure to pay more attention to her surroundings, she quickly made it to Twilight’s library, seeing the large tree in the distance. Speeding up as she approached, she knocked on the front door, her horn glowing light blue. “Hello? Twilight, are you there?” she called inquisitively.

As Rarity was about to look through one of the windows, the door opened and she almost tumbled over Spike, her last knocking hitting his top spike. “Watch where you’r-” he began before identifying the visitor and having his pupils replaced by hearts. “Rarity. To-um-what pleasure do I have of you being here in…in…” he continued, floating off the ground with his gaping mouth.

Smiling as he stumbled over his words, she interrupted, “I’m here for Twilight, Spikey-Wikey. Can I come in?”

“O-of course!” Spike yelled before moving aside. “Would you like some tea, or cookies, or tea and cookies or a book or what? Anything you want, I can get! Twilight doesn't call me her number one assistant for nothing!”

“Some tea would be nice, dear.” As Rarity walked past, she felt wrong not to have reciprocated his feelings, but she couldn't make up because he was just a baby dragon and she was almost a full-grown mare!

Twilight’s eyes shifted from her book for a second, “Did we have an appointment?” She waited for a second before quickly adding, “That sounded a bit rude, didn't it. What can I do for you?”

Rarity smirked. Looks like Twilight didn't heed any of my social etiquette lessons. “ I've heard Applejack is here, and I’m seeking her help for a project I’m working on.”

“What a coincidence!” Twilight grinned before nodding towards the door, “She was just over here to help me with my project. I sent her out to test some new spell. She should be back in a few minutes.” Patting the seat beside her, she smiled wider as Rarity duly sat down.

“So what’s your project with Applejack?” Rarity asked, her right eye spying a peculiar cover: Etiquette for the Well-Dressed and Wealthy. She held back her chuckling. A good read, but what is Twilight doing with it?

Before the librarian could respond to Rarity’s question, the door flung open to reveal an orange earth pony. Rarity whipped her head over to examine the intruder, her eyes widening a bit. Ponytail aside, her body was covered in a frilly dress-saddle, draped over her strong legs-yet attention was diverted to her eyelashes, pointing down towards each other, and flaring nostrils. “Well, consarn those dang ponies!” she yelled, stomping into the room. Noticing a flutter in her stomach, Rarity tried to erase the image of the attired Applejack from her mind.

Twilight stood with concern in her eyes, “What happened?”

“Those darn stallions all ran up to me!” Applejack’s voice rose as if she had all the air in Equestria to speak. “They kept telling me I was so sexy and such. One of them even asked me on a date! Who do these ponies think they are?” Her nostrils flared again and Rarity could almost swear her eyes turned slightly red in anger.

“ Wasn't that the point of the experiment though?” Twilight glanced towards the book and then to Rarity, “We wanted to see other ponies’ reactions, considering she’ll be dressed like that in just a few days.”

Applejack opened her mouth to yell some more, but found she lacked words. “Well, er…” she stammered as her voice cooled down, “I guess I was a little harsh. Shouldn't ha’ kicked that one stallion in the flank…”

At the word “stallion”, rarity stood up and crossed over to Applejack wearing a perfect poker face. With Twilight comforting, and distracting, Applejack, she had plenty of space to think. She really is quite a fine looking mare. Her legs are accentuated with that saddle, and the lack of a hate let’s her beautiful, golden hair fre-No. Rarity, she’s your friend. Besides, you’re into stallions. Although, ponies compliment their friends all the time. Why can’t I? I mean, look at Fleur de Lis…

“Erm, beggin’ yer’ pardon Rarity,” Applejack motioned. Rarity had just put herself back into reality with a funny face, both the ponies in the room staring at her suspiciously.

“Was I…thinking out loud?” Rarity was hoping her quavering voice would mask anything they heard.
“Of course,” Twilight made a heartfelt smile, “We didn't hear anything besides your muttering anyways.”
“Heh, ya. Heard nothing at all.” Applejack’s nose scrunched up. Rarity, feeling the heat creep up her spine, gave a quick excuse on why she needed to leave and galloped out the door.

Author's Note

The re-edited and reworked chapter. Please, do leave new criticisms.

An Interview With a Librarian

“Mornin', sugarcube.”

Rarity diverted her attention from some sizzling sounds to that greeting, her eyelids letting a piercing light shine through. “Morning.” She smiled at her lover, who did it because Twilight was cooking breakfast, and yawned while fending off the previous day’s memories. Do these early birds really know about beauty sleep? “One minute, darling.”

Applejack exhaled, trying to shake Rarity into awareness. “Ya know yer gunna have to get up – why not now?” Feeling a white hoof intrude her vision, she stepped back. “Fine, Ah'll just wait.” Rarity tuned herself in.Waiting for me? Her orneriness is bizarre. As her eyes flowered open, a large orange blob showed itself.Wha...! Her heartbeat quickened with her blind scramble across the covers.

“Yer up now!” Knocking sounds emanated from the wood.

“Oh.” She flew a pillow at Applejack, who dodged it with a grin. “It... is...on. Teach you to scare me like that?” The two ponies tumbled down, wrestling their anguish away.

“Ah’ got you!” Pinning Rarity, she smirked. “And fer my next-”

“GIRLS!” a voice interrupted from downstairs. “Stop making a ruckus and come down now!” Setting themselves upright, Rarity and Applejack obliged, the former setting her mane straight using a bedside mirror, the latter trailing and savouring the aroma of bakeries. Twilight received them from the doorway, her magic manipulating some crockery and pancakes at once. “Well, good morning.”She knows more than what her make-up suggests.

Rarity made herself comfortable, then cut off a piece. “It looks good,” she exclaimed, her beating eyelids lifting Applejack’s face.

“So...” Twilight drawled. “You girls are dating, right?” The other two ponies jerked up. It’s as if she doesn't even care...

“Ermm...” Rarity looked down to her right.

“Eeyup.”It’s the business.

“How does that work then?” Having reserved nothing, her gaze fell on the kitchen.Was this all planned?

Rarity pushed her lips together. “Well...” She glanced Applejack again, trying to understand her charm. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, how does your relationship work? Shouldn’t there be a stallion?” Twilight’s mouth stayed ajar, her magenta energy bringing a quill and parchment over.

“Most of the time there is a stallion...”

“...but there ain't one now.” Applejack bobbed her head.

“Alright...” Twilight scribbled some notes. “Now I know that the stallion often sets the relationship’s flavour. How does this idea of dominance work for you two?”

“It’s complex. In my earlier relationships, I was... quite dominant,” Rarity explained, pausing at her lover’s glare, “but we’re... we’re like a light switch. On and off, without much experience.” Applejack nodded without fanfare.

Twilight wrote down more sentences, intending to keep them between she and her mentor. “OK, I won’t ask that again. So how do-”

“Pardon mah interruption, but...” She stressed her words. “You invited us just fer that?” We think alike. Rarity's mouth curled.

“Well... to answer your question... no.” Redness filled her face. “Yes, I wanted another slumber party, but I also wanted to study the relationship.”

“The Truth or Dare game?” Rarity asked.

Twilight pressed her tongue against the palate. “Pretty clever, huh?” Rarity and Applejack leaned back, watching the cheerful face morph into an anxious one. “Oh Celestia, didn't mean to upset you two! Are you upset?”

“No, darling, I'm not upset, just surprised.”

“Feel free to carry on, though.” Applejack clenched her teeth.

Twilight lifted her quill, smiling at Rarity. “Sure. How did it begin?”

A silence permeated the room. “Everythin’ started with Rarity’s comment when she came looking fer me. Then Ah' went, modelled, got to know her.” She shrugged as the quill danced and formed words on the parchment.

“That is most true. She was all ready for the etiquette and... well, beautiful.” Rarity couldn’t see Applejack's flushed face in her giggling.

“Girls?” Twilight tapped the table. “Applejack, isn’t it that relationships and harvesting clash?”

“Uh...” She checked on Rarity. “Never considered that. We’ll decide soon...”

“Decide what?”I’m clueless!

“Between... applebucking and you?” Twilight hinted. Applejack's nose scrunched up. This is suspicious,Rarity pondered. No, you have to trust Applejack!Hardships are inevitable, after all. Don't freak out.

Twilight kept watching her two friends, any sporadic ideas dismissed as detracting. Should I ask my next question? Rarity’s eyes were glued to what seemed like a regretful Applejack; this was recorded straight. “Does anypony else know?”

Unsure of Sweetie Belle’s position, Rarity gestured no, but Applejack nodded. “Big Mac does. He's been helpin' me with all this lovey-dovey stuff.”

Rarity’s rolling her eyes – she’s disturbed. Is this normal? Bad? No, this needs deciding. “Suppose I was...” She snickered, cautious about forwarding her problems. “...infatuated with an acquaintance. How would I go about telling them?”

“You?” Rarity hyperventilated, her mouth tingling. “You are in love? Tell me everything!” She squeed and cleared her throat, dizzied by sheer exhilaration. Applejack remained motionless.

Tell her my love? Better not. “Well, last NightmareNight... I don't know, but that pony was so beautiful, couldn’t help but think. Before sleeping, I...” Her head drooped.

“Don’t worry, we’ve probably done what you’re thinking. Right, Applejack?” The farmer nodded, cocking her right eyebrow.

Twilight inhaled. “I thought about how I've always been isolated, never had a super special somepony, how it'd be great to have that special friend I could love.”Hm, not too bad... She shied away. No! Rarity’s giggling again!

“That shouldn’t be anything disgraceful either.”

“Ya,” Applejack added, stooping on her subconscious. “Everythin’ been dusted down.”

The librarian imagined Princess Celestia comforting her, then tilted towards Rarity. “So I desire to settle down with her, but I'm stuck.”

“It depends on who this pony is. If she's one of our friends, it'll be much easier.”

Applejack winked at her partner. “What if she be a pegasus? Then Ah'm sure you could just lay yer feelings on the line.”

“Um, girls, what’s your palaver about?”Do they understand their words?

Rarity spoke up. “There are some rumours circulating involving you and this other peg-”

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack interrupted.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight crossed her hooves. “Aha? Aha?” She induced Rarity and Applejack to laugh with her. “Who told you that?”

Rarity repositioned her chair. “Well... I-I mean... nopony. We conjured it.”

Applejack nodded. “You two are always talking, now she comes here for ‘books’.”

“I totally don’t feel for Rainbow, let alone love her. I love Princess Luna!” She slapped her lips, falling horn-first onto the table. Ouch! The other two ponies’ faces widened, their cheeks bumping in hysteria. Hold on, what in Equestria did I utter?

“Luna?” Rarity bounced with her heart. “The princess’ own student in love with her teacher's sister... oh, corollaries!” Twilight collapsed in her chair.

“Shouldn’t be that scandalous,” Applejack comforted. “The sun’s alright with your feelings and Ah'm sure our fancies would cause the same reaction.” True – I mean, who would've thought about them as a pair?

Twilight blinked twice. “So should I go for it?”

“It all depends.” Rarity tapped her chin. “Does she feel like you do?”

“That last statement you made, is it true for Applejack?” Catching her half-filled parchment in the corner of her eye, she blushed and flew it to her worktable.

“Er... it was a guessing game, and I just threw myself into the flames.”

Applejack raised her hoof. “If Ah' might interrupt y'all, but you should proceed Twilight. All along I feared mah love was one-sided, Rarity pickin’ on me.” She lunged at Rarity’s hoof. “But Ah'm glad she did what she did.” They looked at each other, their eyes fluttering.

“Thanks girls, you've been great interviewees. Now who wants some more pancakes?”